What I sent to my partner for her Bead Soup...

Phew.

I can finally unscramble my picture to show you what I sent my partner Cherrie Fick for her Blog Soup surprise package. Since it took way longer than normal for the stuff to get to California, I was really worried that Cherrie would never get her soup.  Now, apparently, she has 2 packages!  Good luck with that one, Cherrie.....loads of work to be done!

I made the components and sent also some lovely missficklemedia patinaed chain.  There are a couple of clasps to choose from as I have been experimenting with clasps to add to my shop.  And an assortment of beads, of course....tubes, ruffles and strata bead and one pod.  (What would life be without pods?)

Both sides of the main focal...

A couple of shots of some of the other components, including the clasps...

And as a reminder, my soup from Cherrie...oh, what delicious earthy colours!

Have fun, everyone!

What I got for my bead soup!

Just thought I'd post about what I got for my Bead Soup from my partner in California, Cherrie Fick.

I'm pretty sure this will be a challenge for me simply because I usually make supplies, and struggle greatly with putting anything together.  This is why I join the Bead Soup Party, really.  It forces me to confront my fear of decision-making in the making of jewelry!  And because I'm working with things I may not have ever have thought to choose for myself, it broadens my horizons considerably.

Cherrie sent me a lovely selection of stones, bones, ceramic and glass and a lovely clasp by my dear missficklemedia.  I already have a couple of ideas which will present these in a different way!  I will publish another altered photo as a sneek peak when I get a little closer to finishing the piece.

 Please note the extraordinary and subtle range of yellows, ochres, oranges, reds and browns that she has sent for me to try.  Lovely!   Included are ceramic ( the flower focal), glass, bone, carnelian, agate and copper.  Can't wait to get at it as I know it will take me quite a bit of time to do the components justice...


Many thanks, Cherrie!  Hope you can work with what I sent!

Sneak peek...

I was one day late getting out my bead soup - apologies to my Bead Soup partner Cherrie Fick!   Hopefully, she will receive it very soon.  It just took a bit of time as I made most things in it, and was having some trouble making design decisions.  I have made up a scrambled 'sneak peek' picture that doesn't give away too much...

 I have already received Cherrie's package and will post about that tommorow!  Have some ideas already....

Do have a lovely Sunday - severe thunderstorms here!

Bead Soup by horse and buggy

I am still working my way through the Bead Soup Blog party participant's offerings.  ( Hence the reference to slooow travel...)  There are some wonderful things to be seen:

Three participants leap to my mind particularly, Christine Damm of Stories they tell,  Sig Wynne-Evans ( whose prowess and design ability with seed beads wowed me) and Nancy Schindler of  Round Rabbit.  All quite different, all fantastic.  Actually, I could sit here all night long linking to blogs as those are just 3 of many that I enjoyed.  And, I have to say a huge thank you to the people who took the time and trouble to comment on my work, and to begin following my blog.  Hopefully, there will be more fun stuff for you to follow about my work and stuff that interests me about the creative process.  Check back tomorrow, I have a post planned on something completely different ( for me, in polymer, that is!).

 All this blog hopping is distracting me from the horrific realization that I put my iPod through the wash cycle yesterday...aargh!  Am drying it out in silica gel hoping that it will work again..hah!  I was half way through the 3rd book in the Millenium series...I am addicted to audible.com!  Well, perhaps my work will take on a lighter mood if I listen to something a little less grim!  Spent most of the day getting iTunes (another frustrating piece of work if there ever was one) to sync with my Sansa Clip tiny mp3 player.  Finally succeeded, but I miss my old iPod and the new Apple products are very glitzy, busy and important.  Here's hoping that the old one can be resuscitated.  How stupid could I get?  (Actually, please don't answer that....)

Aren't these stupendous?

Bead Soup Blog Party revealed - Wood, egg and Vine'

Welcome all!
My goodies...

When I revealed my components from my partner Skye Jewels, I didn't reveal everything, but, in my defense, this was wholly unintentional.   I only discovered later that two of the delicious small tiles were double-sided.  On the reverse side of a tiley viney image, there was a wonderful rather mournful lost bird . ( Hey , she's my bird and I can anthropomorphise if I want to....).  SHE was the tile I chose for my focal, but in order to keep the tile reversible, I mounted it in a polymer frame which can display both sides.

 The other side:

The lovely beads were my eggs of course, and required a quiet and woody (beady) background to show them off, and some vines crept in there as well.  So the whole thing goes like this:

My bit of fun ( and toil, I might add) for the month!

Go, enjoy all those other wonderful blogs!  Happy Saturday!

