Maria Grimes

Happy Weekend!

2012-01-27T09:23:00.000-08:00

Spent WAY TOO much time in the studio this week.
I'm so looking forward to the weekend, being outside in the fresh air...

She's so cute

Lori was talking about this fun app, I had to give it a try...

Happy Friday, Happy Weekend!

Shop update

2012-01-25T07:21:00.000-08:00

Today I updated the shop...CLICK HERE to take a closer look.

Thanks... xo

Stormy

2012-01-24T08:05:00.000-08:00

Winter finally arrived here last week. With cooler weather, rain, hail and snow in the mountains.

I think the mountains might have enough snow now to go snowshoeing too!

A couple new things coming tomorrow...

Yoga dog

2012-01-23T08:35:00.000-08:00

Molly loves doing yoga with me. Her favorite position is downward dog.

(when she's not trying to lick my face, that is)

It's been raining here, for the last few days (finally)
A good day to make a pot of chili, I think...

Chocolate buzzz....

2012-01-20T07:41:00.000-08:00

For Christmas my sister sent us chocolates...

Not just any chocolates, John and Kira's hand crafted chocolates.

They "were" not only the cutest chocolates I have ever seen, but the salted caramel honey chocolate bees were divine (and I've tasted a lot of chocolates)

D.I.V.I.N.E.

Have a sweet weekend...

Breathe

2012-01-18T07:45:00.000-08:00

Breathe...an organic set of beads. I think they would look great paired up with red coral or mother of pearl beads.

What a difference...

2012-01-16T11:38:00.000-08:00

Buried

Snowshoeing in Yosemite

Kurt and Molly

What a difference a year makes.

Last year at this time our mountains had lots of snow. This year we are still having nice warm weather (mid 70's) and no snow....or rain for over 60 days now!

Because we are on well water, we need the rain and snow in the mountains.

This week we have a chance for both (rain & snow)

I'm hoping that rain dance worked.

Love is in the air...

2012-01-13T09:36:00.000-08:00

~Best Dog in the World~

~Ewe Rock~

I loaded the shop with lots of hearts today...I love hearts!

You can check everything out HERE.

I also added a set of beads HERE.

Have a fun weekend!

Give me a G

2012-01-10T09:33:00.000-08:00

G is for GARDEN

G is for GREAT

G is for GREEN

G is for GIDDY

G is also the letter in my last name

I found this large salvaged metal letter "G"

Now I need to give it a coat of paint (maybe two different colors) and hang it on my wall.

I'll show you when it's all done...

Finders Keepers

2012-01-05T08:56:00.000-08:00

Kurt: i found these in my shop, are they yours?

Me: OMG!!!! where were they?

Kurt: in my shop...

Me: in your shop?

Kurt: on the shelf above my work bench

Me: i was looking everywhere for those (a few years ago)

Kurt: why were they in my shop?

Me: i was using your grinder to clean up the backs of the typewriter keys...i've looked everywhere in my studio for them, but I could never find them...

I don't even remember what I had in mind for these keys...but my mind is racing now with some fun ideas!
xo

Bloomin' Headpins

2012-01-02T14:31:00.000-08:00

Introducing Bloomin' Headpins...

As the Design of the Month I'll be offering FREE SHIPPING on them.

They are available here- MY SITE.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T08:58:00.000-08:00

Did everyone survive the holidays?

No matter how organized I try to be, they still sneak up on me.

But we had a nice one, hope you did too!

A couple weeks ago Martha had a giveaway on her blog (I love her soldered goodies) she was introducing her new Custom Pet Silhouette ornaments!

Well, I had to enter...who wouldn't want a ornament of their pup, right!

And guess what, I WON!!! I know, I feel like I won the lottery!

So first I had to get a side shot of you know who...which was easier said then done.

It took two of us. I went outside (Molly is super nosy) so while Molly was playing i-spy with me...Kurt started snapping away...

no, too far away...

no, blurry...

no Molly, look out the window...

no, need ear tips...

ah just right...

I then sent the picture to Martha and in a few days this arrived...and hung on our tree over the holidays.

It's just the sweetest!

LOVE it!

And look at all the detail...you can see the little hairs!

Thank you again Martha...

Molly is also one of 20 contenders for a Christmas picture contest...(wearing her Santa Baby suit)
If you'd like to vote for her, I know she would love it!
You can vote HERE
I told Molly if she wins, she'll have to have a "fan page" on Facebook! HA!

Here's to a Healthy & Happy 2012!

Santa Baby

2011-12-21T08:13:00.000-08:00

Have yourself a Very Merry Christmas

and a Happy 2012!

or else!

Love, Maria and Molly

P.S. I had to laugh when I saw Molly in this "vicious" shot!
She was barking at me because I was teasing her with cookies! HA

Christmas memories

2011-12-19T07:59:00.000-08:00

The only thing on my Christmas list in 1966 was a Baby First Step.
Two of my favorite things in life back then were roller skating and baby dolls.
This doll could walk and skate! She was perfect...

What was your favorite childhood gift?

If you give a dog a cookie

2011-12-14T07:24:00.000-08:00

If you give a dog a cookie...then she'll want a bag of them...

If you give a dog a bag of cookies...

...then she'll do almost anything, like pose for your Christmas card photo!

My son, Anthony came home to take pictures for this years Christmas cards.

I can't wait to show you them!

Last but not least

2011-12-13T14:07:00.000-08:00

The last snowman of the season is listed on my site.

Wearing blue winter scarf and sitting on a bottle of snow (German glass glitter)

You can find him here.

Size matters

2011-12-12T09:26:00.000-08:00

We have a "dog" cookie jar by the backdoor. Molly gets a little treat every time she does her business. Because Molly is a little dog I buy the small size milk bones and I break the cookies up in about 4 pieces. After all it's a treat, not a meal.

Last week I discovered they now make a MINI size milk-bone! The perfect size for Molly and so CUTE!

It's raining

2011-12-11T08:07:00.000-08:00

It's been raining leaves here this last week (so glad I don't clean the pool)

If you turn up the volume you can hear our kitty cat, Tina at the very end. Ha!

