I am taking a break from PC at the moment....Despite all my whining, I do like challenges and although this really wasn't considered a challenge..for me it was...I think we all want to impress each other  with our creations  and  I am well aware of  the  great skill that many of you  have....anyway  I  am so burnt  on powders  right now ....I WANT  a  tumbler!!!   I need to expand....don't want to get stuck with just clay and powders....there is so much I want to do...maybe when I get all my beauties from you 'Bee I will get some inspiration to try something different.  And please don't apologize..it was and still is a great idea..one of the things in my life at the moment that makes me happy is creating with PC AND this great group of people!

I'm taking a slight break from PC myself, although don't read anything into it. I'm in the midst of going from carpet to hardwood floors, the kind they sand and finish in place. So, not only is everything in upheaval, but there is dust EVERYWHERE. I'd assumed my garage would be a dust-free zone, but alas, it's creeping in there too. And while I've heard you can use spices and other off-the-wall inclusions in your clay, I don't think fine red oak dust is one of them. But who knows? Maybe it's just the thing for faux red oak jasper.

My house is either totally empty and very echo-y or jammed to the gills with everything I moved out of the empty space. When it's done, I'll send before/after pics. 

I agree with the last few posts that stated that we all trying really hard to impress each other and that once we see everyone else's that future swaps won't be as stressful!  I started working with PC almost exactly 1 year ago and I still feel like a novice.  This PC board is my favorite.....I think we have a nice little group and I have learned so much!

 I agree, Stacy. I love this board. Well, not the board part of the board, but the people in this forum.

Gosh - My beads aren't perfect either, at least when I look at them.  I know I'm going to like every bead I get because each one is a reflection of where each person is along the journey and even something that LOOKS simple usually isn't.  And we're each good at different stuff, and one of the fun things is stretching and trying new stuff.

And while I try to do my best work, it's never perfect.  When I'm working on a crocheted piece or a cross stitch and if I haven't made any mistakes, I'll insert one on purpose as I finish the piece. Imperfection keeps us humble and challenges us, but we shouldn't be beating ourselves up.  Anyone who's arrogant enough to think that their work is absolutely, flawlessly perfect is likely headed for a fall.

The person who was my inspiration to take my first (and only) jewelry class, which led me to PC, purposely puts a mistake into each of her pieces. They're usually small and subtle and often hard to find, but I think it makes them so much more accessible. I fear perfection.  

Hey gals - sorry I haven't checked in for a few days.  Life, etc...................  Anyhoo, my beads went out today by priority mail.  Believe it or not - I actually didn't have the money to mail until today.  So bee looking for them, Bee!

If we want to do another swap, may I suggest a way?  Everyone make a set of 8 beads, send them to the coordinator, and get back another set of beads.  Send 5 sets, get 5 back. That way everyone only has to make a set of 8 beads.  Or two.  Or 3.  Etc.  I participated in this kind of swap on another board last year, and I got some really fantastic stuff.  The only problem I had was that I sent 5, but only got 4 back. 

I think this one will prove to be way cool, when we see each other's creations! 

 I NOW HAVE 11 PACKAGES AND AM EXPECTING MORE SOON. GOTTA RUN, AM OFF TO AN ICE CREAM SUNDAE PARTY.

yum!

Eleven - that's great!  I bet your mail man wonders what is going on!

Stacy, I love the bead/pendant in your sidebar. 

Thanks Linelle!  it's one of those "happy accidents."  It was my first time doing MG  with a stamp.

 this just in....

 
I've got packages from 13 people.

I've heard from the last three ladies and their 3 packages should all be here next week.

100% wonderful group - no flakes!  love you guys!!

Have not opened anything up yet, am waiting for all materials first. Have already purchased the envelopes.  

Wow - 100% follow-through!  How cool is that!  

great, just confirmed all three packages are in the mail for sure. thanks everyone!