Ghosts, Ravens and ZomBEEs! Oh my!

After a small hiatus, I'm back for a new challenge and a little fun!  A few weeks ago, I was sent a DARLING little bead.... a zomBEE!  Isn't that ADORABLE made by the outstanding - Laney Mead.  It's part of the Art Elements Blog Hop and I'm SO EXCITED!!  This is the first time I've played along with the Art Elements gals and it was SUCH an adventure!

I received the zomBEE a few weeks ago and as soon as I saw it I thought to myself - I know *exactly* what I'm gonna do!  Oh the plans of mice and men.  LOL!  So... being honest.... I put it off.  After all, I knew what I was doing - just had to do it.  You're laughing, aren't you? =)

Yeah - it just didn't do what I wanted it to do.  I ended up breaking a bead (I nearly cried) and that made me COMPLETELY revise what I had planned to do.  SO - the idea of making an adorable talisman with the zomBEE and some other adorable themed beads was out de door.  I struggled getting the black I have to work.... so I went for "pretty" zomBEE...if that exists. LOL!

Instead, I decided to go with a sweet little ghost (which was made by Val Moser), a "raven" (Bo Hulley) and my sweet zomBEE (Laney Mead).  I added a flower (because bee's need flowers, right?), some GORG blue czech beads, some *expensive* czech petals and a custom made silver clasp.  (I like to challenge myself to do something new to me, whenever I partake in a challenge - so the clasp was my 'new to me' challenge).  I do love this piece and I'm quite proud of it.  What do YOU think?

Yes, it's bright and cheerful.  Yes...it's a little more "fancy" than usual... but I kinda love it. 

THANK YOU Laney Mead and the Art Elements team!  I had a BLAST, was stretched and ended up with a pretty great piece.  (If I do say so, myself ;) ) Check out every one's pieces, too!





Guests

http://fromthebeadboard.blogspot.com/ - Linda

http://www.beadsforbusygals.com/ - Elizabeth Auld


Team

http://www.lesleywatt.com/ - Lesley Watt

http://www.glassaddictions.com/blog - Jennifer Cameron

http://dianaptaszynski.indiemade.com/blog - Diana Ptaszynski

https://jdaviesreazor.com/blog/ - Jenny Davis-Reazor

http://suebeads.blogspot.com - Susan Kennedy

http://blueberribeads.co.uk/ - Caroline Dewison

http://phantasmcreation.blogspot.co.uk/ - Lindsay Starr

http://cmendola.blogspot.co.uk/- Cathy Spiey Mendola

http://saraccino.blogspot.co.uk/ - Claire Fabian

http://silverniknats.blogspot.co.uk/ - Niky Sayers

http://laneymead.co.uk/ - Laney Mead

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
To be sure you don’t miss out on any of my crazy adventures, you can sign up to follow my blog by email or news servers using the links in the right column of my page. You can also follow me on Facebook get updates about blog posts, my latest jewelry designs, show schedule, and other happenings!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

2017 3rd Annual Bead Peeps Swap N Hop Reveals!!

Welcome back!  It's that time again - my favorite time of the year...it's almost like Christmas!  Except YOU get the gifts! =)

This year, we added 2 twists..... 1.  We added the use of Instagram.  This is important for SO many reasons....but I'll leave it at this, IMHO, Instagram is the future.  2.  We added a challenge that, if you wanted to, design a piece (or pieces) using the same beads that you SENT as well as received.  I'm excited to see who decided to add the extra challenge and how they compare to what their partner made.  (Probably one of my most favoritest things on the planet.... seeing what designers do with the same ingredients and how different they come out)


This year, my partner was the incredible - the amazing - the outstanding - Christina Marie Hickman of Vintagetreasturesjewelry.blogspot.com.  I've had an awesome time getting to know her, laughing together, exploring our love of glass birds and learning new things from her.  It's been GREAT to have her! 

She blessed me with this INCREDIBLE group of goodies. Aren't they LUSCIOUS? It included Russian Amazonite, Swarovski crystals, Czech glass, Humblebeads clay birds, beautiful Vintaj copper goodies, a gorgeous clasp and beautiful silk.   I LOVE this color palate and am finding that Russian Amazonite is something that I need to buy some more of. =)














SO....without further adieu....here's what I made

With brave wings she flies

I started with a necklace.... and if you've followed my journey on hops, you'll know that I like to challenge myself to either try a new technique or come up with some innovation.... I've made the front part of the necklace detachable and become a bracelet, I've experimented with wire wrapping, I used Czech glass for the first time.... and this year.... I added a bird to the clasps twig toggle bar.  I wire wrapped it on there and I LOVE that the bird is sitting on the twig, but what's more awesome is that the toggle doesn't come apart easily - as is sometimes the risk with a large clasp and one that doesn't have something heavy to hold it down.  Problem solved!  Hooray! (And it looks awesome, too!)









