Back to Reality

The Mighty Boosh - San Diego Comic Con 2009

Back from San Diego, and all my focus can now return to reality, rather than finally seeing The Mighty Boosh in person. Now my life goes back to "normal" but I've never been a big fan of "normal" though so I need to shake things up a little.

It was a great trip, although sadly I never got any face time with them. I'm not the kind of person who gets all starry eyed over celebrities, just the opposite. I think that acting, singing, playing an instrument is just a job and we all have jobs. Sure, some pay better and have better perks, but in the end we are all just people doing a job. I have met alot of celebrities and have friends who are "famous" people, but have never treated them any differently than I treat anyone else I have met. That being said, every once in a while I DO have someone that I get all crazy fangirl over and for the last 5 yrs its been The Mighty Boosh. If you are into celebrity sightings, Comic Con is the place to go. The brief time I was at the convention I saw, said hi or talked to a bunch of people including Gene Simmons and Kevin Sorbo.

The autograph line for the Boosh boys was closed by the time we got there. I had NO idea there would be as many Boosh Fanatics as there were at this event. We did get to go to a party/live show and that was really cool. I'm hoping they will do a US tour now that they can see the fan base will support it.

The convention was mad, so packed! This photo is the END of the line to get into the big hall at 10am on Sat morning. I had to take 3 photos to capture the full line start to finish. I read it took over 90 minutes to get from there into the big hall that showed the big panels like the Twilight Movie. There are TONS of panels with interesting people, but many you have to sit in that one room all day to make sure you get a seat. Thats what we had to do for the Boosh Panel, luckily we had interesting panels to watch. The first was for a sci/fi detective show called "Past Life". It will be airing on Fox sometime late this year or early next. I had a nice time talking to Nick Bishop who is the male lead in the show while waiting in the hotel lobby Sat morning. After that was a panel with Hunter and Stan Freburg. They were just adorable. Stan is the voice of many Warner Bros Cartoon characters. Then finally the Boosh Panel which was filled to capacity (1000 people) and nuts with people screaming.

And for a place that is HUGE with over 100,000 people I STILL ran into people I know LOL. During the Freburg panel, they lowered the lights to show a cartoon and I thought it was a great time to run out to the ladies room. While I'm scurrying along the back aisle I noticed someone out of the corner of my eye looking at me. I quickly shot a glance over and saw it was my old friend Tom who I haven't seen in about 5 yrs! How crazy is that!

Now its back to work. I have the SF International Gift Fair next week and I'm REALLY not prepared for it. I haven't decided how to set up the booth, not sure what to use for displays, need a bigger sales book, get that merchant account and Iphone credit card processor app, haven't gotten the stuff to fireproof my tablecloth, haven't printed off lookbooks, need more jewelry, etc....... I also need to replenish RAG and Artists X-change this week too. And to top it off, Ms. Keesha will be in town Aug 4th so I finally get to meet her!! No rest for the wicked I suppose!

ooh, almost forgot! I am doing a little guest blogging over at the Objects and Elements blog along with Deryn. We're adding tips, hints and tricks about using O&E products while Jen settles in with her brand new beautiful baby girl Izabella. Deryn put up a great post about using sari silk ribbon and yarn, along with some gorgeous photos. I put up one on resin, so please check them out.

Is it Sunday Already?

I feel like this bracelet this week, warm and a bit tropical. It's been such a beautiful week in SF, I have been working on alot of things but all off line. I even bought a Retro Butterick pattern and cut out/sewed a dress yesterday. I use to sew alot, but barely do anymore. I get the sewing urge often but usually don't have the motivation.
But I needed to add a 3 inch hem to a vintage dress I love but shrunk from cleaning so a trip to the fabric store after my awesome hair cut was in order. I cut a piece of fabric from the inside of the dress and took it to the fabric store to find a similiar match. How fortunate was I to find a fabric that was a near exact match!

While there, I picked up a pattern I've been wanting because they were 40% off. My 'new dress' needs a zipper because of course of the 8900000 I have here, none are the right length or color, but it will be a nice day dress when done. My vintage dress looks great now that it covers my rock filled knees. I made a tube of fabric and hand stitched it over the seam. It matches the detail of the neckline so it looks like it was made that way, not like its someone trying to make a dress longer.

I have lots to blog about - 2 books to review, a GORGEOUS pendant from Art Beads to review and other things, I just need to SIT here and do it. But its been so sunny and warm I want to be away from the computer and enjoy the sunshine while it lasts.

This weeks Bead Bloggers, I'm on time this week!