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

2011-12-09T07:51:00.000-08:00

I wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who placed bids on the Toys For Tots Charity Auction. (and Facebooked about the auction) It was a huge success! And because of you, many children will have a gift this holiday season. Thank you very much for your generosity.

Above is the Money Order for the amount of $258.00 which is now on it's way to the Toys For Tots!

~Bow Wow Bracelet~

I added a few new things to my site. Including this fun bracelet filled with lots of fun beads like- a food bowl, fire hydrant, a ball, dog bone and a heart dangle.

You can see them all HERE.

Art Bead Scene Holiday Ornament Blog Hop

2011-12-07T07:10:00.000-08:00

~Woodland Snowman Ornament~

I'm taking part in the Art Bead Scene Holiday Ornament Blog Hop.

This little woodland snowman ornament is made up of a lampwork snowman head bead (made by me) which sits on a tiny glass bottle filled with frosty flakes (glass beads, pearls and mica) I then added a tinsel collar (for a little holiday cheer)

A lampwork acorn and nest with eggs (by me), a lucite bloom, brass fern and a heart locket complete the ornament.

This month I'm offering a similar ornament (which is a kit) for the Design of the Month.

Here is the list of all the other participating ornament blog hoppers-

Life in the Lyon's Den

Islandgirl's Insights

Art Bead Scene
Jeannie's Blog

The last day...

2011-12-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

Today is the last day for the Toys for Tots Charity Auction.

If you haven't had a chance to check the goodies out yet, there is still time.

Bidding ends tonight at 6:00pm (PST) West coast time

It's TIME!

2011-12-01T07:30:00.000-08:00

The Toys for Tots Charity Auction starts today!

I hope you'll take a moment to check them out.

All the money raised goes to a great cause!

The new Design of the Month (December) is now available! It's my first kit and I thought it might be fun! Click here to order yours.

Plus I will be adding new things to my website store over the next few weeks! Fun Fun Fun

I also added a new page on my site for my handmade paper clay ornaments, fun little things I make when ever the mood hits me (which is not often)

Challenge of Color

2011-11-30T07:52:00.000-08:00

I signed up for Erin's Challenge of Color Blog Hop.

Each participant picked one color, I picked red (thinking of Christmas)

Then I was assigned the color palette above (nothing like Christmas)

This is what I made...

I made a lampwork focal, added coral disks, faceted Czech glass, Agate beads (in browns) and brass findings.

It was a color palette I probably would have never tried if I didn't sign up for this challenge.

Thanks again Erin, it was fun!

Here's the list of the participants and their color palettes:

1	Norma Turvey	Teal	Color Crave
2	Jeannie Dukic	Green	Mineral Tones
3	Mary McGraw	Teal	Embellished Hues
4	Jo Tinley	Red	Decadent Tones
5	Rebecca Anderson	Pink	Tulip Tones
6	Kristi Jaro	Red	Temple Entrance
7	Stephani Gorman	Green	Dew Tones
8	Melissa Meman	Green	Fruit Star
9	Kathleen Lange Klik	Teal	Silk Hues
10	Cynthia Riggs	Red	Autumn Comfort
11	Heidi Post	Teal	Flora Bright
12	Cece Cormier	Teal	Merino Teal
13	Amy Freeland	Gray	Cultured Tones
14	Alice Peterson	Blue	Island Play
15	Rose Noble	Gray	Autumn Stacked
16	Kristina Johansson	Yellow	Sunny Flower
17	Kirsi Luostarinen	Teal	Dragon Hues
18	Tari Kahrs	Orange	Citrus Tones
19	Mallory Hoffman	Purple	Petaled Dark
20	Molly Alexander	Brown	Peppered Tones
21	Regina Santerre	Red	Frosted Berry
22	Emanda Johnson	Teal	Color Purl
23	Amy Severino	Orange	Winged Tones
24	Bobbie Rafferty	Teal	Lime Hues
25	Tanya Goodwin	Gray	Pecked Tones
26	Lisa Lodge	Blue	Nocturnal Tones
27	Hope Smitherman	Blue	Bloom Tones
28	Linda Landig	Green	Cacti Dark
29	Ambra Gostoli	Teal	Perched Autumn
30	Lori Bowring-Michaud	Blue	Sharpened Blue
31	Pippa Chandler	Teal	Hungarian Hues
32	Keirsten Giles	Purple	Mineral Brights
33	Jennifer Justman	Blue	Autumn Rays
34	Sandy Richardson	Purple	Moroccan Brights
35	CJ Bauschka	Teal	Teal Air
36	Shaiha Williams	Teal	Sushi Hues
37	Kay Thomerson	Purple	Autumn Spectrum
38	Sally Russick	Purple	Golden Gate Tones
39	Cilla Watkins	Purple	Autumn Infused
40	Shirley Moore	Purple	Frozen Heather
41	Jenni Connolly	Gray	Paw Tones
42	Tamara Soper	Green	Field Tones
43	Sharyl McMillian-Nelson	Blue	Nested Blues
44	Jen Velasquez	Pink	Sweetened Tints
45	Maria Grimes	Red	Bright Bloom
46	Elisabeth Auld	Gray	Petaled Tints
47	Susan Kennedy	Pink	Zinnia Tones
48	Shannon Chomanczuk	Gray	Autumn Leaf
49	Holly Westfall	Yellow	Sprinkled Tones
50	Patty Gasparino	Red	Color Carton
51	Angela Little	Pink	Singapore Brights
52	Lizzie Zawinski	Green	Budding Hues
53	Kristen Stevens	Pink	Scooped Tones
54	Dawn Doucette	Brown	Jarred Tones

Naughty or Nice

2011-11-29T07:12:00.000-08:00

I found someone's "wish list" under her bed (wink wink)

And what a list it is...

I'll let Santa know she's been a good doggy this year...

~Suitcase Bed~

~Monkey Toy~

~Holiday Hat~

~New Leash~

~Food Bowl~

~Fav Child t-shirt~ (funny)

~Chihuahua Necklace~ I think this was for me?

~Pink Robe~

~Oh Christmas Tree Hat~

Yes, it's quite a list...

