Teaser

One of my favorite things about the Bead Peeps Swap N Hop is that we get to send some of our most favorite beads to someone, so that they can love the beads, too.  This year, I'd say, has been one of the hardest years for me, in terms of choosing what to send and what to include for coordinating beads.  I'm not sure why....maybe because my bead room is a complete disaster, while I get things moved around to add a new storage unit, or maybe my brain just isn't in a creative place right now...no idea, but I'm sure thankful that I FINALLY pulled something together. 

Here's a teaser:

What's your guess? 
I WILL say that I'm now in love with what I am sending and more importantly, excited for my partner, Natalie Davidson, to get them - all the way in New Zealand.  I hope I sent enough that she'll be able to do something spectacular with them!



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Getting to know you.....getting to know all ab-out you.....

Well, here we are again - February and a PERFECT time to introduce myself to my new partner for the 2016 Bead Peeps Swap N Hop!  WOOOHOOO!

My partner this year, as expertly assigned by, myself  =), is Natalie Davidson of http://www.northshoredays.com.  She lives in Auckland, New Zealand.  *swoon*



1. Why or how did you get started in making jewelry?

I got into jewelry by way of a craft show.  I purchased a beautiful necklace for a family member for $38.  The next week, I saw the same vendor at another show and mentioned that I had purchased a similar piece the week before.  Her response was that they "got some more in".  I thought "I thought you made it"?  A few days later, while at a big box store, I see the same pendant for $4.99.

I went home and found a "how to make jewelry class" that night.  As they say...the rest is history =)

2. What style(s) of jewelry do you like to make?
I'd say my style is classically elegant - at least - that's what I think. =)  I like to make jewelry that can  dress up any outfit (I like to say from ho-hum to SHA-ZAM!).  It's also really important to me that pieces are versatile, so that you can wear it with many outfits vs just 1 piece in your wardrobe.

 
3. What materials do you prefer to use (and which ones do you avoid)? 
Typically, I'll use anything from handcrafted lampwork beads, to Swarovski pearls and crystal, to bits and bobs of fabric, to beads purchased at big box stores, beads from tradeshows and anything else I find interesting.  I like things that are unique - be it in color, style, size, shape, sparkle...something interesting.  AND I'm kinda obsessed with handmade beads, right now.

Generally, I avoid seed beads, earthy/rustic colors and anything that generally just doesn't appeal to me.



4. Which techniques do you 
prefer (and are there any that you don't like)?
I like to make many styles of jewelry.  I consider myself a stringer, first and foremost.  I've done pearl knotting, kumihimo, wire crochet, play with resin, some painting and some basic wire work.     I am hoping to get a bigKick to start playing with metal - we'll see how that goes.  AND as if that weren't enough - I won an online retreat to learn how to play in clay.  I haven't had the time, energy or nerve yet to make something, but I DO have clay and a project picked to start with.  *eep!*

I don't do bead weaving of any sort or anything involving heat.  So, no soldering, lampworking or anything like that....I sure love the pieces - just don't make them.

5. What colors do you use most, and which do you run screaming from?

I  love working with color.  When making a piece versatile, having more colors involved tends to make something easier to wear with many things.  I typically lean to silvers and coppers for metals.  I'd also say that anything with rainbow colors is VERY difficult for me to pass up. ;)  

I've realized that making pieces with 1 color are REALLY tough for me.  Someone suggested I make a black necklace.  I didn't (and still don't know) where to start.  I want to add color! Can't win 'em, all right?


Some other random trivia: 
- I'm a Christian and hope that my light shines bright each day
- I attempted to make 52 pairs of earrings last year - 1/week.  I did great until week 50. =\
- I love cherries -  not the flavor - but the shape.  (my biz name is cherryontopdesign) =)
- My favorite shirts are either a deep royal blue or a teal green
- I love to cook and bake - I don't like to clean up the mess ;)
- I'm a pretty decent photographer
- I love PJs and fun socks - I wear them most of the day....every day.
- I've had major health issues for nearly 13 years
- I'm often the 1%...99% of people have no issues.... I'm the 1% who does =)
- I love to laugh.....alot.

stock photo of my new organizer

- I LOVE board games
- I love to plan an awesome party!
- I just purchased an INCREDIBLE organizer for my beads - it could take me a year to put everything in it *zoinks!*


Looking forward to reading about Natalie! 


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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!
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New Year - New Fun

So....this is a new year with alot of new challenges ahead - including doing the 2nd Annual Bead Peeps Swap N Hop.  I'm so VERY excited that we tried a new way to introduce partners, this year, and seems to have been a good hit.  We'll see.  I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone does and how they challenge each other. 