1.  Lori Anderson, Pretty Things (your hostess)
2. Kitty Durmaj, Perles and Life
3.  Michelle Heim, Life In the Bead Lane
4.  Lisa Petrillo, Lucid Moon Studio
5.  Anitra Gordy, Leelu Creations
6.  Paige Maxim, Paige Maxim Designs
7.  Marianna Boylan, Pretty Shiny Things
8.  Cheryl Roe, BeadRoe
9.  Heidi Post, Ex Post Facto
10.  Cindy Wimmer, Sweet Bead Studio


11.  Terri Gauthier, Blooming Ideas
12.  Rachel Walsh, Balanced Crafts
13.  Marian Hertzog, M's Place
14.  Mary McGraw, MK's Musings
15.  Sarabeth Burke, Chronicles of Sarita
16.  Deci Worland, Gem Trails
17.  Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found
18.  Laura Zeiner, Stick Lizard Designs
19.  Kristin Latimer, MJM Jewelry Designs
20.  Cathryn Brooks-Williams, Chile Cats


21.  Holly Westfall, Silver Rose Designs
22.  Janna Harttgen, Palima-Lim
23.  Libby Leuchtman, Libby Leu
24.  Rebecca Anderson, Songbeads
25.  Deb Hunter, Living On Air
26.  Diana Ptaszynski, Suburban Girl Studio
27.  Jennifer VanBenschoten, VanBeads
28.  Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter
29.  Cyndi Lavin, Beading Arts
30.  Courtney Breul, Beads by Breul


31.  Stefanie Teufel, Stefanie's Sammelsurium
32.  Patricia Gasparino, My Life Under the Bus
33.  Tari Khars, Pearl and Pebble
34.  Kristi Bowman-Gruel, Kristi Bowman Design
35.  Jayne Capps, Mama's Got to Doodle
36.  Becky Fairclough, Chameleons Designs
37.  Evie and Beth McCord, EB Bead & Metal Works
38. Lynne Bowland, Islandgirl's Insights
39.  Barbara Lewis, Painting With Fire
40.  Lorelei Eurto, Inside the Studio


41.  Stacy Hartis, Sissy & Jack's
42.  Jennifer Cameron, Glass Addictions
43.  Marcie Abney, La Bella Joya
44.  Johanna Rhodes, Fire Phoenix Creations
45.  Nan Emmett, Spirit Rattles
46.  Melissa Mesara, One Eared Pig 
47.  Amanda Davie, Articulations
48.  Cherin Poovey, Lanyard Lady
49.  Virginia Joste, ViviBijoux


50.  Andrew Thornton, The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
51.  Lori Dorrington, Lori's Glassworks
52.  Melanie Brooks, Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
53.  Kate Gardenghi, Tropical Blonde
54.  Serena Trent, PinkIce Jewel's Blog
55. Malin de Koning, Beading by Malin de Koning
56.  Shai Williams, Shaiha's Ramblings
57.  Francy Inman, 8 Second Studio
58.  Amy Freeland, Copper Diem
59.  Lisa Liddy, Joolz By Lisa


60.  Sandi Lee James,  Do Be Do Bead Do
61.  Mary Harding, Mary Harding Bead Blog
62.  Stacey Curry, Star Hitched Wagon
63.  Leslie Gidden, Mad Maggie Designs
64.  Elisabeth Auld, Beads For Busy Gals
65.  Niky Sayers, Silver Nik Nats
66.  Linda Djokic, Lutka and Co.
67.  Tracy Bell, Copper, Glass, and Recycled Trash
68.  Laurel Steven, Rue's Daftique
69.  Ingrid McCue, Wrapped In Silver



70.  Birgitta Lejonklou, Create With Spirit
71.  Diana Hawkey, Diana Hawkey
72.  Norma Turvey, Moonlit Fantaseas
73.  Jeanette Ryan, Jeanette Blix
74.  Jackie Ryan, Silver Lodge Gems
75.  Jean Yates, Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading to Be Done!
76.  Debbie Goering, Prairie Emporium
77.  Valerie Norton, Hot Art
78.  Jana Trupovniece, Stories of the Secret Garden
79.  Amy Severino, Amy Beads


80.  Emma Thomas, Fred Beans Nook
81.  Karen Zanco, Everyday Gypsy
82.  Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Beadphoria
83.  Janet McDonald, Singing Woods
84.  Dana James, Dana's Jewelry Designs
85.  Kristina Johansson, Wild Roses and Blackberries
86.  CJ Bauschka, CJ Bauschka
87.  Angela Barribea, Re: Angela Rae
88. Marcy Lamberson, Studio Marcy
89.  Tanya Floyd, Glass Migrations