As I played around, I also made this ADORABLE bracelet.  I used her birdie, a variety of the beads that she sent, the silk and some sweet peanut beads.  I've never used peanut beads in this way before, so I'm excited that they worked, looked awesome and that I even realized they'd be cool together. =)













And finally - I made this sweet, little earrings.  I used some Alexandrite (the color changes from light purple to light blue depending on the light), lampwork ruffles, and many of the beads that Christina sent.  I added a few Czech beads, but otherwise, mostly the goodies she sent.  I LOVE them!








ANNNNNND I did make a twist piece.  I decided that I wanted to try my hand at using the fox pendant.  I don't use orange a whole lot, but I LOVE that little pendant.  So, this piece features the SummerWindArts fox pendant, acrylic ombre orange beads, UnkamenSupplies copper twisted rings, BeadyLittleBunny clay roses and bird, Humblebeads clay squirrel and some glorious copper chain.  I've never put together this kind of piece before - one that really is thematic, in terms of being a woodland animal piece.  But it's cute, right!?  Can't wait to wear it!

SO that's what I've made.  I hope you enjoyed my pieces - I'd love to hear what you think and PLEASE check out my friends below, who worked very hard to make gorgeous pieces, as well. 

THANK YOU ALL!

 

Linda Anderson - Hostess - http://fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com
Non-Seed Beaders
Linda Anderson    http://fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com  (You are HERE) Christina Hickman http://www.vintagetreasuresjewelry.blogspot.com Catherine LaVite http://drygulchbeadsandjewelry.blogspot.com/ Barbara Price    http://www.instagram.com/colorcopiajewelrydesigns/ Kathy Lindmer https://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/ Linda Raggo http://www.instagram.com/linda_raggo_ Marianne Baxter http://simplyseablimejewelry.blogspot.com Rachelle Walker http://www.chellerydesigns.net/blog Gloria Allen http://wingsandbeads.blogspot.com Ally Asato https://instagram.com/purplemosspal Robin Lynne Showstack http://heartsdesiresjewelryforyou.blogspot.com/ Naomi Knafla    https://www.instagram.com/naomiknafla/ Maria Rosa Sharrow http://willowstreetshops.blogspot.com Dana Phillips    http://www.neverwinterdesigns.blogspot.com Michelle McCarthy http://www.fireflydesignstudio.blogspot.com Beth Blanc    https://www.instagram.com/beth.blanc.designs.jewelry/ Hope Smitherman http://CraftyHope.com Kari Asbury    https://www.instagram.com/kariasburyjewelry/ Shai Williams  http://www.shaihasramblings.com/ Betony Maiden  http://beadwenches.blogspot.com Inge van Roos     http://ingetraud.wordpress.com Kelly Hosford Patterson https://www.instagram.com/pyxeestyx/ Kristina Peck http://tealeavesandtinyhats.blogspot.com/ Lori Schneider http://beadaddicted.blogspot.com Rosantia Petkova    http://bairozan.blogspot.bg/ Erika Price http://erikaprice.co.uk  Claire Fabian http://saraccino.blogspot.de/ Rachel Mallis http://www.sharpthingsblog.com Deb Fortin    http://mhotistudio.blogspot.ca Nicole Rennell  http://nicolerennell.com Joanne Bell https://joannetinks.wordpress.com/ Johana Nunez http://www.artincendi.com Sam Waghorn    http://palemooncreation.blogspot.co.uk Natalie Davidson http://www.northshoredays.com/ Robin Reed    http://www.willowdragon.blogspot.com Faye Wolfenden http://torchfairy.blogspot.com Karin King http://maverickbeads.blogspot.ca Divya   http://www.jewelsofsayuri.com Seed Beaders Rebecca White http://morganafeycreations.wordpress.com Palak Udeshi http://kalaabhushan.blogspot.in Penny Houghton http://smellynelly.blogspot.com.au Krafty Max    http://www.kraftymax.net/blogposts/ Heather Canepa http://www.desertjewelrydesigns.com Ginger Bishop http://lilmummylikes.blogspot.com Katy Heider     http://onthepondcreations.blogspot.com/ Renetha Stanziano http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com/ Becky Pancake http://beckypancakebeaddesigns.blogspot.com/ Tina Pawass https://freebirdsinnovations.blogspot.com Mowse Doyle http://www.midnight-leopard.com/ Tami Norris https://www.instagram.com/taminorris79/ Minnette Miller    https://www.instagram.com/minnettemiller/ Veralynne Malone http://www.veradesigns.blogspot.com ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ To be sure you don’t miss out on any of my crazy adventures, you can sign up to follow my blog by email or news servers using the links in the right column of my page. You can also follow me on Facebook get updates about blog posts, my latest jewelry designs, show schedule, and other happenings! ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Partner Intro - Woot woot!

Hey Y'all - So, while it appears I've been a little slacking in my blogging, I've really been having a rough few weeks.  I'm thankful I've come through them - still have lots to deal with - but that's life, isn't it?  Stress is tough on me, I tend to kinda crash out from my feeling well, to feelin' crumby.  But, I'm surviving and for that - I'm thankful.

