Talented Artists are Everywhere

Storm over Atlanta, GA

Last night the rain poured, lighting struck a zillion times. The news channel said to stay home if you didn't have to go out. Homes were burned to the ground after being hit by a lighting bolt. The trees in my backyard were doing their poetic dance with the wind; practically bowing down to the storm. It was beautiful in that frightening kind of way. I could feel the hairs standing up on the back of my neck. The doorbell rang, the dogs barked and I about jumped out of my skin. It was my new friend Elise. We were to go to our first meeting of our newly formed beading circle. We stood in the my kitchen and I received 2 phone calls from my family saying it was really bad out in the storm. Elise and I looked at each other and said, "you ready to go?". And we were off! There's not much that can stop you from doing what you love!

We arrived at our destination 20 minutes late. Neither of us had met our hostess before. We were greeted like we were old friends meeting up again. Within 10 minutes there were 5 of us. Chatting like teenagers and showing off our treasures. Beautiful free form Peyote bracelets. Incredible Sprial necklaces still in progress. Precious Metal pendants, goregous strung necklaces; I was in my own heaven! I can never remember that saying, something about hell or high water, but you know what I mean. There was nothing that could have kept me from missing out on this bead circle.

As we calmed down a bit and decided what we were each going to work on; the chatting continued. We learned a little about each other and set up a meeting for the next 2 months and whose home and what they would teach. Like little children, not wanting it to end, we each slowly headed towards our cars. With long goodbyes and see you soons, we were on our way.

Elise and I were so deep in conversation about how well our first meeting went that she drove right though the light, with someone watching over us, all was safe! I don't know about everyone else but for a few hours last night I felt young again, excited about new friends and basically giddy over being surrounded by some very talented artists. I would highly recommend forming a beading circle in your town. Sharing time with friends is one of the greatest gifts I know.

Take care, Auggie Queen-Parker

Hey Kid, Wanna Try Some Peyote?

Hi, my name is Elayne of ChezChani and I am a peyote-aholic. It started innocently enough, a picture of a peyote stitched ring on a bead store website offering a class. "Oh" I said to myself, "that ring is reminiscent of the Tiffany mesh band I’ve always wanted." I’d never gone to a bead store and taken a class but off I went. I was the only one in the class and lo & behold, in approx. 1 ½ hours I had made my first ring. I was so proud but so naive. I thought maybe I’d make a few more rings and it would end there. I could stop anytime...well cut to one year later and I have not stopped. It’s all peyote stitch, all the time. I have not done ONE other bead-related thing. And you know what? I don’t feel I’ve even touched on all the amazing things that can be made with this one little stitch. Is it the stitch? Is it the tiny, perfectly matched little beads? Is it the break from the evil thoughts usually running through my head? I don’t know. All I can tell you is once you’ve tried peyote, you may never put it down. So, if you are in the bead store and someone comes by and says "Hey kid, wanna try some Peyote?" think long and hard. The first try may be free, but you will pay, oh yes, you will pay.

So now you know what I do with every spare minute of my time and why my house is such a mess. I encourage you to check out the blogs and Etsy stores of all our team members to see where their madness lies. I have never met a more talented, friendly and supportive group. Prepare to be amazed.

Chezchani can be found on Etsy or at our Blog. Stop by and visit some time!