90.  Lisa Kavanaugh, Beading Bliss
91.  Sue Hodgkinson, Hello Gorgeous
92.  Jenni Connolly, Jenni's Bead
93.  Nally Parfyonova, Nally's Creations
94.  Karyn White, Releases By Rufydoof  
95. Emanda Johnson, Artemisia Studio
96.  Sandy Richardson, Sandy's Coloring Box
97.  Cindy Dolezal,  Cindy Dolezal Designs
98.  Stacie Stamper, Park Avenue
99. Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads


100.  Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings
101.  Nicole Valentine-Rimmer, N. Valentine Studio
102.  Jacinta Meyers, Jamberrysong's Creations
103.  Charlene Gary, Gray Girl Studios
104.  Rubiee Hayes, Glitter and Keys Galore
105.  Marge Beebe, Rock Creek Creations
106.  Elizabeth Freeman, Turquoise Sky
107.  Shelby Foxwell, Sundown Bead Designs Rhetoric
108.  Lynda Moseley, Diva Designs
109.  Grace Danel,  Grace Beading
110.  Lois Moon, Que Onda Quitman


111.  Agnes Shapiro, Beader Bubbe 
112.  Terry Carter, Tapping Flamingo
113.  Judy Glende, Judith B. Designs
114.  Mary Ellen Parker, Bee Tree By Me
115. Barbara Bechtel, Second Surf
116.  Charlene Sevier, The Bead Dreamer
117. Alice Craddick, Alice's Beads and Baubles
118.  Cory Celaya, Art With Moxie
119.  Ronda Adams, The Ravished Heart 
120.  Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe Designs


121. Anna Lear, The Laughing Raven
122. Susie Hibdon, Vintagesusie & Wings 
123.  Amanda Austin, Sea Shore Glass
124.  Jennifer Velasquez, Jen Judd Rocks
125.  Hazel Ward, All Those Things
126.  Brenda Salzano, Salzanos
127.  Dee Gordon, Runako Designs by Dee
128.  Anna Denisova, Anita-M
129.  Margaret Saari, Mags-Jewelry


130.  Genea Crivello-Knable, Genea Beads
131.  Penny Neville, Copper Penny
132.  Angela Blasingame, Hopemore
133. Helena Fritz, Beadwork by H's Blog
134. Stephanie LaRose, Confessions of a Bead Hoarder
135. Stephanie Haussler, PixyBug Designs
136. Diane Cook, Rosa & Josies 
137.  Maryse Thillens, Glass Bead Art
138.  Jennifer Pride, Jewelry by J.P.
139.  Shannon Chomanczuk, For My Sweet Daughter


140.  Lisa Godfrey, Bead Happy
141.  Heather Pyle, Welcome to My  Muse
142.  Regina Santerre, Regina's Writings
143.  Liz DeLuca, Creative Arty Facts
144.  Sig Wynne-Evans, Beaded Bear's Nonsense
145.  Loretta Carstensen, Loretta's Boutique
146.  Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads
147.  Amber Dawn, Inventive Soul
148.  Shelly Graves, Stars Dance With Me
149.  Jess Italia Lincoln, Vintaj Blog


150. JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions
151.  Carrie Tahquechi, Carrie T
152.  Staci Smith, Staci Louise Originals
153.  Katarzyna Kwiatkowska, Quiet Area
154.  Ema Kilroy, Ema K Designs
155. Magdalena Sikora, Poranna Gazeta
156.  Nicole Keller, Nicki's Reef
157.  Ann Rishell, My Critical Eye
158.  Noemi Baena, Fire, Metal, and Color
159. Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman


160.  Barbara Blaszczyk, Labotorium Flory
161.  Collette Collins, Firefly Myst
162.  Carola Greiser, Polymer Clay Shed
163.  Joanna Kopijczuk, Bizuteria z Filcu
164. LeAnn Weih, Summers Studio
165.  Cassandra Watsham, Design by Cassandra
166. Anna Motz, Stunning
167.  Shea Zukowski, Gr8findings
168.  Susan Kennedy, Sue Beads
169.  Lisa Boucher, Lisa's Clay Happenings


170.  Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
171.  Alison Crenshaw, Beads by Earth Tones
172.  Dorcas Midkiff, Wondrous Strange Designs
173.  Melissa Rediger, Sea of Glass
174.  Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre
175.  Julie Nordine, Julie Nordine | Credit River Art Glass
176.  Menka Gupta, Menka's Blog
177. Patsy Evins, Patsy Evins Studio
178.  Cherrie Fick, En La Lumie're
179.  Suzette Bentley, Ellie's Bijoux


