earcandyarts – a region of StudioWhat

It’s cold, sort of, and wet, definitely. And when the wind blows it feels colder and makes the wet go sideways. I am always amazed how the Flowering Current, Indian Plum, the tender blooms on the fruit trees, and the narcissus, crocus and daffodils can possibly survive the chill and pounding rains. But they do, although not always well.

The deer are on the prowl for fresh and tasty spring greens and have nibbled away on the not-open buds of my daffodils, the tender day lilies, and of course, the quickly growing grass of which they can eat all they want. I find myself in high spirits when the sun shines, more quiet and pensive when it is gray. But gray it is much of the time so I need to bring those high spirits into play when there is no sunshine to bring it on. Friends, spin class, and beads of lovely colors do that for me.

I’ve been looking at my beads lately, trying to create, but at the moment no creations are emerging. That’s ok, though, because my hands will wake up, my creative curiosity will become insatiable, and I will make in abundance again.

Meanwhile, I need to ask a question: Asymmetrical, not quite matching earrings in threes…is it an interesting concept that is worthy of continuing, or are matching twos more practical/desirable?

Send me your honest comment and get entered in a drawing for a set of three!

Several weeks ago I was visited by two throwbacks from another age in pirate-like costumes that reminded me of a Johnny Depp film. Today it was all about gaga for Lady Gaga, who is performing tonight at the Tacoma Dome. These young women had a long wait in make up and stillettos for their hero. The pirates were on their way to pay a visit with their pals at the Society for Creative Anachronism. I love costumes. Although I don’t donn them often, I would love to appear at the Market in a ball gown some day. Maybe next week?

Two very handsome pirates.

Ready for Lady Gaga's performance

Next, there’s Amber and her Mom, Vicki. They come by every single week and are my most frequent visitors (and avid eca fans!!). Amber loves LONG earrings though She decided to make off with this entire array of deep purple/blue cubes. The middle set I made first. Within minutes of finishing them and hanging them on my display, Amber came along for the first time and asked if she could get them one bead longer. I said, “come back in 1/2 hour.” She came back and claimed the long set, then several weeks later bought the original set. The single bead set I made because these were my very LAST three beads of this kind. I don’t know if I will ever find them again! But that’s what makes these special…they are definitely one of a kind. Thank you Amber and Vicki!!

Shortest to longest on this side. I love that Amber thinks like I do.

Three in one, longest to shortest.

Last Saturday’s market day was sunny, hot, beautiful, and packed with visitors from all over the area and from far away. Since I had just opened the kiln early last week, I thought I’d bring some of my pieces to the market but discovered I didn’t have any packing supplies until it was too late. Meanwhile, I brought some tiny pinch pots anyway since they’re small enough to wrap in some tissue.  As I was finishing my set-up routine, a market mate pointed out a tiny and unexpected visitor. This lovely bumblebee decided to have a rest in one of the little bowls and remained there preening and resting long enough to allow me to capture a few photos.

Oh, and these little pinch pots can be used for anything from spices and salt to a place to leave your rings or earrings when you take them off at night.

A local celebrity came by to see me at my tent! Actually, he’s my son, Eric….

The weather on Saturday was beautiful, sunny, bright, and though not quite warm, my tent was very comfortable. I faced east/southeast this time. Also, here are a few new sets of earrings revealed over the weekend. Better photos to come!

The Kingston Farmers Market is a festive affair. I love looking across the park and seeing the tents go up on Saturday mornings. I love my tent, and although it is a little too heavy for me to put up alone, it is an inviting place especially on chilly gray days we see so many of here. Maybe it’s the orange fabric I have hanging from the “rafters”, but several people came in to say, “it’s really warm in here!”