Showing posts with label Creative U. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Creative U. Show all posts

Laughter Really Is,.....

It's been a hard week for me since the tragedy last Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary.  I know it really affected a lot of people all over the world. 
 
I haven't been able to watch any of the news reports on the victims, their families or any of the 'goings on' since a couple of days afterwards. The hubby's a heart attack survivor with a defib in his chest, so he can't watch either - it hurts his heart and that's not a good thing.  

Plus, we've got a teenage son whose own high school was on the news this week with word spreading of a possible threat to the school and/or students (they beefed up police patrol/security and every one's assured us things will be fine) and so tuning out most of the media do-da has been a priority.
 
I did make an effort - socially - to do a few FB posts, to comment on people's blogs and their FB posts and things like that, but it just felt so trivial.
 
I realized as I went about finishing up my Christmas card writing and packaging up things to mail off to family who live out of state, that I was completely engulfed in a total 'funk' if you will, of doom, gloom and sadness. Not to say that it wasn't appropriate given all the beautiful lives that were taken recently, but being depressed and 'out of it' wasn't helping anyone, especially my family and those I care about.

And, as the fates would have it, as I pushed forward and was editing some pics to get my next blog post ready, the photos I was working on brought back some wonderful memories and an excellent reminder.

It reminded me that even in the wake of change, whether that change is something we find negative, neutral or strange, hard to grasp, or what ever, laughter and humor are the best way to recover and carry on.
 
To 'adjust our sails', as I like to think of it.

I'm talking humor that makes you roll with laughter - true, tickle your belly, gasp for air, laughter!!

Like what you see here.
 
Jen, Denise, Shelly and Kathy
Creative U Holiday Party - December 2012
 
It's pretty obvious that Jen and I are on our own little "planet" in the photos here,...well, Kathy eventually gets our humor a bit, too, but Denise is the only one even remotely concerned that my hubby's standing around, some what patiently, trying to snap a good pic of us (at our request!),...to no avail! LOL!!

This was a fun night filled with tons of laughter, great moments and wonderful energy!

These photos represent some change as well. This was the Creative U Holiday Party and Gift Exchange (Jen's holding one of Mike's 'Stash Sticks' from the White Elephant Swap) last week and it's the last one we're having because Kathy has announced that she's closing Creative U as of December 31st, 2012.   :-(

So, no more fun classes, no more laughter in the studio, no more exploding kilns (unless Jen comes to my house and has fun with mine!), no more yummy chocolate breaks in the middle of teaching class,...it's the end of an amazingly creative and fun place.
 
But, where there's laughter among friends and creative spirits, memories to share, hugs to give and love to bind,....there's always more adventures on the horizon!

Thinking of the fun times refreshed my spirit and reminded me that it's okay to go on and not feel guilty for things I'm blessed to have in my life,...like my child, my husband and my wonderful family and friends. And that sending love and prayers out to those who are hurting is needed, but to laugh is to heal. I believe it's also a way to honor those who've gone before us, for I think they'd want us to be happy and laugh instead of cry!
 
So I wish you all much love and laughter,.....healing laughter that tickles your tummy and immerses you in those wonderfully fun moments you will cherish for a life time!
 
Until Next Time,
Peace, Love and Letting Laughter Heal Your Soul!
Cheers,
~Shel~


More Beading Fun And Time For Another Class!


October has dropped in with a bang! 
(Oh, where did September go??!!) 

I've got a ton of things on my bead table this month!
(Fun things - yippee!)
 
I'm going to have a few posts over the next week or so to tell you about some of them but today I want to tell you about "My Bead Table Blog Hop" sponsored by Lisa Lodge of Pine Ridge Treasures that's going to be taking place on October 13th.  
 
 
 
Check out the lovely (and huge!!) stash of beads that Lisa so graciously sent for the blog hop.  
 
Ohhh,...just look at all these lovely goodies!! Thank you Lisa!!
 
Other than a few things here, these are beads and components that I don't regularly carry in my bead stash and so the challenge is definitely on for me! 

I'm excited because I love that this will challenge me to step outside my comfort zone and the colors Lisa's given me to start with (we can add from our own stash, too!) are ones I find really pleasing to work with!

Be sure to hop back over here on Saturday the 13th and see what all the participants have created (me included)!
 
 
I also wanted to let you know that I'm teaching another class over at Creative U in Carefree next week, too.
 
 
 
Come join me on Friday, the 12th of October
at 2:00p.m. for the
 
It still shows up on their calendar as Jen Hanscom teaching the class but I'm helping them out this month, so come on over and join in the fun with me, won't you?!
 
There's never a dull moment at Creative U - trust me!
 
Well, maybe Lasso gets a bit bored at times, but we sure don't!!
 
 
Oh, and on a side note, I
 think I've finally gotten over the jet-lag from my trip.
 
 
I was fortunate enough to go to Italy in September!

