Millie

the zeppo and cameron

2009-07-23T19:03:00.000-07:00

these are my favorite earrings of the moment

also my most worn pair

and my best pair of hand forged ear wires to boot

forgive the photography, I was working with dying batteries: click, beep beep, dead. turn on, click, beep beep, dead. turn on, cli-dead

the zeppo

this is my favorite and also most worn necklace of the moment

the chain is a vintage up-cycle pulled from the great grandma stash

cameron

Down by the Sea Necklace

2009-06-27T17:53:00.000-07:00

This necklace was gifted to my grandma Jean, green really is her color. Jean has always been one of the people who stand out to me for supporting my jewelry. It seems fitting that she has one of my favorite pieces.I can't find the pictures of Jean wearing her necklace anywhere, so you'll have to settle for me until I can get a copy...

Details...
Photography by Auntie Val, you should go visit her blog. Right now please. Well? Why are you still reading? Go.

Heavenly Blush

2009-06-26T17:52:00.000-07:00

delicate, sparkly, femininea classic look

Something new, different and visual

2009-06-25T12:37:00.000-07:00

I've decided to do something new with this blog. Its clear to me that updates are a pain, hence the lack of them. Many reasons for this, and one simple solution; no words. I'm just gonna post pictures, and if in the moment the urge to write comes along, so be it. So....

My work space on my most recent trip to see auntie val:

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T01:38:00.000-08:00

Currently I'm enjoying a wonderful and COLD vacation with my aunt and uncle in Washington. We've spent time eating, laughing, knitting, making jewelry, playing in the snow, duking it out in Scrabble and mostly just catching up. I always enjoy my time here, but its been a bit more magical this trip: enter SNOW. Lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and LOTS OF SNOW. I can't exaggerate enough. I've never seen so much snow in our backyard, but no worries. We put it to great use. We created a Snow Goddess, a bride for our dear snow man of years past Dude.

Please welcome Dudess:

I hope everyone is having as good a christmas as I am, and I wish you all safety, happiness, and LOTS of fun.

November

2008-11-13T16:32:00.000-08:00

My current favorite necklace is:

I named this November in December because I wear it so often these days (november) and it reminds me of that feeling you get this time of year. Its SUPPOSED to be November with fall showing its last colors, turkey smells filling our homes, the last dredges of sun peaking out behind the clouds.....instead its all of that muffled under Christmas around the corner. We seem to skip over November and plow right into December anymore. Everyone is talking about their Christmas plans (myself included) and Turkey day is still weeks away. The purple is representive of November, and the sparkle of the clear and grey beads are reminicent of the snow and cold of December.

I also made a matching bracelot, unfortunately I can't seem to find it for its picture day. :( Maybe next time... Its very simple. Just a few clear teardrop beads, centered by silver linked chain. It is very delicate, perfect for my itty bitty wrist.

Here is a picture of me enjoying a night out on the town with the girls (Jeanie, me, Nikki, Brandi) wearing NOVEMBER....in DECEMBER:

A NEW DAY

2008-11-08T11:59:00.000-08:00

Since last Tuesday, I've had a chance to reread my last blog post. I admit, the writing is lacking. My instinct is to sit down and rewrite it, but I realize that the reason behind its lack of eloquence is the emotion behind it. The overwhelming emotion had a bit of turbulence going from me to the keyboard. And thats okay. Its okay because you'd only really understand the importance of my post, you'd really only understand the content of my post if you felt the same or similar. And if you did, if you do, then a rewrite isn't necessary. You get it. You know who else gets it? Wil.i.am

So heres Wil.i.am and few other familiar faces expressing what Tuesday means to them. What it meant to me, what I failed to get across:

It is a BEAUTIFUL new day.

Thank You AMERICA!

2008-11-04T20:10:00.001-08:00

Posting on this blog has always taken a lot of effort, hence the lack of posts! Lately its become even more difficult to want to, because when I do-my grandpas picture moves down the page. Eventually it won't be on the front page any longer. But today, I know that my grandpa would be so happy that Barack Obama has been voted President of the United States. He would have voted for him. He's understand my elation, my need to post on this blog because my auntie Val is at work and I need to express this to SOMEONE! ;)

I'm so relieved, excited, happy. A lot of people I know, a great big chunk of my inner circle of family and friends are Republican. Its always confused me how different the people I love can be from me. How our core values, our outlook on how the world can be differ so drastically. Its always been something that really bothered me. Today, having Barack Obama win the presidency, having someone that represents what I believe at my core, someone that will represent and lead the country I belong to, the way I want it to be; Its indescribeable the way this makes me feel. It causes a knot in my throat in only the best way. Its like I belong. I'm not alone. There are just as many people that feel the same way I do that feel differently. Relief. Sheer Relief.

