Under A Rock

I haven't fallen victim to the zombie plague.  I am, in fact, quite alive.

The past couple of weeks have been a hell-storm of everything possible going wrong and then getting worse.  This didn't really leave me with much energy or desire to post anything, but I did get a lot of tv watching and ice cream eating done.  So there's that.

There was a two week long issue when it came to financing our new car.  First we were approved, then we weren't, then we were again, then we weren't because bad credit showed up on Manthing's credit report from a time when he didn't qualify for credit or live in that city.  So then I had to go back and co-sign the loan with someone else, which on the upside got me a significantly lower rate, and then the papers were printed wonky so I had to go back in and sign them a third time!  Lucky for me this was all being handled by my oldest brother, who's coincidentally the GM of the dealership I was getting my car from, so he's been dealing with more of this than I have and making it easier for me than I'm making it sound.

In other more crafty news, Fire Opal is slowly chugging along.  Since I only work on her (yes, I've decided it's a she) during slow times at work, she's been taking a lot longer than I anticipated.

I've gotten more done since this picture.  The right side has been filled out and I've started working on the upper neck and head portion.  This is just the lower neck and chest.  She also has a pretty extensive mane I'll need to work on, too.  And this is only page 1 of 4 for this design.  Good thing I'm really enjoying working on this.

Manthing and I are going to take a trip to one of our favorite beading stores this weekend.  Shipwreck Beads is about a 2 hour drive, give or take a bit depending on traffic, from our place.  We usually buy the bulk of our beading supplies from them since they have pretty good prices on larger quantity items than my local bead store.  Hopefully this means I'll have pictures of some of the jewelry we make in the not too distant future.

We're also gathering the supplies so we can start mold-making and resin casting again.  It's been several years since we seriously made anything.  I've also got some costume and prop making projects in the works.  Needless to say, we're trying to keep ourselves busy.

Head First

First off, I have to rave about the awesome turn around time for orders from 1-2-3 Stitch!  I made an order late Monday night and it got here today.  All the beads and Kreinik thread I need to finish my Sun Symbols and the Scarab that goes along with it, along with the elusive DMC 906.

And this.

Opal by Fire Wing Designs 

I love dragons.  And seeing as it's the Year of the Dragon, I figured that was a good enough excuse as any to pick up this design.  I'll be making the yellow one on the right, but will probably come back and make the blue one at some point.

This will also be the first time I'll be using a non-Aida fabric.  The design calls for 28 count Cashel, but I couldn't find a color I liked, so I grabbed some 28 count "Rainforest" Lugana  from Crossed Wing Collection.  I was pleasantly surprised to discover that they had already sewn along the edges to keep them from fraying.  Very handy.

I've never done 2 over 2, so this will be a learning experience for me.  Luckily the design is primarily full crosses, with a good smattering of quarter stitches, and of course, backstitching.  Hopefully it won't be too difficult.

Wish me luck!