Another Soldering Workshop Added...

Due to popular request, I've added another "Soldering Workshop" date to my calendar! I'm going to host my next "Soldering Workshop" on Saturday, April 25th from 10am - 4pm. It is an "all in one" class - basically a combination of my basic introductory class and my advanced class. After some discussion with previous students, we realized that both classes can be completed within the same day. In the Workshop, we will still cover the same topics and skills that I currently cover in my basic class, but at a much faster pace.

The Soldering Workshop will be held at my home from 10am - 4pm. My home is located in Roanoke, TX (close to both 114 and I35, and Texas Motor Speedway). We'll start out with the introductory soldering class where we will discuss soldering tools, supplies, and the basics of jewelry charm soldering. In this class you will create one (possibly two depending on time) 1.5" charm. All of the tools and supplies you will need are provided in this class. However, you are welcome to bring any custom art you would like to use, should you want to personalize your charms. If you bring art or photos, please make sure that they are laser printed on plain (not photo) paper. Photo paper (matte and glossy) has a plastic coating on it which will melt under the heat of a soldering iron. You will need two images, one for the front and one for the back of your charm.

We'll take a short break (where you're welcome to either eat a lunch/snack you've brought with you or run out and pick something up) and then jump into discussing advanced techniques. In this segment, we'll discuss and I will demonstrate creating bubble charms, working with bevels, shadow box charms, soldering non-glass items, and decorative soldering. Then, we'll work together to create a variety of charms to add to your collection. If you choose to bring art for your charms, please make sure they are printed on laser paper, and are in the following sizes: one sized to 1", one sized to 3/4", one sized to 1-1/2". The supplies and tools are provided for this segment also.

I try to keep the classes small with 6 or less students attending so that everyone is able to receive personal attention and assistance.

If you are interested in attending this class, registering is easy! Simply respond to this message, give me your email address and I will send you a PayPal invoice. Payment is due prior to attending class. Seats are only reserved once payment is received.

If you pass this message onto your friends, and they register to take the class with you, you will receive a $5 rebate off of your class tuition!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Non-Consumerism: Days 6 - 14

Okay, I'll admit it... I haven't been as diligent at being a non-consumer, as I could have been over the last week or so. It's SO hard to do when traveling, especially when you see something you just don't have at home.

And then, of course... was Easter. There are entirely TOO many yummy tempting treats to purchase over holidays. I did well, but not as well as I could have done.

I'm hopping back onto the Non-Consumer wagon. I know I can so do this. I know I can clear things out that we're not using and that we don't need. I know that there are others out there that may truly need the things we don't. I know I can handle cooking dinner, or tag teaming with Steve, instead of going out (haven't broken this goal yet). I know I can handle not going out to lunch (haven't broken that one either) and I also know I can handle not purchasing clothes, movies, craft supplies, or other physical items we don't need. I have more than I need, and more than I can possibly use.

Besides... maybe all this non-consumerism will help me be more creative, help me create more, and maybe even save a few bucks to cut loose and spend at Silver Bella!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

It's Silver Bella Time!

That's right... it's one of the most wonderful times of the year.... registration time for Silver Bella 2009. For those of you who know me, this is my annual trip to Omaha, Nebraska to bask in the glory that is the creative flow of Silver Bella. I LOVE it! This will be my senior (fourth year) going - and I can't imagine not going. Silver Bella is a Paper Arts Retreat - NOT a scrapbooking thing (thankyouverymuch - not that there is ANYTHING wrong with scrapbooking, but Silver Bella is just not a scrapbooking thing).

Registration began last night over on the Paper Bella Studio website and all kinds of information has been posted on the Silver Bella blog. I was prepared to register promptly at 8pm with my cold drink on one side, and my darling baby hanging out on the other. I had a few technical difficulties, but got myself registered for a few incredibly awesome classes!

Will I be seeing you this year?

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Non-Consumerism: Days 2 - 5

Rightie-O... today is day 5.

I had no problems whatsoever with urges to be a consumer today. Granted it's Sunday, and I don't shop on Sundays unless there's an emergency, or a major need. But, still, no urge! YAY!!

However, days 2 - 4... they were a bit harder. I haven't had any overwhelming urges to raid the vending machines at work. I haven't fallen off the wagon to buy lunch... or dinner. I've managed to actually cook dinner, have it ready after work, AND before Steve has to leave for work (he works nights).

I did do a bit of grocery shopping and I was a bit more thoughtful about things I needed versus things I wanted. I did pick up a few wants, but definitely not as much as I might have normally purchased.

All in all, I'm chalking this week up to a huge success. I even found some time to work in my studio creating, clearing a few things out and even organizing too. Yay me! If only I could dedicate a full day to clearing things out and organizing - that would be a HUGELY amazing feat! Of epic proportions even!!!

The coming week will add a new challenge for me. It looks like I'll be traveling to Portland, Oregon with Fred, to visit with Sheri and her family. I know there will be things I'll want, and there will be things I "have" to have. I'm not going to tell myself "NO" but I will give the items I purchase a significant amount of thought.

Wish me luck!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Non-Consumerism: Day 1

Today was the first day of my 30 day (really, the month of April) Non-Consumerist challenge.

I woke up this morning wanting something for breakfast from anywhere other than my house. What a way to start off the first day, right? All I could think about was French toast sticks from Sonic (really, they should be called heart attack sticks – but man their crunchy goodness is tasty!) or acinnamon roll from Whataburger (I don’t know what it is they do – but they know how to do it right!). Somehow I managed to say strong, prevailed, and ate a healthy breakfast (oatmeal) at work. One challenge down – GO ME!

Normally, I don’t patronage the vending machines at work. They’re full of unhealthy goodness and are way over priced. However, today all I could think about was a bag of nacho cheese Doritos calling my name. I avoided their call and ate some Cheese-It’s I had packed in my lunch from home.

Similar struggles occurred as the day progressed; from going to lunch with co-workers (ate what I brought instead) to going clothes shopping with other co-workers, to shopping online for new and “must have” craft supplies for “wanna make” projects.

I managed to overcome them all. Amazing.

I find it all rather interesting really. In all actuality, I wouldn’t have purchased anything for breakfast (I like my own cinnamon rolls and can make a mean French toast). I also pack my lunch 95% of the time and bring items that I know are healthy (or at least capped to 100 calories) for snacks. I do the same for any beverages I think I’ll want to drink too. I usually work through my lunch (thus no need to go anywhere with anyone to buy anything). It’s interesting that I had such urges to do things I wouldn’t normally do. I think I’m feeling a stronger urge because it’s something I’ve mentally and physically decided to not do. (Kind of like being grounded as a teenager. I didn’t have anywhere to go, but being told I couldn’t made me want to go anywhere even more).

The real challenge will be if I’m able to visit my local Super Center tonight without picking up anything other than the photos I had developed.

In other (unusual news) I’ve had two requests this week to show how I make my grocery list. I didn’t think there was anything special about my grocery listing plan, but I’ll share it with you none-the-less. It’s really just a menu plan and a grocery list. Coming soon…

reade more... Résuméabuiyad