Fred: the Lariat

We are stuck, and we need your help. Mom and I have hit a brick wall as we've tried to come up with a name for Mom's new lariat design. Please keep us from naming it Fred. Or Larry Lariat (because we like alliteration). Keep in mind that there will be other colorways than just purple.

Ideas???

Procrastination techniques

I fully own up to my endless ability to procrastinate. It's something I've fought with all my life, and I don't see it changing any time soon. Because I'm such a professional at it, I realized I could actually pass along some of my favorite procrastination techniques for those of you who aren't quite so naturally gifted in this area.

1. Facebook. The Internet in general, but really Facebook has taken over as the prime culprit in the last two years. I have 660 friends right now. That's a lot of people to keep up with. Granted, I don't actually know all of them, but that doesn't mean I don't want to peek into their virtual living rooms! 
2. Sleep. Many of you talk about how you worry about me not getting enough sleep when I see you in person. But honestly, you shouldn't give it another thought. TRUST me. I am the Queen of napping. And in my world a nap ain't really worth anything unless it hits the 3 hour point. So, yes, I am up in the middle of the night. But I'm sleeping all day!!
3. Suddenly feel the urge to clean out your closet. After all, that's work, right?? Okay, so technically it's item number 756 on the list. But at least you're being productive! 
4. See Number 1.
5. Eat. Want to take a break from beading/filing/paying bills/writing instructions/making kits? I'm sure you could fit some food in that tummy. And clearly you can't do both at the same time. All the weight loss wizards out there say you need to concentrate on the eating. Can do!
6. See Number 2. Because I always feel sleepy after I eat.
7. See Number 5. Because I always feel hungry like I need to eat something after I wake up.
8. Chase the dog around the house with his Bear Bear in his mouth. Give up after 3 laps because you're tired. Get back on the Internet.
9. Write a list of all the many things you have to do. 
10. Wonder if anyone signed up for your next national class in the 2 hours since you last checked. Get on the computer and check.
11. Update your Facebook status with how busy you are.
12. Play Solitaire on the computer. You're "thinking." Promise yourself that you'll get up and accomplish something as soon as you win a game. Get up 2 hours later with a swollen hand from clicking the mouse, and a sore butt, but you DID finally win. 
13. Watch something on TV that you have to actually WATCH as opposed to just listen to as you bead. Wonder idly where you know that actor from. Get on the laptop to look him up in IMDB. Look up 30 minutes later and realize you have no idea what's going on in the show. Rewind.
14. Take a break - it's been a long, hard day of work.

Hot news!

I've got to confess: I've been holding out on you!! But I can spill the beans properly now and I know you'll be as excited as I am. Drum roll please....

I am joining the staff of Beaducation as an online video class instructor! If you're not familiar already with Beaducation, you need to check it out - they are an amazing company! It's the brainchild of Lisa Niven Kelly, and has become a huge force in the industry. They have a superstar line up of instructors who create online video classes in wirework, chainmail, metalwork, PMC, mixed media, and of course - seed bead weaving! Everything from beginning classes to advanced, and there are even freebie classes. Let me repeat that: FREE CLASSES!

The lineup of instructors include:

• Lisa Niven Kelly
• Barb Switzer
• Laura McCabe
• Dallas Lovett
• Kate Richbourg
• Lisa Claxton
• Kriss Silva
• Emily B. Miller
• Mel McCabe
• Colin Mahler
• Gail Crosman Moore
• Iris Sandkuhler
• Liz Jones
• Janice Berkebile
• Becky Nunn
• AND SOON! Jill Wiseman! 

I'll be filming four classes in November, along with two freebies (FREE!) and they should hit the Beaducation website by January 1. We plan on me doing several new classes each year. I can't wait to work with these Rock Stars, and I'm so thrilled at being able to provide classes in a video format for y'all!

This is one of Barb Switzer's classes - Figure S Bracelet

You'll have unlimited access to the classes, meaning you can watch the class again five years from now if you want to (actually, there's no time limit at ALL,) and you can watch it endless times over again if you want to giggle at that blooper I'm bound to make again. You will also receive a PDF file with a written handout too that goes with the class. You can either use your own beads, or I will have kits that go along with the projects available for purchase too. 


I know the next question is "What are the classes, Jill?? HUH??" Hey - a girl's got to save some surprises. Stay tuned!!