Thank You America.

2008-09-08T23:52:00.001-07:00

Harry Valentine Kratz

1936-2008

The very best grandpa, who lived up to all my fairy tale dreams of what a grandpa should be.
I love you.

Updates and Projects

2008-07-13T19:39:00.000-07:00

My last post featured my mom's Birthday present. Her Birthday was July 8th and I presented her with these washcloths. As you can see I continued to make a few extra 'mini' ones, for face clothes. My goal was five, but in the amount of time I had allotted, clearly I overreached! I managed to get four full size ones completed, and two minis. Currently I'm playing with all the leftover yarn and piecing together a few for myself. With stripes!

On the way to visiting my mom, I stopped off at a used bookstore. Dakota's books accepts exchanges and gives you credit for hardbacks. I'd had some credit built up and invested in four books to keep me entertained for July. I got two Robin Cook novels, my current favorite author. I also picked up two Jodi Picoult novels on the recommendation of my step auntie Nancy. I previewed one of them on Google Books, and I'm positive I'll have another author to add to my growing list of favorites! Can't wait to crack the spines of these suckers. :)

On my last post I referenced a scarf I knitted during a recent visit with my auntie Val. I decided the scarf fit my niece Chanze AND made us match! So here's a picture:

And of course, one with Chanze and here semi toothless grin:

So obviously I'm straying from the beading! I promise to at least add some photos of my jewelry that I already have completed. I sure hope I get the bug to make something again soon. Its been months since I was inspired to make any jewelry....

Knitting!!

2008-07-04T11:27:00.001-07:00

I've begun knitting again! I only know the basic garter stitch and I've been working on my first real project for about 6 years now, but recently I visited a certain auntie Val and went to her knitting group with her, and well color me surprised: I'm addicted! I finished my first project that day. A pretty fluffy scarf for my niece (pictures to follow next week when I get one of her wearing it). I've also got another long, skinny, fluffy one for myself almost finished. Its of the same yarn as her scarf so we'll match! I also have my beautiful poncho knitted with love from auntie Val from that same yarn. You should go check it out for a sneak peak into Chanze's scarf and a smashing picture of yours truly: VKnitz, Jenny's poncho.

Now!! Onto the purpose of this post: WASHCLOTHS! Man, you know I'm obsessed when I'm standing in the bead isle of Michael's and all I can think about is wandering two isles over to the yarn department. Its not even a good yarn department, its all cheap itchy yarn! BUT! There is a fair selection of cotton yarns. AND my mom needs herself some washcloths. AND I can knit a basic garter stitch washcloth with my newly acquired if limited knowledge of knitting! Oh happy day, I've discovered a loophole in my no shopping rule! So you know where this is going right? Obviously I bought myself 5 skeins of Lily The original Sugar 'n Cream 100% cotton yarn in two colors; Violet Veil and Country Side. With just enough purples to match mom's bathroom and just enough time to knit them up for her birthday. I've finished one of three of the Country Side, and just started the first of two of the Violet Veil. So what do you think? Have I crossed over to the linty side? Is this blog going to start losing its beads and picking up the needles?

Oh, well I forgot. I also purchased a pair of size 7 circulars and a pair of round nosed scissors like auntie Val's. I've got myself a pretty big stash already started....yeah. I'm doomed.

whatcha think?

2008-04-06T00:03:00.000-07:00

how's my business card? Do ya like it? I LOVE it and am very excited to get some printed out!

The background is a close up of one of my necklaces. This was my first time using wire in a necklace.

Urban Kiss Earrings

2008-03-23T22:02:00.000-07:00

Here are a pair of earrings I made last month. They're a bit retro, very city girl. I'd wear these ones dancing downtown, or out to dinner and drinks with the girls.

I experimented with wire alot with these ones. I learned how to twist the wire around after making a loop at the top, and I played around with making my own kooky/fun/twisty headpins. Overall I really love what I've done with this pair, and if I don't sell them, I'll happily wear them myself. :) But more than that, I'm excited to have a pair of earrings that look pretty professional considering they were a made while just fooling around with wire!

little boxes on a hillside....

2008-03-22T20:25:00.001-07:00

little boxes all the same...

Happy Easter

Do you like the new blog look? Its a bit busy, but I really like busy, so....