Enameled Flower Challenge

2011-11-28T06:23:00.000-08:00

Lorelei held a Jade Scott Enameled Flower Challenge...

This was the flower I used for the challenge...I loved the pink and copper colors together.

So what did I make?

I decided to make it into necklace.
I soldered the flower into a domed copper cup and riveted tiny vintage enameled flowers, also in domed copper cups. I then stamped the words "and smell the flowers..." and I added one of my tiny lampwork bees (hovering over the garden of blooms)

Thanks Lorelei! This was a fun challenge!

Here is the list of the other participants...
1. Lorelei Eurto
2. Serena Trent
3. Susan Raber
4. Shawna Tobias
5. Lucid Moon Studio
6. K Hutchinson
7. Gigi
8. Lois Moon
And also!
http://cherishdesigns.wordpress.com
http://mariagrimes.blogspot.com (you are here)

http://peacockfairy.blogspot.com/

The perfect ending

2011-11-27T08:12:00.000-08:00

Last nights sunset was the perfect ending to a wonderful few days.

We spent Thanksgiving with my family in Santa Barbara (or paradise, as my dad would say) then headed up the coast to my favorite getaway place. There is nothing more relaxing than waking up to the smell of the salty air mixed with the pine trees.

Save the date...

2011-11-21T11:18:00.000-08:00

Save the date...

Thursday, December 1st the Toys for Tots Auction starts!

Plus I'm getting ready (but not until after Thanksgiving) to load my site with holiday goodies, including ornaments, jewelry and even a fun kit!

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

It's coming very soon {and the winner}

2011-11-18T08:22:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago while in Vegas, Molly and I had some extra time to play.

Our medium of choice...paper clay.

The little owl on the holly branch is my favorite, the little tiny red heart (below it) will dangle from the branch.

I think I'll offer the owl ornament as part of my Toys for Tots sale, which is coming very soon!

In case you are not familiar with this event, each year I offer fun things for sale (hopefully you'll love them and want to buy them) then I donate 100% of the money to The Toys for Tots. It's a win win for everyone!

If you'd like to be notified (via newsletter) when I have everything listed, just sign up for my newsletter.

Now for the "Vampire Heart" giveaway winner. I went to random.org

And the number was 26, which is GwynnieB, Congrats Gwynnie! Send me your mailing address, so I can send you your heart.

I myself can not wait to see the movie (loved the books too)...but not this weekend, too many screaming girls :o)

Winter Goodies {a giveaway}

2011-11-15T11:04:00.000-08:00

~Let it Snow Bracelet~

I added a few new goodies to the store today...I've been working on "Winter" things.

You can check them out HERE.

But, before you go...I'm having a little giveaway.

In honor of The Twilight saga....

To enter-

Just leave one (1) comment below, letting me know if you plan on seeing the movie.

If you'd like to earn extra chances, here is how...

Facebook about the giveaway = another chance*

Blog about the giveaway = another chance*

*Make sure you leave a separate comment for each one you do (with the links)

I'll have random.org pick the winner this Friday!

Good Luck

Contest is now closed...winner will be announced shortly

TGIF

2011-11-11T07:20:00.000-08:00

It's a good day for dad's veggie soup...

I actually make this soup all the time. But I have made a few changes along the way. I now make it in a crock pot, because it's so easy and I love the way it makes the house smell...

If you'd like the original recipe it's here.

Vegetable Beef Soup
2 medium Zucchini (cubed)

2 medium carrots sliced 1/4 inch thick (I used a small bag of mini carrots)

10 white button mushrooms, sliced

2 stalks celery sliced 1/4 inch thick

1 large russet potato-peeled and cubed
2 onion-sliced
1 lb. Beef (cut in cubes)

1/2 lb green beans cut in half diagonally

4 cups vegetable broth

3 cups canned crushed tomatoes -drained

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

2 tbsp chopped garlic (I love garlic)

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or 2 tsp dried

1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano or 2 tsp dried

Add ground pepper to taste

Saute' the beef in a pan with a little oil over high heat, until beef in browned.

Add the cooked beef and all the other ingredients to a crock pot. Cook for 8-10 hours on low.

Sprinkle with parmesan cheese...

Have a cozy weekend...

NEW Design of the Month {November}

2011-11-08T14:25:00.000-08:00

~Angel Dust Necklace~

I'm a little late with November's Design of the Month...better late than never...right?

You can check out the details here.

Home again

2011-11-07T08:06:00.000-08:00

Home again.

No matter how comfy hotel beds are, it always feels good to come home to your own...doesn't it?

When we left home the temps were in the low 80's, feeling a lot like Summer. But, we came back to a light dusting of snow on the mountain tops around us. What a difference a week makes.

I love walking around Vegas at night. It's a visual overload. Where else can you go from New York New York to Paris to Venice and then to Egypt all in one night.

The Bellagio fountains are always fun...

Friday after SEMA we headed to the race track for the invitational Optima Challenge. Let me just say, Kurt had a BLAST! Kurt use to drive race cars back in the day, so he was definitely in his eliminate. The event was televised by the SPEED channel, not sure of the air date yet...

Speed TV putting cameras in Kurt's Tahoe.

I had my pocket camera with me, so I took a quick shot of Kurt coming out of one of the turns.

Colby Donaldson (from Survivor) and Molly (Molly's a Survivor fan, wink wink)

Today I hit the ground running. So much on my to-do list this week, so I hope it's a productive one.

Have a great week!

Vegas Baby

2011-11-04T14:35:00.000-07:00

(Kurt's TV interview)

We've been in Vegas this week (SEMA show for Kurt)

While the guys have been at the show during the day, Molly & I had crafty time in the hotel. I found a Hobby Lobby here (first time I've been to one...omg, fun store!) and bought a block of paper clay and have been making lots of fun things! Can't wait to share...I also found a huge bead store yesterday! HUGE...I spent 2 hours there yesterday...fun fun!

I was packed and ready to head home today but Kurt has been invited to The Optima Challenge, which will be televised on SPEED™.

So instead of packing up to head home, we are packing up and heading to the race track.

See ya next week

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T00:01:00.000-07:00

Ray Villafane is one amazing pumpkin carver!

