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!
SO....without further adieu....here's what I made
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| With brave wings she flies |
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!
