Bead Soup Blog Party Reveal Day!

For all of us beady bloggers, this is a big day!  The 8th annual Bead Soup Blog Party is in full swing!  This is the third year that I have participated, and each year has been fun and challenging.  I really hit it off with my partner, Leithleach which made things extra fun.  A look back at our soups can be viewed here.  

I will start the pictures with one of the necklaces I made.  I received two focals, and used both of them in necklaces.  The first one is a pretty red flower with subtle white stripes.  I combined it with black lucite and glass flowers, antique brass metal, and large red Czech glass beads.  I am thrilled with how this necklace turned out.

Isn't it sweet?

The second necklace I made kind of has an Earthy, southwestern feel to me.  I used many elements from my soup, then added some gemstones, chain, leather cord, and ribbon.  I also hammered out some copper washers and an S clasp and aged them with liver of sulfer.

I made some earrings with the Mother of Pearl coins that I thought turned out cute.  I have lots more of these to work with, and I think I'll make a cha-cha bracelet to match.

Last but not least, of course I had to make something beachy.  I had some little silver rope rings that went perfectly with the clasp from my soup.  I used them to dangle seashells, starfish, and crystals all around this little bracelet.

This was such a fun experience.  I have to say that each of my pieces ended up being different than I thought they would be when I first started them.  They evolved into their own, and I guess that's what I'm doing too.  It is very rewarding to create, and being challenged to create with something we might not normally choose shows us that there are infinite possibilities.  I would like to thank Lori Anderson for her amazing dedication, hard work, perseverance and the love she has put into this huge party.  A big thank you also goes out to my wonderful partner Leithleach.  One of the very best things about this experience for me has been making a new friend.

Here is a link that will take you to the list of all participant's blogs.
http://www.prettythingsblog.com/
Happy hopping!

Stone and Sparkle Earrings

This is one of those designs that turned into a happy accident. I didn't have a plan at all, I just wanted to make earrings out of my new handmade "Granite" polymer clay headpins and beads. I love the combination of the organic polymer clay components combined with the sparkle and elegance of the Swarovski crystals and silver.

 Stone and Sparkle Earrings

Bead Soup Blog Party Update

There has been much going on with my participation in the Bead Soup Blog Party since I last posted.  First of all, I got my partner Leithleach, and we've been getting to know each other.  She is lots of fun to work with, and makes beautiful jewelry.  Here's a link to her blog:  http://alainnjewelry.wordpress.com  

A favorite piece of jewelry made by Leithleach...

 

 Isn't it just gorgeous?

 We were on the same schedule as far as creating and sending our soups, in fact we got them only one day apart.  I was extremely excited when mine arrived!  I was looking at it as a present, and I love presents!  I had to take my time opening my present, though, photos were a must!

My goodies along with a lovely handwritten note...  The first little box I opened actually was a present!  Beautiful shamrock earrings just in time for St. Patrick's Day!

 Now, Leithleach had prepared a few soups before we found out who our partners were.  She changed things up a bit after viewing the jewelry that I make.  She sent a double serving of soup with a nice variety of ingredients!

 Ooh, lots of goodies to play with!

My favorite pieces are the two focals.  They are sparking design ideas like crazy.  Leithleach and I both sent each other soups that are in color pallets we don't work with a lot.  It will be fun and interesting to see what we come up with!

Here's the soup that I sent my partner.

I hope she has fun with it, and I can't wait to see what she creates!

Bead Soup Blog Party

It's time for the 8th annual Bead Soup Blog party!  The list of participants has been published, and our partners will be announced February 28th.  I can't wait to find out who my partner is!  I want to say thank you to our gracious host, Lori Anderson for once again putting on this big party!  To read about the party, and for some great bead reading, visit Lori's blog at http://www.prettythingsblog.com/

GO HAWKS!

In our house, football is a really big deal, and we love our 

Seattle Seahawks.  Win or lose, we are diehard fans.  Well, we sure came out winners this year!  Superbowl champs for the first time ever!  I am very proud to be part of a fan group that is so loyal, and to have a team that is so deserving of that loyalty.  The 12th man is loud and proud in our house...Go Hawks!

