Tom, LTYH is a pretty thing. I love her edge that seems to be crimped. MR is a beauty always but your clump is glorious. Thank you Sharon. They are beauties and favs. Linda, I have several whites but didn't pollinate MRI. She bloomed so late this year and most were gone where I would use her pollin so she escaped. I think I have saved some for next year though.. Betsy, I paid a high price for her last year but I think she is worth it. I'm sure her cost is down now. Save the pennies. Thank you all for your comments...Ellie

Awww oodie this is beautiful!!! Great job!! You give me way too much credit woman!! I've always considered myself a terrible teacher! I'm too detail oriented and most of the time think if someone like me can do something then anyone can. I'm a visual/hands on learner so instructions sometimes slow me down...give me a photo of something I'm interested in and I'm good to go. I joined the group to help where and when I can and to learn from all you other wonderfully talented and creative folks. I'll be happy to help anyone out who asks...if I don't know the answer I will surely find the answer for both of us. zshopper- don't spend a lot of money on beads,tools and supplies until you decide if you like making jewelry. It's like any other craft you can spend a fortune on supplies and gear then end up hating it...like me and scrapbooking..UGH!! I love card making but scrapbooks are really not my thing at all...too much time. I say go to Wal Mart buy a few things and for tools you can use old nail clippers for wire cutters to get started or raid someone's tool box..lol, needle nose pliers or invest a little in a 3 n 1 tool there in the Wal Mart jewelry department. Don't forget to check out Wal Mart's Dollar beads. Get one of those little plastic boxes with the comparments it's what I use to use to seperate my cross stitch thread or little tupperware bowls with lids are a good starter. A bead board is another good investment they cost less than $5.00. Then when you decide you really are addicted to this craft...start buying the very best you can afford and take really good care of it. Got to the library look through the magazines, newest jewelry craft books they have get inspired! If you have DIYNetwork check out the jewelry show on there, a lot of basics are taught on that show. Check out jewelry makers on Carol Duvall. We are all here to support you,hold your hand and cheer you on!! delaniemae...beginning in junior high(long ago),I would scour flea markets,yard sales,thrift stores and such before it was hip to do so,and revamp and restore old pieces. I hand my own style kinda like the movie Pretty in Pink...making something out of nothing. I still get giddy over beautiful buttons, fabric(I don't sew) and rhinestones. I use to carry vintage purses to match all my outfits, even if it was jeans and a sweatshirt my purse, earrings and bracelet was color coordinated vintage wear. I have huge bins of stuff in my basement that I've had since then and refuse to give up. I started collecting and making the "Bejeweled Christmas" trees a few years back. It was a 70's craft that caught my eye and I've been doing for a while but only for special orders...it's a lot of work. I have collected more than I have made and each one is so unique and different. I LOVE THEM!! Sorry guys didn't mean to write a book or hog a thread it's just one of those rainy mornings and I've been up for ages! ginger Here is a link that might be useful: Bejeweled Christmas Tree

thanks! I can't wait to see the next colors she sends :) Kathy, I have the wire and will send it out on Monday. It's on eBay right now. I can email you the link if you want.

The top 1 was old buttons with turquoise beads in between, the square buttons were pearly looking & had a lot of them I had gotten at a church sale in a button box. The red buttons on the bottom were new my GF gave me to use as I had given her some of the square buttons. Any will do, just pick out what you like.The gold colored ones in center were from a broken necklace. And if you have box of rags check to be sure all the buttons were cut off. Or if blouse is damaged & you are throwing it out don't forget to remove the buttons 1st!! I'm thinking that a neat bracelet might be all the buttons different colors with gold beads between, will probably try that. Just get a terrycloth washcloth & lay your beads & buttons in what you think might work & see how you like it. The terry or waffle-weave cloth if you have it keeps the stuff where you put it so you can see how it will look put together. Have fun! Jan