Designs in the Light

July is finally here. 

This is my birthday month, and not only my birthday, but the 4th of July. A very important day for our country. I remember on the nations bi-centennial birthday back in 1976. I was 25 and  the nation turned 200 years old. My birthday has always been about fireworks for me and my family and a celebration for the country.

The time just flies and I have lived a very interesting life since then. I watched my sons both get married and give us 5 grandchildren. We received news that another baby is coming to our family in Oregon in December. Those of you who know me, know how much we love our family.

We have lived in CA, Oregon and Tennessee. During my life I have worked several interesting jobs including sales rep and manager in the gift industry for years and sales coordinator and marketing in our family business. A total of nearly 38 years in the work force.

Several years ago I started beading. This year I took my jewelry business to new places by opening an Etsy shop, becoming active on facebook and now blogging.  This has opened new doors for me and Mike and I have met some wonderful new friends. Some I will never meet in person and some I have been fortunate to spend time with.

This month I not only celebrate my birthday but I was chosen to be featured as the Designer Highlight for Bead Trends. I remember the day I received the email in January. I was so completely honored.  I immediately began my process of choosing materials for my designs. My dear friend Amanda sent me a box of her handmade boro lampwork glass beads to choose from. I was so excited, I immediately took it to my favorite bead shop,  Beads on Main here in Vacaville to choose very special beads and components to go with my own stash. I spent the next month designing the pieces for this issue. The hardest part was to keep this a secret.

What a birthday gift! I want to thank Mike, Amanda, Dave and Jessica for the support in this project. I want to thank Tatia and Bead Trends for their interest in my designs.

To celebrate I am posting a special sale in my shop. Code BT420 for 20% off all of my designs. July 1 through July 7.  I am also hosting a special designer bracelet giveaway. See details and help me build my followers on this blog.

Happy July 4th to all my friends.