About.com Jewelry Making How has your web store experience been? Are there too many 3rd partry sites to sell or buy jewelry these days? Take the poll as a sell or buyer.
A Bead A Day Can a piece of jewelry create a feeling of calm and happiness? Check out Lisa's starry bracelet made with "new jade" stones.
Art Bead Scene ABS Editor Heather is on the road. Check out her quick project!Beading Arts Cyndi shows you the steps to making a simple but sparkling necklace from CopprClay!
Barbe Saint John Barbe reviews Simply Gemstones book
Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork Diva Gets Loopy Check out Cindy's new project in the summer edition of Step by Step Wire!
Drawing Dilemma Jean asks her friends about what drawing programs they use for beading illustrations Carmi's Art/Life World Rub-ons and leather - a cool combination for this cuff sample.
Earthenwood Studio Chronicles Lights, Camera, Action! Melanie tells a tale of her Beads, Baubles, and Jewels televison taping experience.
Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio Lorelei is giving away a necklace and a copy of Creative Jewelry!
The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton Busier than a bee, Andrew shares fifteen new jewelry designs.
Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Jean discusses finishing up the challenge "Use the Muse II" which was thought up by Scarlett Lanson, Rainbows of Light.com and Artbeads.com. She enjoyed it very much, particularly because it made her think!
Strands of Beads Melissa shows off a new variation of her lunar phases toggle

Bad Blogger

copyright 2009 Barbe Saint John

I've meant to blog all week long...somehow it didn't happen. I also wanted to get a newsletter out, since I've marked the art yarns at 40% off. That didn't happen either. The road to hell is paved with good intentions so they say.

I've been busy doing work and attempting to be creative. Everything I touch this week seems to be fighting me, taking me so long to finish any ONE thing. I don't like when my vision in my head, turns out like pooh in my hands. But it was not all struggle this week, I did finally get my show banner and some postcards made and ordered. That was a huge thing off the to-do list. Today I made a few items for Hannah Grey to use as samples in their booth as well as for a book submission. I hope they like them!

I've been working on some Objects and Elements Team samples as well the past couple of weeks. One has just failed at least 3 times. so I give up and will have to come up with a different project. The other, I needed a special tool to complete. So I had to order it and wait for it to get to me. I got it and created one part. I like how it looks so I'll be finishing those parts tomorrow and making that piece this week. And a friendly safety tip - Be careful with thin edges of resin, they can be VERY sharp and slice your finger really well. Trust me I know.......

And now, I bring you this weeks Bead Bloggers.

A Bead A Day Lisa’s “Swarovski Summer Picnic” project is progressing. The only thing missing are the crystally butterflies!!

About.com Jewelry Making School's out for summer, but is it really? Nope, not when you can take one of these free jewelry making e-courses.

Art Bead Scene Art Bead Scene's monthly challenge painting for July is the Lascaux Cave Paintings. Get your stash of beads out in ivory, red and brown to match the color palette of these ancient drawings.

Beading Arts Wonderful wonderful wonderful new CopprClay! Cyndi is so excited about this new material that she can't stop playing with it!

Carmi's Art/Life World Carmi attempts to create a necklace after a resin pouring disaster.

Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork Diva Cindy shows off some new chain and realizes one should never shop for jeans on her lunch hour.

Humblebeads Check out the 2009 Bead Cruise design contest winners!

Jean Campbell Jean Campbell finished off her new LeTemps Necklace design which marries bling to grunge. Hurray!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio Lorelei has busted out of the studio and into the Museum of Art for a trunk show.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Jean reviews a different, colorful, and inspiring book called Glass, by Marlene Blessing and Jamie Hogsett

Strands of Beads Melissa talks about where to find reliable information on copyrights - the U.S. Copyright Office, of course!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton Challenging himself with a smaller scale, Andrew tackles doll jewelry. Check out five new designs with dolls in mind!

Oops, I did it again

Put up the Bead Bloggers post last night and didn't hit publish! In my own defense, I was a bit down yesterday but for a good reason=Mr. DJ Puppy got adopted!!! A wonderful couple fell in love with him at the Chihuahua Meetup and adopted right then and there. I'd been telling him all week "We're gonna find your new parents at the meetup on Sat", but I seriously didn't think it would happen like that! He got a wonderful home and his new name is Dusty to match his dust colored fur. I am so happy he got a wonderful home, I just miss his manic puppy feet running around and his little happy bat face.

So, my mind wasn't on doing work yesterday and I got nothing done. And apparently couldn't even do the beadblogger post correctly. So without further delay, lots of jewelrymaking blog reading!