SO - on to the great stuff!  This year, my partner is Christina Marie Hickman of http://vintagetreasuresjewelry.blogspot.com/ .  It's been SO INCREDIBLE to get to know her.  It's like we were old friends or something.  One of the crazier things, I realized AFTER we'd been paired and talking for a bit, was that - had my mother had HER way....I'd have been Kristina Marie...not Linda. LOL  We have had some good chats and I look forward to continuing to get to know her.  I love her sense of humor.  She's a great gal to be partnered with and I'm so thankful that I had chance to have her!

On to what we sent each other.  I started with 2 pieces for her.....1 set of lampwork beads and 1 pendant.  I had REALLY hoped to get a great package together and focus on the fox, more than the lampwork - but I just couldn't find things I really liked, to go with it.  I wanted to challenge Christina, because she said that she doesn't work with beads bigger than 10mm, so my goal was to get her some bigmamajammas, just didn't happen.  She, also, wanted to work with purples - which I was proud were part of the lampwork set.  Her talk of nature walks really inspired me to want to get her things that she might see out and about...which is where the SummerWindArts fox came from, and the birds from the lampwork set.


SO - I went with the lampwork set, as the set for the swap part.  (Yes, I have a set of lampwork stuffs too....so I'm excited to see where I go with it, too).  So, here's what *I* sent....

Christina's photo

Now, here's what SHE sent....























Notice anything similar?  Birds?  Color palate?  LOL!  She sent swap things and stash goodies, too!  I was SPOILED!  She found out I love mookaite and happened to have some that she wasn't going to use - so she sent it to me!  I drooled all over the bags and had to use a wet wipe to clean 'em up.  Also, pearls, sparklies, spacers...all kinds of goodies.  My SWAP goodies included czech glass, humblebeads birds, hand dyed silk, russian amazonite, Swarovski and a whole bunch of other yummies!  I'm SO EXCITED!

Check back April 8 to see what we both made!


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
be sure you don’t miss out on any of my crazy adventures, you can sign up to follow my blog by email or news servers using the links in the right column of my page. You can also follow me on Instagram get updates about blog posts, my latest jewelry designs, show schedule, and other happenings!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Olympic Challenge!

If you know me, you know that I'm a HUGE Olympic JUNKIE!  I watch as much as possible!  I mean seriously - how often do we get to watch diving, synchronized swimming, rhythmic gymnastics AND Michael Phelps all in 1 week?!  Yeah - silence.  So, when Melissa Trudinger proposed doing a piece that honors this 1 in 4 year wonderment, I was IN!

Now, lemme be honest.  I have ordered some other pieces that when they come - will be going in to a another piece - but for now.... THESE gems are some of my favoritest pieces of USA.  (Btw - I'm SUCH a freak that my family bought me mittens with "GO" and "USA" on each hand).  I tried something a little different - adding in some cording with the stars, which I think add just a little pizzazz.  I'm still working on my earrings - in terms of upping the ante - and not just making them.... simple and boring - if that makes sense.  SO - here they are! =)  Enjoy!  I'd love to hear your thoughts!

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
To be sure you don’t miss out on any of my crazy adventures, you can sign up to follow my blog by email or news servers using the links in the right column of my page. You can also follow me on Facebook get updates about blog posts, my latest jewelry designs, show schedule, and other happenings!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Here we go again.....

Hey Y'all -
I took a break from blogging so that my AWESOME Swap N Hop pieces would have some of their own time and space... well...the time has come to move on. =) 

And now for my next trick!  Not really - but you know - gotta make it exciting.  I was involved with an AWESOME challenge where we were sent handcrafted ceramic beads and a mystery bead in clay.  Our job was to combine all the pieces into a necklace, earrings and bracelet. 

This set was a struggle for me, mostly because I felt a little "ocean themed" out, which I didn't even know was possible.  BUT! I think I did a pretty smashing job, if I do say so myself. 

Beads were provided by Firefly Design Studio and Tealwater Designs

What we were sent (I chose the sandy brown set)

All of the pieces I made

The necklace features Amazonite and white AB seed beads, which spell "Ahoy" in Morse code

This little guy was an adventure.  Never use embroidery floss to crochet beads.  UGH!

These little friends were the most popular of my pieces.  Swarovski crystals make ANYTHING more awesome!

And finally.....a key chain.  Byzantine chainmaille

Thanks for checking out my pieces!  I'm pretty happy with them and I can't wait to wear them!  Hooray!!



~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
To be sure you don’t miss out on any of my crazy adventures, you can sign up to follow my blog by email or news servers using the links in the right column of my page. You can also follow me on Facebook get updates about blog posts, my latest jewelry designs, show schedule, and other happenings!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

2016 2nd Annual Bead Peeps Swap N Hop REVEAL!

What do you get when you take 80ish, awesome jewelry designers, give them a partner, have them swap beads and make something?  The 2nd Annual Bead Peeps Swap N Hop!

First - lemme give a shout out to each person who has worked hard, send beads, anxiously waited by their mailbox, worked hard to make something and even harder to write a blog post.  Without YOU, this wouldn't be possible!