Have a Happy Halloween...

So tiny

2011-10-28T07:15:00.000-07:00

When my one and only was just a couple days old we had his hand cast in plaster.

I wanted to remember just how tiny his little hands were in the years to come.

It's hard to believe looking at his hands today, that they were ever so tiny.

We will help him celebrate his 24th birthday this weekend...
Happy Birthday Anthony!
xo

The Mosses Crawl

2011-10-25T07:09:00.000-07:00

These Fevered Days...to take them to the Forest
Where Waters cool around the mosses crawl

And shade is all that devastates the stillness
Seems it sometimes this would be all

~Emily Dickinson~

The Mosses Crawl Necklace is available here (with free shipping)

An Amazing Harvest

2011-10-21T08:09:00.000-07:00

ok, you maybe thinking amazing harvest? 4 pumpkins, really?

But what if I told you I did not plant pumpkins this year...not one!

These pumpkins sprouted in the garden after I added my compost which contained all the garden recyclables from last year. Instead of plucking the sprouts when they sprouted in my tomato patch, I decided to let them do their thang. Although each vine only produced one pumpkin each, it turned out each vine was a different variety, which was pretty cool...

Left to right-Long Island Cheese, Jarrahdale, Kakai, Winter Luxury.

A week in review...
Lots of snuggling with Molly (she REALLY missed me being gone for only 2 days, silly dog)
Working on cleaning the studio (WOW it looks like a hurricane went through, shows can do that)
Managed to give myself a black eye (fell face first on the tile floor, OUCH)
Canned the rest of my tomatoes from the garden (it was a great crop this year)

P.S. if you know of a good under eye concealer, I'd love to know. Mine just makes my black eye a light bluish gray color. Which might look good for Halloween, but not going to the grocery store.

P.S.S.
I added a few Fall acorns to my site.
xo

He did it again!

2011-10-19T07:41:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago at the Halloween and Vine show, I thought the iron gate Kurt made me for my table-top display got somewhat lost because it sat to low on my table...

I wanted it to sit higher (to show it off you know)

So I placed it on a old wood crate, which brought it up to the level I wanted. But then it needed something else...

So I asked Kurt if he could paint me a sign in the same colors of my business cards, before my next show... (which was only a couple days away)

It turned out perfect!

Plus, the back of the crate is a perfect place to hide things like, extra business cards, pens, receipt books, water bottles, etc...

A little glitter, a little garden

2011-10-17T07:44:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a fun fun weekend! Glitterfest was an amazing show!

Thank you to everyone who came to visit...I so enjoy meeting people in person that I only chat with via the internet. I still have a sore throat from all the gabbing! It was a fast pace show, so the day just flew by...

One day we headed over to Roger's Gardens. Always a must when we are in Newport Beach. I still remember the first time my sister, Lynette took me there so many years ago. It's like Disneyland for gardeners! So much fun!

Here is just a little of what we saw (they were all decked out for Halloween)

Had to get a ivy bird cage.
I also loved the plants below them (green and lavender, yum) but I knew they would not survive my zone 7 temps. So sad.

Lots of pumpkins!

These were kind of creepy, but fun

LOVED the beaded spiderwebs!

Fancy...

So much to see

Bone chilling...

I see the moon.....

LOVED!

I HAD to get a few of these photos!

They so reminded me of Disneyland's The Haunted Mansion. They are old looking photos that changed as you walked by....LOVE them!

So perfect for Halloween!

It was funny, it turned out the guy who makes them was selling at the Glitterfest show.

See, I told you Glitterfest was a fun show!

Hope to see you there!

2011-10-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

31...today

2011-10-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

~October 11, 1980~

"If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you."

~Winnie the Pooh~

Here's to the next 31 years...

Have a Heart ♥

2011-10-07T06:48:00.000-07:00

My dad is participating in the American Heart Walk this weekend in Santa Barbara to help raise money for the American Heart Association (a very worthy cause)

Today I have a couple hearts that I'm donating to this cause. 100% of all the money from the sale of these hearts will be donated to the American Heart Association in your name. Once the purchase is complete, I'll donate the money in your name, which will show up on my dad's donation page.

Or if you'd like to make a donation to the cause (and skip the hearts) you can HERE. (thank you!)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Binky

2011-10-05T06:52:00.000-07:00

Binky necklaces...fun for the mommy and grammy to-be's.

A few weeks ago I received a special request for a necklace for a very special mommy-to-be.

It's been awhile since I've made my babies, this time I added little binky dangles for fun...

xo
Update, forgot to mention if you'd like one too, they are in my Etsy shop.

Through my front window

2011-10-03T07:14:00.000-07:00

The other day Molly alerted me that we had visitors. You can't get anything by her...

And Halloween continues this week in the shop.

Let the fun begin

2011-09-30T08:59:00.000-07:00

Let the fun begin!

Starting today, for 13 days new goodies will be added to the shop!

Have a great weekend!

Soon, very soon

2011-09-29T06:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween (almost)

October's Design of the Month will start tomorrow, Friday September 30th.
For 13 days, I'll be adding a few new pieces everyday to the DOTM page (because 13 is a lucky number)

There will be spooky bracelets, creepy necklaces (and cute ones too), maybe a black cat and a spider or two. Plus, so much more!

I hope you'll come back and join in the fun!

Boo Ha Ha

Halloween & Vine recap

2011-09-26T08:44:00.000-07:00

Molly was my table greeter (wearing her skeleton tee-shirt of course)

David Everett's papier mache' goodies (yes, I got a couple of his pieces)

Nicol Sayre

Sharon Bloom (got one of her pieces too)

Kerry Schmidt

Charles Batte (I thought his bats looked like Molly!)

Christy Silcci

David's candy apples! Loved them...

Halloween & Vine...What a fun show!

So much talent in one place, it made me feel somewhat out of place...

But, everyone was so nice and welcoming and I was even asked to come back next year (it's a juried show)

I took a couple pics of my table, but I forgot to turn off the table lights first, so they did not come out...bummer.

But, Kurt's gate was the perfect touch to my table...I could have sold it many time over!

