Faux Turquoise video on PolymerClay TV!!!!

Turquoise has to be one of my favorite things to make in polymer clay!! I get on such a roll that I end up with tons and tons (maybe that's a slight exaggeration) of beautiful turquoise beads.

Kira and Ilysa from Polymer Clay Productions took a moment to stop by and video one of my CHA demonstrations on how to make faux stones! The video of me, along with an interview from Kathleen Dustin (drool over her handbags made from polymer clay) and Maureen Carlson (one of my friends and mentors)debuting her new Puzzle Face Molds (What a concept! This is cool!) can be seen by Clicking HERE!

I just came back from a quick trip to Kansas City's Plaza. No matter where I go, it is so much fun to connect with people and meet new ones. I'll share a cute story and give you my take on a very simple....and very expensive design I found in one of those upscale stores.....so check back.

Before I say....ADIOS creative AMIGOS....just a quick reminder - the presale of my brand new book is ON! Click here for more information and to order via paypal. If you'd rather send a money order - GREAT...but you'll have to click here instead and email me for my address.

Oh...and there are just a *few* spots left for my classes at More Than Memories in Chicago next week. Click here for more info.

Okay...thats all.......see you tomorrow

Pre Order your MAKING BEADS BOOK today!

It's been a long wait, but it's finally about to arrive! I am now accepting Pre-Orders for my latest book MAKING BEADS IN POLYMER CLAY!

Over 5500 already presold!

35 projects featuring the latest techniques

Great for beginners - 300 color step out photographs to guide you! (and you know....you can always email me too!)

128 pages!

All orders will be shipped around March 15, 2008

I'll let you know the exact date when available

Pre-paid orders will receive free shipping

Autographed by Linda

$24.95 US - domestic

$29.95 - International - US funds via Paypal

CLICK HERE TO ORDER and VIEW MY BEAD TECHNIQUE BOOK

Money Orders gladly accepted - email me for address

I'm so excited!

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Thanks!

CJS - "Cool JunkY Stuff" a great BRAND name for a young entrepreneur

In growing up in the late 60 and 70's (yes that makes me in my fourties - hot flashes and all)... we had to be creative. My parents did not buy me everything I wanted...and I thought that was a bit on the sucky side when I was a kid. If I wanted to play house...and I needed fake food...well ...I made mud pies. I thought it was really cool when my dad paid the bills with a book of checks. (had no concept of the money aspect of it all) So what did I do when I wanted to be all grown up just like him? Well...literally I stapled a bunch of paper together and made myself "a book of checks" just like his real ones (okay, as close to it as I could being a kid of about 7). Seriously...It was our imagination back then that challenged us to come up with the things we didnt have. We were resourceful. Using something for an unintended purpose back then wasn't the "In vogue" thing to do...it's just what you did to make what you needed.

There couldn't be a better compliment then when your creativity rubs off on your kids. Lets not forget to mention how the kids inspire moms! (or for that matter - my blog content). So let me share some behind the family scenes that happened at the Peterson House today....

I was sitting in the library with Dana this afternoon when Julia walked in and sat a box down on the treadmill. I really didn't pay too much attention to the content of the box until she left the room which is when I noticed a pair of scissors and bits and pieces of what used to be her white tights along with various fibers.

Dana said "I know...I told the girls they could cut them up - they're making Fashion Designs and being future fashion designers". How cool is that I thought? (Mind you - these weren't new tights, I would classify these as Sunday tights - WHOLY".

I called Julia down and asked her about what she was going to make with her cut up swatches. She showed me her....hmmm.... I don't know the word for it... but what it reminds me of are the "hand warmer thingys" that Cyndi Lauper used to wear on her hands when she was singing back in the 80's. Obviously Julia - who's only 6 has no clue who Cyndi Lauper is or even the style back then...so I have to say...I was impressed...she was "repurposing" and using her creativity to design something useful out of something that we'd throw away. (She's working on a "mini-skirt" now made from the top part of the tights......ROCK ON JULIA!

Then came Elise, she's designing something similar with her tights....the Handwarmers, but along that she's made a belt and stretchy necklaces. She's hoping to sell them at school for 25 cents in order to make some money for her trip to Costa Rica later this spring. She told me she has sold a few of her "CJS" line to kids on the school bus. I had to know...."What is C J S?" I asked. Well...she said "It's short for COOL JUNKY STUFF!". So think about that... at age eleven, she's designing wearables and already has a brand. Her concept couldn't be more on target since current fashion trends indicate that "repurposing" is HOT and she's already branding herself as "COOL JUNKY STUFF!" I'm thouroughly impressed at her entreprenueral skills. Who knows what she could be.....who knew what I could be when I was a toddler playing with play-dough. It all starts with imagination....and a need to make what you don't have.

And to top it all off......Julia drew me a picture! How about about being the "#1 Step Mom!"? She just amazes me with her drawing talent!!! Im so glad to be able to support the artist inside of them and help develop it as they walk thru life!

This day is truely what "Celebrating the Creative Life is all about!"

Go AWAY winter! Bring on Spring

There's a big difference between what's outside the studio right now and what's inside. Outside we've come face to face with another ice storm. Everything is cold and crunchy!

Inside though, the studio looks like a blooming greenhouse! Check out this photo! Seriously...there is hardly any room left in the studio where there isn't some craft supply or flower. I'm definately NOT complaining though! Bring on S-P-R-I-N-G!

My Mother in Law, Louise has been a real jewel of a help, she's made wooden baskets and get this....even a huge carrot out of wire, mesh and muslin. It's so awesome!

Last night, I layed awake literally all night buzzing with ideas...it was my "I'm to creative to sleep" kind of moods. I have to say, that I believe this book will be unique and very different from all of the other flower arranging, floral decorating books. I am bringing a whole new look and edge to floral design. You'll be creating your own bases, your own elements (like the carrots) and learn tips and tricks to make you a great designer on a budget!

Have you seen the price of designer floral arrangements??? Yikesey..Pikesy! I'll show you how to get the same look for half...at least!!

I'd like to share this Welcome Spring basket, just one of the project's we'll be featuring in the Seasonal Section of the book. Along with that, I'll have a section on Culteral designs featuring Exotic Asian arrangements (think tropical warm....happy....thoughts...mmmmm)

European/French country style charm...perfect for afternoon tea...

Contemporary for those of you who are Hip and you know....want simplicity and elegance...

And for all the rest of us who are just hopelessly sentimental and love our classic displays there's some edgy designs in there to suit you too!

If you're planning a wedding (well...that will have to be after the fall when the books released) I'll have three styles to inspire you..use those designs or, take the inspiration and run away with your own creative style.

Well...that's all I have to say for now except...BYE BYE winter....and Hello Spring!! Off to the greenhouse!