First Annual Sweets MeetUp Oct 13th to Oct 17th -- Day 3

Really... really... really?! It's been a whole month last the meet- up and I haven finished blogging about it yet.  I'll try my best to remember now since it has been so long.

Day 3. -- A day in Big Bear

Early in the morning, Heather drove Karen and Kim down the mountain. They were leaving us already... and we just got there. boo hiss!

And Deb was not feeling well at all...She threw up. We were all worried about her but she insisted that the rest of us go out and enjoy the day... and all she wanted before we left was some Sprite and ice. 

So Kila, Ginny, Elle, Melissa, and I went up the mountain even more to Big Bear. The ride up wasn't so pleasant because Kila, Melissa, and I were all car sick. We're just not made for the mountains. LOL. But we had fun when we arrived.

Melissa, Giny, Fen, Kila, Elle

Kila and me posing with a big bear ;)

Mama Mel looking at baby stuff

Elle holding up "The sacred sisterhood of Wonderful Wacky Women" -- sounds like us! :D

mmmmm...mmmm delish cupcake at the Copper Q cafe.

Sweet Ginny.

Melissa, Ginny, Fen, Elle

Kila had me model her son's new hat.

...to be continued.


Fen Li
http://www.beadflora

First Annual Sweets MeetUp Oct 13th to Oct 17th - Day 2

Day 2 of the Sweets Meetup!
Heather got up early and left for work. The rest of us spent the day chillin' around the cabin. The day began with Karen giving all of us massages. hahaha... ;P

I believe the lucky chick on the table is Kim.

After massages and showers, a bunch of us decided to take a stroll around the mountain and enjoy the view.

Proud mama Mel

Kim being a dork.

And we did some crafting.

We were scheduled for the Skype chat with Holly Anne (her virtual baby shower) that evening but found out that the malt shoppe closed at 2pm. We were kinda frantic. The only phone that was capable of tethering to a laptop (mine) didn't have a connection up at the mountains. I called my hubby from Elle's phone for help since he is an I.T. guy. He got crabby because it was the first time I've called since I got up to the mountain and it was for help. LOL ;)

Long story short, we had to get to the malt shoppe to download a program for Elle's laptop so we could connect to her phone to go online later. And we had delicious malts. Yum!

Deb and Kim also tagged along because they can't stay away from their Etsy shops.

We then had dinner. 

And then we went on Skype. We were able to chat with Holly Anne, Lauren, and Amy.

Elle wore her Canada shirt in honor of Holly Anne living in Canada.

It was super fun chatting with Holly Anne and the girls. After Lauren and Amy went to bed (it was almost midnight for them), we plucked the laptop and walked around the cabin and gave HA a virtual tour. And we also "met" Ryan, Courtney, and some furry animal (I don't remember what... dog?, I was tired. lol)

And alcohol was involved through out the day ... that goes without saying, of course ;) 

Heather came back up the mountain after a long day's work... made snarky remarks, drank some wine and then showed Karen how to make pitcher covers all the whilst whining. ;)

End of Day 2. Next post, Day 3 with Big Bear Lake, taco night, margaritas, and then 6 strangers show up at the cabin wanting to kick us out.

Cheers,

Fen Li

http://www.beadflora.com

Day 1 Birthday Party

My first attempt at posting a video:

First Annual Sweets MeetUp Oct 13th to Oct 17th -- Day 1 Continued...

Day 1 continued...

By the time we got up to the cabin in the mountains, it must have been about 9pm already... we were all so tired and didn't get many pictures. The drive up the mountain was about 1 1/2 hours. We were all super exhausted and most of us were up since 3 am in the morning to make our flights...

The moment that we walked into the cabin, we were greeted by Heather's stepmom Cyndy and dad Kevin, and two huge swarms of moths inside the cabin! They were having a ball just chillin' by the two lightbulbs on the ceiling. There must have been hundreds of those buggers flying around. We were all freaked out, especially Ginny who is deadly afraid of moths like most people are afraid of snakes.

Ginny remained unbelievably calm...more calm than I would have been if I walked into a cabin full of snakes. LOL. Ginny, Deb, and I were standing huddled in a corner...and Ginny whispers to Deb, "I think there's a mouse behind you." Yikes. Deb makes a face, freaks silently, and looks behind her. Luckily, it wasn't a mouse...just some lint or something. But heck, thanks for adding more to the already freakish moment, Ginny! LOL.

Cyn had a moment of freak-out and didn't know what to do... but ultimately, she opened the door and turned off the lights and let the moths fly out. There were still some lingering ones that stayed behind... Kevin was in the back and we could hear the ruckus of him trying to get rid of the moths. And Cyn was in the main cabin with us and she was hitting them with a rolled up newspaper.

