Christmas

I took my son to one of the malls a few days before Christmas and he wanted a picture with Santa. It was easy because there was not a huge line up - literally a handful of people. Our turn came and I felt the child in me surface.

I sat next to Santa ( yeah I told him I wasn't gonna sit on his knee), while my favourite little guy sat on his knee and we had our picture taken. Of course it was his nature to ask what we wanted for Christmas. Josh just smiled and when he asked me I told him I didn't care for presents but I just wanted people to come over to our home.

That's what I got and it still remains the best present ever. Even though I miss my loved ones in Trinidad and Tobago the most at Christmas, it's all about creating new traditions with lessons learned from the past.

So to all of you who grace my blog with your presence - belated Christmas greetings and Happy New Year. 

Classes Two , Classes Thank You!

Yes Classes Two, classes yes thank you!!! It's almost the end of the year and I've two more classes.

On December 7, I'll be teaching Knots & Gems at Beadfx in Scarborough. The focus technique is traditional pearl knotting but we'll be using semiprecious stone beads. As usual at the end of the class participants will leave with an elegantly completed bracelet. http://www.beadfx.com/classes/class-rae-knots&gems.jsp

Knots & Gems Bracelet

Finally on December 14, I'm teaching Coiling Gizmo Beads at the Toronto Bead Society's Techniques Night. In this class participants will learn to make :

• A coiled bead without a core
• A coiled bead with a core
• A coiled beaded bead
• A doubled coiled beaded bead

http://www.torontobeadsociety.org/web/index.php/meeting-schedule/131-dec-14-2011-techniques-night 
Please scroll down on the page for the class info.

Coiling Gizmo Beads

There are still spots left in both classes so enroll as soon as you can.

Classes Thank you to everyone who participated in my classes and supported me this year. All of you along with my family and friends give me the inspiration to continue creating and providing a service that is " From the heart, by the hands, just for you."

·        A c

·

Create For The Cure

Create For The Cure Bracelet   

This one touches the very core of my being. This disease has taken too many people. One of my closest friends died from cancer last year and I still have not gotten over it. An Uncle of mine died about two weeks before my friend and the list goes on.

My heart is full and despite everything it is full of faith, hope and energy that one day this dreaded disease will be no more. For more on Create For The Cure go to : http://www.beadfx.com/inspirations/inspirations.php?id=442

Autumn Glory

Of all the seasons, fall is my favourite. Even though it’s sometimes cold – I’m in awe of the beauty of the colours it brings. Mother Nature in all her glory! With that in mind I created this; Autumn Glory.  Go to http://www.beadfx.com/inspirations/inspirations.php?id=441 for more on this week's inspiration.

Findings Please @ Beadfx

Hook & Eye Clasp

Headpins

Ear Wires

My second findings class "Findings Please" is on Tuesday 8th November 2011, @ Beadfx in Scarborough ON  http://www.beadfx.com/classes/class-rae-findingsplease.jsp. So call in today for your opportunity to learn how to make clasps, ear wires and headpins. Don't forget on the day of the class you'll get 15% off on your in store bead - purchases. See you there!!!

Classes

Thank you to all the ladies who took my classes last weekend at the Canadian Bead Oasis. It was a great weekend for creativity - the people, beads, tools, findings, jewelry, fashion !!!! It was like a vacation - just that I had to go home every evening. But it's always great to see familiar faces and to indulge in the things we love.

In November my classes kick off with A Little Bit Of Everything Too at the Toronto Bead Society Fair at the CNIB http://www.torontobeadsociety.org/web/index.php/bead-fair/134-2011-fall-fair-classes (scroll down on the page). This is the ultimate opportunity to learn wire wrapping, coiling, linking and how to make wrapped loops. The best part it's all in one class and at the end of it you'll leave with a finished bracelet that can be worn immediately.