 

 

Here are a few pieces of jewelry I made in honor of our team.

Bead Soup Blog Party

Today is the first reveal for the 7th Bead Soup Blog Party!  I want to start by saying thank you to Lori Anderson for hosting these fun blog hops.  She puts her heart into making them happen, and it's a lot of work.  We all appreciate everything you do, Lori!  I'd also like to give a shout out to my partner, Pamela Gangler, who sent me a most generous soup that I had lots of fun with!

A reminder of the soup Pamela sent to me...

My first design is a pair of earrings using the pretty pink Czech glass rondelles.

 Next, a bangle bracelet featuring the focal.

Finally, a cha-cha bracelet with the pretty toggle and the green glass.  I love the way this one turned out, airy and light, reminiscent of Springtime.

I made three items with my soup, and I still have "left overs".  I have plans for those ingredients as well, and I can't wait to put my designs together.  I've enjoyed participating in this fun party, and now I'm off to see what everyone else created!

Bead Soup!

Wow, I can't believe the big (first) reveal is tomorrow for the 7th Bead Soup Blog Party hosted by Lori Anderson!  It's always fun to see what everyone makes out of their soup.  I am soup partners with Pamela Gangler.  She is a talented designer with a flair for nature's beauty, and her designs are made with meaning and spirit.  She sent me a beautiful soup in Spring colors.  Perfect for how I'm feeling right now, as I have a bad case of Spring Fever!  My favorite season is Autumn, but we've had a long, cold, gray winter here in Washington, and I'm ready for some sunshine and flowers!

Here is a peek at my pretty soup mix from Pamela...

 

 

 A close-up of the toggle, which I think is adorable!

Here's what I sent Pamela:

Pamela has been super sweet with kind words about her soup, 

and I can hardly wait to see what she created! 

I'll be back with pictures tomorrow...

Until then, happy Spring!

Count me in for the 7th Bead Soup Blog Party, hosted by the gracious Lori Anderson!   This will be the second time I've participated in the fun event.  There are over 500 people participating this time, and that's a record!  This weekend we find out who our partners are, then it's time to get cooking!

Memories and Thanks

               Lori Anderson's idea for a Memories and Thanks Blog Hop appealed to me right from the first time I read about it.  What a wonderful way to honor those who have meant and do mean

so much to us.  Thank you Lori, for another wonderfully coordinated blog hop with such a special meaning.  I had ideas to create pieces in honor of several people who have touched my life.   I decided on a young lady that has touched my heart greatly, means the world me, and has become a big part of my family, Brielle Hall.

 Here is a picture of  Brielle and me taken this last Summer.

Brielle entered our lives ten years ago, when her family and ours moved into the same neighborhood.  Our daughter Sarah and she became fast friends after initially not really liking each other.  I'm proud to say that the two of them are best friends to this day.  They've been through their ups and downs, but have a wonderful, strong bond that I believe will last a lifetime.  She is a wonderful big sister to Sarah (She's about a year and a half older) and to our young one, Erin, who is seven years old.  Over the last ten years, Brielle has spent so much time with us that when she's not here it feels like a part of our family is missing.  She is like a daughter to us, truly.  If we show up to any family event without her, someone will ask "Where's Bri?"

  Sarah and Brielle, 2006 and 2012...

This wonderful young lady will turn 18 in March, graduate from high school in June, and then will go out in into the world to create a future for herself.  I know that whoever she meets along the way will be better for having met her, and fortunate to have her in their lives.  I will miss her greatly when she's not here, but I will also be a huge supporter of whatever she wants in life.  

Right now she dreams of a career in the culinary arts, 

and would love to own her own bakery.  

The necklace I designed for her will hopefully be a reminder of her dreams, and our unconditional support of her and her hopes, whatever they may be or become.

Oh, and by the way, her middle name is Rose.  

