Check out my Bead Soup!

I got the best surprise last Monday, Jan. 30th.  My Bead Soup came from Christie Murrow and she is fantastic.  I opened the mailing box and found a beautiful jewelry pouch-- Perfect for use on my cruise next week!

  Then I began to explore it.

Pocket number #1 contained banded blue agate beads, blue Crystazzi squares, blue faceted rondelles, and lovely blue lace agate chips.  Ok , I will have you know by now, I am starting to drool!

Pocket #2 had me squealing with surprise.  A tiger's eye cab, brown 4mm bicones, cream 4mm rounds, creamy yellow opaite rondelles, amber colored rondelles,  and 4 light amber colored beads.  My head is exploding!!

 Pocket #3--  be still my beating heart-- contained bronze chains, as you can see, two types from Metal Gallery and Bella Boho, bronze earring wires, bead caps headpins, oval jump rings and a wonderful hook and eye clasp.  AND to top the metal section off, Plaid focal charms with a travel theme. I haven't worked with the bronze metals yet so my creative ideas are flowing.  

I was telling Mom that I was totally overwhelmed with this wonderful Bead Soup, when she said, "Andra, I think there is more."   What no way!  But hidden in the deep center pocket, way down in the bottom, were three bags of vintage seed beads-pumpkin, mustard yellow, and brown along with gold and bronze cording and two packs of gold silamide.

Christie, you have totally blown me away.  I have so many ideas racing through my head that I need to get started on them right away.  I have been so excited about this Soup that I took it to work to show it off, then to my Beader's night at Sand & Stone Creations in Seaford, DE.  Everyone loved the soup and started suggesting ideas and combinations.  I can't wait to show off what I will be making.  Thank you again, Christie.  Lori, you pick put the perfect partner for me.  Thank you!

Challenge Check In

     This week has been crazy.  Mom and I have been busy every night except for Monday.  Opps, I forgot Monday was Weight Watchers for me and I lost another 2.6 lbs.  I have a long road to go but every little step counts. Tuesday and Thursday, I had to work which totally destroyed any hope of beading. Wednesday was the pot-luck dinner at our center.  It was a lot of fun and lots of good food was available and I was very careful not to over eat.  We had a good friend over on Friday night, Marlene and the three of us played around with clay to make cabs for bead embroidery.  I would love to learn how to fire and glaze my own cabs so I really need to see about a clay class.  Marlene had the new Best of Bead Style mag. and  I borrowed it for a bracelet idea- 'Hip to Be Square' by Marilu Morency.  The bracelet pattern is a square stitched design using two needles, cubes #8 seed beads, and montees (which I did not have) So I adapted the pattern using the cubes, pearls, and #11 seed beads (only because I didn't have #8 to match the pearls).  I also stabbed myself too many times so I made the cubed squares using a single needle.  Once the bracelet was done,  I played with the idea of a matching necklace.  I am pleased with the results.  Tell me what you think, please.

     The cubes are frosted amber, almost a rootbeer color, copper pearls, and copper seed beads.  I finished it off with a magnetic copper clasp on the bracelet and copper chain and lobster claw for necklace.

     If you get a chance, stop by and check out Lori Anderson 's blog.  Her  book cover design is posted and it is awesome!  I can't wait until the book is here!

    My New Year challenges are coming along.  I am taking more pictures with my camera and learning different techniques with it.  I have met several wonderful people on the net and am learning so much from them.   I am also doing something that I thought I would never have the chance to do.  On Feb. 11th ,I leave for a seven day cruise to  the Bahamas.  I am traveling with my Mother and brother, Tom and hopefully we will have wonderful cruising weather.

   I am off to bed.  I hope everyone has a wonderful week

Bead Soup

Well. my soup is ready to mail!  I have been so indecisive about what to send Christie that I think I drove Mom crazy.  On Saturday, I create one bead soup mix, then Sunday changed my mind and  now tonight I planned a different one. Here is a little hint about what is in the package---  ready for it----   A Focal Bead!   Seriously here is a picture of the finished collection

Oh did I happen to mention that it is already in the packages.  When Christie lets me know she has gotten it, I will post what is inside.

I have more to write but that will be tomorrow's blog.  Watch out it is a cooking lesson.