Thank you to those of you who came to the show, it was so nice meeting some of my internet friends in person, plus seeing some familiar faces too!

You can see more pictures here.

Liquid Gold

2011-09-22T06:45:00.000-07:00

I've been a hobby beekeeper for about two years now. But this is my first year for harvesting honey. The first year you leave all the honey for your bees so they can make it through the cold winter months ahead. By the second year hopefully your bees have been busy little things, so there will be enough honey for you both.

My girls (bees) did good this year.

Last weekend we harvested this years honey...

Honey supers full of honey ready to be uncapped...

Uncapping the comb with the heat knife, so the honey will flow when placed in the spinner.

Placing the frames in the extractor and start spinning...

And spinning...

and spinning some more.

Look at all that pretty golden goodness.

Now I'm looking forward to designing some fun labels for the bottles!
xo

Hip to be Square

2011-09-20T18:41:00.000-07:00

Because I run a online business, I only take credit cards through paypal. I knew I was going to have to figure something else out if I was going to be doing shows this year.

I heard about the Square, so I gave it a try.

Let me say, I think it's the best thing! Really!

It's easy to sign up for it, once you do you'll receive a FREE little white card reader (in a couple days) that goes right on top of your phone (smart phones only)

They only charge you 2.75% for each sale and there is no monthly fee, none!

Banks charge more than that, plus a monthly fee of $45.

I tried it out this last weekend for the first time. So easy, it's my new favorite thing this week.

Something new

2011-09-19T08:57:00.000-07:00

The Chain Gang

Soups on!

2011-09-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I joined Lori's Bead Soup Blog Party.

Everyone got paired up and we exchanged our beads (A focal bead, a clasp and a few spacer beads)

My partner was Wendy Blum (you might remember I sent her this soup mix)

She sent me this amazing Peruvian Amazonite focal, silver toggle, pearls and crystals.

Once I received my soup mix, I knew I had to make something with an ocean theme.

So off to the studio to make some "ocean" beads to go with my soup mix...

This is what I made, a Carmel by the Sea Necklace...

With a seaside glass bezel to hang the focal, a amazonite colored heart and a starfish all wrapped in sterling.

A little glass bottle is filled with beach sand from Carmel California.

(I collect sand from the beaches I visit)

Thanks again to our party host, Lori for putting on such a fun party!
If you'd like to check out all the party goers, here is the list.

Thanks for stopping by...xo

Before and After

2011-09-14T09:38:00.000-07:00

As I'm getting ready for a couple upcoming shows, I wanted something for my table...something charming, something that would be fun and go with my name, Garden Path Beads.

Kurt came up with an idea and offered to make it for me.

I still can not believe he took this scrap metal...

And made this sweet garden gate for me...

Complete with a couple of my lampwork bees...

It's perfect! Just PERFECT!

I've been busy over these last few months getting ready for some fun events!

Here is a list of the happenings for the next few weeks...

Saturday, Sept. 17th
The Bead Soup is reviled (here on my blog)
This event is where you get matched up with a partner and you send each other beads and then you make something from the goodies they send you. This year my partner was Wendy who sent me an amazing Peruvian Amazonite focal bead! Fun Fun Fun

Sunday, Sept. 18th, 2011
I'll be selling here- (loose beads only)
CENTRAL CALIFORNIA BEAD SOCIETY
Ramada University Hotel
324 E. Shaw Ave.
Fresno, CA
9:00am-5pm

Saturday, Sept. 24th 2011
I'll be selling here- (Halloween goodies only, sorry no loose beads)
HALLOWEEN & VINE
Hermann Sons Hall
860 Western Ave.
Petaluma, CA
9am-2pm
www.halloweenandvine.com

Saturday, Oct. 15th, 2011
I'll be selling here- (lots of fun goodies, maybe a few loose beads too)
GLITTERFEST
Elk's Lodge
212 S. Elk Lane
Santa Ana, CA
10am-4pm
www.glitterfest.com

If you are in the area, I hope you'll stop by and say hi!
Maria xo

To the top

2011-09-09T08:28:00.000-07:00

My sister Pam climbing the cables.

Pam is almost to the top...

My sister Pam and I on the top of Half Dome in Yosemite yesterday...it was a long day (14 hours) of hiking, but we made it to the top!

Sweet

2011-09-06T08:03:00.000-07:00

Did you know it takes about 556 worker bees to gather 1-pound of honey from about 2-million flowers.

Can you tell what I've been thinking about lately? Yep...harvesting my honey!
Soon, very soon.

It's going to be a busy week here...
My sister, Pam and her husband are flying in to go hike Half Dome (like we did last year)
We'll take some time and celebrate Pam and Kurt's birthday (both were last week)
Plus, I'll be spending every extra minute in the studio (I have a couple upcoming shows)

What a HOOT

2011-09-02T07:06:00.000-07:00

I added a couple goodies in the shop...

I also have a few loose (I mean single, hehe) owls. But I need to take pics of them and then I'll put them on the bead page in the next day or two.

Have a great 3-day weekend.

Lucky Lucky Lucky

2011-08-29T11:26:00.000-07:00

I'm so lucky! He (my better half) did it again!

Wait until you see would he made me from this pile of scrap metal!

It's almost finished, then I'll take a pic and share...I'm just saying "I'm so lucky"
xo

P.S.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to comment about Saturday's post. Thank you for your kind words. I too was blown away with all the different ideas people came up with to fill their shadowboxes! What a fun challenge that was!!!

The Challenge

2011-08-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Lorelei picked 23 lucky people and challenged them to fill one of the above enameled shadowboxes anyway they wished. I received the pinkish rectangle shaped one on the left hand side.

The shadowbox sat on my work table for a few days before I knew what I wanted to do with it!

I thought flowers would go well with this shadowbox. Lampwork flowers...

So that is what I choose to fill my box with.

I then added little glass chips (frit) and poured a little resin into the bezel to hold everything in place. I added a lampwork heart dangle and some silk ribbon to complete the piece.
Thanks again Lorelei, this was a fun challenge!