Here's the back of the necklace.

I love you, Brielle Rose Hall.

Christmas Tree Day at Bob's Tree Farm

This is last year's picture, and that's our tree right behind us. Hopefully we can get ole' Bob (Bob's Tree Farm) to take another picture this year. Bob is the coolest guy. He restores classic cars and he always lets us into his shop so we can see his latest project. He gives me huge bouquets of Holly from his Holly tree that is as big as a house. He also has the fattest dog I've ever seen! Bob taught us about the Nordman Fir tree, which in my book is the best Christmas tree ever. You can have it in your house for a month and it will still be as fresh as the day you brought it home. It retains water like no other tree, and doesn't lose hardly any needles! Bob says the song "Oh Tannenbaum" was written about the Nordman Fir, and I like to believe it's true, just  because I think it's cool. This will be our third year getting a Nordman from Bob...I love tradition.

 

Merry Christmas, my friends!

December is here...Time for peppermint jewelry!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/116584334/handmade-jewelry-bracelet-beaded

 This is a simple bracelet made with my peppermint beads.

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/114357058/handmade-jewelry-bracelet-beaded?ga_search_query=christmas%2Bjewelry 

Here's one with dangles, I think it's a fun bracelet.

I have lots of designs...bracelets, earrings and necklaces.  I'll share more throughout the month.  I would like to blog more this month, and talk more about what's meaningful to me this time of year.  Until then, happy December, my friends!

Jennifer Jangles is having an awesome giveaway on her blog!  http://www.jenniferjangles.blogspot.com/

Jennifer is a multi-talented designer with a perfect eye for whimsy and color.  Check out all of her wonderful items also in her etsy shop!  http://www.etsy.com/shop/Jangles

Thank you to Jennifer for allowing us to win such a huge array of her wonderful goodies!

The right time, the right finding...

"Fiesta" Bracelet

Sometimes I buy beads or a finding, and they sit in my bead box for what seems like forever.  I can be hard on myself for not "using up" what I've purchased in a timely manner.  When my aunt Sheila created these beautiful southwestern beads I knew I had to make myself some jewelry with them.  The clasp and earring posts used in the jewelry had been sitting in my sterling silver box for quite a ling time.    I can't imagine the jewelry with any other findings.  I was glad they had waited for the right beads to come along.  So, lesson learned...Sometimes I just need to be patient with myself!  If you would like to see more of my aunt's fabulous lampwork beads, you can visit her etsy shop at:  www.StoneDesignsBySheila.etsy.com

"Fiesta" Earrings

Pixybug Designs by Stephanie and Chris Haussler: New Jewelry Designs - Part 2 Favorite Artists

 Here is a lovely blog post by my friend and customer, Stephanie Haussler.   She loves my beads (I'm so glad!) and does a beautiful job creating with them!

Pixybug Designs by Stephanie and Chris Haussler: New Jewelry Designs - Part 2 Favorite Artists

Bead Soup Blog Party...Revealing the Soup!

 Well, it's finally here...The big reveal!  I think this has been a fun, challenging, and rewarding experience as a designer.  Many thanks to my talented partner, Lara Lutrick, for the colorful soup including her beautiful lampwork, and to Lori Anderson for being a most gracious host. 

Please check out my partner Lara's blog to see what she's up to at  

http://www.lutrick.blogspot.com/ 

And you can shop in her etsy store for beautiful lampwork beads at

 http://www.etsy.com/shop/Lutrick

As a reminder...Here's my original soup from Lara...

First of all, I love the lampwork that Lara sent.  It's so pretty and the colors are like a fiesta to me!  That being said, I found my challenge was using the slider ring.  It was hands~down my favorite soup ingredient, but I had never worked with one before. 

 (Kind of like someone who'd never met garlic before...whoa...this stuff is great!) 

I messed around with all kinds of things and ideas before I came up with my seed bead bail idea that incorporated the lampwork bead that went with the focal.

I experimented with different beads and found myself with less and less space to work in...