A Little Bit Of Everything Too



November 8th : Findings Please at Beadfx in Scarborough http://www.beadfx.com/classes/class-rae-findingsplease.jsp

Findings Please

November 15th : Coils, Soup n Loops at Beadfx in Scarborough http://www.beadfx.com/classes/class-rae-coilssoupandloops.jsp

Coils, Soup and Loops

So come along and be a part of the Beady Arts experience that is "From the heart, by the hands, just for you."

Bead Oasis

This weekend I've four classes at the Canadian Bead Oasis http://www.oasisshows.com/Toronto/2011/Fall/index.php. The first is Coiling ,Wrapping & More on Friday evening and it's an opportunity to learn to  make wrapped loops, make a coiled bead on a mandrel and more http://www.oasisshows.com/Toronto/2011/Fall/classdetails.php?c=coilmore#coilmore. 

Coiling, Wrapping & More

Let's Wrap Them Up on Saturday morning, as we make a beautiful pair of earrings using wire wrapping and wire looping techniques http://www.oasisshows.com/Toronto/2011/Fall/classdetails.php?c=letswrap#letswrap.

Let's Wrap Them Up

On Sunday there's more coiling, but this time with the Coiling Gizmo as we make at least four types of beads and a bracelet http://www.oasisshows.com/Toronto/2011/Fall/classdetails.php?c=gizmo#gizmo.

Coiling Gizmo Bracelet

Finally Let's Jazz It Up in the evening with more wire working techniques http://www.oasisshows.com/Toronto/2011/Fall/classdetails.php?c=jazz#jazz.

Let's Jazz It Up

So come on over to the Canadian Bead Oasis at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for a fun filled weekend and the Rae's Beady Arts experience that's "From the heart, by the hands, just for you."











You Never Know

You never know who may visit when the day comes. I was busy up and about doing my do and guess who? The one and only, the famous Iron Man himself came in through my window! So what did I do? I rushed for my camera casue I just could not resist sharing this with you.

Iron Man

Summer Steampunk

Summer Steampunk Bracelet

 This is one of the things I wanted to try ( yeah of all the million plus other things) and I finally got the opportunity to when Rosemary gave her resin class a test run at the store http://www.beadfx.com/classes/class-rosemarybeasley-resinwithrosemary.jsp. Since I'm always saving scraps of wire etc. it was the ultimate opportunity to use some of it.

The experience was breathtaking and for me it"s not gonna end here because soon I'll be playing with more!!!

Had A Great Fall

Today is thirteen years since I had a nasty fall - one that almost cost me my life. But I'm still here alive and well to tell the tale. For the first few minutes after it happened I thought I was dead but no my friends didn't let me. They were calling my name.

I'm really thankful to God for my family and friends who were there for me during that time. My dad told me I was slipping away and the funny thing is I didn't even know it. I didn't feel any different - all I knew was that the back of my head hurt real bad.

Yes it was sunken in for a few days and not I'm left with a small spot with no hair. But I'm thankful  because hair or no hair there my dear -  I'm still here.

A friend of mine ( who is like a brother) really kept me going when everyone else felt weary. When I felt weary and just wanted to sleep. I didn't know he could talk so much - he kept me up because I didn't know I was not supposed to fall asleep. When I felt discourage because of the discomfort and weariness he kept talking. When the tears were rolling down my cheeks he made me laugh.

Many people did not make it and do not make it after severe falls and head injuries in particular, but today I'm celebrating because I'm still here. Be blessed and count your blessings.

Knots & Gems

Knots and Gems is my next class at Beadfx in Toronto and this is happening on October 4 from 6 - 8. If you always wanted to learn traditional pearl knotting then this is the class for you. The technique is the same but instead of pearls, you'll have a choice of a variety of semi-precious stones. For more details click on the link below and make that call to reserve your spot.
http://www.beadfx.com/classes/class-rae-knots&gems.jsp

Today

Trinidad & Tobago festival at Queen's Park in Toronto



So I haven't been here since... Well it's all good - I had one of the best summers ever and  it happened right here in Canada.

One of the things that topped it off for me other than the sunshine was the many visitors we had from Trinidad and Tobago. It was a time for some good ole talk ( conversation) and company.

