The Bead Hoarders Party Revel!!!!

Yippee!  The day has arrived to revel what we created from our partner in the Beader Hoader's Blog Hop.  My wonderful partner, Elizabeth Bunn has already posted her revel so I am behind a little bit.  Elizabeth is a fantastic lamp work artist from Texas and I was over-joyed to receive one of her focal beads and several glass donuts that she had made.

She also gifted me with crystals, stone donuts, seed beads , 8 mm red quartz beads, and an awesome snowman tin (which Mom tried to sneak away from me.)  I just loved everything in the soup!
After much trial and reworking of ideas, this is the necklace and earrings I designed----

The focal bead is so beautiful I thought you needed to see a closeup of it.

While we were waiting for the revel date, I attended the Delmarva Wool and Fiber Show in Ocean City, MD.  I found this wonderful yarn that screamed at me to go with the glass roundels Liz sent.

This is the first time I have used fiber in a pair of earrings. I think I really like how they turned out.

Thank you Liz for the wonderful bead soup.  I still have lots of the soup left so who know what you all will see next.

Now it is time for a confession and an apology.  For the first time since I have been doing the Hops under Lori's direction, I did not follow her wonderful advice.  She told us to get our soup together before we found out who our partner was going to be, which I did.  Then she told us not to check out their website or blog until after we mailed off the soup --which I did not do.  I was so overwhelmed by the beauty that Liz creates that I second guessed the soup I was going to send her and  I pulled together a hoarded soup that was nice but not what I really wanted my partner to have and mailed it off.  I then stewed on the idea that it wasn't what I really wanted to send for a week then sent the original soup to Liz. Once I mailed it off, I felt joyous and happy about everything involving the party.   Next time, I will listen to Lori and follow her wonderful directions.  Lori takes so much time and effort in everything she does and writes for  her events that I was rather foolish not to pay attention.  for that I do apologies to you Lori McDaniel Anderson.  My confession is over and I am going to go visit everyone else's blogs.  Check out Lori's blog for a list of everyone in the party  and I look forward to seeing everyone's comments.  

 DON'T forget to check out the Bead Soup Party Pinterest Board

Hello World

  Time to dust off my blog and get myself back into shape.  I have been such a procrastinator lately that I am beginning to wonder if I am getting either depressed or just plan overwhelmed!  Since I haven't written since 2014, I am going to say that it has been both.  Mom went through a really bad time with her heart, then pneumonia, then a  C-Diff infection all within one year.  I wasn't sure if she was going to get stronger and completely pull out of it or not.  Fortunately, she did and she continues to get stronger each day, but it has taken her about two years to feel a marked improvement.  During this time, my fibromyalgia kick in and I got diagnosed with osteoarthritis mainly in my hands.  Well, up until the last two weeks, I could deal with it all and although it has been frustrating and a pain in the you know what, life has been good.  I know that there are people who are a lot worst than I am and they are dealing with more severe problems that I am so I haven't complained or said much about what is going on.  Two weeks ago, it seemed like everything just exploded on me and the inflammation seemed unbearable.  I went to the rheumatologist who wanted to put me on a different drug.  She was very honest and told me that one of the side effects to the medicine could be the loss of my peripheral vision. Since I already have vision problems that was not a option I wanted to chance, so I told her that we need to find something else to reduce the inflammation.  We are working on that solution.  Any suggestions would be helpful!

Now that I have gotten that off my chest, I am going to close this posting and tomorrow I will start a new page in my blogging and post happier information.  Take care everyone and enjoy your life everyday.

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.

Bead Hoader's Blog Hop

Sadly, I have to confess my jewelry is not completed for the blog hop. Time has gotten away from me taking care of my Mother.  She has been in the ER seven times since the end of March with extended stays resulting from five of the visits and the last trip was this morning.  You would think that I would have had time to bead while at the hospital but I just couldn't concentrate.  Once life it back to some what normal (what ever that is anymore!) I will post my creations.

Please take the time to look at everyone else's creations.  There are 159 beautiful artists showing off what they had in their treasures stashes.  I am so jealous of their beads.  I wish I could sneak in and check out their hidden collections!!!