Second - A HUGE shout out to my partner, Natalie Davidson of http://www.northshoredays.com, for sending me an INCREDIBLY generous package of goodies, encouraging me and being a good friend - even if I accidentally called at 4am.  =)

Ok - on with the goods!

Natalie told me that the theme of my goodies was "flight"

So, I started with an INCREDIBLE package from Natalie.  She sent ALL OF THIS - including but not limited to:
- Malaysian pearls
- Turquoise, blue matte and a variety of green glass beads (drool worthy!)
- Cathedral cut, green czech beads
- A package of Natalie-made beads - including an ombre of turquoise beads, a feather focal and butterfly toggle
- BEAUTIFUL orange lampwork beads
- Sinful turquoise rondelles
- Lovely foiled beads from Thailand
- A GORGEOUS crystal wrapped focal
- Sweet blue and green wire - which was SUPER slippery
- Awesome flowers
- STUNNING NZ Paua shell beads and focal
- Some itty bitty serpentine heishi beads
AND
- A slew of sweet charms - a feather, a butterfly (which she made!), dragonflies, itty bitty birdies, hummingbirds

PLUS
A tote bag (how did she know that I LOVE bags?!), magnetic bookmarks - which I LOVE AND some quite "interesting" white chocolate (which I also LOVE)....with lemon and pop rocks inside.

Can you say....SPOILED?! 

****You can click on any photo to see a larger version*****

Natalie's photo is MUCH better than mine =)

I was kinda overwhelmed.  So, I decided to just focus on the theme....flight.  I'd start something...look for supplies to finish and then...couldn't find anything I wanted - which happened a few times.  (Shocker =) ) SO - as the time was drawing near...things were getting desperate...so I did what any good designer would do....  I went through my stash.

I found a few of this and a few of that...nothing really spoke to me....until I found....a wing!  YES! Wings go with flight!   I was on to something!  Yellow goes with turquoise....and the wing has turquoise in it....eeek!  Here we go.....

(As a side note: one of my goals for this hop, is to learn something new.  I have used 4 new techniques between my necklace - daisies, S links, making the clasp bar, and I've never made the type of bracelet with those materials)

This piece features Natalie's handmade clasp and ombre beads.  My handmade S links and daisies, and the INCREDIBLE lampwork of Kim Snider.  *droool*

****You can click on any photo to see a larger version*****

So, once that was finished..... I moved on to the real project.....the one I'd thought of as SOON as I opened her packages..... a bracelet.  It's all hand wrapped and and features her handmade butterfly charm, as the clasp.  I tried to do an ombre-esque piece using her favorite glass beads that she sent.  I used some in this and hoarded the rest. (tee-hee)  I also added some of the butterfly charms she sent me.  I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this bracelet and am SO PROUD of it!  It just makes me happy!

And finally - gotta have some EARRINGS!
These feature Natalie's flower beads, her handmade ombre beads and her dragonflies.  I love how they turned out!

I have had a GREAT adventure and am SO THANKFUL for Natalie!  I hope I did you proud, partner!  #BeadPeepsSwap!

Check out what everyone else did HERE!

Linda Anderson - Hostess - http://fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com
Linda	Anderson	http://fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com (You are here)
Natalie	Davidson	http://www.northshoredays.com
Marcy	Lamberson	http://www.studiomarcy.blogspot.com
Kathy	Lindemer	http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/
Dita	Basu	Http://www.alankarshilpa.blogspot.com
Andrea	Glick	http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/
Kristina	Peck	http://tealeavesandtinyhats.blogspot.com/
Shai	Williams	http://www.shaihasramblings.com/
Catherine	La Vite	http://www.drygulchbeadsandjewelry.blogspot.com/
Christina	Hickman	http://vintagetreasuresjewelry.blogspot.com/
gloria	allen	http://wingsandbeads.blogspot.com
Teresa	Schurter	http://treezstreazurs.com/
Maria Rosa	Sharrow	http://willowstreetshops.blogspot.com
Susan	Kelly	http://mimismilesdesigns.blogspot.com
Jenny	Kyrlach	http://anafiassa.blogspot.com/
Michelle	McCarthy	http://www.fireflydesignstudio.blogspot.com
Terry Jeanette	Carter	http://tappingflamingo.blogspot.com
Lee	Koopman	http://stregajewellry.wordpress.com
Laurie	Vyselaar	https://lefthandjewelry.wordpress.com
Marianne	Baxter	http://simplyseablimejewelry.blogspot.com
Divya	N	http://www.jewelsofsayuri.com
Kelly	Hosford Patterson	http://travelingsideshow.blogspot.com/
Johana	Nunez	http://www.artincendi.com
Kari	Asbury	http://hippiechickjewelrydesign.com/blog
ROBIN	REED	http://www.willowdragon.blogspot.com
Kristina	Hahn Eleniak	http://www.peacockandlime.wordpress.com
Robin Lynne	Showstack	http://heartsdesiresjewelryforyou.blogspot.com/
Rosantia	Petkova	http://bairozan.blogspot.com/
Claire	Fabian	http://saraccino.blogspot.de/
Inge	von Roos	https://ingetraud.wordpress.com
Rachel	Mallis	http://mintmonarch.com
Sam	Waghron	http://palemooncreation.blogspot.co.uk
Lori	Schneider	http://beadaddicted.blogspot.com
Fay	Wolfenden	http://torchfairy.blogspot.com
SEEDERS
Suse	Stelljes	http://pearlify.blogspot.de
Ginger	Bishop	http://www.lilmummylikes.blogspot.com
Nelly	May	http://www.smellynelly.blogspot.com
REbecca	White	http://morganafeycreations.121hub.com/
sheila	Prosterman	http://catswithbeads.blogspot.com
Catherine	King	http://catherines-musings.blogspot.com
PALLAVI	ASHER	http://kalaabhushan.blogspot.in/
Krafty	Max	http://kraftymax.net
Renetha	Stanziano	http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com/
Becky	Pancake	http://beckypancakebeaddesigns.blogspot.com
Katy	Heider	http://onthepondcreations.blogspot.com/
Deborah	Apodaca	http://deborahapodacadesigns.blogspot.com/
Heather	Richter	http://desertjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/
Tami	Norris	https://tamisdesigns.wordpress.com
Brandy	Scozzari	http://bhjewelry.wordpress.com
Catherine	King	http://catherines-musings.blogspot.com
Kathleen	Breeding	https://www.facebook.com/99BOBOTW/
Veralynne	Malone	http://veradesigns.blogspot.com
Bobbie	Rafferty	http://beadsong.blogspot.com
Lori	Blanchard	http://alainnjewelry.wordpress.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
To be sure you don’t miss out on any of my crazy adventures, you can sign up to follow my blog by email or news servers using the links in the right column of my page. You can also follow me on Facebook get updates about blog posts, my latest jewelry designs, show schedule, and other happenings!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