Artwalk numero uno

2008-03-13T16:31:00.000-07:00

I'm very inspired to post a blog. I'm not quite sure what it was that did it, or if it was a culmination of things. I've watched a few videos on Ted.com (which I HIGHLY recommend), I've read a new blog that I'm addicted to, I felt encouraged from my auntie about my point of view being valid and honest to who I am, and I had a chat about art with my stepmother. All in all, I'd say its a day that's just aching for a post from my fantabulously lonely blog. I also had a night filled with meaningful dreams. Once again my inner mother was kicking my ass, and for once I was able to pull the trigger! That might not make sense without any back story, but let me just say it left me feeling very victorious when I woke up this morning.

Anyways, back to the beadiness....

This is a picture of my display at my first Artwalk last month. I was given just a small corner on a counter, but I think I made the most of it. What do you think? Would this catch your eye? Feel the desire to stop and buy something? I forgot to take a picture of the last artwalk, but it was very similar to this setup. The only differences were the earrings board was on an easel, I had my own table, and the neck display was on the other side, with the sign on the raised platform. I also had a bunch of necklaces spread out across the table in front. Well, since I don't have any pictures of the new setup to show you, I'll post some more of the first artwalk.

Here is more panoramic view of my display:

And here's a picture of the ladies (Inga, Kym, Emily and Me)

I'm sure you noticed the gorgeous, stylish, and fashionable shawl I'm wearing. Its a creation of my lovely aunt Valarie Keaton. She really is fantastic and quite talented, no?

2 Art Walks later....

2008-03-11T13:00:00.000-07:00

man oh man, I haven't posted in over a month! Good thing I only have one reader, or else I'd have bored you all into obscurity...

Well I've just had my second art walk in Troutdale, and it went smooth as butter. Except I didn't sell ANYTHING! So I was thoroughly bummed out, but oh well. I'll just have to make up for it next time. I was a bit discouraged about the quality of my stuff, and I confided in my dad about it. And wowzers did he knock the doubt right out of me with compliments. And while it may not seem like much coming from your dad to some of you, a compliment and reassurance from mine is a big deal. He's never been the kind of dad that would feed ya bullshit to boost your self esteem, and while sometimes that's a source of contention, it makes the times when he does show his confidence in you all the more meaningful. So when he encouraged me to keep at it, and told me he was really impressed, and thought that my stuff was really great...well it cheered me up a considerable amount. I was never discouraged enough to quit, or anything, but now I'm refortified in my confidence that my stuff isn't just amateur crap anyone could churn out. I still have a lot of growth to do technique wise, but I do have a natural talent.

Anyways...how about some pictures!?!?!

Here's some of my latest work, I haven't thought up names yet but I will. I'm just going to give ya a peak into what I've completed recently today, and I'll get back to the usual format later on this week...

Inspiration Friday

2008-02-08T17:01:00.000-08:00

*TWEET*TWEET*

I'm so inspired and in LOVE with these little birdy beads! How cute are they??? I don't know what it is, but I've had a real yen for birds lately, so when I came across these little guys, well I couldn't help but share! :)

I'm going to have to buy these or figure out how to make them! I'm pretty sure I could figure out something similar in the shape, but the colors? Oy Vey, I'm not anywhere near that good yet...hmmm...inspiration to learn more about clay creating! :)

Anyways, the artist is Heather Powers, she does wonderful things with polymer clay. You should check out her blog and she has links to her etsy shop there as well. Enjoy!

Moon Meadow Necklace

2008-02-06T20:03:00.000-08:00

This is my most worn necklace. I love the colors, as you have seen, these are my colors of the moment. Add orange and red, and you'd have a peek into my bead supply.

I named this necklace after my aunt and uncles land on Friday Harbor. Everytime I try to name this necklace, all I can picture is walking around the meadow collecting twigs and feeding the horses. Since the name Zach didn't work to well for it, Moon Meadow it is! :)

I made this in the same style as a necklace I made for my mom a while back. It was a plethora of colors that wouldn't normally go well together, but the pendant made them work. I really liked that necklace, and I wanted one similiar for myself, so I copied the design and used my favorite colors.