Please click on Lori's name  to check out her blog and the links to everyone else. Lori Anderson

ZnetShows Summer Design Challenge

Hello Everyone!  It is time for the ZnetShows Summer Design Challenge.  I feel very honored to be asked again by Hope to design for their company.  This time the twist is that Hope partnered us up with another designer and they chose our beads for us from a huge selection that Bill picked out.  My partner is Donetta Farrington, a talented jewelry designer and creator from Portland, Oregon.  We emailed each other a couple of times before selecting the beads.  I found out that she used to live in Dover, DE (I live 45 min. from there.) and I have an Uncle who lives near her.  Our global world keeps getting smaller and smaller.  Please click on Donetta's name and visit her blog site.  She created some fantastic pieces of jewelry from the kit I chose for her.

Now without futher ado,  this is the kit Donetta chose for me:

Stone -- Jasper Marquis

Sea glass--  23 mm aqua rings

Pearl-- 3mm white pearls

Metal-- antiqued silver leaf chain

Crystal- Mint julep mix

Extras-  gemstone triangle beads

 and seafoam green sea glass pebbles

Oh my goodness, she did a fantastic job picking out for me.  I love the colors and got so excited to start designing.  I knew immediately that I wanted to incorporate a spiral stitch using the crystals, pearls and pebbles, but Donetta threw me for a loop with the aqua rings. I kept looking at them trying to imagine them with the seafoam pebbles and the crystals.  I fiddled with the some more then it dawned on me I had the perfect crystals from ZnetShows last challenge and hmmm the metal leaves then hmmm a pair of earrings were born.

The jasper marquis called to me and said "I want to be a bracelet."  I figured that if stones were going to talk to me I had better answer so the bracelet was formed, but it seemed to be missing something.  After taking it apart five times I realized that they needed the crystals and leaf charms from the leaf chain so I started taking apart the chain and wrapping the crystals.  I just love the bracelet and can't wait to show it off.

Finally, I finished my first idea-- the spiral necklace using the crystals, pearls ,and  pebbles.From my stash, I found mother-of-pearl chips, seafoam sea glass nuggets, and the perfect seafoam green seed beads.

A closeup of the spiral

The finished necklace

Special thanks to Bill and Hope for giving me this opportunity to design again for them.  Their web site is awesome and their products are fantastic with very excellent prices.  Please visit ZnetShows, Inc. you will not be disappointed!  Be sure to visit their blog ZnetShows.blogspot.com to see all the participants in this challenge. 

Bead Hoarder

Just a quick post.   I watch the show, Extreme  Hoarders, and think to myself  "I will never be like that." However, when I go into my bead room---- Oh My Goodness!  I seem to just love to buy beads, think of a project to make with them at the time of buying them and then just can't part with them. I know that I am not alone in this situation because 167 artists signed up for the Bead Hoarders Blog Hop sponsored by Lori Anderson.  Everyday I see Lori's name or think about her I am thankful to know her.  She is giving me the incentive I need to get off my butt, dig out the stash of beads in my room and create!  Thank you Lori!

Please check back on July 20th for my blog posting.

7th Bead Soup Revel --- Second Revel

Well as usual I am running a bit behind in posting my blog.  I received a fantastic Bead Soup from my partner, Judy Robinson She turns plain ordinary wood into beautiful Native American flutes, vases, beads, and cabochons.  I have had much fun reading her blog and learning about her skills.
As I said Judy sent me a fantastic bead soup. In case you didn't see my earlier blog, here is a picture of what she sent me.

The first item I played with was the number 11 seed beads.  I set up my loom and began a bracelet which I love!!

Then  I kept staring at the two cabs she made.  The larger one is beautiful but the smaller cab made out of  splatted maple just kept calling me.  The markings looked so much like the beach and ocean horizon.  So I dug into my stash found a sea shell and two fossils and went to work.  (Let me tell you although I am not happy that Lori has been so ill I was thankful for the extension last week). This piece just grew on it's own.  A friend asked me where do you get your ideas for the bead placement and my response was "the beads go were they want to."  I think that this is one of the best pieces I have made and the first I have titled-  A Walk Along The Beach.  I know there aren't too many lavender boardwalks but in my bead world there is.