She got HERS

Well, well, well.... here it is, March 23 and my partner received her beads yesterday.  I'm kinda jealous. =)  As a reminder, my partner is Natalie Davidson - who lives in the BEAUTIFUL country of New Zealand.  She lives on the northern island and has a little shop where she sells crafts and goodies that she makes.

I will be honest here....for some reason,  this was a tough season for me.  I had a really hard time finding something that would challenge Natalie, but not overwhelm her.  Even more importantly, I just felt like I was "off track".  I think it's just been my general feeling for the last few months - just kinda BLAH.  BUT I'm really proud of how it came together and am SO GLAD that she loves each item I carefully and thoughtfully included. 

So..... here's what I sent.  If you'll remember - this was the teaser......

And.....here's what she received.....

For the Swap N Hop!

Focal: STUNNING handmade, lampwork focal by The BeadFairy

Clasp: GORGEOUS flower, handmade by ArtIncendi

Metals: Copper filigrees, copper flowers, bright copper daisies and dark copper daisies, headpins, eye pins, jump rings and ear wires  -
So you're probably wondering why all the bits and bobs in copper...well.... in New Zealand it's pretty tough to get copper findings, so I figured I'd send them to her so she didn't have to worry about trying to find them, or order them.

Coordinating Beads: Czech firepolish beads in a "Luster Mix" both in transparent and opaque, purple druzy agate, Czech pressed beads including, but not limited to flowers, leaves, bicones, table cuts and saturn beads.


In addition to some goodies for the Swap, I also sent some goodies for her stash.

For Her Stash

Knowing her love for the beach, I wanted to include some beach themed pieces - they include: Swarovski bicones, starfish and mini rounds; blue/grey blister pearls, Czech saturn beads, hand painted (by me!) cabachons, kyanite coin beads, some seahorse beads (which didn't make the photo shoot) and my FAVORITE beads acrylic/rubbery beads - they feel as smooth as a babies butt.  Just AWESOME!  I also sent some extra clasps and odds and ends - and some purple hemp.

All together now!

Whatchya think?  I'm (im)patiently waiting for mine to arrive, although I suspect it'll be at least another week.  So, until then....I'll keep working on my organization (see post below) and twiddling my thumbs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
To be sure you don’t miss out on any of my crazy adventures, you can sign up to follow my blog by email or news servers using the links in the right column of my page. You can also follow me on Facebook get updates about blog posts, my latest jewelry designs, show schedule, and other happenings!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Week #33 - Memorial Earrings

Last Monday, I received a text that no one wants to receive.  My uncle died.  Earlier that morning, he'd called to get fuel oil delivered to his farm.... within 2 hours (and before the fuel arrived) he was gone.  He'd fallen face first on the ground.  A woman, who happened to be a nurse, had driven by his home and thought something didn't look right.  She turned around and tried CPR - to no avail.  She also called the rescue squad but he was already blue. 

