And the days go by

I'm still in transition, from my library job to something new, from a set schedule to something flexible, from having an idea of where I'm heading to pondering future plans. I've been playing with beads, as I sometimes do when I'm trying to process through ideas and thoughts in my head.

copper chain with leather, with a stone pendant

two pairs of earrings

earring hanger/display (the Buddha doesn't seem to mind)

Springing

The signs of spring...

The lilac bush is trying to leaf out.

Daffodils are making an appearance.
As is my official diploma from IU.

It would be lovely to have all the time in the world to enjoy spring, but my supervisor/taskmaster/editorial assistant keeps me hard at work with the job application process. So far it's pretty quiet on the employment front.

My taskmaster keeps me on track, though (she can be darned bossy when she wants to be).

Of course, being in charge takes a lot out of a cat. She schedules some nap time into her busy schedule. When the cat's asleep, I sneak in some time for crafty things - lately beading.

I'd forgotten how very satisfying simple stringing can be, and quick, too. I have an off-loom bead weaving project going, but this bracelet and earrings were so much quicker!

Since most of my bead stuff is in a box, in a warehouse, in Indiana, I'm playing with a few things I had, and a few things I found at local craft stores. This necklace is made with some very inexpensive colored jump rings. The bigger ones are a light lavender, and the small connecting ones are silver. It'll be fun to wear with springy tops.

While I couldn't find exactly what I wanted to do this necklace, I was able to come up with alternate plan J. I'm satisfied with it, for now, and I can always restructure it later if necessary. It'll be fun to wear this spring, too. Now if only my spring clothes weren't in a box, in a warehouse.....

Things I've been up to...

1. Job Applications
2. Reading
3. Putting myself on the waiting list for the LOEX conference
4. Various crafty things as demonstrated by photos

earrings (because you can never have too many)

beading experiment with wire, beads, fiber and the bead loom
finally socks! (yes, they are not the same, but the pattern adaptation is almost perfected)

One of the baby blankets I'm working on, using a beginning lace pattern

Callie inspects the other blanket (she's really trying to play with the end of the circular needle)

Life in Pictures

I can't believe it's almost July. It seems like time for vacation, but that's not really happening until maybe August, for a bit, before classes start again. Here are some pictures of things in my life at the moment.

Okay, this first picture is not in my life.... It's the bag I did and mailed to Montana. It's safely there. I thought I'd share the photo since some of you have seen pieces and parts of it. Here's the completed thing.This is a photo of the gates I pass through on my way back and forth from home and the library. They're always open. I liked the allium skeleton next to the stone and metal.This is my latest procrastination venture - chain mail. This will eventually be an ankle bracelet. The pattern is called hana-gusari, and it originates in Japan. I'm hoping to work my way up to some of the complicated patterns using double and triple rings. We'll see. It's a good stress reliever in that once you get the pattern, it's repetitive, but requires enough concentration to block your mind from thinking about things, like homework and whatever else....

A Series of Unfortunate Events Catalogue

Catalogue of Services






Beading

Choose from something simple, like a strung necklace or bracelet.






Loomed pieces can also be created to fit your taste and budget. These range from small bracelets with lettering (names, school names, etc) to more elaborate cuffs. Larger loomed pieces can become bags or wall hangings.





















Is there something you’d like to see embellished with beads? I can add bead fringe or other embellishment to scarves, bags, etc. The picture below is not my work, but I could do something similar.



















Writing, Editing and Design

Proofreading or editing of any documents can be done relatively simply through email. This can be as simple as a quick check for spelling and grammar, or a more look at organization and content.

Have you always wanted to be a literary character? You, or someone you know, can be the main character in a short story. Choose your genre – western, romance, science fiction, suspense, etc.

Need your resume updated? I can help you organize, write, design and edit your way to a new job.

Simple web pages can be created for business or personal needs. These are links to some of the ones I’ve created for a class.

http://ella.slis.indiana.edu/~plpierso/resume.html

http://ella.slis.indiana.edu/~plpierso/healingbyexample.html

Have your favorite quote done in calligraphy.



Research and Summarizing
Do you have a burning desire to know the answer to a question? Have you always wanted to know how pencils are made, or what the causes of the American Civil War were? I have the technology and training to find your answer effectively and quickly. I can also find resources for academic papers.

For those with busy schedules, I can read and summarize articles or books for you, sort of your own personal Cliff Notes service.


Baking
Cupcakes are a specialty. Choose a shape, and I can probably figure out a way to make them.















Pets

For cats, I can make felted catnip toys. Choose from balls, mice, or a mystery shape.

For dogs, choose from a knitted tug of war toy, home baked dog biscuits, a dog scarf or sweater.