Do any of you do that?  I'll clear my spot, and an hour later I'm working in three square inches of space...Aagghhhhh!!!!!!!!!

 I adore wire, so I felt compelled to add a little wire work in, since I just happened to have the right color...

 Well, my fellow bloggers... I ended up trying a new color combo, and a  new bead shape.  I got a new perspective on the blogging world.  The best thing is connecting with fellow artists, getting to know all of you, and sharing our creativity.

Thank you again to our gracious hostess, Lori, and to my BSBP partner Lara...May the beads be with you!

For links to all of the Bead Soup Blog Party participants, please visit Lori's blog at  http://www.prettythingsblog.com/

Recently I got turned on to a really cool site called http://foodgawker.com/

It sometimes help me answer the daily question "What's for dinner?...  There are beautiful pictures of all kinds of food and beverages. Today I came across this recipe for Basil Lime Cookies that I think sound delicious.  I'm going to give them a try.  I read that they taste like a Margarita, and there's nothing wrong with that!

 

 Basil Lime Cookies recipe from Big Fat Baker 

• 1 stick unsalted butter at room temperature
• 6 ounces (3/4 cup plus 1 tbsp) sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• Zest of 1 lime
• 3 tbsp very finely chopped fresh basil leaves
• 7 ounces (1 3/4 cup) flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

1. Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line the cookie sheets with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
2. In a stand mixer (or hand-held mixer) cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the egg, vanilla, zest, and basil. Mix together until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Then mix into the butter mixture until combined.
5. Roll 1 tbsp of dough to make a little sphere. Repeat with remaining dough. Place about 1 inch apart on the cookie sheets.
6. Bake 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the size of your cookies/oven.
7. Allow to cool on a cooling rack for a few minutes

What a little sun will do...

A couple weeks ago, this is what life on my street looked like.  This is before we lost power for two days (we were lucky, some people lost it for as much as two weeks).  This is also before the ice storm and before our governor declared Washington to be in a state of emergency.  Well, there's still a lot of clean up to be done, even in our own yard we have tons of branches down, and one is about 25 feet long!

Well today was a different story...It was beautiful and sunny!  I got out of the house and soaked it up.  'Went to a really good lunch with my Aunt Sheila and then did some bead shopping at Shipwreck.  We both found enough goodies to fill a little bag and went home inspired by our little treasures and the bright sunny day.  It can be so re-charging to get out and enjoy the first sunny days after a crazy winter storm.  It's supposed to be sunny again tomorrow, so my plan is to open the curtains, turn up the tunes and create!  The downed limbs can wait!!!

Bead Soup Blog Party

Today I received my bead soup from my blog party partner, Lara Lutrick, and I love them!  They are in a  happy color pallet...To me they look Springy/Southwest, and I think I will have fun creating a unique and beautiful piece with them.  Lara makes beautiful lampwork beads that anyone would be proud to work with.  You can visit her blog at http://www.lutrick.blogspot.com/, and her Etsy site at http://www.etsy.com/shop/Lutrick.  Here's a photo of the pretty beads I get to work with...

Bead Soup Blog Party

I'm so excited, I get to participate in Bead Soup Blog Party! I got paired with Lara Lutrick, a lampwork artist and fellow Washingtonian. We get to exchange beads, make a piece of jewelry with the beads (plus whatever we want to add to the beads) then post the finished piece on our blogs. Fun!

http://lorianderson-beadsoupblogparty.blogspot.com/2011/09/prepare-for-5th-bead-soup-blog-party.html

Bead Star 2011

I would like to say a big congratulations to my Aunt Sheila, who placed third in the glass category in the 2011 Bead Star contest!  She is a talented lampwork artist and jewelry designer, and her bracelet, "Batik Sarong"  definitely deserved the honor!  Here is a photo of her bracelet, and if you'd like to check out her other awesome beads and jewelry, go to  http://www.etsy.com/shop/stonedesignsbysheila.  Well, what are you waiting for? Go!