Finally, Cyn and Kevin left but there were still some residual moths still lingering around to keep us company. We started to make dinner. At this time, Miss Kila decided to show up! :)

For dinner, we had rotisserie chicken, salad, and a selection of olives. 

It was Kim's birthday so Heather got a cake! Elle will post a video soon of the birthday celebrations :D Deb gave everyone Ophelia goodies based on their past purchase histories. heehee... yum! Elle made everyone monogrammed tote bags.  And I made everyone beaded butterfly hair bobbies.

Here's just a few of the pictures I have...

Ginny and Elle settling down before dinner begins.

After dinner, we settled down and went to sleep upstairs. Needless to say, we didn't have that great of a first night sleep because of the excitement earlier and not to mention the foreign beds. Karen had the worst bed because it creaked like crazy... we talked all night until we were too exhausted and fell asleep. 

To be continued... Day 2.

Cheers,

Fen Li

http://www.beadflora.com

First Annual Sweets MeetUp Oct 13th to Oct 17th

So the trip is over and we all had a great time. Our group have known each other for almost 3 years online and we finally got to meet! It was surreal! We talked to each other like we've known each other forever, even though it's the 1st time we've meant each other in person.
Day 1:

Kim, Fen, Elle, and Deb meet at the Enterprise car rental place right after getting off the plane.

 

Next, the 4 of us headed over to the Topanga mall where Deb's products are displayed. Before that, we headed over to the Target to get some supplies ...

Deb got a pillow, socks, shoes, and an object that will not be disclosed ;) -- Elle got a more comfy pair of shoes...and I got a towel. Kimster packed her whole life with her for the trip, so she didn't need to pick up anything.

We met up with Karen and Heather outside Target and we all proceeded to head over the the Greenbodee shop where Deb's products are on display.

Look at the happy beaming lady there with her things on the shelve. Deb didn't know we were surprising her with a trip to the mall after we got off the plane. Deb's partner in crime, Heather (her Heather, not our Heather), contacted Elle (our most excellent and gracious driver) two weeks prior to the trip and wanted to know if we can surprise Deb with the trip to the mall to see her things on display.

After the mall trip, Heather and Karen went back home while the 4 of us went back to the airport to pick up Melissa and Ginny, the later arrivals. After we picked them up, we went back to Heather's house to make up the grocery list and ALL 8 of us went to the grocery store to pick up the food for the cabin.

Elle grabbing us roast chickens for dinner. After a long tiring day, we were in no mood to cook.

Deb, our designated cart pusher, with our stash of food.

It was quite a sight with the 8 of us food shopping at the grocery store.

We got our food and headed up the cabin in the mountain... more pictures to come once I obtain them from Sweets who have pics of the dinner.


Next blog post: the excitement that surrounded the cabin when we got there... stay tuned ;)


Cheers,
Fen Li
http://www.beadflora.com

Meet our Members: Lapis Beach

Meet Lauren of Lapis Beach.


Tell us a bit about yourself.
A little bit about yourself. I have always loved to create and have been knitting for over 15 years. About 3 years ago, I visited a knitting convention, picked up rayon, beads and the tiniest needles I have ever seen...and I never turned back. I made hand knit bracelets for family and friends...and due to inquiries about the unique bracelets...lapisbeach was born. I love to create different color mixes for my pieces and I try to add new designs often.

Apart from creating, what do you do?

Apart from creating - I am a mother who is constantly "on call" due to one of my son's having epilepsy. I feel very fortunate I can be a stay at home mother who is able to offer my creations through etsy.

What first made you want to become an artist?
I think deep down I always wanted to be an artist- but shyed away from the idea in college. I took many art classes - but thought to be successful, I needed to focus in other areas. A Masters degree and a PhD degree later- and I am back to what I love to do...art! Hindsight is a funny thing;)

Please describe your creative process.
My creative process comes from many things. I am inspired by color and nature. I used to write all of my knitting patterns from scratch and have done the same with my knitted line of jewelry. I see a piece in my mind, and I take the needles and start to create....sometimes it works out...sometimes it does not. I constantly tweek my designs and color combinations.
What handmade possession do you most cherish?
Hmmmm...I would have to say a book one of my son's made. There was such effort put into that handmade book...I will always cherish it.