 
 
I really thought I had my body fooled with setting my watch (and my brain) to whatever local time I was headed to but although it truly did help a bit, I still was kind of out of it from last Thursday until this Monday. 

Now I think a form of normalcy and a routine of some sorts is setting back in. Thank goodness, because the 3:30a.m. wake up calls my brain kept giving my body every morning was getting a bit old!
 
What have you got cooking for October? 
 
Are you in the Autumn mood?
 
Dreaming of Autumn!
 
Are you decorating and creating things and making goodies for Halloween and all the other Holidays that are coming up?
 
Be sure to drop me a line and let me know what's going on!
 
Until Next Time,
 
Peace, Love and The October Rush!
 
Cheers,
~Shel~

The Low Down,....

The 'emotions' roller-coaster was in full swing last week. 

From sad things to happy things, here's a little run down and also a gesture of appreciation for you at the end of this post!
 
 
  • A childhood friend was laid to rest.  (this was the sad/sucky part!)
RIP My Friend - See Ya On The Other Side!

  • Had a bead magazine ask for an article from me for publication in 2013! (Woo-Hoo!!)
  • Found out some various designs I submitted were accepted by a couple of bead magazines (double woo-hoo!)
  • Saved a turtle who decided to venture out of 'lake-land' into the "asphalt jungle". (feel good kind of thing!)
 
He's cute, isn't he?!
 
  • Created Jewelry to submit to more magazines and to put in a boutique. (fun part - but I can't show you anything yet!)
  •  
  • Listened to the adventures the Hubby and Son had while camping this weekend: torrential rains, held baby horny toads, almost broke a bridge by crossing it, chased by a swarm of bees and stung (hubby!), hit a tree head on,...with his motorbike and his head (again - Hubby!), heard bears, found gorgeous crystals and fossilized shells, helped a stranded motorist, returned some one's lost phone, saw a gorgeous rainbow, and got pictures of none of the above! (they ARE the reason I have so many wrinkles and why I twirl my hair with both hands at the same time!! Actually - more Hubby than Son - Son's the responsible one!)
 
Partner's in Crime!

 
 
  • Had an awesome massage!(Thanks Debbie!)
  • Cleaned the house, did laundry, got groceries. (nothing new there!)
  • Stopped by Creative U and got my Creative Fix (and some supplies!) and chatted with friends!
 
Hanging with Jen @ Creative U
 
  • Filled orders and shipped stuff (thank you to all my wonderful clients - you rock!)
There's lots of other things too, but this is plenty to list for now!
 
I wanted to spread some love around by having a sale over on my MiShel Designs Etsy site from now until September 7th, 2012.  
 
 
 
 
 
When you use coupon code ENDOFSUMMER45 upon check out with Etsy, you will save 45% off your total order!
 
The reason I'm having a sale this huge is because I'm clearing out my inventory to make room for some new jewelry designs coming in October.
 
The other reason for the sale is that I'll be shutting down both of my shops from the 8th of September thru the 30th of September while I'm away on vacation (more details on that later next week!).
 
Hint: There's a Roman Aqueduct where I'm going!
 
The sale is only good in my MiShel Designs shop, not my Shel's Jewelry Supplies shop.(Sorry about that, but I've got my findings priced as low as I can possibly go right now.)
 
So, what kinds of things have been going on in your life lately?  Any stories to share?

I'm going to be having a little give-a-way, sharing some jewelry pics and putting up another little tutorial here on the blog this week.  (At least that's the plan anyway - wish me luck!)

So, stay tuned and have a great Monday!!
 
 
Until Next Time,
Peace, Love and Hair Twirling!
Cheers,
~Shel~

Get To Class!

Yes, it's about time for school to start.
At least it is here in AZ - August 3rd for some folks.
Seems a tad bit too early doesn't?  

Anyhoo,....while the kiddos will be hearing "Get to Class!" you can get to class too - at Creative U

Creative Fun!


Time to take advantage of the great prices they have on their super creative classes and learn a new technique or perfect an old one!

So True,...So True!


The instructors have a way of sharing their knowledge in a fun and exciting atmosphere that is sparked with energy yet comfortable and relaxed at the same time - it's a very cool place!

Jen, Denise and Lasso at Creative U


Seriously, you can walk into Creative U and not know a soul and walk out feeling like you just had a great afternoon with your best friends! 


Why not get your feet wet and join me for a fun class on Saturday, August 18th from 2:00p.m. to 5:00p.m. while we smack some metal around, create our own button clasps and tie some cool knots together to create a multi-strand beaded bracelet that is easy and stylish!?!

Knot Your Mom's Beaded Bracelet Class - Creative U - Carefree, Arizona
Saturday, August 18th, 2:00p.m. - 5:00p.m.
Instructor:  Michellle (Shelly) Buettner


Hop on over to the Creative U website by clicking the link here to find out more and sign up.  You'll be very glad you did! 

You can create a bracelet similar to this one!


