I heart Vintaj!

The only people with whom you should try to get even are those who have helped you.
~John E. Southard

Those fine folks at Vintaj honored me with their Friday Featured Designer yesterday. They are really too kind. I totally thought it would just be a few pictures showing their products, but they actually wrote the sweetest things. I was completely tickled to be asked because I recall very vividly the first time I found Vinaj products from the book Easy Beaded Jewelry. I was instantly smitten. I wanted to find these products and use all of them! I love the color of the metal and the versatility. I wanted to be one of those designers that used their products in the book or on their website.

The people at Vintaj are some of the nicest I have ever met. They are incredibly talented, especially Jess Italia-Lincoln. She is such a bright shining light in the Universe and I thank my lucky stars that I have been able to meet her. We had a little creative party together in July 2009 when I traveled to Galena, IL. I highly recommend the city, the people, the food, the shopping. So lovely.

Coming Home
Featuring a house pendant from Lynn Davis

When they asked me if I would be willing to play along, I jumped at the chance, but I told them that I wanted to challenge myself to make some new pieces, specifically using art beads. I ended up making five new things, and three of the new ones are in the highlight {two have been submitted for publication...keeping fingers and toes crossed!}. The other two are things that I made in the past year or so.

Vintaj has helped me a lot. Their products have expanded my horizons to what is possible. They help me think outside the box when it comes to design and how to use materials in inventive ways.Their people have encouraged and supported me. And if I were any closer to Galena I would be begging Jess for a chance to work for those fine folks {even if it just meant that I would push a broom and clean up the glitter after all the crazy creative sessions that she holds!}.

Thank you Vintaj for this most awesome opportunity. And Jess, you can bet I will find a suitable way to 'get even' with you! ;-)

Enjoy the day!