Here are the links to all the participants-
1.Lucid Moon Studio

2. Ann Rishell

3. Malin de Koning
4. Gray Girl Studios

5. Maria Grimes (you are here)

6. Beads of Busy Gals- Elizabeth
7. The Silly Pearl
8. Shay Stone- Shays creative journey

9. LissC

10. the Beading Yogini

11. Grubbi

12. Jenny Davies- Reazor
13. Beth of Elizabeth Williams

14. Artybecca

15. Stefanies Sammelsurium

16. KreativeKsapylet

17. Shirley- Beads & Bread

18. Hilary Frye- Frye Style

19. Heather Wynn Millican

20. Staci Louise

21. Suzette- Ellie's Bijoux

22. Marina - Fanciful Devices

23. Andrew Thornton

Feelin' Fallish

2011-08-26T12:42:00.000-07:00

Added a couple things to the shop.

If you'd like a peek, go here.

Night hiking

2011-08-25T07:16:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago we went night hiking in Yosemite. I thought it might be fun with the full moon and all.

NOT!

ok, the moon reflecting off the granite was really pretty, but even with our head lamps it was still hard to see. So it was sloooow going.

We saw a few of these (I have never seen one of these during the daytime)

Glad we tried it, but I don't think we'll do it again.

Soup Mix

2011-08-24T07:11:00.000-07:00

I received my "Bead Soup" mix from my partner Wendy Blum. The focal is a Peruvian Amazonite (which is much prettier in person) Looking forward to some play time to see what I can come up with.

You have a little more time before I go to random.com, to get yesterday's Facebook giveaway winner!

A Giveaway!!!

2011-08-23T07:17:00.000-07:00

Today I'm having a giveaway...

A fun Fall giveaway for a cute little acorn and 4-glass head pins.

This is a Facebook Giveaway, so we'll have to be "Facebook Friends"

But, it's easy for us to be friends!

Just click on the link below...
https://www.facebook.com/people/Maria-Grimes/100000006884795
(then click on "add friend")

Once we are friends, just leave a comment on my Facebook wall (not here on blogger)

That's all it takes, easy peasy...good luck!

I also put a set in my Etsy store, just in case you don't want to wait to see if you're a winner...

Show and Tell

2011-08-22T08:09:00.000-07:00

These are the beads I sent my "Bead Soup" partner Wendy. As you can tell, I was in a Fall mood when I made her beads (wishful thinking) with acorns and fall colored blooms. I also added a few glass head-pins.

I received the beads she sent me this weekend! I need to take a pic of them...I love them! Very Summery and beachy feeling.

Come back tomorrow, as I have a little giveaway! Which is always fun...xo

potato potahto

2011-08-19T13:54:00.000-07:00

baby potato...so cute!

I can not believe I've never grown potatoes before!

And I only did this year by chance. Saw a bag of them as I was leaving the garden shop and said "what the heck, I'll give them a try"

We've been having potato salad for dinner and fried potatoes & onions for breakfast the last few weeks.

The package only gave planting instructions, I had to look on line to see when they would be ready for harvest (when the plants die back)

I had no idea how easy growing potatoes were!

They are my new favorite thing...

Hello Sunshine

2011-08-15T07:26:00.000-07:00

Looking out my window at my garden, it's like a little spot of sunshine.

My bees are loving all the yellow blooms this year! Between tomato blooms to cucumbers to pumpkins to sunflowers, my bees are happy visiting those sunny yellow blooms this Summer.

In the photo above there were at least 7-8 bees tucked inside just that one bloom!

What are you growing in your garden this year?

Deadlines

2011-08-12T07:22:00.000-07:00

As if I'm not busy enough, I signed up for a couple more things to participate in..what was I thinking?

I know! I just didn't want to miss out on anything! Now I think I have a panic attack coming on...so many deadlines! But it's a fun busy...

Above are the beads I sent to my Bead Soup partner, Wendy Blum. They are incognito until she receives them...I hope she likes them! Once she receives them, I'll show their identity and I'll show off what she sent me. It's like Christmas in August! Fun Fun Fun

Weekend plans?

I am taking a little break to go night hiking!

With the full moon tomorrow, we thought it would be a perfect time to give it a try.

I must admit, I'm a little nervous about coming face to face with a bear (IN THE DARK!!!)

What are your weekend plans?

In a pickle

2011-08-10T07:27:00.000-07:00

With my garden giving me lots of cucumbers and red peppers, I need to find ways to use them.

One of my favorite ways is making pickles. I.LOVE.PICKLES! LOVE!

All pickles, sweet, dill, bread and butter, I love them all.

Recipe:

1/2-cup apple cider vinegar

1/2-cup white vinegar

2-cups sugar

1-tablespoon salt

A pinch of...celery seed, mustard seed, whole peppercorns and 3 whole cloves

1-onion (sliced)

1-red pepper (sliced)

1-clove of garlic

6-cups cucumbers

In a saucepan over medium heat, bring vinegar, salt, spices and sugar to a boil. Boil until the sugar has dissolved.
Place the cucumbers, onion and red pepper in a large bowl. Pour the vinegar mixture over the veggies. I make these in the morning and they are ready just in time for dinner (BBQ hamburgers) Store pickles in the refrigerator.

Going strong

2011-08-08T08:13:00.000-07:00

(Nevada Falls)

The waterfalls in Yosemite are still going strong. This weekend we hiked up to Nevada Falls. It's been awhile since I've done a real good hike and my legs felt it! They were like jello when we got to the bottom of the valley floor. It was a little smokey up there too, as last week a fire started from a lightening strike and they like to let natural starting fires burn themselves out. I'm hoping it will be out by next month (when we hike Half Dome) my throat is a little sore this morning from breathing the smoke.

Today I'll take pics of a few Tide Pool Pendants I made last week. I'll send out a newsletter then they are up and ready.

Have a great week.

End of the roll (so to speak )

2011-08-05T11:53:00.000-07:00

A few random shots from last week (vacation)...

Molly waiting for Kurt to come out of the jerky store (Cattaneo Bros. in SLO is the best! I like the honey pineapple turkey)

We found this fun nursery years ago. We go back every time we go to the coast.

They have a couple kitties there too!

