


When I first moved to New Orleans in February, I had my first real experience with Mardi Gras and its parades. I remember going to New Orleans as a child. My mother's youngest brother lives in New Orleans so we had the occasional treat of visiting him. I later visited New Orleans as a senior in high school when I was looking at Loyola University. So, now after living here almost 8 months it is starting to feel like home. Well, point being- I was ecstatic with all the beautiful floats, parties, my first piece of king cake and many bags of beads. My uncle is a part of one of the krewes and I had the opportunity to see many of the floats before the actual parade. I must say that I was like a child, running around climbing in them, and having my picture taken inside of them, outside of them, even with my head in the mouth of a dragon.
I was determined to create something with all the beads that I had collected on St Charles (in the grass, on the ground, hanging from trees and with the few that I actually caught)! I began experimenting with them in every way. In the end, the mosaics seemed the way to go. I still have my bags of sorted colors and somehow, I am not tired of them. I have grown to love creating the mosaic creations. So, feel free to send any unwanted beads my way! The images posted are the ones I have created thus far! I am sure I will have more to come. They are all purchasable and customizable as well!