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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!
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Weeks #45 & #46 - Stumped

I think it's safe to say I've been........

 Week #45 - Snowmen

 Week #46 - Handmade lampwork beads with Swarovski crystals to accent

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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!
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Superstition Blog Hop

Very Super-stitious!

I'm excited to say that I've completed the Superstition Blog Hop Sponsored by Tammy Adams of Paisley Lizard Designs!  WOOHOO!

I decided to make a video to talk about my piece....just easier that way as I'm not feeling well.

Tammy Adams (Hostess)	http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog/
Renee Hong	http://www.fineanddandyjewelry.blogspot.com
Betony Maiden	http://beadwenches.blogspot.com/
Coral Law	http://abcoraldesign.blogspot.com/
Lee Koopman	http://stregajewellry.wordpress.com
Jeanette Belmont	http://www.onecanvasatatime.com
Shai Williams	http://www.ShaihasRamblings.com
Beth McCord	http://ebbeadandmetalworks.blogspot.com/
Robin Lynne Showstack	http://heartsdesiresjewelryforyou.blogspot.com/
Lori Blanchard	https://alainnjewelry.wordpress.com/
Deb Fortin	http://www.mhotistudio.blogspot.ca
Michelle McCarthy	http://www.fireflydesignstudio.blogspot.com
Maria Rosa Sharrow	http://willowstreetshops.blogspot.com
Kim Dworak	http://cianciblue.blogspot.com/
Divya N	http://www.jewelsofsayuri.com
Karin Grosset Grange	http://ginkgoetcoquelicot.blogspot.fr
Mowse Doyle	http://mowsemadethis.blogspot.com/
Rebecca White	http://morganafeycreations.121hub.com/#sec-blog
Shawneen Fagnani	http://blondespotpinkshoe.blogspot.com/
Catherine King	http://Catherines-musings.blogspot.com
Brook Bock	http://artisticendeavor101.blogspot.com/
Kari Asbury	http://hippiechickjewelrydesign.com/blog
Nan Smith	http://wirednan.blogspot.ca
Carolyn Lawson	http://carolynscreationswa.blogspot.com
Linda Anderson	http://fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com
Ann Schroeder	http://www.beadlove.wordpress.com
Melissa Trudinger	https://beadrecipes.wordpress.com/
Kathy Lindemer	http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/

Week #43 & 44 - Ruffles and Pearls and Rox - Oh MY!

Doesn't *every* girl love ruffles and pearls?  Is it inherent within us?  They just make me swoon. 

So, Week #43 is dedicated to them. =)  I've had those AWESOME lampwork ruffles for some time now, just waiting for the right application.  I noticed that they had a smidge of silver on the edges....and the platinum pearls pulled it out PERFECTLY.  SO - here we have week #43 - Ruffles and Pearls

Week #44  

Last weekend, was the annual Twin Cities Bead Bazaar.  I've never been to it and since I haven't been to 1 wholesale show this entire year, I thought I'd give it a go.  It was held in a great location - just big enough for the number of vendors to have plenty of space.  Lots of treasures were to be found.  Among those treasures I found a few things I'm STILL excited about.  The most exciting treasure I found were 2 new friends! =)  We've been facebook friends for a while, but hadn't ever connected - so it was OUTSTANDING to meet folks face to face. =) 

The other exciting find, is a new product - at least to me - that allows you to kinda 'create your own druzy'. So, I picked some up - watched a video and went to town.....here are the results.

Just so cute little stud earrings that I'm COMPLETELY in love with!  What do YOU think?  Cool?  Not cool?



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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!
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Week #42 - More Scarabaeus Green - OOooOoo

Umm...what'd you say?  Scar-a who?  And what's that got to do with earrings?  Glad you asked. =)

Swarovski has released their latest line of products, and included is a new color called Scarabaeus [skar-uh-bee-uh s] green.  It's an INCREDIBLE new color that's been inspired by.......

Copyright http://www.masterandmargarita.eu/

you guessed it.....the scarabaeus beetle.  Isn't it interesting?  God's creation just makes me swoon - it's so incredible!

The color is amazing and has green, blue, and purple..... and really you could use it with most anything.  I've been having fun with it - I used it 2 weeks ago for the purple and copper earrings (you can see here:http://fromthebeadboard.blogspot.com/2015/10/week-38-39-and-40-from-sea-to.html ) and this week, I've used them with some teal pearls and silver bead caps.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE the versatility of these beads.  (I've made other things too, which you'll see soon)

I have a feeling that this color is gonna show up in a looooooot of my pieces.  We'll see though!  I can't wait to keep playing with it! 