A few road trips, parties, movies, classes and goooooooooood food. I had the best summer ever!!!!!!

Bake & Saltfish

Findings Please

Headpins, clasps,earwires and more are what you'll learn from Rae's Beady Arts at the Beadfx store.
http://www.beadfx.com/classes/class-rae-findingsplease.jsp

So come on over to Beadfx in Scarborough, Ontario for an experience that's : "From the heart, by the hands, just for you."

Don't Go Away!!

Please don't go. Don't you know I need you to stay? We have so many good memories together so why end it? But with the passage of time you are slowly slipping away and soon you'll be gone completely.

Your departure will break my heart so with that in mind please stay!! I love the freedom I experience when you're here and if I've taken you for granted please forgive me. I know some people want you to leave, some people despise you but I'm not one of them. Just think of the good times we had before you rush off - I'm begging you please stay.

But I know some things we have no control over and soon the summer will be just a memory ad time flies when you're having fun. So God please grant me the serenity...

A Little Bit Of Everything Too

Location: CNIB 1929 Bayview Avenue (at Kilgour)
5 min north of Eglinton, 10 min south of 401

Date: SUNDAY NOVEMBER 6, 2011 from 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Rae’s Beady Arts presents A Little Bit Of Everything Too. This is the ultimate opportunity to learn wire wrapping, coiling, linking and how to make wrapped loops. The best part is that it’s all in one class and at the end of it you’ll leave with a finished bracelet that can be worn immediately.

Course Outline: Skill Level: Beginner to all levels

Focus Technique: Wirework

Kit Fee: $25.00 (+HST). The kit includes all the materials needed to make the bracelet as well as instructions. Each kit will be different so each individual will make a unique necklace.

Each student has to bring their own round nose pliers, chain nose pliers, wire cutters and bead mat. Students should also bring their own eyeglasses or magnifiers.  

All Good

It's Friday and a week since my last blog. This sounds like a Dear Diary scenario or a confession eh! Well maybe it is more of the latter.

Summer and outdoors and not much time spent at the computer or other gadgets. I'm soaking it all in and still designing jewelry while I can. Yes it's all goooooooooood!!!

Like

In June this year I organised a competition in Facebook to promote my fan page ( Rae's Beady Arts). The winner was announced at midnight on June 30 - Jerniece Horne from Point Fortin Trinidad and Tobago. I wanted to make a customised piece so I contacted her and asked her preference. The bracelet was made and delivered at her doorstep - unfortunately not by me.

The bottom line is that since June 2011 the number of "Likes" on my page has grown from approximately 24 to almost 100. One of the most touching aspects about this entire experience is that I don't know some of the individuals. So in essence to all of you who have been reading my blog and who have hit on my page - thank you for all your support. To my family, friends and the administrators who continuously support me a big thank you and most importantly thank God for making all of this possible.

Jerniece's prize

Beady Arts

African Turquoise Earrings Cdn10.00

More Beady Arts in the name of my growing new collection. It's a collection of fun and affordable pieces so visit my Facebook Fan page ( Rae's Beady Arts) for more on it.

Rae's Beady Arts

My first piece was a bracelet that was made after one of my aunt's coasters broke. The coaster was made from bamboo and wooden beads and all I had at that time was a piece of leather cord. One bracelet and I was hooked .

When I moved to Canada seven years ago I lived on the Internet and Google became one if my best friends. Today the Toronto Bead Society is one of my biggest networks outside the church. The level of creativity and skills displayed among its members has challenged my own creativity. The skills I've acquired over the years were self- taught from the Internet , books and experimentation.

My teaching background has lead me to start a business called Rae's Beady Arts where I design jewelry to teach. The Beady Arts experience is "From the heart, by the hands and just for you".

You can visit my blog: www.trinisunshineblogger.blogspot.com, my Facebook Fan page : Rae's Beady Arts or you can find me at Beadfx on weekends.

La La

La la la la la la la la la la la! This movie was smurfing enjoyable!!!!

