Bead Soup Blog Party 8 Reveal

Today is the reveal of Bead Soup Blog Party 8!  This is my 3rd time participating and once again, I had a blast.  To see what I made for BSBP 6 and 7, click here and here.

A quick summary of the Bead Soup Blog Party rules.  You are assigned a partner for the Bead Soup Blog Party and you are to send your partner a set of beads, a focal and a clasp.  You have to use the focal and the clasp but do not need to put them in the same piece.   Then you blog the reveal for all to enjoy.

I was so lucky to be partnered with Lori Schneider of Bead addict.  Please visit Lori’s blog to see what she made with the soup I sent.  Lori is an amazing artist, has an incredible stash of beads and even makes her own polymer clay goodies.  I was fortunate enough to receive one of those goodies as the focal in my soup.  

Lori posted a teaser photo on her blog of my soup click here.  It was a beautiful kaleidoscope of colors with the essence of a peacock feather.  The colors were beautiful and I couldn’t wait to see the soup in person.  I hadn’t worked with a polymer clay focal before and was really hoping for one. 

The soup was a wonderful mix of blues, yellows, and blacks with butterflies (my favorite), lady bugs, two clasps and a fantastic handmade dual sided focal.  My only concern at this point, was how do I do this soup justice.

I got to work right away, testing ideas out to see what would stick.  Unfortunately, I ended up with more unfinished projects than finished ones.  I just couldn’t think of the best way to complete the design.  However, I did complete the main piece.  You can wear it with either side of the pendant facing out.  How fun!

Lori's handmade focal!

I love participating in the BSBP.  I meet new bead buddies, get exposed to new techniques, materials and colors.  I am always challenges sinice I rarely use focals/pendants in my typical creations.  I knew going into this one that I would be very busy, but I still wanted to at least finish the main piece and complete it in advance.  I often wait until the last minute when I am struggling to come up with an idea.  This time I set a goal and nailed it.

 
Thanks for stopping by.  Hope you enjoyed my piece and please visit the other amazing artists.  Visit the Bead Soup Blog Party blog for the entire list of participants here.  Many, many thanks to Lori Anderson for once again organizing this wonderful event.  Lori Anderson puts us BSBP participants first before herself, which is highly commendable and worth more than I could ever thank her.

To see the list of all of the participants blogs, please go to the Bead Soup Blog Party Blog: 

http://www.prettythingsblog.com/2014/05/welcome-to-8th-bead-soup-blog-party.html

Bead Soup Blog Party 7 Reveal

It is finally that time again.  It is the 2nd Reveal for the 7th Bead Soup Blog Party.  My lovely partner Sue, sent me a delicious bowl of soup.  It took me a while, but eventually the ideas started flowing.

Soup from Sue - Love the colors!

The rules for this challenge are to send your partner a set of beads, a focal and a clasp.  You have to use the focal and the clasp but do not need to put them in the same piece.  I tired to use as much as I could of the beautiful soup.  Hope you enjoy what I've cooked up!

A bracelet with the clasp from Sue.

I fell in love with a wire Kumihimo necklace I saw on facebook by Pru McRae.  This was my first attempt at Kumi with wire.  It was a bit awkward.

The focal from Sue.

Close up

 A pair of earrings with my favorite color combo.  I absolutely love the green beads.  Can't wait to wear these.

Love green with copper.

I still had some beads left over, so I kept going.  Pink and green beads...shocker and cream colored silk cord.

Thank you once again to Lori Anderson for hosting this amazing event.  The participation is overwhelming (in a good way). Looking forward to hopping.  Please be sure to visit my partner Sue's blog http://midlifegreaterexpectations.blogspot.com/ to see what she made with the soup I sent her.

