CRAFTS
 Shop at RubyBeads Store on Etsy
The blog: bead jewelry and related musings.
WHAT'S NEW
They say "sharing is caring." So let me make this page a jumpoff point for all the thoughts, ideas, crafts, and creations that I share online. Because I care and I want to make a difference.
08/30/2020 - How about that, we're still here! Stay safe, everyone!
04/24/2018 - Been spending so much time enjoying retirement. Crafting here... writing there... connecting with family and friends here and there. I don't have much to add to my online portfolio right now, but rest assured, the creative juices are still flowing. Come back to updates soon.
11/04/2015 -
Several updates on my Learn-Something-New blog:
* Autumn Leaves Lamp Project
* TARDIS Bridesmaid Gown Project
* Captain John Hart Costume Project
* Organizing Recyclable Plastic Bags
04/29/2015 - Been working on posting a few updates in my RubyBeads blog. Today, I also refreshed my Jewelry Articles section with a piece on Designing a Bridal Necklace. Good to be posting updates again.
03/24/2015 - I'm alive! We have successfully relocated to Manila, our new homebase. As I unpack my boxes of crafting materials and tools, I welcome Pandahall.com to our roster of sponsors for my RubyBeads blog. I will be showcasing their products in future jewelry and handcrafting projects.
12/17/2014 - Wow, it has been forever since my last update. The reason is we are relocating. A major life change is in the works. All of my jewelry and crafting materials, tools, and equipment are being packed and shipped to a new base of operations.
To the folks who contacted me regarding my creations -- I apologize for not being able to fill your orders at this time. I'll catch you all on the flip side. Have a wonderful holiday season!
08/07/2014 - I finally found time to start coding my Home & Garden tutorials to upload to this website. I'm still picking up momentum so it's just a few articles for now. The plan is to upload, by the end of the year, all the 180+ how-tos that I wrote for eHow.com. Fingers crossed.
06/30/2014 - Yes, I'm back on Etsy with a ton (okay, just 27 for now) polymer clay beads and bracelets for sale. Come and visit RubyBeads on Etsy and let me know what you think. Thanks!
06/05/2014 - Looks like I've been active on my Learn Something New blog lately. Here are my latest posts:
* How to Slice Watermelon into Chunks
* Cardboard Shadow Box Project
* How to Slice Pineapple into Chunks
* Breakfast Smoothie for Two
* Speed Bumps in the Highway of Life
04/29/2014 - Another contribution to the Kremp Florist Blog: Bird Feeders: Tips for Success. Glad to have the chance to share my years of experience feeding and photographing the wild birds in our backyard.
03/29/2014 - Here's my latest piece, a guest blog: Gardening For Healthy Body, Mind, and Spirit for the florist site, Kremp.com. Enjoy!
09/21/2013 - After countless false starts, I finally listed items (11!) at my Etsy store today. https://www.etsy.com/shop/RubyBeads is open!
And to celebrate the Grand Opening, I am offering *Free Shipping!*
09/07/2013 - Having finished the Elrond costume, I found time to make a couple of Thorin costume accessories for Oneal. Here are the blog posts on their build processes:
* The Hobbit: Thorin Oakenshield Boot Caps
* The Hobbit: Thorin Oakenshield Belt Buckle
08/11/2013 - I've uploaded a more organized set of build pages of my Lord Elrond Costume Project on my Learn-Something-New blog. Go to the summary page that lists all the costume elements separately. From the blog, you can Pin on Pinterest (which you can't do from the Facebook site).
08/07/2013 - Another achievement unlocked! I finally finished my Lord Elrond Costume Project! Took me six and a half months (whew!). The photo journal/album is currently on Facebook, but it's set to "public" so anyone can see it, even those with no Facebook accounts. If you're into costuming or cosplay, you'll want to check this out!
05/13/2013 - Inadvertently and unexpectedly, my Facebook site has become another dynamic platform for showcasing my crafts and DIY projects. Many of my posts are public (like my The Hobbit costuming projects). Check me out there: Ruby Bayan Llamas on Facebook.
04/20/2013 - Here are my pieces now published at Angie's List:
* Wedding photos: 5 topics to cover before hiring
* Wedding photos: 5 tips for picking a style
* Wedding photos: 3 tips for hiring video and photo pros
03/18/2013 - Check out my articles recently published at Lifescript.com:
* Dealing With Menopausal Weight Gain
* What Is the Typical Menopause Age?
* Coping With Hormonal Headaches
* Coping With Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
02/08/2013 - The year is rolling by very quickly! Things are evolving very quickly too at my end. I've tweaked OurSimpleJoys.com a bit to allow for social media to share my work. You will notice the green "share" button close to the titles of the articles I archive here. I've also updated some pages that have gone stale over years of (my) neglect.
Creativity-wise, I've shared a Hobbit Bracelet project on both my Learn-Something-New site and on my RubyBeads blog.
My latest creation is the Elrond circlet that I made for my son, who will be appearing as the snobbish elf Elrond when the second installment of The Hobbit premieres later this year.
01/03/2013 - Can you believe it? 2013! I still remember when part of my day job was to worry about the Y2K. Things have really changed since then. I just want to wish all my visitors a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Here's to new beginnings!
12/20/2012 - The Hobbit is now showing in theaters. Why is this important to me? Because my biggest handcrafting project of the year involved building a replica of the scalemail armor suit of the lead dwarf, Thorin Oakenshield. My nephew dressed up as Thorin for the press premiere of the Hobbit in Manila. Here are links to my build blog:
1. Hobbit Armor Costume Scale Mail Tutorial - Clay Scale
2. Hobbit Costume Scale Mail Tutorial - Painting
3. Hobbit Costume Tutorial - Sewing the Armor Shirt
4. Hobbit Costume Tutorial – Finished Thorin Scalemail
And here are the highlight photos on my Facebook: The Thorin Scalemail Project
09/02/12 - I've been a bit delinquent in updating my What's New column. Sorry about that. Life has been so hectic. I intend to devote a huge chunk of time to roll out much-needed updates to OurSimpleJoys. Let's see if I can actually pull it off before the end of the year.
08/30/12 - I was a Star Wars Celebration first-time attendee. I had a wonderful time! Thank you, Star Wars Fandom!
Links I mentioned to some folks I met at the convention:
* Star Wars Wedding of Stormtroopers Rej & Oneal
* Bridal Jewelry I designed for a Star Wars Wedding
* The making of my Breha Organa costume as primary sponsor at a Star Wars Wedding
04/03/12 - I'd like to thank my visitors for taking the time to drop me a note. It's heartwarming to hear from folks, total strangers, who express their appreciation for the thoughts, ideas, tips, and tutorials I share here on my site. As I always say, "Happy to help."
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