Last Weekend

As the summer continues I'm still trying to do as much as I can while I can. Spending time with loved ones is one of the things I treasure the most. It's priceless and I had the opportunity to do that last weekend.

Whenever family and friends from Trinidad and Tobago ask me what I want I always say I want people to come. It's always a pleasure to have visitors from home - and last weekend was no exception when my aunt spent the weekend with us. We tried to pack so many activities into so short a time but if I can say so myself we covered alot of ground - the parade downtown ( Caribana), shopping, family breakfast, a Bar-B-Que and much more. In reflection I'm smiling because I had the time of my life and yes I'm eternally thankfully.

Bring Them On

The last few weeks have been really hot - hotter than the islands I've been told. So out came the big guns. I bought those at the end of last summer and felt excited about them. They reminded me of my childhood when my mother's cousin had given me a dolphin water gun.

I must have sprayed too many people because my dad confiscated it and placed it way on top the kitchen cupboard. I did not do that when I was shot with the cold water but my response was " Don't shoot the hands that feed you boy."

I'm having a great time this summer so yeah you just "bring them on!"

The Wiggles

Last Sunday I took my son to The Wiggles concert at the Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto and we had a blast!! Happy 20th BirthdayWiggles.

Favourite Pair

When you see me chances are that I will have these earrings on. Yes they they are my favourite pair. These were very fast and easy to make. To achieve this  look, load the components on a decorative headpin and end it off by making a wrapped loop but before completing the loop be sure to add the ear wires.

Have fun!!!

This another pair that I absolutely love.

Inspired By You

Many ladies come into the store with their ideas and they sometimes need our assistance to bring those ideas to life. There is so much creativity going on at Beadfx that I felt inspired to make a bracelet. So ladies - this was "Inspired By You."

You can read the rest of it on one of the best websites I've ever been on by clicking on the link below. I hope this brings you some inspiration as well.

http://www.beadfx.com/inspirations/inspirations.php?id=425

Last Evening

I taught at Beadfx last evening and those ladies were amazing. It was steaming outside but the classroom was amazingly cool as I taught and the ladies made their pieces. Of course there was some laughter because it's 'always good for the soul.'

The pleasure is always mine to teach anyone who is willing to learn so ladies thank you for sharing in the Beady Arts experience.

$22.95

I had to spend a minimum of Can22.95 in order to get $5.00 off. So I took up three items for my son. She said "It has to add to $22.95 to use the coupon," but I had already done the math .


"It's exactly$22.95 ," she said and I smiled and told her I did a quick mental calculation. Thank God for Mental Mathematics the first thing in the morning at primary school.

I Wanna Paint

He said " I wanna paint Mommy," and I let him.  I put poured the paints out and I couldn't find the paint brushes so I gave him Q- tips. At one point he wanted to use his fingers so I encouraged him to. My parents didn't stifel my creativity and I not gonna stifel his, so paint baby paint.

My Little Garden

I made a small flower garden last week and added some more touches on Sunday. How I wish the summer could last and last but that's just wishful thinking. I'm not worried because there's life underneath the snow.

Ras Shorty I

Today I'm thinking about Ras Shorty I (Garfield Blackman) who died eleven years ago today. He was the father of Soca Music and his music legacy will live on through his wonderful family and all who sing Soca Music in its birthplace Trinidad and Tobago and worldwide. R.I.P brother.

Jacko

If my grandfather were alive he would've been 98 today and yesterday would've been his grand thanksgiving. All of my life I have not met another individual who celebrated a birthday the way he did.

Everyone had a task to fulfill and mine was to design and make the invitations. These had to be done months in advance to put his mind at ease. During the thanksgiving there was singing ( he had a wonderful voice and used to sing to my grandmother because it was also their anniversary), worship and foooooood.

Jacko was married to my grandmother for 55years but they were together for 66 and when she died he didn't want to go on any longer. But with faith and the support of family and friends he did.

His parting words to me when I was leaving Trinidad were" Well if we don't see here again we'll see on the other side. " He may have left, but the memories will last a lifetime.