About.com Jewelry Making Heard about copper clay or coppr clay? Find out more about this great new metal clay product and check out some new metal clay projects too.
Art Bead SceneArt Bead Scene gets creative with the "Best of ABS."
Beading Arts Cyndi reports on her experiences with firing and finishing CopprClay pieces. This stuff rocks!
Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio Instead of continuing on with the tried and true techniques of jewelry design, Lorelei is finally ready to take the leap and try something new.
Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Jean gets her cool stash from Use the Muse II, and muses about it.
Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva Cindy learns to make murrini and deals with mud.
Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts Sometimes you need to have a jewelry makeover.
Carmi's Art/Life World Carmi tries Ice Resin and upcycles a greeting card into a necklace.
Humblebeads Bead & Button stash and Heather's inspired creations are highlighted today.
Jean Campbell Jean gives a sneak peek of her next Beadwork magazine piece.
Katie's Beading Blog Check out Katie's wire-wrapped dragonfly!
Earthenwood Studio Chronicles Even without a lot of time on her hands, Melanie finishes a clockwork themed bracelet using Swarovski faceted rings from ArtBeads.com.
Strands of Beads Melissa wants to know what outrageous materials are in your beading stash?
The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton Stop by and say hello to Andrew in Charlotte, NC this weekend. Check out his new designs and some delicious new metal clay coins!

Happy Independence Day!!!!

Hope everyone is having a great day of celebrating our freedom. We are a country born out of rebels, revolutionaries and radical ideas/philosophies and we should NEVER forget that. 233 yrs ago we declared our independant nation to Great Britain who was none too pleased. "That's treason and punishable by death" Great Britain said. "To bad,we tired of your oppression and are going to be free, no matter what it takes." we replied. Our founding fathers did anything they had to do to be allowed the freedom to be who they are and live how they wanted. Today we honor that freedom and those who made it happen with fireworks, picnics, memorial celebrations and parades.

I miss small town parades. Where I grew up, just about every little town and village had a parade and anyone could join in thru some group or another. I remember tying red, white and blue streamers to my biccyle and riding in many a parade either for church youth group or 4 H, or getting to ride in a horse and antique buggy once. It was always super hot, and we kids were ready to drop out midway thru. but the thought of icecream at the end of the parade and fireworks in the evening kept most of us going on. I don't think SF has a 4th of July parade, but the week before we do have a HUGE Pride Parade which is a celebration of freedom.

We watched a small fireworks display at the ball park last night and know there will be a huge one tonight. I love fireworks, but the animals don't. It/s loud here and we are 4 or 5 blocks away from where they set them off. I can't imagine how loud it is in the apartments right by the Ball Park.


Today, we will be going spending the afternoon at a Chihuahua Meetup. DJ is now ready to be adopted, so we can show him off and let him and Bettie get some doggie playtime.

Photo copyright Barbe Saint John/Saints & Sinners®

Also, I still have room in the Perfumed Locket class next Sunday at Tangerine in Dublin, CA. Come spend a few hours making a pretty necklace or two! It's going to be a fun class and the store is filled with all kinds of tempting things to buy. Email if you'd like to sign up.

Simply Gemstones Book Review

Simply Gemstones: Designs for Creating Beaded Gemstone Jewelry by Nancy Alden
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Potter Craft (July 14, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0307451356
ISBN-13: 978-0307451354

I recently got this book and it was soaked to the gills from some problem at Fedex. I really wanted to read but had to wait until it dried out which took a few days.

On the cover is a necklace of YUMMY tourmaline briolettes in watermelon colors. I love tourmalines so the cover sold me!

The book states " Get the high end look without the high end pricetag." If you’re a jewelry maker, chances are you have lusted after a gemstone or ten. For some its chunky majestic turquoise, others love the fire of opals and nearly everyone loves the bling bling of sparkly diamonds. There use to be a time when the only place you could buy an semi precious or precious gemstone beads was at a jewelry store. Luckily today they can easily be found online, bead fairs and in local bead shops.

”Simply Gemstones” author Nancy Alden is your gemstone fairy godmother. She brings back her popular Beadworks series with this book focusing on greating great gemstone jewelry. As with her other books, she makes the process easy and shows even a novice how to create stunning gemstone jewelry.

This book begins with a primer on gemstone basics including cuts, value, fakes, etc... It also introduces the reader to common as well as uncommmon gemstones such as Cornflake Pearls, Pink Sapphire, and Black Spinel, among others.

There is over 5o projects in this book and they lean toward simple strung necklaces, bracelets and earrings. The use of an amazing colored or shaped stone/stones make even the a simply strung necklace into a masterpiece. There is a jewelry techniques section in the back as well as stone measurements, how to clean and care for gemstones, and resources. The book as lots of eye candy and is a great resource for someone who isn’t familiar with gemstones. My favorite pieces are the rough diamonds necklace (yes DIAMONDS!), Rubies and Rose necklace and cover necklace.