The 8th Bead Soup Blog Hop Revel!!!!!!

The 8th Bead Soup Blog Hop Revel began on Saturday, May 10th.  I have been out of town this week and left my adapter for my camera at home.  Darn, this year I didn't even have to struggle about finishing my pieces the night before or my blog, I just couldn't upload my pictures.  So done with the excuses and on to the Revel!

My partner is the amazing Andrea Beth Trank.  Andrea is one of these extremely busy ladies.  A Professor of Education who has just finished the dreaded finals and college graduation ceremonies (I don't know if the ceremonies are harder on the graduates or the professors), has two wonderful sons (one who is a new driver here comes the grey hair), a designer for ZNet Shows and artist extraordinaire.  Andrea living in Florida and is now in  her busy season with shows and she is working at a friend's gift shop on Sanibel Island.  I still haven't figured out when she does normal stuff like eat and sleep.

Pleased visit her blog spot-- there was a mix-up in Lori's posting about Andrea's address.  It is www.heavenlanecreations.com  This is just a sample of what I sent her:

What she created is fantastic!!! Be sure to check it out.

Now to show off what Andrea sent me.  YUMMY!!

I was so excited I started with the bronzite bead then remembered that I needed to take a picture so the leather strip is something I added.  I was going to make a cuff using the focal but it didn't want to go in that direction.  Instead I have created (I think)  the most elegant bead embroidery necklace in my collection.

 I paired the focal with bronze 11 and 15 seed beads, 3mm bronze pearls, 4mm bronzite  rounds, and bronzite ovals.
The second necklace I made was a complete switch for me.  I don't make metal components but the beads, clasp, and chips she sent just screamed at me to add some copper wire.  So I started bending and twisting, cutting and hammering, and this is what I made.

I added the copper wire, some bumble bees and three lampwork beads I found in a shop about three years ago (yes, I am trying to use some of my hoarder stash! )

I still have lots of beads left so who knows what will show up on my blog page next.

Please take the time to visit all the extraordinary artists in this years Bead Soup Blog Hop.  With 500 artists in the hop the talent is fantastic.  Bead Soup Blog click on the link and it will take you to a posting with everyone listed.

TAKING TIME OFF

During the second half of 2013, I took some time off from writing in my blog, designing, and basically anything to with life other than taking care of my mother and working, It paid off because Mom is much better and I feel recharged.  Now time for some catch up.

As part of the design team for Znet Shows, I was involved in a flash challenge using their key chain hooks.  Unfortunately, I did not get my piece done in time however,  I would like to share it now.

Wings of Spring

As you can tell the clasp is a key chain hook.  At first I wondered if such a large hook would look right on a bracelet but it is perfect.  The crystals are all from ZnetShows. They have a wonderful selection of crystals, sea glass, and a variety of other beading supplies! ( The prices are great too!) The wings and other beads are from my collection.

For those of you that don't know, ZnetShows is now publishing a Glossi, Creative Spark, under the creative genius of  Hope Smitherman. It is filled with wonderful pictures, exciting information, and lots of fun.  Check out the first  issue Fall 2013. and the second issue  Winter 2013- 2014.   I am awaiting with great anticipation the publication of the Spring issue. My understanding to that t will have some "Spring Surprises" in it.

Next time, More catching up to do.  Bye for now.

Welcome Back !

It has been a while since I last blogged.  Mom is so much better now.  Her new cardiologist realized that she was being over medicated which resulted her having a series of really weird symptoms.  Now that she is on the right dosages, she is almost back to normal!  (Happy dance!!)

We have been back to making jewelry and I am working on my web site.  I am hoping to have it up and running by the end of February if not sooner.

Tonight, I am waiting for LoriAnderson Bead Soup Blog Hop sign ups to start.  Feb. 9th at Midnight   Seven more minutes my time. Lori is an awesome artist.  Over the past several years she has been having multiple health issues yet still keeps it together to create fantastic jewelry, complete a book, and host the Bead Soup Blog Hop.  This year she has streamlined the process and is only having one sign up date and one revel date.  I think that this will be a lot less confusing for everyone involved.

I have enjoyed the hop over the last couple of years and truly feel honored to be part of this yearly event.
Three more minutes to go.
Time for me to stop and go to Lori's blog.  I will be back after I sign up.
Two more minutes. I am so excited!!!!

DONE!  I have submitted my form and I am ready to PARTY!!

Just a reminder of what I have made in the past.

From Christie Murrow

From Bryna Lumb

From Judy Robinson

Now that I am back on track, please expect to be able to read a lot more posting from me.  I can't wait to share some on my new creations.