Uncle Chester

It's been a difficult week and Saturday was the funeral.  Things I learned about him:
- He had taken 60 hours of ground, flight school
- He donated 136 pints of blood - nearly 17 gallons (no wonder he was so pale!)
- You could set the clock by him.....9am he was at McDonalds. 
- He was very well loved, despite never marrying, having a girlfriend or a family of his own
- He was ready to be called to the Lord
- He'd spent time with the Lord that morning - reading his Bible and doing his daily devotional. - The Pastor noted that he'd had his quiet time and the Lord said "Chester, I wanna continue this conversation" - which REALLY was an incredible picture in my mind (and frankly, brings tears to my eyes)
- He was a farmer most of his life, except when he was in the service
- He served at Ft. Belvoire and I had worked there, as well, when I lived in the DC area
- Church was often canceled on Sunday nights during the Fair, so that the entire church could go cheer him and my other Uncle Wally on, at the Demo Derby

So, to honor him and his love of cows - I present this week's earrings:

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
To be sure you don’t miss out on any of my crazy adventures, you can sign up to follow my blog by email or news servers using the links in the right column of my page. You can also follow me on Facebook get updates about blog posts, my latest jewelry designs, show schedule, and other happenings!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Week #27 - Whoop it UP!

 This Year O Earrings project has really been a challenge for me.  I started it because I have known for quiet some time, that my earrings have REALLY needed some help.  IT's been so great to expand my earring line and to try new techniques as well as pushing myself outside of my comfortable box.  I've used silk, crystals, czech beads, copper wire, silver wire, wood beads, painted beads, resin beads, clay beads..... just really a smorgasbord of different things.  This week's new "thing" is using ribbon.

I kinda like the ribbon.  The earrings needed SOMETHING to whoop them up - and I think this ribbon fits the bill. =)   The ribbon has orange, red, purple, teal and yellow in it.  Just the perfect colors to pull out the earthy tones in the flowers AND make them a bit more versatile.   Hope you like them as much as I do!

 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
To be sure you don’t miss out on any of my crazy adventures, you can sign up to follow my blog by email or news servers using the links in the right column of my page. You can also follow me on Facebook get updates about blog posts, my latest jewelry designs, show schedule, and other happenings!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Week #26 - HALF WAY THERE!! An ode to the lagoon

 WOOHOOO!  We're half way there!  26 pairs of earrings MADE and 26 left to go!  I CAN do this! =)

This week's installment comes from being inspired by blues of the carribean waters.  My trip has really been at the front of my mind this last week and so I thought I'd see what I had to play with in the blue family.  This photo was taken on our trip to Bioluminescence Lagoon - the only one in the world.  When the water is moved, these special little plankton turn blue.  Isn't that AMAZING!?!  The photo was taken by the captain of the boat we took (if you go - TAKE A BOAT NOT
 a kayak!) is a Nikon trained pro photographer.....he took my camera and took this shot, while I played. =)  BUT it shows the GORGEOUSNESS of the sky and the water.  And that light - is light pollution from San Juan - which is nearly an hour away!

I pulled out some of my FAVORITE (so far) wood components and paired them with some of my ALL TIME FAVORITE czech beads - satin blue rounds.  The gorgeousness of these beads can HARDLY be captured by photo.  But I tried. =)

So, here's this week's installment....ode to the lagoon

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
To be sure you don’t miss out on any of my crazy adventures, you can sign up to follow my blog by email or news servers using the links in the right column of my page. You can also follow me on Facebook get updates about blog posts, my latest jewelry designs, show schedule, and other happenings!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It's the Bead Peeps Swap N Hop TA-DA! Party!

  Welcome to the #BeadPeepsSwap N Hop!!

 Wooooweeeee!  What an INCREDIBLE few months!

Just to recap:

In January the Bead Peeps Team sent out a challenge to those in our group to pair folks who signed up, with a partner....exchange beads.....make something.....and then all post on the same date, what we made.  Quite a CHALLENGE!

As the hostess, it was something I've never done before and it was certainly an adventure for me.  But more on that another day.  The task at hand is - soooo....what'd ya make?

Lemme introduce my partners again:

Because I was the hostess, when I was finished matching everyone I had 1 gal left over.  So, I took her as an extra partner - and boy am I glad I did!

I had Marica of Bead Lovelies who happens to live in Malta. (An island nation off the coast of Sicily)  She creates polymer clay components and makes beautiful jewelry!
 
You can find her here, too:
http://www.facebook.com/beadlovelies
http://pinterest.com/beadlovelies
http://www.etsy.com/shop/beadlovelies
Blog: http://beadlovelies.com

 AND

Jessica lives in Alaska.  She has a family of 6 children (#6 was born during the challenge!) and they are gold miners. She is a lampworker, metal worker and jewelry designer.

Here's what we went sent each other:

(Please note: You may click on any photo to enlarge it)

From Marica:

A sampling of the beads she sent + some suede cording

Yeah - these went into the "Private Collection"

To Marica:

From Jessica:

To Jessica:

Here are the final pieces:

Piece #1
This is the first piece I made of the 3.  This was a real struggle AND triumph for me.  So, as the hostess, I had a REALLY good reason for choosing Marica.... while we both have outstanding personalities and can really mess with each other in good fun, we have VERY different styles.  She's earthy and clay-y, while I'm more....Rainbow Bright.  So, while I figured she'd be a *fun* partner, I knew it'd be a SERIOUS challenge for me. (I had *NO IDEA* how much of a challenge I'd face!)

