Sweet Bead Studio — Handcrafted jewelry by Cindy Wimmer

A little pink, pretty please.

by Cindy on March 27, 2011

I {heart} pink these days. When I think of Spring, pink certainly comes to mind. The National Cherry Blossom Festival opened this weekend in DC and the blossoms are blooming everywhere. This event is so timely as our hearts go out to the people of Japan. I hope we are able to attend while the blooms are still out.

A very special friend is having a birthday this week (please say Happy Birthday to Lori on Tuesday!), and we were able to meet for an early celebration when she was in town for a big show. I admired Lori’s new pink ‘do in person, and let me tell you her smile was just as vibrant! We caught up about everything from the usual bead talk, to family, and dreams for the future. And of course there was something yummy for dessert. Lori finally had her pie and it came with a great big birthday sparkler.

Back at home I was in the mood to create something simple to wear with a new pink top. I don’t think I’ve touched a crimp in over a year so it felt rather invigorating to make something strung with no wirework involved at all. I used a chandelier crystal and a vintage floral earring using Diane Cook’s Princess Crystal Drop technique. With a random mix of Swarovski crystals, rose quartz, pearls and Czech glass, I put together a simple & sweet Spring necklace. If you’d like one of your own, drop me an email as I believe I do have all of the components to make a another necklace.

Thank you for your visit today. As always I appreciate hearing from you!

{ 26 comments }

Looking Up

by Cindy on March 21, 2011

Hello

Wasn’t the weekend wonderful with the spring-like weather? And did you notice the flowers in bloom? I was happy to see the daffodils and cherry blossoms in full glory. With the older boys off skiing one last time with their Grandparents, Randy and I headed south to Fredericksburg to enjoy the beautiful day and stroll around Old Town. This picturesque town is so incredibly rich with history; once home to George Washington, James Madison, and James Monroe. I found an old blog post that I wrote a couple years ago when visiting Fredericksburg, and had to laugh to myself. Two years later I’m talking about doing the same things….I can’t be called fickle when it comes to my favorite pastimes.

Okay so maybe I like to do some of the same ‘ole things. I was inspired though to see something different on this visit. See the town from a new perspective. When you stroll through streets lined with such incredible architecture – from the buildings to the homes, it may be easy to overlook some of the best details. This time I made a point to look up and admire the details from the rooftops down. I’m glad I did.

fredericksburgrooftops_2

Have a great week & thanks for stopping by! And here’s to new perspectives – may we all discover something new amidst the familiar this week!

{ 25 comments }

Metal Magic mega post!

by Cindy on March 16, 2011

Hello all

I feel as if I’ve been in my own little bubble for days. First it was preparing for the Metal Magic workshop with Stephanie Lee, and now getting back to the “real” world and focusing on our busy schedules. What has really overshadowed my thoughts though are the recent tragic disaster in Japan, my distant home away from home. I am very proud to say that I am half Japanese and was born in Japan. The earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan has really left me feeling down as I watch the news and reflect on those who have lost their family and homes. While we are all feeling so helpless, I know that many prayers are being said and sources of tangible help have been established. It did feel almost unfair though to have experienced the tremendous weekend that we did with the art retreat, meanwhile so many are suffering such horrible devastation.

In an area not too far from DC, many of us were experiencing a weekend full of magic. All of the things you dream of if you are able to go away on an art retreat. For several people that we met, this was their first time taking a workshop. For others, the weekend was a little reunion with friends. Or in many cases, and myself personally, the amazing chance to meet a few of my blog friends in person! Jeanette and I were really over the moon that Stephanie Lee came all the way from Oregon to teach at the ArtBLISS event. I know we speak for many when we say we are grateful and honored. Not to mention totally excited to learn the many new metalsmithing skills that we did.

Without further ado, I’d love to show some images from the Metal Magic retreat. These photos truly depict what a memorable and fantastic retreat is all about!

A retreat to remember begins with one of the best teachers around – someone who is knowledgeable, approachable, and has the best sense of humor. I loved the way Stephanie started the class by telling us that she was here to help us reach our goals whether they involved simply learning new techniques, or leaving the class with a finished piece of jewelry. She put us at ease while we used a torch and chatted simultaneously!

At the heart of a FUN retreat you’ll find great students. New friends, old friends, blog friends, friends that you feel like you’ve known forever (and wished lived in town so you could meet for lunch next week). These students/friends share supplies and look over your shoulder and offer help when you’re stuck. They admire your blob of solder and say it looks great. Have you sat next to someone like this before?

Lois and Cynthia. Cynthia has started a Metal Magic Yahoo group!

Cat and Ingrid - such sweet sisters!

Cat traveled from FL to NY to VA to attend the workshop with her sister…. read her great blog post on the weekend here. Cat, you have an amazing way with words, my friend…..it was truly one of the highlights of my weekend. I can’t believe we actually met!!

Me, Lori and Erin

I finally met another long-time blog friend, Erin!! Erin came all the way from Wisconsin and was one of my tablemates in the Junk Drawer Metalsmithing class. I enjoyed spending time with many friends who I initially met through their blogs such as Lori (yes, 2 weekends in a row!), Sandi and Melissa….and meeting new friends such as Cynthia and Leslie.

Erin and Sandi

Gathering with the Metal Magician

You know the retreat is going to be a success when you find yourself making amazing projects! I snapped some pictures of works in progress from both the Handbook of Elements Class and Junk Drawer Metalsmithing. I finished my necklace as soon as I got home.

Books in progress by Michelle, Lois and Bette

Junk Drawer pieces in the making

What’s a retreat without great food? After some serious difficulty, we found a place that could take a large group and where we wouldn’t have to wait for an hour to be seated. Amphora happens to be one of our favorite local restaurants and has tons of variety in the menu.

The BEST retreats ever involve many wonderful people. Thank you to all that came out and shared a magical day or two with us. Thank you to our super talented instructor, Stephanie. And last but not least, thank you to my friend and co-host, Jeanette!

We’re looking forward to the next ArtBLISS event….coming in September! We’re busy working behind the scenes now and will keep you posted with all the details soon!