Name your top five books, movies, musicians, and websites besides Etsy.
My husband and I love to watch movies and I am usually knitting a piece every time- so I will go with movies I love for this one.
Overboard
The Princess Bride
So I Married an Axe Murderer
Forrest Gump
Silence of the Lambs
A Christmas Story
Music- My taste is too eclectic to desribe...I can listen to everything from classical to modern top 40 hits.
Books- I love a quick beach read...anything from James Patterson will usually do.
Websites- I guess there are a few- but when I steal moments on the computer- most are spent on Etsy.

What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?
Advice....I am not sure I could give advice, as I am somewhat new myself. I guess I would encourage them to list new items often. Have really good photographs and even when you think they are wonderful- re-photograph items often. You would be surprised at how much better a photograph can be. It is about time for another re-shoot on my items again. I would also encourage them to read Etsy's blog. Read the marketing emails, they can inspire new creations fitting themes and color schemes.

How do you promote your work?
I stink at promotion- no matter how hard I try. I am much better promoting a friend's items- then my own. I do have a twitter account, fb account and I am considering a Kaboodle account- but I am not sure where I would find the time to fit another one in. Thank goodness I have met some wonderful friends through Etsy - who help me promote my work.

In ten years, where would you like to be?
In ten years I would love to still be creating. I would love to grow my business every year. It would be a dream come true if lapisbeach could become a full time business. I am passionate about my work and for that to be my "job" would be amazing.


-----
Visit Lauren's Etsy shop at http://lapisbeach.etsy.com
Follow her on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001218641369&ref=ts





Cheers,

Fen Li

Bead Flora and Jewels

Sweets Swap

Sweets Winter Swap... yeah, we're starting early this year. Names have  been matched. Deadline to get to your sweet is November 15th 2010.

You can still enter your info to be on a waiting list if you've missed sign-up and will match you up if there are more than person in the waiting list.
Waiting List form

I have sent everyone an email already with the form info. Convo me if you haven't received it.
Convo Me


Now the fun begins!
After reading the form and you still would like to ask your sweet a question without revealing your identity, ask her here by using this form:
Ask Your Sweet a Question

What next?
So what happens after you send that question into the black hole of the form? Stuff happens... ;) I forward your question to the appropriate Sweet and a link to the question form. I will be sending emails daily (if there are daily answers)

Questions are welcome :)

Cheers,
Fen Li.
Bead Flora and Jewels

May's Challenge

Happy May Day!

Boy, time does get away from me somehow. Anyway, after informally polling members posting in the thread, it has been decided to continue April's hand embroidery challenge into May. Several Sweets had plans to embroider, but just not the time, or the health to get to it. Holly Anne's morning sickness is hopefully fading fast, and she can make an adorable bib for her little bean.

Michael's always has lots of cute little kits that come with everything you need, except maybe needle and scissors.

Happy Sewing,
Elle
Jenna Belle Designs

April's Challenge

The vote is in! Of course, you can all see the run off poll over there, but hand embroidery is our challenge for the month. One quick search of the interweb and you can find plenty of how to's, but here is one to get you started. Feel free to continue on with the other challenges. Ginny had some great late entries to January's ACEO challenge!

April Craft Challenge Poll

The April Fool's joke is on me this month, and April totally fooled me and is showing up tomorrow. The poll for the craft challenge is up now, and since it's late, I've shortened the time for voting. Voting ends Sunday at midnight, and as always choose up to 3.

How are you doing on the March challenge? I confess that I have not made any flowers, but I did take some arty photos yesterday, and will post them tonight in the Daily Sweets Pool (or at least one of them). Don't feel bad if you didn't get to the challenge because there are always more challenges around the corner. And we all know that sometimes it's a challenge just to get our own craft taken care of.

~Elle
Jenna Belle Designs

Spring is in the Air- More Beautiful Creations from the Daily Sweets

February Bonus Craft Challenge -- Drink Up

I wanted to post the results of the Bonus Craft Challenge For February... decorating porcelain mugs with special pens. Ten of us dedicated some time and resources tracking down Pebeo pens, and some appropriate mugs to discover an easy, and thoroughly addicting new craft. After experimenting with another kind of pen that says it is designed to write on ceramics, Kila found out that yes, indeed, the kind that require baking in the oven to achieve permanency are what you need. Any type of porcelain mug will do. Deb discovered that Pebeo pens are not food/beverage safe, so her mug, with a beautiful sun on the inside, has become a pen holder.

I think Sue made the most mugs, making one for everyone in her family for Valentine's Day. Take a look at some of our efforts:

Well done, Deb, Elle, Kila, Kim, Meagan, Melissa, Sarah, Sue, Wendy and Kylie! Click here to see the larger versions of the pictures, so you can see the great quotes, and to see some other views of these mugs.

 Have you started on your paper flowers yet or checked out what's blooming with some great spring photography? I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with!