And Fairy doors! Which reminded me of the Fairy Doors I make.

Love!

The window display at a garden store. Of course I loved it!!! buzzzzzzzzzzzz


One day we ventured over to Morro Bay and found a crowd at a little hot dog stand (Hot Dogs on Harbor) so we gave it a try. We both got the Chicago dog (yum) and Kurt had to try the Waffle Dog. He gave it two thumbs up.

We are heading up to Yosemite this weekend to go hiking. (we are training for our Half Dome hike in Sept.) There have been some horrible accidents up there over the last few weeks. With 3 people going over the waterfall and then last weekend someone fell off Half Dome as she was coming down the cables. It's sad, as none the these deaths should have happened. People climbed over fencing to wade in the water and climbed the cables when it's advised not to when it's wet (it was raining there last weekend)

Have a fun weekend!
xo

Design of the Month {August}

2011-08-02T08:44:00.000-07:00

Starfish seem to be the main attraction in many of my Summer pieces.

This month they are specially priced too! Click HERE to place an order.

I also re-opened my made-to-order page on my website.

Back to reality

2011-08-01T07:16:00.000-07:00

Last week we came across this cute little old school house.

Patricia Griffin's studio/gallery

I loved her clay creations...

I bought one of her one hole salt shakers. A bunny one of course.

It felt good having some down time this last week...sleeping in, eating breakfast at noon (we only did that once) walks around town after everything closed at 5:00pm (love small towns) treasure hunts for moonstones (we still need to go through them to see who won. The biggest, the prettiest and who got the most. But I already know I won that one!)

I know I just got back, but I'm taking off again.

My dad is going into the hospital for a little procedure today, so I wanted to be there.
So off to Santa Barbara I go.

I'll open up my website store when I return tomorrow...

♥

2011-07-31T13:43:00.000-07:00

oh how I ♥ the sea.

Inspiration

2011-07-30T10:16:00.000-07:00

Tide pool inspiration.
I found some new shells this week. I'm thinking new tide pool pendants next week?
I'll just need to make some lampwork sea life first.
xo

as simple as ABC

2011-07-29T12:17:00.000-07:00

ABC burger (avocado, bacon, cheese)

ok, might not be the healthiest (I am on vacation after all) it was so good after a long walk on the beach collecting shells.

Flying high...

2011-07-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

I'm not telling

2011-07-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

I didn't have the heart to show her the sign, she loves running on the beach. Luckily she has no idea she is a dog and everyone else thinks she is a rat on a rope, so we were safe.

Watching her dad in the distance collecting moon stones.
xo

A Castle on the hill

2011-07-26T07:59:00.000-07:00

The one room school house was for the Hearst Castle employees from back in the day.

(Hearst Castle sits on the hills up on the right hand side)
If you are ever driving up the California coast, the castle is a fun tourist stop.
xo

Some...

2011-07-25T10:55:00.000-07:00

At least for this week.

Enjoying some cool salty air, some down time to relax, some walks on the beach, some good food.

Ebelskiver

2011-07-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

I have fond childhood memories of Sunday drives to Solvang, a little Danish town about 30 miles north of Santa Barbara. Sometimes we'd get these sphere shaped pancake like treats (called ebelskivers) served with raspberry jam and dusted with powder sugar.

Now that I have my own ebelskiver pan, I can get my ebelskiver fix anytime the mood hits me!

Plus, I love saying the word, ebelskiver...such a funny word!

BTW {Bead Table Wednesday}

2011-07-20T09:33:00.000-07:00

It's Bead Table Wednesday!

So what's on my bead table this Wednesday?

Lots of Halloween goodies.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to answer the poll about rings or bobby pins...it looks like I'll be making both!

Foto Friday

2011-07-15T18:14:00.000-07:00

New things added here and here too.

Enjoy your weekend!

pluggin' along (and a question)

2011-07-14T10:16:00.000-07:00

(photo of sold tide pool pendant)

I'm still pluggin' along making upcoming show beads.

I think I'm done making Halloween beads, now I'll need to make them into jewelry. Which I'm looking forward to.

Then I'll start on Christmas goodies. I had no idea how hard it would be to make things out of season. Making snowgirls when it's 100 degrees just seems wrong.

I did find a little extra time to make a couple Tide Pool Pendants (just need to take a couple pics) I'll try and list them on my site soon. So keep an eye out if you'd like one.

Plus, the Dog Paddle set is ending today on Ebay.

I have a question for you.

I have a poll at the top/right of my blog.

As I'm making things for shows/my website store.

If you could only pick one, which would you prefer me to offer...Lampwork Rings or Bobby Pins?

Thanks! Hope you are enjoying your Summer. xo

Technique

2011-07-11T07:24:00.000-07:00

Molly is still working on her stopping technique.Ouch

Happy Friday and New Beads

2011-07-08T05:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!

Summer is in full swing here, warm weather, BBQ's and a little time in the pool. Thank God for audiobooks, otherwise there would be no time for Summer reads for me! I'm getting ready to start Lisa See's new one, Dreams of Joy. Have you read it?

I've been working on things for a couple upcoming shows, so I had to put a hold on special orders for now.

I was able to make another "Dog Paddle" bead set, which is on ebay if you'd like to take a peek.

Hope you are enjoying your Summer!
I'm off for my daily walk (3 miles) before it gets to warm.

March 2012

2011-07-06T07:16:00.000-07:00

The Movie is coming in a few short months (8 months to be exact)

Have you read the books yet?

I'm looking forward to seeing it.
xo

Happy 4th

2011-07-04T23:36:00.000-07:00

Hope your 4th was a nice one!

Mine was filled with swimming, BBQ and fireworks.

Design of the Month {July}

2011-07-01T07:10:00.000-07:00

Happy July!

Really, where is the time going?

This month I picked a rainbow of colored Octopi for the Design of the Month.

Perfect for Summer pendants, earrings or as a center piece in a bracelet.

They are specially priced throughout this month.

You can order yours here.

Have a Happy 4th of July weekend!

No butts about it

2011-06-29T17:27:00.000-07:00

I received a few emails today about the set of beads below (Dog Paddle Party)

One email said "how do you come up with your ideas?"

