Best Bead Surprise!

I received a phone call yesterday from two dear friends from Michigan and we met, along with another local friend, at the wonderful shop, 'Bead Paradise' in Oberlin, OH.  The store was having their annual sale, so that was even better!  The store has great clothes too- I bought a beautiful jacket for 75% off and 4 bone Celtic rune stones for gifts.  The others bought fabulous jewels and findings.  Left to right: Me, Linda K., Beth B. and Sue T. What a fun day!

Altered Soul Bottle-I've Been Altered Too...

I'm in a bottle swap to alter to have to do with gypsies and all things related, and this is the one I made.  The vintage bottle is filled with copies of tiny antique tarot cards, sparkly beads and strips of old text. The cork is wrapped with transparent word text paper tape, bought from, "Small Studios" store- one of my faves (Ginny Carter-Smallberg, the owner, Westlake, Ohio.)  There is also glitter on the outside image, that doesn't really show much in the photo here.

I am hoping this new year is better than last, especially family health issues.  I am trying to develop better 'art' habits with these swaps and sure appreciate my friends who helped me emotionally through the trying times this year. THANK YOU  ~Lou