Being someone who works in bright colors, opening my package to see brown, copper, tan and khaki with a pinch of gold and green thrown in - nearly made me cry.  What the flim-flam would I do with THAT?!?!

I sat on it - for a looooong time.  I'd pull them out.... mix and match this and that....put them away.  I'd pull them out....mix and match this and that.....put them away.  You get the idea. I consulted friends, who offered great suggestions!  I just couldn't get "into" it.  (I realized I was trying to match the accent gorgeous seafoam green accent color on the tiki - nearly impossible when you're purchasing online) Until one day, it finally hit me!

Tiki's are typically found around beaches...... how's about some amazonite?  JACKPOT!  I pulled those babies out, put them with the STUNNING little copper, fire polish beads Marica had sent and WHAM! I have a piece!  Except.  It's heavy.  REALLY heavy - both in physical weight and in visual weight.  Curses!

So, I kept the 1 side of the amazonite and started playing with the other goodies she sent me, including the little jaspers and glass bicones.  The lampwork beads added just enough visual weight to make it PERFECTION! (there were a few other iterations as well, but I won't bore you with the details)  DINGDINGDING We HAVE A WINNER!  So, now you see..... piece #1. (And I pretty much LOVE IT!)

Asymmetric piece with Marica's Tiki head

Details (Click to enlarge)

Piece #2
I REALLY wanted to use some more of the beads Marica had sent.  She sent quite a large bag of the little round jaspers.  So, I set out to make a multistrand piece - mostly because they are beautiful and frankly - a challenge.  I played and played and played.  I didn't want the spacers to be all copper, since the other piece I made was all copper - so I pulled out some seed beads (gasp!) that were a free gift, in all different metals and alternated them.  It gave the piece mixed metals, and added a little drama.

I used one of the clasps that she had sent (which I think is tre-chic!) in the leaf shape. So, I wanted something that would compliment it, on the other side. The acorn was a piece I had in my stash and thought it went really well with the leaf shape of the other clasp, so the acorn it was (hey - kinda earthy - huh?).  And yes - you can detach the necklace part and use as a bracelet.  BOOM!

Jessica's Piece!

Jessica's package was also, quite a challenge for me.  I had chosen Jessica for several reasons...1. I thought it was AMAZING that she lives in Alaska 2. We have a very common thread of faith that runs through us 3. She just seemed like a sweetly cool chick.  

As I mentioned earlier, Jessica is a metal smith, lampworker and dabbles in many other things that have to do with fire.  I was QUITE excited when my package arrived from Alaska.  So VERY cool!  

I think my largest challenges with this package was that it's asymmetric (as we have seen earlier, I've not done anything like that before) and featured both opaque AND transparent glass.  It's tough to mix the 2 different types and get a great result.  SO, I had to figure out something that would speak to both the opaque heavy and the transparent lightness.

I thought long and hard about this one. I had this idea to use some of the connection pieces that I've started making, and see if somehow I could tie everything together with them.   SHOCKINGLY, I had already purchased the colors that happened to be in her piece!  So, I set out to make different shapes and sizes that would compliment and tie the shapes and colors together.  Each is hand painted (including the flowers to mimic her piece), hand resined and I punched the pieces with my new handy-dandy itty bitty hole puncher.  I've never made a piece like this and I've NEVER made (or used) a 3 way connector before.

I'm REALLY proud of this piece and LOVE how it came out!

Jessica MADE the focal bead

The whole piece

Overall - I'm SO PROUD of myself for rising to the challenges.  One thing, that's been REALLY important to ME with these challenges, is that I learn something new with each one.  I feel like I'm robbing myself of the experience, if I don't do something new to me.  Beyond that, it helps me to feel comfortable trying something out of the box and not being afraid to fail and try again.  THAT is why I love challenges like this.  You NEVER know what you're going to learn and how you're going to be stretched.

I pray that the rest of you pushed yourselves, tried something new, branched out and that most of all - you had a GREAT experience!  THANK YOU for playing along with me!  See you next winter for Round #2!  Don't forget to check out your partner's blog and comment on it!  =)

Your Fearless Leader!,
Linda

Check out all my friends who participated!