And, check out all the other great classes coming in August - you won't want to miss these, either!

Knot Your Mom's Beaded Bracelet Class - Creative U


Kathy, Jen and Denise are super and if you have any questions - just call 'em up and chat! 

Shelly Buettner and Jen Hanscom - Creative U - May 2012


Oh, and don't forget to say hello to Lasso!

Lasso says "hi"


Until Next Time,

Peace, Love and Having Fun at Creative U!
  
Cheers,
~Shel~ 

Hanging Out

So, it's finally Summer! 

Hindman Cabin - Nutrioso, Arizona
We've been hanging out at my sis's cabin in the cool mountains of Arizona this week and it's been so wonderful!

The Famous Tree House that Mike built.
This is where we have "Happy Hour" in the Mountains!


It's also the reason I'm not blogging regularly at the moment or commenting on every one's blogs, or spending much time on Facebook, or posting to Twitter and all those other social network things that I normally do - or at least try to do!

The back deck of the Tree House - complete with new steps!

I know I've missed out on so much that's going on with all my friends on Facebook and their blogs, etc., but honestly, it's been very relaxing and refreshing to 'un-plug' just a bit!

My make-shift studio at my sis's cabin.
(See the overflowing toy box in the corner with all the toys for the kiddos?!)

I haven't even really created anything jewelry wise, either. (gasp!!) 

The view from my 'studio' at my sis's cabin.
See all the photos my sis has along the walls?
They tell the story of all our lives from the time
the cabin started being built until now,...and it continues!


I have filled several earring wire orders and I continue to answer our RespirCare phones and run our environmental business from up here.
It's nice to have mobile businesses, that's for sure! 



Other than that, I've just been spending time taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the mountains! 



I'm heading back down to the Valley in a few more days as I'm scheduled to teach a jewelry class over in Carefree at Creative U on Saturday the 29th of June. 


You should come join in the fun if you're in the area - it's gonna be a blast! 

I'll post some more pics and give details of this class here in a few days, okay?



 
So tell me, what are you doing this summer to un-plug? 
Are you taking in any fun adventures with your family or friends? Are you relaxing, working, playing?

How about your creative side?  Are you feeding the 'child' within and nurturing your soul? I hope so.


Ya know, Barbie's at home waiting patiently for me to return and share with her some of the awesome inspirations I've encountered once again in the beautiful White Mountains of Arizona!!

The White Mountains of Arizona - Near Nutrioso.
(Prior to the 2011 Wallow Fire)

Whatever it is you're up to, I hope you'll take the time to share some of your wonderful adventures and plans with me here.

Until Next Time,

Peace, Love and Listening to the Wind in the Pines!

Summer Home Away From Home! :-)
Cheers,
~Shel~

BTW,...

There's a few things on my bead table this Wednesday.

Easy Beading - Volume 8


Kalmbach's Easy Beading Volume 8 arrived on my beading table this week. I've got a pair of Keshi Pearl Dangle Earrings on pages 236-237.  I was very excited to learn this!!

Keshi Pearl Dangle Earrings
by Michelle Buettner


You should see all the very cool projects in this book - oh my!  It's eye-candy central and the various designs are just delish!

Fanciful Devices - Etsy - Tutorial

Then, this past weekend, I got the opportunity to play with the tutorial I ordered from Fanciful Devices over on Etsy. Her Tribal Gypsy Bangle Tutorial.  Wow - how fun are these?!!

My attempt at 'Tribal'


Trust me when I tell you they're addicting to create - seriously!!

My White Pearls Bangles with a little Hootie!


On another note, tomorrow's the last day of school for our son.  Summer will officially be here and I'm so grateful for that.  I'd prefer it not be 114 degrees for the next 4 months, but the rest of the year really rocks when it comes to weather, so I'm not going to complain.  I will tell you that I'm extremely grateful for air-conditioning that works though!!


Arizona Desert


What are your plans for the summer - got anything special going on? Are you traveling, seeing family and friends, hanging out, having BBQ's and enjoying the season? 

Family BBQ at the Cabin


How about your creative side?  Are you crafting, beading, smacking some metal around and playing with fun stuff this summer? 

Painting at Creative U!!

I'm hoping to be teaching a couple of classes over the summer when I'm here in the Valley. 

Words on the Wall at Creative U.
So True,....So True!!

I also want to play with some new materials and create a few fun, new designs.

Front Porch of the Cabin


I'm also going to be visiting with my sister in the mountains at her cabin.

Moon over the Cabin


 I love it up there!  It's so beautiful.
There's inspiration everywhere you look!

Wild Flowers in the Meadow

I hope you're planning on having a wonderful summer, full of creativity, family, friends and all the things you love!

Linking up today with Bead Table Wednesday
over on Flickr - won't you join in the fun?!


Until Next Time,
Peace, Love and Let the Summer Fun Begin!
Cheers,
~Shel~