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

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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!


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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!
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Bead Peeps Swap N Hop Intro #3!

Well friends - here we are again - time for another intro for another partner for the Swap N Hop. It's like the 1st day of school for me - filled with so much excitement, wonder as to what I'll send and receive, what we'll end up making....just an EXCITING time of the year for me.

This year, we've opened things up to Instagram. You can see my feed here:

http://www.instagram.com/cherryOnTopDesign

I find myself posting my newest pieces on Instagram, as I'm working to build my following there and hopefully open up some new business opportunities.

Speaking of business, I'm also working on rebranding myself, this year. I'll continue with CherryOnTopDesign, but I want to get more serious about my business paying for itself, and perhaps getting ME, to some incredible goals. I took a Jewelry Brand Bootcamp, which was a VERY eye opening experience and one I'm GLAD I did. It's helped me to focus a bit, and see where my weaknesses are, in terms of my business and how I'm marketing (or not). =)


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 =)  ------> that's my first piece ever

 
 

2. What style(s) of jewelry do you like to make?
My new cocktail line is "Bold, Bright, Classic Jewelry for Original, One-of-a-Kind Women".  =)  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 (seriously, no aventurine).



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 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'm a night owl - that's when I feel the most creative
-  I've got my first tutorial coming out in Beadwork magazine, this summer!  My 4th publishing....eek!
 - 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 prefer white chocolate over milk and DEF over dark
- I now have a "dream client" LOL!
- 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 14 years
- I'm often the 1%...99% of people have no issues.... I'm the 1% who does =)
- I love to laugh.....alot.
- I LOVE board games
- I love to plan an awesome party!


Last year's Q & A's
http://fromthebeadboard.blogspot.com/2016/02/getting-to-know-yougetting-to-know-all.html

Linda


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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, see my latest creations, show schedule, and other happenings!
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Welcome 2016....er 2017? WHOA!

Well friends, it's about that time of the year where I FINALLY get to show you what I've made for Christmas gifts.  Obviously, I can't post prior to Christmas....so here we are. =)

This year was an interesting year for me, in terms of gifts.  It seems like the folks I buy for - all magically had something come up in a beading group somewhere - that reminded me of them.

So, the first purchase was a BEAUTIFUL glass and metal cross, focal bead.  I purchased it from Jennifer Jennings - so does this awesome beads.  She also adds a footprint on the back of the bead - making it seem like the poem, footprints in the sand.  Just a REALLY cool concept and CLEARLY her trademark.  I bought it for my cousin, who was laid off earlier last year.  It was a *complete* shock.  She had no clue it was coming *as usual I guess* and was just stunned.  So, I bought the bead to remind her that even in the storms - God is still there - holding her up and standing strong.  I put the bead on some leather I won from Leather Cord USA and happened to have another spacer bead that matched perfectly to her focal. 
 

Can't wait for y'all to see the bracelet I made for her mom!  OOoooOO!

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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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