The focal piece from Judy.

The fossils

The seashell

The clasp from Judy

I still have lots of goodies left from my soup mix and ideas are forming but for now I need to explore what everyone is posting.  Happy Blogging friends and enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Pleas check out  Judy's blog and visit the board on 7th Bead Soup Blog Party board.  The Jewelry art is fantastic!!!!

PLEASE PLEASE FOLLOW THE LINKS ON LORI ANDERSON'S BLOG TO VISIT ALL THE GREAT ARTISTS IN THE SECOND REVEL!!!   http://www.prettythingsblog.com/2013/04/the-7th-bead-soup-blog-party-second.html

Thank you Lori for a wonderful fantastic job with this Bead Soup Party.  I know it have been an act of love for you!

Special Surprise!

Several weeks ago, I received a very special surprise.  Kathy from ZnetShows e-mailed me concerning my blog.  She had read it and asked if I would be interested in designing for their March newsletter.  Of course, I said Yes!!!! A couple of days later I received a fantastic collection of beads to design with.

I was on the way to Newport News, VA to see my brother so the package went with me and the imagination kicked in.  I visited two of my favorite bead stores The Bead Store and Bead Retreat.   At the Bead Store, I found the perfect sea glass blue seed beads (along with a bunch of other beading supplies you can never just buy one thing at a bead store), then off I went to Bead Retreat.  She doesn't have a web site but her address is 1105 William Styron Sq. S., Newport News, VA (just in case you live down in the area)  I found the coolest sea charms and chain at her shop (and more extra beading supplies) and she is a wonderful person to visit.  Back to Tom's house I went and started creating.

The sea glass shell pendants and crystals are from Znet and I combined it with a spiral rope. I was so excited about this necklace I finished it in just two hours.

 Next, a simple chain necklace with a shell pendant and charm with matching earrings. Note the earring have shell chain drops.

I then made a RAW (right angle weave) bracelet  using three of the sea glass nuggets, a third necklace with the daggers, three pairs of earrings, one with daggers, one with sea glass bottle top rings, and the third with pearls and crystals.

Of course I help loads of help with my designs from two very critical inspectors--

 Marvin and Emma.  Somehow every once in a while one or the other would join me at the table and as usual lay right on top of my work. Sigh, oh well.

Finally, a picture of everything I created.  I had so much fun with this design project.

I would like to thank Kathy and Bill for this chance to design using their sea glass and crystals.  They have a very interesting blog on how the sea glass is created, please visit it. Znet blog on sea glass.  Also please visit their web site

7th Bead Soup Blog Hop

Good Evening Everyone!  It is now time to stir up the ingredients for my Bead Soup, get my imagination in high gear, and create sometime beautiful with my soup I received from my wonderful partner Judy Robinson!
This is Judy's first time with the Blog Hop and my third time and I wish I could stop drooling over what she sent me.

First, I opened the box and it was filled with a beautiful soft tie-dyed purple bag. (One of my favorite colors!)  And in the bottom was a letter from Judy.  She stitched up the" beadle bag" for me from her flute bag materials.  Judy designs, creates and embellishes Native American flutes.  And by creates I mean she turns the wood herself to make the flute. I am in awe of her talent and skill!

Back to the soup ingredients-- I opened the bag and found the following ingredients:
Natural color mix of #8 seed beads, 4 cathedral beads, 2 brown stone beads, 4 green-gold speckled glass beads, #11 golden grain seed beads, #11 jade green delicas, a copper toggle, and two gorgeous wood cabochons. (more about them in a minute)

   The cabochons are extra special to me because Judy turned them herself!  The larger one is made from her favorite wood, sycamore.  This piece is from a Florida sycamore that was six years old which had to be taken down.  The cab is so awesome you can count the rings.

The second cab is a little smaller and from a spalted maple.Judy explained that spalting in wood comes from  fungi when it attacks the wood.  (Please check out her blog for more pictures of items she has turned.)

I think both cabs are fantastic and I can't wait to use them.Of course, you will have to wait until the second revel to see what I have created!  Judy and I are in the second revel---  April 6th so please come back!

Thank you, Judy for the wonderful soup ingredients.