We had a really cold March so I spent most of it making new beads including these ~

FOSSIL ~ A mingling of murrini, goldstone, silvered ivory, hand pulled stringer & traces of gold leaf, pressed into coins & stamped to create interesting surface textures.

LITTLE GEMS ~ Handmade glass beads with shimmering silver, dichro sparkle, goldstone touches & murrini detail.

HANA ~ Handmade glass beads with dark teal centers sprinkled with gold mica, encased & layered with murrini flowers.

PICCADILLY CIRCUS ~ Glass beads in bright, fun colours with playful designs!

If you missed seeing these & the many other sets I posted for sale, you can like and follow our Facebook Page - www.facebook.com/beadtree.net (or just search "the Bead Tree" when you're on Facebook) to keep up to date.

It felt like I stayed inside for almost the entire month, but when the weather broke the odd time, I did get out to enjoy some of the nature trails in the city ~

And our sweet boy Mickey enjoyed the smell of fresh air on those warm days too.

But more than not, he just wanted to sit on my computer and gaze lovingly into my eyes, or maybe my ear, who can say? 

Chris & I even stayed in for St. Patty's day, making it as festive as possible with corned beef and cabbage, Guinness, good old Irish whiskey & of course our little pal Mickey, who must be Irish because of his name.

Cabin fever was rough, but I did manage a quick road trip down to Airdrie to celebrate my friend, Tricia's 40th birthday. Originally, we had plans to celebrate in Ireland as she's a St. Patty's baby, but she got pregnant last March so they decided it was best to stay put & throw a party at their house ~

Look at those cheeks on sweet Sullivan!

And I brought with me a gift, a necklace I made for her (with help) of various treasures that have sentimental value to our friendship ~ 

Back at home, during bead breaks I took many more photos of Mickey, please allow me to indulge a little:

I love when Mickey sit-sleeps.

After seeing this photo above, a friend commented, "he's got quite the foot salad happening."

If you haven't figured it out yet, we're a little smitten on this kitten.

And now, April is here & the weather is finally warming up. The day lilies in my front bed have peeked out from the dark earth, luring the jack rabbits to nibble at their tips. And the days are magically stretching out, I took this photo of the sunset at 8 pm!

I'm excited about this Spring. Judy just got back from Phoenix and we will be working on a new line of jewels. We have a bedroom reno on the go (I'll show photos in the next update). I have lots of pruning to do in the yard & I'm considering training Mickey to walk on a leash (fingers crossed, he is his own boss).

How's your spring going?