The Hydrangea Bust

I have spent most of 2026 blog posts reminiscing on our cross country move from the Southeast to the Southwest.  We moved from Utah to Arizona in April of 2021 and then I posted nothing the rest of that year.  My first blog post from Tucson was posted on February 9, 2023. Read it and you’ll get the vibes I’m talking about! Every post from then on was all about Tucson as we acclimated. Now firmly settled, we live as artists, Nathan with his water colors and me with my beadwork. We do what we want, when we want, if we want. Amen. 

As an artist, my beadwork continues to evolve. Every now and then I get it wrong and have to find ways to recover the piece.  There is no better example than my completed French beaded hydrangea getting planted in the wrong pot. Actually, I lost count of the number of people (other artists) who told me I selected the wrong vessel for this French beaded hydrangea (designed by Lauren Harpster @beadandblossomstudio) which I completed in January 2025. 

I loved this pot. It literally came with the house we bought in Tucson. For me, the colors of it really worked well with the beadwork. But when the count of pot opponents got to five, I decided to surrender to these professional folks who I believe know more than I.  It took some months for me to accept their challenge and to take action. So I finally hammered / smashed the pot and freed the trapped hydrangea (from plaster of Paris) in July 2025 and made plans to replace it with a new, more subtle (comparatively, almost boring) pot selection.   It took great courage to break that pot.  Wanna watch?  Here are my attempts from start to finish.  

The great reveal of my replacement pot (it's boring) will be in November. That said, I have chosen the right one this time. According to artistic dynamics (I made that up) it’s a better fit spacially because the height of this beautiful finished plant dictates a lower sitting pot.  Have I repotted it yet? No, I’ve been procrastinating because potting is always the scary part for me. Some of the potting can be a permanent fixture and can’t be undone. UNLESS YOU BREAK THE POT. 

This hydrangea must be replanted soon as it is begging for support and nagging my dreams. This is the month I will do it!  So guess what November’s blog post will be reporting on… -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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The Story of Tina's Sedona

Many people seem to think that I live in Sedona instead of Tucson and are puzzled by the name I gave my small woman-owned business.   I thought readers might be interested in how the name Tina's Sedona came to be and clear up any confusion. Every December differing versions of the "Christmas Story" are told, to which not everyone subscribes. So, here is a refreshing true story not open to debate. 

In 2015, a friend and I traveled to Sedona for the first time. In preparation, I spent time researching the nature of "vortices" and where I might find one in Sedona where it is believed they run rampant. My efforts were needless, because within 24 hours of arriving, I began to feel either high or drunk, I couldn’t decide. Vortices do move around and apparently they found me. Everywhere I went I asked people if they could feel it. Their response? "Sounds like a vortex has got ya!" There is much debate on the subject of altitude's impact on emotions. With Sedona at 4300 feet above sea level and me -- back then -- from St. Petersburg, Florida at 48 feet above sea level, that may have been a factor. That said, I would argue that, for me, this experience felt much more spiritual than physiological.

Seeing captivating red rock formations up close and personal within Sedona proper was indeed mesmerizing. Their energy was palpable! At the local airport, my friend and I attended a daily event that rendered an absolutely spectacular sunset.  

This is me at the airport. Do I look high or drunk? (I was neither, I swear.)

Was I inspired by the trip? Likely. But more than that, I was strongly influenced. The colors of the red-rock buttes, the vivid blue skies, and extreme sunset compilation heightened my innate love of color.  The whole experience seemed to create a sense of confidence, a “knowing”, and a steady stream of ideas with an urgency for my hands to produce artistic creations at a frenetic pace.  Suddenly, color, texture and nature became imperative for my pieces. Returning to Florida, my creative nature turned somersaults and began to produce creations that I had not before considered.

So instead of "business as usual" I got serious about my artwork knowing that my impression of Sedona and the energy I experienced there was always going to be with me, with no way to turn back. In every piece I produced, I would have no choice but to reflect my interpretation of Sedona. Hence the name Tina's Sedona! It came quickly and surely,  like an old friend, just waiting for me to discover it.   ➰➰➰

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An Early 2026

As the year end approaches, who isn't noticing how fast 2025 has flown by? In the blink of an eye, I find myself looking ahead and planning my life for 2026.  I am already focusing on New Year's resolutions. My three priorities are to narrow down my focus of creative production, to slow down a bit (I am still defining that), and to embrace the creative skills that make me happiest. "Squirrel!" Every piece of jewelry in this post contains shades of brown. What does that mean?

AT LAST

After all the exciting activities of the past few months I have slowed down to just 2 - 3 projects in progress. One of them includes hiring a website expert who is working his magic as we speak.   I have yielded to a fabulous web designer and I am very excited for the upcoming results!  I am preparing to make shopping Tina's Sedona a total turnaround experience. It is long overdue and I appreciate everyone who has hung in there waiting for me to reach this point and surrender to an expert.  It is getting close to a launch date.

DOES THE WORD "CULL" APPLY?

I am "itching" to trim my online inventory by removing pieces that no longer represent MY definition of artistic beadwork.  This is going to provide some GREAT SALES for those who want to benefit from a gleaning of unique, attractive, wearable beadwork.  And yes, it is still artistic beadwork, just not as much to me. Do you have similar objects in your life to "cull"?

THE ARTIST'S WAY?

I want to get back to more imagination in my creations like when I first began beading and every piece was an experiment.  When I ask AI "Why Do Artists Get Bored With What They Are Making?" One of the seven answers given was "Desire for originality: A strong drive for originality means that working on similar projects repeatedly can feel uninspired or unfulfilling." Yes, and so does making the same objects as other artists. What do you enjoy experimenting with? Did you know that I sometimes do commissioned work?

INNOVATION?
My French Beaded (FB) floral projects have stalled due to distractions by non-beading "adventures".  That said, I've let my hands explore some smaller FB projects with size 15/0 beads to create a finer weave of beaded earrings - the bottom pair.  Let me know what you think of them? My goal is to provide a Bohemian style (top pair made with larger beads of size 11/0) and a smaller one that gives a more dressy look (Note: The larger the size number, the smaller the bead) Click photo for a larger view.

FOR YOU
Winter is coming and those of you who hibernate to some extent might be considering a new creative experience.  You already have your own list to choose from. I hope it includes considering French beading. You can join and learn for free from Facebook Group Learn How To Make French Beaded Flowers. The month long project videos are so cool to watch even if you decide it's not for you. You will get a better appreciation for the techniques that go into the pieces that I weave. My Anthurium project below...

FOR ME
Once again, with summer heat gone, Nathan and I are walking regularly and cycling a bit in our community.  I am determined to keep walking year round as we do have a gym in our community. Our bodies took a hit from the past summer's hibernation habits.  Being retired after years of 5:30 a.m. alarms is something I still SO treasure and enjoy.  What do you do to get yourself up and out early in the morning to exercise? 

Happy Thanksgiving in advance... Would love to read your comments!

Be Grateful!

Tina

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The Rewards of Tenacity

At last the summer heat has subsided and fall temperatures, even though sometimes in the 80's, are a welcome change. Another welcome change is that Tina's Sedona has rebirthed a shopping cart after a break of several years. I trust you will feel welcomed to shop our full line of beaded artistry from earrings to necklaces to bracelets. When you visit you will find a special offer on any piece that you admire!

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