Each week one of our contributors gives you a sneak peek into their studio, creative process or inspirations. We ask a related question of our readers and hope you’ll leave comments! As an incentive we offer a free prize each week to bribe you to use that keyboard. The following week we choose a random winner.
Congratulations Sarajo Wentling! You have won a Simple Truths Bead from Erin Prais-Hintz of Tesori Trovati. Please send Erin an e-mail with your information.
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Today we visit the studio of Gaea Cannaday of Gaea.
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Are you ready for the holidays? How does the time go by so fast? For me, it has been a time of creativity and reflecting on the year that has past. A time for being thankful for my healthy family and friends and remembering those who have passed. A time to call on those dear ones who have moved to distant lands. (Yes. Michigan is a distant land.) Gifts under a tree are a blessing, but a greater blessing is having the memories of the past year. A look back at this years creative endeavors and trips outside the studio….
Spring 2013
Summer
Fall
Winter
It has been a crazy, fun, and sometimes scary twelve months. What are you reflecting on in this season of giving? Leave a comment to win a new Peace Bird pendant. Happy Holidays! XO Gaea
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Wearing many hats, Gaea lives in Ojai, California. You can see her work here… www.gaea.cc or here… gaea.indiemade.com and here… gaeabeads.blogspot.com
Alice
December 14, 2013 at 2:19 pmI so agree that memories are more special than presents under the tree. I enjoyed seeing what you were up to this past year–all lovely. And hasn't the year gone fast?!
Erin S
December 14, 2013 at 5:57 pmso much beautiful work! As for me, I'm reflecting on too many things NOT accomplished this year. (glass half empty.) Hopefully I'll do better next year.
Wendy D.
December 14, 2013 at 11:46 pmI so enjoyed your retrospective of the past year — thank you! I've been reflecting about the gifts of friendship — the generous, creative members of our local bead society who share their time and talents and the cyber-buddies who inspire and send me beautiful art beads. I'm grateful for each of them!
Angi
December 15, 2013 at 8:29 amI am thankful this holiday season. My husband has been very sick this year and was in the hospital for thanksgiving. Thankfully he is getting stronger everyday and I hope the new year will bring him a new chance at a restful and healthy life. My family has been our angels during this time, helping us in every way possible. I'm thankful for my hubby, my family and the medical community that has helped us get on the road to recovery!
Angi Mullis [email protected]
lindalandig
December 15, 2013 at 11:48 amI enjoyed seeing a sampling of your jewelry and beads from this past year, as well as a few photos of your life outside the studio. I adore that bird pendant!!!!
maryharding
December 15, 2013 at 2:23 pmLove your PeaceBird pendant Gaea. So fitting for this holiday season!!
Ann Schroeder
December 15, 2013 at 3:14 pmThis time of year – and throughout the year really – I think about how lucky and grateful I am. Thank you for sharing your beautiful creations with us!
beadrecipes
December 16, 2013 at 9:16 amHere in Australia we call December the Silly Season — for the number of holiday and end of year parties (it's the end of the school year for us too), for the mad rushing around one does going to school concerts, ballet concerts, shopping, and more, and for the sheer zaniness of life! So once I have a chance to catch my breath (maybe around the 26th), I'll be reflecting on what I have achieved this year as I have started to sell my jewellery for the first time.
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December 16, 2013 at 10:24 amGaea does such beautiful work
Tammie Everly
December 16, 2013 at 1:23 pmInteresting look back, the end of the year is always a good time to look back at how we've grown, changed and improved. Thank you for the opportunity to enter~ I LOVE that peace bird 😀
Cheri
December 16, 2013 at 4:04 pmI look back at how far I have come in the one year I have been making jewelry! I love using artbeads in my jewelry, they look amazing and not using them isn't an option. I love Gaea's beads and would love to win this bird!!
Cheri
December 16, 2013 at 4:06 pmI love creating with artbeads and would love to win this giveaway! As I look back over the past year, I am amazed at how far I have come in the year I have been making jewelry!
Susan Delaney
December 17, 2013 at 9:35 pmI am reflecting on how blessed I am. In this season of giving I am giving thanks.
Colleen
December 19, 2013 at 10:53 pmLike everyone, I've had highs and lows this year. Unfortunately, a lot more lows this year than highs. But, my plan is that next year isn't going to be the same and so I'm learning lessons from the lows and looking forward to changing things.