Tutorial: Chrysalis to Carapace

Which came first? The Chrysalis or the Carapace? This started off as one thing and, in this particular case, didn't turn out so great. But, through the magic of a happy accident, it turned into something else interesting. See my tutorial on flickr.

New Beads: Hearts and Flowers and other stuff

Cool Video: Birds Flocking ("Starlings on Otmoor")

I am always fascinated when I happen upon a flock of birds flowing and swooping in one giant swirling wave. Last night it occurred to me that there are probably videos on YouTube that I could watch. And boy, were there! Apparently, Starlings frequently exhibit this behavior (called murmuration) in massive groups. Check out this amazing video. (The big action on this video starts at the 2:00 minute mark if you're in a hurry). I would love to witness this in person some day!

Another video shows that the birds may do this as a protective measure from predators, like a "fish ball" in the ocean. But I like to think that birds are just having fun using the wind as the tracks on their own avian roller coaster.

Artist: Nathan Fowkes charcoal portraits

I've highlighted Nathan Fowkes' gorgeous charcoal portraits before but I have to share some more. You must go look!
I have no words for how incredible they are. Look at the light and shadow and how there's not much detail yet you see perfectly rendered hair, the edge of a nose, or draped fabric...sigh. If I ever created anything this good, I could hang up my art tools and die happy!
And start here to check out more of his recent work.

New bead: SeaChrysalis

Beads and B'days: Happy Birthday to me!

Today is my birthday! It was pretty low-key. A little happy hour got postponed because of bad weather, but we did have a giant cake this afternoon for the five January birthdays. It was a half-and-half cake to make everyone happy. But seriously, what is the point of white/vanilla cake? It's a known fact that all cake should be chocolate! Or maybe that's just MY known fact!

New beads I stayed up far too late last night to make. Once I start making beads, any tiredness totally evaporates and I have a hard time stopping.