The meadow in the background of the picture was taken by Uncle Paul, I stole it right off his website. :)

So with a name to befit its memory and fall colors, I present: Moon Meadow by Millie

Just click on the image above for an elarged view

MOTHER Earrings

2008-01-28T22:23:00.000-08:00

I know I've said it before, and I'm sure I'll say it again....these earrings are my favorite! I ADORE them. I seem to really love everything I make, and I know for a lot of people that's not true for them, so I feel really lucky to genuinely enjoy the end result. I'm very passionate about the process, but its really the outcome that keeps me going. To finish making something, and really feel connected to the end result, its fantastic. Its not just jewelry, everything that I create, that I put emotional energy into, be it writing, card making, scrap booking, jewelry, knitting, drawing, painting, anything I grab with my hands and CHANGE. Taking some object and making it something completely different, something useful and beautiful, how can you not love that?

I named these earrings MOTHER. I think of being outside, camping, hiking, breathing the forest air. Moss on a tree trunk, mist curling around branches, dew drops on leaves. Feeling that deep, base connection to the earth. Being embraced with the love and care of mother nature. To feel completely, unconditionally connected to something. To such a life sustaining force. That's what I see when I look at these earrings. Its what I feel when I wear them.

With a name to befit they're organic feel and earthy color, I present: MOTHER by Millie

Just click on the image above for an enlarged view.

RISE earrings

2008-01-26T10:00:00.000-08:00

I made these earrings as a distraction when I was working on Christmas presents. I like them, but I don't feel any attachment to them. So...these will be the first ones put up for sale :) Oh, did I forget to mention? My stepmother got me in on the Troutdale Art Walk. So come see me this coming Friday, and buy my stuff! I'll have a table set up in Celebrate Me Home in downtown Troutdale.

I named these earrings Rise because as I was putting the picture together I was talking to Auntie Val about Rise, Zach and Ty. They're three horses that live next door to my aunts vacation Cabin on Friday Harbor. The earrings are the same color as Rise, and they seem to match her well. :)

With a name to befit their beauty, I present: RISE by Millie

Just click on the image above for an enlarged view

the AMBER earrings

2008-01-21T23:06:00.000-08:00

I spent hours putting the picture together for this post, and now I just want to go to sleep! It doesn't seem like much, but I'm very new to my photo editor and I'm learning all the neat effects.

These earrings are from my drop line, they're made from the same focal bead as my LEMON DROP pair. I explained in that post where I came into the glass beads. I really love this pair, but I ran out of ear hooks, and have yet to master making my own. So when I get more, or get better at making them, I'll replace them. They're....big. :)

Well, since I can't seem to get inspire to wax on about this pair, how about I ask a question? What is your favorite Gauge of wire to work with? Does it depend on the task, or do you naturally gravitate toward a certain gauge? Also, what is your favorite color of wire?

I love copper, but tend to use silver as it seems to match more. As for gauge, I currently mostly use 24g, but would like to start working with something thicker. Its very good for most of my things, but its not so great for findings and such.

Without further ado, I present: AMBER by Millie

just click on the image above for an enlarged view

SHASTA earrings

2008-01-20T22:48:00.000-08:00

Today's post is the first pair of drop earrings I made, the ones that started my current obsession. I was inspired by a jeweler named Kelly Johnston who I came across on Etsy.com. I kind of feel like I ripped her idea, but since making this pair my process has evolved a bit, and the earrings I'm churning out now don't much resemble hers or this pair. I love the idea that these would easily be mass produced, but I'm still not sure if I want to share this one. Its a favorite. Then again, I really do have many, many favorites.

I really LOVE the wood beads used here, and the gold ones. Okay, I love them all :) I've been looking for them, but haven't found them in a store yet, but if all else fails I did find some online.

I'm trying to name all of my pieces, either by what I was inspired by/feeling when I made them, what they remind me of, or just by word association. This pair was named through word association. I looked at the earrings and the first word that came to mind was 'orient', but as much as that word was stuck in my mind it just didn't feel quite right. The next word was 'redwood', I really liked the idea of that, because of the wood in the earrings, but it still didn't quite fit right. So I decided, maybe something similar, like a place where there are redwood trees... Shasta Mountain popped into my head, I'm not sure if they have redwoods there, but the name Shasta has significant meaning to me. My first dog's name was Shasta. And I realized, that when I looked at these earrings, they did indeed remind me of her. The red and gold reminded me of her fur, she was a pure bread golden retriever. The elegant, but earthy feel of the earrings is reminiscent of her personality. She'd be rolling in the mud, playing with her pups one moment, and be much to prim and proper to tolerate the rain the next.

