Last Thursday - Saturday I attended a human resources conference in Washington, D.C. (well, technically, it was on the Maryland side of the river in National Harbor). I stayed at a hotel with the most beautiful atrium. They had a large Christmas tree suspended from the ceiling that they lit every night, with the lights choreographed to Christmas carols. They also had fake snow during the lighting! I discovered this while getting my coffee one evening (yes, there was a Starbucks-like coffee shop in the atrium!!). There were little shops and restaurants, and even a toy train that ran through it. It was wonderful!
On my way home Saturday I stopped at the Potomac Bead Company in nearby Alexandria, VA. I bought a few things, but haven't taken pictures yet. On my way out, I took a wrong turn somewhere and wound up heading back to Maryland, instead of home. About the time I realized my mistake, my gps died. It eventually came back on, but I spent about an hour lost, driving in what felt like complete circles. I think my gps was amused. I was not! No surprise I got lost. It's the very rare occasion I travel without a hitch.
Today is the last work day this week. I'm very excited about having tomorrow off with no place to go. I plan to do some baking and cooking for Thanksgiving, and make some Christmas jewelry. We're expecting several inches of snow, but I hope we don't get too much. We always go to my in-laws house and my parents' house for dinner (two dinners in one day--can't beat that!), and I hope the roads are safe.
I hope everyone who travels this week is able to do so safely!
Last night a cooking show was held here at the college, and they allowed vendors to set up for a couple of hours pre-show. I decided to participate, and had a very good time!
I made a very simple display, using Christmas trees and place mats, and brought enough jewelry, but not too much. I was rather pleased with the sales and received a lot of great feedback. It was definitely worth my time!
Tomorrow I'm off to Washington, D.C. for a conference. I'm sure the conference will be good, but most of all I'm looking forward to having some alone time in the hotel room tomorrow and Friday nights. I love to take along reading material and beads, and spending the evening doing what I want, when I want. I'll definitely miss Travis and the girls, but sometimes it's nice to have a couple of days away from the demands of everyday life!
Have I been neglectful or what?! There's been so much going on that I've barely known if I'm coming or going. It's the busy season, but I love it!
There is a cooking show here Tuesday night, and from 5-7 they're allowing vendors to come set up a booth. I decided to participate, so I'm busy making plans for that. I like the fact that it's only a couple of hours, there should be lots of traffic, and the only cost for setting up was a $12 ticket to the show. Can't beat that!
I have managed to make some earrings with the acorn caps I found.
I just love these. Definitely worth the trek in the woods.
I've been checking out some of the new projects on the Beads, Baubles and Jewels website. Their series 1900 is now online, and there are several projects I'd like to try. The first was these quick crystal earrings, demonstrated by Katie Hacker.
These worked up in no time at all, using 6mm crystals (red, brown and orange), and 26 gauge wire. I think I'll have to make some with Christmas colors, as well, since we're quickly heading into that season!
I finally used the Gaea focal I've been hoarding for a little while in this necklace.
The necklace is slightly asymmetrical, which is a feat for me. I tend to have a much easier time with symmetrical designs--I do have an accounting degree after all, and we know that both sides of a balance sheet must match. Anyway... I also used waxed linen cord, which I knotted between beads, rather than wire. I'm a bit ashamed this is the first time I've done that, but I really like the look.
I'm slowly but surely learning a little about Twitter, and have posted a couple of pics there, so check me out at MustardBead!
Hope everyone out there has a happy weekend!