Memories

I phoned my grandmother today and we had the most beautiful conversation. I told her about yesterday's carrot cake and she was happy.

We also spoke of times spent in her kitchen and we both agreed of how much we enjoyed those. As the song says " Memories don't leave like people do they always stay with you," and those I'll treasure for as long as I live.

Carrots

Today I decided to make a carrot cake because I wanted to find another way to consume the carrots from the 10lb. bag my husband bought recently. Yeah we gave some away, I steamed some, made salad but yet it seems like "carrots without end".

I know my grandmother will be proud because I'm happy with the way my cake turned out. I even made muffins with the rest of the batter and they are all gone.

My only surviving grandparent, my grandmother was know for her delicious cakes. There was not  a birthday that would pass without one of these treats. She even baked for weddings and other special occasions and of course we were always there to help ourselves to the rest of the batter in the bowls.

I've always loved carrot cake and whenever my grandmother made it she would call me over. I'm licking my lips just thinking about it. Oh yeah she made the best sponge cake and black cake ( rum cake or fruit cake as it's also called). I'm going to call her tomorrow and tell her about my cake and about how much I treasure the memories of being with her in the kitchen while she did her thing.

Rain

I went into WalMart this morning without my umbrella even though I knew it was going to rain. The first time I returned to the car it was drizzling and I paid it no mind - I refused to take the umbrella out. However, one trip back in and it was pouring.

I stood for a few minutes ( approximately two) and planned my get away. I ran out in the rain and in Flip Flops too ( yes what we call Rubber Slippers  in Trinidad & Tobago ) and it felt great. The child in me just wanted to dance and skip or skip and dance - same difference.

Running in the rain reminded me of my childhood and of a time when one of my aunts took our school bags and allowed us to play in the rain after school. While we were running and enjoying ourselves, some adults in our neighbourhood wanted us to seek shelter but it was okay to continue because we had permission.

How I miss those days! Running in the rain outside WalMart in the summer heat  felt great but then the adult in me had to go home.

Colour

Do you find yourself wearing the same colours most of the time? When you go shopping do you often choose the same colour palette?

There are times when I try to resist the temptation but it seems as though I'm locked in. Years ago I wore mainly dark colours and my dad and a former school teacher of mine (who also became my colleague), kept insisting that I put some colour in my life. Thankfully I listened.

Approximately two years later I overheard  the former school principal where I taught Art/Craft, suggesting to another teacher that she should come to me if she needed advice on colour. Yes thankfully I listened.

I'm not gonna get into the technicalities of colour theory ( that can be googled ) but what I'll mention is how much colour can have an impact on one's mood.

After my first Canadian winter experience I have surrounded myself with colour and that really helps during those long dark cold days.

So yes I may buy my favorite colours( green, teal, turquoise, orange) when I go shopping  I'm not afraid to deviate a bit at times.

July's Classes

July is almost upon us and my instructing continues at Beadfx. I've two classes: 

http://www.beadfx.com/classes/class-rae-letslinkupinthesummer.jsp

Let's Link Up In The Summer @ Beadfx on July 19

&

http://www.beadfx.com/classes/class-rae-let%27swrapthemup.jsp 

Let's Wrap Them Up - July 26 @ Beadfx in Toronto  

So come on over to Beadfx on July 19 and 26 and share in the Rae's Beady Arts experience that's "From the heart, by the hands, just for you."

I Just Couldn't Handle It

I waited and was going to until today but couldn't resist. I had to make the call. Usually an e- mail gave me some idea but I didn't receive any about my concerns on Wednesday.

I just couldn't handle the suspense any longer so I called. Just as I suspected one of my beads was stuck to the mandrel but the others survived. I spent so much time on that bead but when the bead release started to come off I suspected the inevitable . No worries because my mind is already filling up with ideas for it.

So as my desire to play with fire continues to grow, I on my way to walking tall because I'm gonna practice .

Bead on the mandrel

The other beads survived

I Believe

I know why I believe...