I have to write this post, because I am ridiculously happy right now. And, because I am ridiculously happy well… I’d rather share that than complain about the weather. Again.

If you’re just joining me as a reader on my blog, one of the hobbies I do to keep myself sane is bead. I’m rather fond of the beading community and I love how it brings women and men together from various walks of life to create art via jewelry. Plus, they make excellent gifts that often have a story behind them. During the holidays, I usually pick three random people (usually women) and make them jewelry as my way of paying it forward.

One of the things I like to do for myself, though, is collect skull jewelry. I’m picky, because I really prefer the rocker variety over bone, but I also have metal allergies. (No, you’re right… I couldn’t POSSIBLY make that MORE complicated…) Ergo? I usually make jewelry myself and incorporate skulls when I have a finished pattern. I suppose you could say I’m methodical because I felt I needed to know a lot of the basic stitches and patterns prior to going out on my own — which is why this new bead which I found via Fusion Beads is absolutely perfect timing.

When you’re doing bead stitches, you need precision cut beads for your patterns. To have access to a well-designed half-inch skull like this in multiple colors, well…I’ve got dozens of ideas for pendants, rings, earrings, etc. I’m definitely picking up some for my birthday and hope Swarovski will consider making various sizes and flat-backed skulls. All their beads are so easy to work with and they look fantastic every time.

If you’re remotely curious, here are some of my previous posts related to beads and skulls.

• Ah, Chainmaille
• A Day O’ Beaded Jewelry
• Thar Be Shiny Maties
• New Jewelry Designs
• Why Skulls
• Yes, Handmade Jewelry is Cool

Hopefully my own enthusiasm will inspire you to get off your bum and create something yourself — after all, March is National Craft Month!

Mood: It’s a miracle!
Caffeinated Beverages Consumed: I was bad. I admit it.
Work-Out Minutes Logged Yesterday: Type… Type… Type….
In My Ears: Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye
Game Last Played: Sonic All Star Racing Transformed
Book Last Read: Witches Abroad by Terry Pratchett
Movie Last Viewed: Can’t remember. It was some horrifically awful “but my husband t’aint really dead” movie.
Latest Artistic Project: *Still* *still* *still* need to take pictures… It’s on the list!
Latest Fiction/Comic Release: Last Man Zombie Standing
Latest Game Release: Freedom Flyer
What I’m Working On: Primarily tie-in games work and novels.