Bead Peeps Swap N Hop 2015  Partner List    Our Hostess: Linda Anderson from http//:fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com Linda Anderson http://fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com (You are HERE) Marica Zammit http://www.beadlovelies.com Jessica Hocutt https://faithfamilyandadventure.wordpress.com Kristina Hahn Eleniak http://www.peacockandlime.wordpress.com Debbie Jeffries http://wordpress/debrasdivinedesigns/blog.com Rosantia Petkova http://bairozan.blogspot.com/ Shalini Austin http://jewellerybyshalini.co.uk/my-blog/ Catherine La Vite http://drygulchbeadsandjewelry.blogspot.com Annica Larsson http://zestyfrog.wordpress.com/ Lori Schneider http://beadaddicted.blogspot.com/ Divya N http://www.jewelsofsayuri.com Mowse Doyle http://mowsemadethis.blogspot.com Fay Wolfenden http://torchfairy.blogspot.com Kathy Lindemer http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/ Claire Fabian http://saraccino.blogspot.de/ Janice Warden Bergeron http://thejewelryroom.blogspot.ca Natalie Davidson http://www.northshoredays.com Deb Fortin http://www.studiok24.blogspot.ca Inge von Roos http://ingetraud.wordpress.com Karen Mitchell http://overthemoon-design.com Robin Reed http://willowdragon.blogspot.com Marie Covert http://thistledown-and-swaddlings.blogspot.com/ Alicia Marinache http://www.allprettythings.ca Nan Smith http://www.wirednan.blogspot.ca Johana Nunez http://artincendi.com Kelly Hosford Patterson http://travelingsideshow.blogspot.com/ Lori Blanchard http://alainnjewelry.WordPress.com Sue  Kennedy http://suebeads.blogspot.com Shai Williams http://www.shaihasramblings.com Niky Sayers http://silverniknats.blogspot.co.uk Melissa Trudinger http://beadrecipes.wordpress.com Candida Castleberry http://www.spunsugarbeadworks.blogspot.com Erin Guest http://www.renlish.com Nicole Rennell http://nicolerennell.com/blog Ien Temaluru http://ienmaginationsjewelry.wordpress.com Robin Showstack http://heartsdesiresjewelryforyou.blogspot.com/ Sam Waghorn http://palemooncreation.blogspot.co.uk Marianne Baxter http://www.simplyseablimejewelry.blogspot.com Elsie Deliz-Fonseca http://ladelizchica.blogspot.com Shai Williams http://shaihasramblings.com Lee Koopman http://stregajewellry.wordpress.com Jayne Capps http://mamasgottodoodle.blogspot.com Marti Conrad http://artisancomponentmarketplace.com/martisbuttonsandbeads/2015/03/20/bead-peeps-blog-hop/ Tina Bosh http://bookbug-somanybookssolittletime.blogspot.com/(Injured reserve) Eleanor Thomas http://woolywireetc.blogspot.com Jeanne Steck http://www.gemsbyjeannemarie.blogspot.com Gloria Allen http://www.wingsandbeads.blogspot.com Rachel Mallis http://www.mintmonarch.com/#!blog/c1jlz Andrea Glick http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/ Stephanie Stamper http://skwds.blogspot.com Chris Haussler http://pixybugdesigns.blogspot.com Betony Maiden http://www.beadwenches.blogspot.com/ Kari Asbury http://hippiechickjewelrydesign.com/blog/ Jenny Kyrlach http://anafiassa.blogspot.com/ Colleen Foley http://colleenfoleycreations.blogspot.com Marybeth Rich http://forestofjewels.blogspot.com/ Marcy Lamberson http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com Dyanne Everett-Cantrell http://www.deelitefuljewelrycreations.blogspot.com Ginny Lones http://www.Skippingintotheunknown.blogspot.com Maria Rosa Sharrow http://willowstreetshops.blogspot.com Loretta Carstensen http://designsbyloretta.blogspot.com Dolores Raml http://craftydscreations.wordpress.com Michelle McCarthy http://www.fireflydesignstudio.blogspot.com Louise McCormick-Glazier http://jewelrytreasuresbylouise.blogspot.com/(Injured reserve) Heather Richter http://desertjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com Tammy Adams http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog/ Shirley Moore http://beadsandbread.blogspot.com Seed Beaders Susanne Stelljes http://pearlify.blogspot.de Sheila Prosterman http://catswithbeads.blogspot.com Pallavi Asher http://kalaabhushan.blogspot.in/ Jami Shipp http://celebratinglifewithdamamashipp.blogspot.com Peggy Kosier http://www.kosydesigns.blogspot.ca/ Andra Weber http://andrasjoyfuljourney.blogspot.com Catherine King http://catherines-musings.blogspot.com Krafty Max http://kraftymax.com Sierra Barrett http://giraffecanhas.wordpress.com Lois Sherwood http://thiznthat5454blog.wordpress.com Katy Heider http://onthepondcreations.blogspot.com Rebecca Robertson   (White) http://morganafeycreations.121hub.com/ Heather Richter http://desertjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com Brandy Collier http://bhjewelry.wordpress.com Stephanie Haussler http://www.pixybugdesigns.blogspot.com Lori Blanchard http://alainnjewelry.WordPress.com Kathleen Breeding http://99bobotw.blogspot.com Becky Pancake http://beckypancakebeaddesigns.blogspot.com Renetha Stanziano http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com/ Tami Norris https://jewelrybytami.wordpress.com/ Ginger Bishop http://lilmummylikes.blogspot.com/ Peggy Johnson http://charmbarn.blogspot.com

 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
To be sure you don’t miss out on any of my crazy adventures, you can sign up to follow my blog by email or news servers using the links in the right column of my page. You can also follow me on Facebook get updates about blog posts, my latest jewelry designs, show schedule, and other happenings!
 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~