With a name to befit a loved one passed, I present: SHASTA by Millie
Just click on the image for an enlarged view

the ARIZONA set

2008-01-19T22:43:00.000-08:00

I'm really proud of this set, not just because its a more diverse set (i.e. more people would be interested in owning this set) but because its very different from my usual shtick. I tend to get in a mindset of one type of earring or such and just keep making the same thing over and over with different beads. And I like that, but its fun to come up with something completely different.

I got the turquoise through my cousin, Tanya. We had a day where we beaded for 6 hours! While I didn't get anything done, I did manage to organize my bead kit, while Tanya knocked out a 2 bracelets, 1 pair of earrings AND a necklace. I just wasn't inspired. I played around forever with one piece of turquoise and some wire, and came up with a cute, westerny earring all twisted up. It was neat, nothing special though. I was satisfied, but I couldn't recreate it, no matter what I did. I gave up and packed my (wonderfully organized) beads away.

Queue to three days later, and I was still trying to make that second earring to no success. Finally, I gave up again, but this time I took the first earring apart and reclaimed the turquoise. I started workin my magic and next thing I know, I've got a pair of earrings. And I'm really feeling the whole set thing, plus I had three more pieces of turquoise, so I made a bracelet. Unfortunately, I liked a different combo of beads for the bracelet, so I had to rework the earrings, and I'm so glad I did! Originally, they were a lot like my LEMON DROP earrings, but with turquoise, black seed beads, and some of the cerulean. As usual, same as the usual! But once I reworked them, UNIQUE.

With a name to befit their earthy appeal, I present: the ARIZONA set by Millie

just click on the image for an enlarged view

I named them ARIZONA simply because they remind me of the dry heat, and orange look of the Arizona landscape. They also remind me of beading with auntie Val in Friday Harbor, because she was loving the turquoise and orange combo too. AND they remind me of beading with Valarie and Marita because at that time Marita was making a killer Turquoise and Silver number. But I've got other plans for those dazzling ladies namesake pieces, so Arizona it is. :)

the JEAN set, an old favorite

2008-01-14T23:16:00.000-08:00

This set wasn't intended to be a set, but somehow it's become one. It's been such a long time since I made the earrings, I don't even remember creating them. The bracelet, well I remember making it, but I don't remember when! What I do remember is that once upon a time I wore them to a Walsh family get together and Grandma Jean complimented them. Its interesting, because out of all my works these earrings are the most complimented of all, but it was Jean's praise that stuck in my head. So of course I had to name them for her. :)

I have a lot of blue in my wardrobe, so this set gets a lot of use! It's very important to me that the things I make are not only beautiful, but that they are useful. Its always been difficult for me to part with my jewelry, not because I don't want to share them but because I really want them to be worn, to be loved, to be useful. It seems like such a waste to put so much thought and effort into creating something and giving it away to just be put in a jewelry box never to be seen. What's the point of collecting things if you don't even see them? Wow, I've done it again! TANGENT!

With a name to befit their memories and sentiment, I present:
the JEAN set by Millie

just click on the image to enlarge view

I wish I had taken a better picture featuring the clasp. The heart shaped clasp is very common and you'll find it in just about every bead store you come across, its also inexpensive and yet.....its my favorite of all. If you know me, you know I LOVE hearts. I love how they evoke feelings of love and the warm fuzzies. I love the symmetry and femininity. To bring my beads together with a heart, well come on! Can it get any better? Another thing I love about this set: every time I see the earrings, I remember them sitting in their place next to my bathroom sink at my aunt Val's place. So they always remind me of my family. Of Walsh family gatherings, my home with Val and Paul, and connecting hearts.

I'd love to hear about your favorite creation! Please leave a comment, tell me about it. Tell me what your piece/work makes you feel, what it inspires you to think about.

LEMON DROP earrings, my latest creation

2008-01-13T19:07:00.000-08:00

This pair of drop earrings are the latest addition to my collection. The yellow glass beads are souvenirs of sorts, an old project reborn. About 7 years ago my stepmother got a job doing some beading for us. These big metal circular lamp frames about 3 feet across had to be strung up in beads for a casino. The end product was spectacular, AND it was my first paying gig. I'll have to ask Kym if she has any old photos to share. Anyways, I have a number of glass beads leftover from then and I've been putting them to good use lately. You'll see a them many more times while I get all my current projects up on the blog.

I really like this pair, they're a bit funky and boy are they bright! I can't think of a single outfit that I could wear these with, but I LOVE them to much to part with them. Aren't they razzle dazzle fantastic?

With a name to befit they're glory and scrumtiousness, I present: LEMON DROP by Millie

just click on the photo for an enlarged view