There are close to 500 total participants.  Reveal 1 was at the end of March and there is still 1 more reveal to go.  Please check out the lovely designs by visiting Lori's blog below:

http://lorianderson-beadsoupblogparty.blogspot.com/2013/04/7th-bead-soup-blog-party-2nd-reveal.html

Procrastination and a little jewelry

So far, 2013 has been busy to say the least.  I was able to squeeze in a little jewelry design in between work, school and life.

My good friend is getting married and I wanted to get her a personal gift for her bridal shower.  I was not familiar with Mexican traditions, and was disappointed to find out that her bridal registry was also her wedding registry.  I bought her a great gift from her registry, but that wasn't enough.  She is super fashionable, loves clothes and accessories.  She loves color...all of it.

I have amazing circular multi-color agate pieces and tried my best to make a unique necklace with them. Unfortunately, I was unsuccessful.  I woke up the morning of her shower with an idea of what to make. I didn't have all the materials, plus I had to get ready for her amazing themed bridal shower.  Needless to say, I was a stress case. I did finish the necklace on time and she loves it.

Now, to add to my crazy life, I have been testing apps for work to see what is out there and which ones we should be using.  I decided to finally join Pinterest and...all my free time is now gone.  Haha oh well.  I found a photo app I decided to test out on this post.  Let me know what you think of the photo border.  There were plenty of options, but I still wanted the necklace to be the focus.  The necklace is made of chalcedony, copper and a vintage copper Chanel chain.



Which photo catches your eye the most? 

Artist Feature

I am so excited and honored that my bead soup partner Sue, featured me on her blog today.  Sue has a  specific topic for each day of the week and she just added Friday Feature.  She will feature a different artist for each Friday Feature. I am so lucky yo be the one to kick it off.

Please visit her blog  Mid-Life Greater Expectations to learn a little more of my story.  Hope you enjoy the feature as well as Sue's blog.  Follow her blog and you might be the next artist featured.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Soup Arrived

I was so excited when I found out I had a package waiting for me at home last night.  It was the best end to a long day.  I am thrilled with the soup from my partner Sue!  If you haven't already, please check out her blog and shops.

Ok, ok.  Here are the lovely contents of the package.

Mmm...pink, my favorite

Love the mixture

I have a little confession.  I took the soup to work today and showed it off.  I kept the bag on my desk, glancing over occasionally.

Now I can reveal what I send Sue.  Can't wait to see what she cooks up!

Soup for Sue

Check back on April 6th for our reveals.  The wheels are a spinning, but still not sure what I'm going to make.  I am ready to dive in and start cooking.

Soups Out

Yay!  I put Sue's soup in the mail  Here is a little sneak peak!

I hope she gets it soon!

Bead Soup Partner

My bead soup partner for the 7th BSBP is Sue Kelly.  This is her first BSBP and I hope the soup I send entices her to return next year. Sue is very talented and has a lovely blog with a variety of interests.

Please stop by her shops or blog and enjoy some beautiful earrings or amazing stories about her time in Tanzania.

www.signaturesterling.artfire.com
www.signaturesterling.etsy.com
http://midlifegreaterexpectations.blogspot.com/

I am very excited to see what Sue cooks up with the soup I send.  I hope to send it out tomorrow and will post photos once she receives it.

I enjoy the challenge of the Bead Soup Blog Party, and I also love making new bead friends.  There is so much talent out there and it is an honor to be a small part of an amazing community.

Happy beading and happy Friday (almost),

M

Elegant Crystals

Update: I have a potential buyer for this lovely necklace.  Thank you for all of your support and encouragement!

I made this necklace for a specific event, but things didn't work out.  I would love to sell it if anyone is interested.

Crystals and sterling silver spacer beads.

Frosted crystals and Delica seed beads.

7th Bead Soup Blog Party Coming Up

Sign ups for the 7th Bead Soup Blog Party are this coming week.  Visit Lori's blog for the details by clicking the image below.  Come join in the fun or wait in anticipation for the three reveal dates.