180.  Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me
181.  Lyn Foley, Lyn Foley Wearable Art
182. Tara Plote, The Newbie Beader's Blog
183. Natalie Schuetz, Natalie S Perlen
184. Kim Hutchinson, Running on Ink
185. Haley Frank, Wide Eyed Smilin
186. Grace Caputo, Suddenly Last Summer
187. Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp, Skye Jewels
188. Erin Siegel, Erin Siegel Jewelry
189.  Janea McDonald, Organized Chaos


190.  Kristi Evenson, Colie Bug & Co.
191.  Linda Inhelder, Must Haves Jewelry
192.  Hilary Frye, FryeStyle
193. Whitney Lassini, Whitney Lassini
194. Nancy Schindler, The Rabbit Muse
195. Pam Brisse, The Blue Between
196. Beth Bricker, Vintage Sweets
197.  Ruthie Stickney, Rose Works Jewelry and Gifts
198.  Rose Noble, Lady Noble Designs
199. Karen Williams, Baublicious


200.  Claire Maunsell, The Next Bend YOU ARE HERE!
201.  Christine Damm, Stories They Tell
202.  Kerry Bogert, Kab's Creative Concepts
203.  Wendy Blum, Sand & Sea Designs
204.  Juli Cannon, Julsbeads
205.  Jenny Robledo, La Dona Boutique
206.  Krista French, French Elegant Jewelry
207.  Pam Krinski, Ewa Beads
208.  Melissa Meman, Melissa Meman, Art, Life, Love
209.  Dana Jones, Dana's Jewelry
210.  Shirley Moore, Homeschooling Life

A small peek before Saturday...

Finally, I'm finished!  

I succeeded in completing my Bead Soup Blog Party piece two days before needed, which makes me happy as I usually go down to the wire on every deadline.  I won't say much about it before Saturday, except to say that it proved as much of a challenge as I thought would be.  Honestly, I'm hopeless at putting jewelry together, all huge thumbs and doing things five times over before I get it right.  I have such respect for the the people out there who do this successfully for a living ( ie. our hostess...).  I must have rearranged things a million times before even starting....please, someone, tell me the process CAN flow more smoothly than this!

It also gave me more insight into what I've been doing most of lately, that is, making components for other jewelry makers - how elements and components might be redesigned to work better, look better and attach better.  So, whatever my piece looks like (amateurish), the time spent doing this has been valuable for making beads and other components to sell to people who know what they are doing.  Not so shabby...

I've also confirmed what I suspected - I like to make every part of a piece of jewelry, even the findings - I guess so that it looks like a part of me ( though sadly, perhaps not like a wearable piece of jewelry).  Will have to get more comfortable with metal.

A little bit of fresco filtering from photoshop and Bob's your uncle!  Wow, I wish it really looked like this!

See you on Saturday...

A second thing -

Must be a record for me, two blog posts in one day. 
Yesterday I received my package from my  Bead Soup Blog  Party partner - she is Marie Cramp of Skye Jewels.  I'd  just like to give you a taste of things to come:

the mystery-

 After opening, I have a generous number of beautiful flat tiles with very evocative images.  I know this is going to to a true challenge for me because I rarely, if ever, use images in my work.  Oh , Lori.....

 What I immediately gravitate towards in these tiles is the sepia/magenta/blackness of them, because I work with these colours all the time.  Maybe I'll be able to find a way in...
Also included are lovely brass finish findings, bead caps, chain and a clasp - another challenge, I ususally make everything in polymer.  (Don't despair,  you'll find those pliers somewhere in the mess on your desk).

 And finally, these lovely little glass beads!  The way to an ex-glass blower's heart...something I can always relate to!

I will succeed, I will!  (But it will be difficult).

Thanks for everything, Marie!

My first (formal) sale...

Just to let you know that while I feel my way back into the work I'm exploring, I've decided to have my first sale on Etsy.  For real, official, for true, everything 20% off, until next Tuesday...and for anyone out there who reads my blog regularly, I'm going to steal the idea of the wonderful jibbyandjuna and offer you wonderful people a special coupon to use (should you be so inclined...) that will give you 25% off.  Just use 'SecretValentine2011' at checkout to get your discount.

At the moment, I'm still working on hollow bracelets and beads, and I'm looking for someone to test drive one of my split ring bracelets before I start to sell them.  You know, wear it, comment on it, possibly break it...that sort of thing.  I'd like to have some kind of idea of durability because it's possible that I'm too careful with them.  This is a sans cost opportunity (I would ship it to you), so just drop a comment if you'd be interested.  If there are more than a couple of comments, I'll draw for it.

  Some simple striped and etched beads.

Also this month, I've jumped into the 'Bead Soup Blog Party'. (Click the button at the bottom right for more information, should be a blast!)  This makes me confront my greatest insecurity .....putting stuff togther!  It is a great exercise, so be sure to check out everyone's results in February.