Another email said "love the dog butts, you must have a fascination with dog butts"

I guess I could see why someone might think that...just look at the beads above (which I made years ago) They still make me laugh!

But, I really had no plans on making the dog butts in the set below...I made the dog with the swim-tube last week and I placed him in my bead bowl. When I glanced down at the bowl a couple of days later he was upside down...I thought, how funny! He looks like he got stuck in the swim-float with his feet in the air! So I decided to make a couple...it wasn't planned, but I think it made the set!

Dog Paddle Party

2011-06-29T07:36:00.000-07:00

It's a Party! A Dog Party! A Dog Paddle Party!

(just like the book, Go Dog Go)

Did you read that book to your child/children a million and one times too? It's been 20 plus years and I can still recite that book! Ha

Dogs having fun...floating and playing in the pool...

...Fun Fun Fun...

And something for your seaside getaway, a Beach Sand Vessel Necklace to bring a little bit of the beach back with you.

If you'd like a closer look, everything is over here.

Yes, on the beach

2011-06-27T08:07:00.000-07:00

Anthony's getting ready to relocate over on the coast. We took a road trip to check out his new little town by the sea.

How fun is this, their Taco Bell is right on the beach! Yes, on the beach! With a view like that I think there would be a lot of gorditas in my future. Ha!

As we were driving around town, we spotted some of their "nutty" neighbors...

Looks like a fun place to live, right?

A Day at the Beach

2011-06-23T09:44:00.000-07:00

As the mercury rises, so does my desire to head to the beach. Long walks finding sea glass.

If you'd like a little getaway too, I put some new things in the shop (jewelry and bead pages)

Stay cool.

When Pigs Fly

2011-06-22T09:53:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a quick break to show you a fun bracelet, which is in the shop.

I also have a couple "beachy" things, beads, earrings and a pendant. I just need to get a couple photos, so I'll get those in the shop soon too.
Hope your week is going well...it's back to work I go, hi ho hi ho.

Are you ready...

2011-06-21T06:57:00.000-07:00

Molly's ready.
Are you ready?

Summer is here!

Although I'll be putting in lots of hours this Summer for a few upcoming shows, I hope to fit in some play time as well.

My Summer List

(in no particular order)

*Beach getaway

*Harvest honey

*Road trip up the West coast

*Night hiking
*Berry picking

*Bike riding (I got Molly a new bike basket, she loves it)

*Hike Half Dome (we got permits!)

*Make ice cream (almond joy and strawberry)

*Swimming

*Try out some new restaurants that look good

*Read some good books

What's on your Summer list?

Happy Summer (almost)

2011-06-20T08:20:00.000-07:00

It's almost Summer (tomorrow) and my Sweet Peas are still going strong. As fast as I cut flower bouquets for every room through-out the house, a day or two later there are more blooms to cut. I'm getting spoiled.

My bees are loving them too! I'm happy to report, my honey suppers on my hives are filling up nicely with sweet golden goodness.

I also posted the winner of the Facebook giveaway over on Facebook!

Happy Dad's Day

2011-06-17T10:35:00.000-07:00

(left to right)

Me, Dad, Lynette, Pam

I have the best dad. E.V.E.R.

He raised me (alone) during my teenage years, which I know wasn't easy (I'm the "middle" child) Ha!

But he never gave up on me.

He is kind, understanding and would do anything for his three girls.

Love you dad...xo

Wishing all the dad's out there a wonderful weekend!

P.S.

Remember the FACEBOOK fishy bead giveaway ends in a couple days (details in below post)

Shop update {and giveaway}

2011-06-16T15:36:00.000-07:00

I put a couple things in the shop in a patriotic theme, just in time for the 4th of July.

I am also having a GIVEAWAY on FACEBOOK!!!

Yes, that cute little fish above could be yours!

I'll even wire wrap it, so it will arrive ready to wear!

To enter the giveaway-

1- Go to Facebook

2- Send me a "add as friend" request (if you are not already)

3- Leave a comment on the giveaway post

4- But, do it soon, contest ends Monday morning.

That's it! Easy Peasy, right?

Got Milk

2011-06-13T07:05:00.000-07:00

When I saw these I knew I had to have them.
I can't wait till the next time I make cookies, I wonder what saying I'll put on them?
"I LOVE COOKIES"
"A COOKIE A DAY KEEP'S THE DR. AWAY"
"THAT'S THE WAY THE COOKIE CRUMBLES"
"YOU GOT A CHIP ON YOUR SHOULDER" (for chocolate chip cookies)
"COOKIE MONSTER"
"I LIKE CAKE, BUT I LOVE COOKIES"
"GOT MILK?"

A snail's pace

2011-06-10T08:51:00.000-07:00

Cruising through Summer at a snail's pace.

My sea snails are always a Summer favorite! They are a reminder to slow down and enjoy life...

Today I added some goodies to my shop, all with a beachy theme.

What are your weekend plans?

Are you one of the lucky ones going to Bead and Button show? (I'm jealous)

Staying close to home (like me) BBQ and dipping your toes in the pool.

Heading to the beach? (Lucky you!)

What ever your plans, have fun!

Tide Pools

2011-06-08T10:50:00.000-07:00

I'm working on "beachy" things for Friday's website update.

I hope you'll stop by...

An Early Father's Day

2011-06-06T08:29:00.000-07:00

I asked Kurt a few weeks ago, what he wanted for Father's Day this year.

He said he'd like to race his Tahoe (the one he built for SEMA)

So this weekend we headed up to the Good Guys show.

I also took him out to one of his favorite pasta places, Pasta's Trattoria for Rigatoni Gorgonzola.

If you're ever in Pleasanton, give it a try...
xo

Butterfly Garden

2011-06-03T08:08:00.000-07:00

~Butterfly Garden~

~Raspberry Limeade~

As I've been adding new "bee loving" plants to the garden this last year (trying to keep the girls happy)

I also notice a lot more butterfly activity in the garden, very cool...

A few new things in the shop today. Including Butterfly Garden Pendant, Raspberry Limeade Earrings and Summer Rain Earrings.