What do you think?   Hot or not so much?


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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!
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Week #41 - Custom Order Earrings - woot!

Something many folks know about me, is that I lived in the DC area for 13+ years of my life.  It was perhaps, the most amazing time in my life.  I LOVED living there.....the things to do, the incredible chances to see things that most don't get to see, the memorials and monuments, the history, the closeness of big city life and above all these things - the friendships I developed there are some the strongest and longest lasting, in my life. 



When I first moved to DC, I got involved in a small group Bible study where I met some AH-MAZ-ING women.  We did life together.  Meaning, if someone had an UP we ALL had an UP, if someone had a down.....we all had a down.  It was an incredible group of women and a few of them are still my friends.  This group truly was a portrait of #friendsAreFamilyYouChoose .  I had the honor of staying with one of them, for my latest trip to DC.  (I FINALLY got my things moved across the country! WOOHOO!)  While there, my gal pal saw these earrings and said......

"OH I love them! But they just aren't my color.  Could you make them in silver?"  OF COURSE! =) 


SO - I present to you....week #41 - in *Silver*.  They feature Swarovski crystals in lovely shades of blue and I even added in a special bead that will pick up purples, greens and yellows, too!  *so proud* I wanna make a pair for myself! LOL!

Which do YOU prefer?  Silver? Copper?  Can't wait to hear your thoughts!



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Week #38, #39, and #40 - From Sea to Shining....Storage Unit?

What an INCREDIBLE few weeks I've had.  You probably didn't realize that I've been a bit behind on my adventure of doing the Year O Earring Project.  Well...the reason is because after *3*+ years....I've FINALLY MOVED HOME!!!  WOOHOO!  I flew to DC mid-September and had all my belongings packed into "Relo-Cubes", put on a truck and brought across the country....to be unpacked into a new (MUCH MUCH CHEAPER) storage unit that's only about 8 miles from my house vs 1000!  WOOHOO!!

Rental car in front of my Relo-Cubes - yes I used *3*

I learned WAY too many lessons to list right now, but am just SO THANKFUL it's OVER!  And for the record - U-Pack Moving was OUTSTANDING!  Customer service was AMAZING! Pricing was better than UHaul or PODs (who don't deliver to my town of 100,000+) and cubes were bigger.  HIGHLY recommend!  3 thumbs up!


So...... here are my earrings.

Week #38:
GORGEOUS Orange Sunstone with Swarovski Crystal clusters.  These were purchased within about 30 min of my first showing. =)  I've never used Sunstone before, but I purchased it at one of the shows that came to Minneapolis.  I LOVE how it appears orange, but is REALLY a neutral, when it is close to your skin.  It also has a flash of electroplating so every once in a while, you'll get a blue to pop out or a purple flash - they're just really COOL earrings!  Janice Eileen LOVES them! =)  *I do, too*  I, also, added some Swarovskis just to add one more punch of brightness and sparkle.  Yum!

Week #39:
While I was in DC, I visited one of my favorite stores - Stars Beads.  Kay ALWAYS has great products there and this trip was no exception. =)

I saw these adorable beads while I was poking around..... aren't they cool?  Seed beaders love these little guys, and I do too, despite not being a seeder.  I just love the zig-zag design!

Week #40:
These little gems, also feature some goodness from Stars - the raspberry beads and copper bead caps.  Aren't they delicious?!?!  The color just makes me swoon. =)  On the bottom, I wanted to add a little something else....and then I realized that the NEW Swarovski Colors are OUT and I had a few!  So, I grabbed the NEW Scarabeaus Green color bicones and what do you know....they have a flash of raspberry in them!  WOOHOO!

I love these earrings - both in the style of them and the fact that the green metallic is kinda unexpected....especially the little purple pops here and there.  Hope YOU love them as much as I do! =)

Pretty proud of the fact that while I hadn't BLOGGED about my new pieces - they WERE made on time!  Thanks for playing along!

Which is YOUR favorite pair?

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Week #37 - SO BUSY!

This has been kinda a whirlwind week for me....and it's only going to get more crazy.  So, these earrings are a bit simple, but that's ok.  They can't all be showstoppers, right? 

I'm getting ready to head to DC to get my belongings moved FINALLY!  I'm INCREDIBLY overwhelmed right now.

Anyway, here are the earrings and a matching bracelet to go along. =) You can also find these in my store: https://www.etsy.com/listing/247947403/pearly-verse-earrings-srajd-white-pearl?ref=shop_home_active_1

 Pearls with teal colored wood. Short, sweet and to the point. =)

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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!
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