I can't wait to participate and see who my partner will be.  All the partners I have been paired with have been wonderful.

www.BeadSoupBlogParty.com 

Memories and Thanks Blog Hop

I have been struggling emotionally for the past 3 months, and I thought about pulling out at the last minute, but decided to fulfill my commitment. There are so many people in my life past and present whom I am thankful for, so it was a little difficult to choose.  For details on the premise of this wonderful blog hop please click here.

The obvious choice was my mother. I made a necklace for her birthday, which I included below. I am incredibly thankful for my mom and love her dearly. However, I make jewelry for her often and thought I should dedicate this to someone I haven't openly thanked for being a part of my life.

Mom enjoying her "End of the World" dinner with her Birthday necklace

Although, I am an only child, I was fortunate enough to grow up with someone I often think of as my little sister. She is a fantastic women and I am so proud of her and what she has accomplished thus far. I cried tears of joy at her college graduation this past summer. She completed school while raising her daughter and perusing her love of art. Unfortunately, I lost out on parts of her life when I moved 7 years ago, and our relationship has suffered because of the distance.

I am so gratefully to have you in my life, my dear cousin, Kristen. The most cherished memories are of our summers at the cabin. To me, this necklace has a calming, earthy vibe with a funky side. Which, reminds me of both you and our times at the cabin. Your artwork and personal style is natural with a spunky twist. You are easy going and up for anything. You are a bit of a child at heart, which is part of why you are such an amazing mother.

I wish I could be there in person to share this necklace with you. I love you and hope to see you soon.

Thank you, Lori, for hosting this sweet blog hop.

For more lovely Memories and Thanks pieces, please visit the following:

Hostess, Lori Anderson Pretty Things

Adlinah Kamsir Dream Struck Designs
Aimee Biondolillo Aimee's Jewelry Treasures
Alicia Marinache All the Pretty Things
Andra Marasteanu Handmade by Indra Marasteanu
Andrea Trank Heaven Lane Creations
April Grinaway Brooklyn Bead Goddess
Barb Solem Vivi Magoo Presents
Becky Pancake Becky Pancake Bead Designs
Beth Emery Stories by Indigo Heart
Bonnie Coursolle Jasper's Gems
Cassi Paslick Beads: Rolling Downhill
Catherine King Catherine's Musings
Cece Cormier The Beading Yogini
Chandra Leitz Juniper Goods
Charissa Nesler FireStorm Designs
Charlie Jacka Clay Space
Christina Hickman Vintage Treasures Jewelry
Christine Murrow Charis Designs Jewelry
Christine Stonefield Sweet Girl Design
Chrizette Bayman Bead Soup Mix
Cindy Wilson It's My Sea of Dreams
CJ Bauschka 4 His Glory Creations by CJ
Crystal Thain Here Bead Dragons
Cyndi Lavin Beading Arts
Debbie Rasmussen A little of this, a little of that
Denielle Hagerman Some Beads... and other things I like
Diana Gonzalez Arte y Poemas
Diane Hawkey diane hawkey
Dita Basu ankarshilpa
Donetta Farrington Simply Gorgeous
Dyanne Everett-Cantrell Deeliteful Jewelry Creations
Emma Todd A Polymer Penchant
Erin Kenny beadiful therapy
Erin Prais-Hintz Treasures Found
Gina Hockett Freestyle Elements
Gloria Allen Innovative Dreams Jewelry
Heather Marston CSW Designs
Inge von Roos Inge's Blog
Iveth Caruso Creative Atelier
Jacqueline Marchant Fiddledeedee Jewelry
Jami Shipp Celebrating Life!
Jean Yates Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading to Do!
Jennifer Reno Musings of a Crafty Jenny
Jenny Robledo Peppa's Dream
Jennifer VanBenschoten Jewelry, Art and Life
Jessica Klaaren Cellar Door Jewelry
Jessica Murray Whimsical Monkey
Joan Williams lilruby jewelry
Jo-Ann Woolverton It's a Beadiful Creation
Joanne Browne josjewels1
Jodie Marshall Jodie Marshall Lampwork Beads Wearable Art
Johanna Rhodes Fire Phoenix Creations
John Rasmussen Rasumussen Gems and Jewelry LLC
JuLee Wolfe The Polymer Penguin
Julie Bean Blue Pig Blog
Karen Mitchell Over the Moon Designs
Karin King The Sparklie Things Blog
Karin Slaton Backstory Beads
Kat Douglas Washoe Kat's
Kay Bolton Toodles and Binks
Kelly Hosford Patterson The Traveling SideShow
Kim Ballor Vitamin C ... A Daily Does of Creativity
Kim Dworak CianciBlue
Kim Houston The Pink Martini
Kym Hunter Kym Hunter Designs
Laren Dee Barton Laren Dee Designs
Lea Avroch LA Jewelry Designs
Leanne Loftus First Impression Design
Liddy McLaughlin Liddy McLaughlin Art
Linda Florian Lily's of the Valley Jewelry & Creative Creations
Linda Inhelder Must-Haves Jewelry
Lisa Hamilton Simply Irresistable Jewelry
Lisa Suver Fancee That
Lori Bowring Michaud Artfully Ornamental
Lori Poppe Adventures in Creativity with Lorillijean
LouAnn Elwell Southpass Beads
Mandi Effron Craft-o-licious**ME**
Marcia DeCoster MadDesigns
Marcia Dunne The Alternative Foundry
Marie Covert Creating Interest
Marjorie Savill Linthwaite bennubirdrising
Marlene Cupo Amazing Designs by Marlene
Martha Aleo Ornamento
Marti Conrad Marti's Buttons -n- Beads
Mary Ellen Parker BeeTree by m.e.
Mary Govaars MLH Jewelry Designs
Mary Lindell Mary Lindell Artisan Jewelry
Maureen Connolly Mrs Beadsley's Workshop
Maybeline Tay The Jewelry Larder
Melissa Elgin The Addicted Beader
Melissa Mesara one-eared pig beads
Menka Gupta Menka's Jewelry
Michaela Pabeschitz la mar de bonita
Mischelle Fanucchi Micheladas Musings
Mona Rae Baroody Who Does She Bead She Is?
Nan Emmett Spirit Rattles -- Spirited Earth
Nancy Pedersen Something Heartfelt by Nancy
Natalie Davidson NorthShore Days
Nikki Douglas Bead It and Weep
Pam Farren re-maker
Pam, the Crazier Sister The Crazy Creative Corner
Pam Traub Klassy Joolz
Priya Krish Hellopalz
Rebecca Anderson Song Beads
Rebecca Sirevaag Becca's Place
Robin Kae Reed Artistry HCBD
Rochelle Brisson a creative chelle
Rosa Maria Cuevas Helena de Troya
Sabine Dittrich perlendschungel
Sandi Volpe Sandi Volpe
Sandra McGriff Creative Chaos
Sarah Goode Pookledo
Sarah Singer String a Song of Sixpence
Serena Trent All Things Made Jewelry
Shai Williams Shaiha's Ramblings
Sharon Palac Sharon's Jewelry Garden
Sharyl McMillian-Nelson Sharyl's Jewelry & Reflections
Sheila Davis Stone Designs
Shelley Graham Turner Fabric of My Life
Sherri Stokey Knot Just Macrame
Sherry Baun Unicorns Jewels
Skylar Bre'z Brising Beads
Stephanie Haussler Pixybug Designs
Tania Spivey Moobie Grace Designs
Terri G. Blooming Ideas
Terry Carter Tapping Flamingo
Terry Matuszyk Pink Chapeau Vintage Jewelry
Toltec Jewels Jewel School Friends
Tracy Kruse Goldkisses Art
Tracy Martin Nutkitten's Jewelry
Zia Parks Anzi~Panzi's Work Shoppe

Zoe Marcin Beads, Tea and Sweets