This week's pattern is - Purple Abstract Flowers.

This was one of the first patterns I made when I made the decision to get more serious with my pattern business. I had been making my own patterns for a long time and was encouraged by other beaders to sell them. So I started. For a long time (translation: years), I only sold about 5-10 patterns. But a few years ago, I decided I wanted to put more effort into it and make more of my patterns available. I didn't realize how much joy I got when a beader purchased my pattern and then made that item. When people share the finished product with me I do a little happy dance. It really does bring a little bit of joy to my day! 

So I put all my effort into making patterns and this was one of the first ones I worked on. It's based on a photo of a rose I took. I played with the picture a bit, added the purple and of course the ever delectable gold accents. I mean, who doesn't love a little gold, and this one has 24kt gold. I made this one for myself and it is one of my favorite bracelets to wear. 

It's available in peyote or loom stitch. I haven't created a pen wrap for this one, but it's on my to-do list. Right after I finish the line of food-related wraps (more info on that soon). 

Just a reminder, all of my VIPs get 30% off this pattern this week. If you would like to get 30% off this pattern and all the future pattern's of the week, just sign up to become a VIP today! 

I hope you're doing okay friends. It's been pretty stressful here. I'm going on week three of quarantine, with only two half days in the lab each week (I manage a research lab during the day and somebody has to take care of things). My poor daughter hasn't left the house for three weeks and we even had to cancel her birthday plans. But, we're hanging in there and making the most of what we have. I'm stressed and a little scared most days, but visiting (virtually) with friends and family and working on the things I love, seem to be helping me cope with this strange new world. Take care of yourself.  

That's all I have for you now. Have a fantastic week. Stay safe and continue washing your hands. 

Hey there, Friend, it's me again with this week's pattern.

This week I'm featuring an oldie, but a goodie. This week's pattern is - Orange Lily.

I first made this pattern ages ago. I bet it was one of the first patterns I made. And it's one that is close to my heart. I designed this pattern for my mom because she loves lilies so much. I remember growing up and always having lilies in the garden. I'm sure that's where my love of them came from. And to make it even more special, it's even based on a flower in her garden. I took the picture and translated it into this pattern. It still makes me smile every time I see it. It brings a little joy and light to my life and hopefully it will do the same for you. 

It's available in peyote or loom stitch. I haven't created a pen wrap for this one, but it's on my to-do list. ​

I'm working on a little special freebie for my VIPs. A little pattern to work on while we all have a lot more time at home. If you're not a VIP, that's okay, sign up today and you'll get this special freebie and you'll also get a 25% off coupon you can use on your next order. 

I have been featuring a pattern of Pinterest for a while and thought it might be fun to share them with everyone else as well. 

This week is Birth of Stars. I absolutely love science (I am a molecular biologist by day) and I really love space. I'm fascinated by the beauty of it. And a lot of my patterns reflect that. This pattern is no different. I based this pattern on nebula. Those wonderful places where stars are born. They are so beautiful. I'm sure we've all seen the Pillars of Creation, that's a pretty famous one, but there are a lot of them out there. This pattern is based on the wonderful swirly gas and dust particles that will eventually make stars. How fantastic. 

This pattern is available in peyote stitch, loom stitch, and as a pen wrap pattern. It's the perfect project to work on while you're self distancing and cocooning at home. And if you want 25% off, become a VIP today. You'll get a coupon you can use immediately, beady news delivered right to your inbox, as well as sales and other goodies just for VIPs.  

Here I am sitting at home, planning for the next couple of weeks of being under self "cocooning" (that's my absolute favorite term). My building at the university is closed until further notice (the first case of COVID 19 on campus was in my building). Schools are shut down until April. I have to somehow make it up to my daughter that we had to cancel her birthday trip to Chicago. Poor thing doesn't exactly understand why we can't go to the museum or have a party, but she's taking it surprisingly well for only being four.  

I am not under quarantine (I haven't had direct contact with a sick person, that I know of), but we are practicing self-distancing. That means, no large groups, going to the store at non-peak hours, having food delivered, etc, etc. I am doing this to help slow the spread of this novel virus. 

The good side of all of this home time is I'll be able to work on a ton of new patterns and maybe I will reach my yearly goal (I'm way behind right now). I'll also be able to bead. I have a really neat project that I can't wait to work on some more. I also have some beady gifts I need to make for some friends. I'll share some progress pics with you as I go. 

The main reason for this email is not to sell you anything (though getting some patterns and beading at home is a perfect way to self cocoon), it's to remind you to take care of yourself, check on your neighbors, be good to one another, and, of course, wash your hands (the molecular biologist side of me can't stress this enough).