No. 5 - Snake in the Grass

I've heard it said that the best way to get over a fear is to face that fear head on.  I don't think I'm so afraid of something that I am immobilized by it.  Take snakes for instance. I'm not terrified of them, but they aren't my favorite creatures.  I just don't care to be near them.  The thought of them slithering around makes me shudder.  So when Sarah from Star Jewels challenged me to make a set of beads that when strung together looked like a snake, well let's just say I was not overjoyed.  I thought, aaagh, really? A snake? But I faced this challenge head on.  I took a deep breath and told myself, okay, I can do this!  And once I made up my mind I dove right in. Patience is NOT my strongest virtue!

So here they are. The beads that I made to resemble a snake.  Now, did they turn out exactly like I had envisioned? No.  Are they perfect? Hardly. But was this challenge a failure? Not at all!!  I learned what works and what doesn't.  So now I know to take a different approach next time.  Did I say next time? Yeah, I think I'll make more similar to these.  I have to admit, even a cold blooded snake can inspire me. I mean, have you ever really noticed the beautiful patterns and colors of some.  So maybe it's true what they say, face you fears head on!  Something beautiful may emerge from the experience.

I would like to encourage you to take on a challenge. You just might surprise yourself with the outcome. And don't let the thought of failure scare you.  Just dive right in!  I would love to hear your thoughts or comments.

The Fruit of My Labor

I just wanted to share with you what I think is really cool.  I don't know how many people do this. I only personally know of 2 others.  I grow pineapple!

It's really not hard at all.  I decided to give it a try a few years ago.  I bought a pineapple at the grocery store, cut off the green top , stuck it in a pot of dirt and kept it watered.  Before I knew it, it had taken root and started to grow!  I was so excited when it actually produced a pineapple!

It takes a plant 2 -3 years to mature before it will produce fruit.  And since it is a tropical plant, I have to bring them inside around November, before the first frost.  It takes two people to pick them up and then I have to rearrange the furniture to make room for them.  Yes, they are that large.  Then sometime in April they will be moved back outside.  This is the third pineapple my plants have produced and it is the sweetest I've ever eaten.  I can't wait for the next one, if only it didn't take so darn long!

February 2012, about 3 weeks after I first noticed it.

June 2012

Fresh picked July 15, 2012

A bowl of yummy deliciousness!

No. 4

It's been 5 weeks now and bead challenge number 4 is done!

Lulu, from Divine Lulu Creations, wanted to see what I could come up with using dolphins as my theme! This is what she said, and I quote, "How about dolphins? It's almost summer and they're so happy and beautiful!"

Well Lulu, how did I do?  Looking at this little guy makes me happy!  But you know what they say about beauty, it's in the eye of the beholder.  It's hard to capture the true colors and depth of these beads in pictures. They look much better in person, all glittery and shiny!

I'm picturing these made into a ceiling fan pull.  How cute would that be in a little girls bedroom?  Add a few sparkly crystals.... hmmm. Maybe.  I won't do anything else with these for now because I have to focus on my next project.  Snake beads.  I'm really going to have to switch gears for that. Wish me luck!

No. 3

Here's an update on how things are going with my bead challenge. It's been a couple of weeks but I am happy to say, challenge #3 is done!!!

Karalee from iFrogCrafts suggested  "frogs".  No problem. I happen to like frogs. And toads.  Now, I know some people don't.  I have a neighbor who avoids them at any cost.  But not me.  It's not unusual to see me outside trying to catch them with my kids.  Especially the green tree frogs that stick to my windows, attracted to the bugs flying around the lights.

Now I have a little experience in making frogs out of polymer clay.  You see, my brother-in-law likes tree frogs.  A few years ago he asked me to make a necklace for him to give to my Mom.  Well, I did. It had about 5 little colorful frogs on it, I think.  She wore that necklace one day to a chiropractor appointment and the doctor bought it right off of her neck!  Which reminds me, I owe her a new necklace because she gave me the money!  And something else I did involving frogs was a vase.  Here's the link to take you to that picture. http://www.flickr.com/photos/flowertownoriginals/5832573870/in/photostream  This vase now sits in said brother-in-law's home.

So, back to my new frog project.  I decided to make just one frog and I wanted to make it as realistic as I could.   It turned out bigger than the ones I made for my Mom, but I think it turned out better.  I guess the old saying is true, practice makes perfect.  Not that my frog is perfect, far from it,but it is pretty darn cute!  So what do you think? I know, this is a bead challenge and this isn't exactly a bead.  But he can be hung on a necklace and I did make coordinating beads to go with it.  So I think this qualifies. Right?

This baby tree frog, along with 100s more, emerged from my defunct backyard pool.
And yes, that is me holding him!

My next challenge is dolphins.  I have no idea where this may lead.  So be on the look out.  I'm sure it will be fun.  Hmmm.......dolphins......