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.

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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 #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:

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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 #32 - I love me some, Colah!

Week 32!  What a week, too!

This week's installment is full of COLOR!  Those who know me, know I'm kinda a freak for rainbows and bright colors...... check out this week's manicure:

 

I rest my case. =)

So, when I saw these GORGEOUS stained glass window-ish, handmade, lampwork beads - I KNEW they needed to be in my grubby little hands. =)  I added some bead caps, and some INCREDIBLE Swarovski pendants.  

 

DEFINITELY some of my favorite-est earrings so far!  Hooray!  What do YOU think?


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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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JSBArts Beach Blog Hop

Hello Dear Friends - Please excuse my tardy entry.  You don't wanna know and frankly - who needs excuses? Right?

So, a few weeks ago, I received some hand crafted, one of a kind beads from Shawna Barnes of JSB Arts. Her theme was Summer Lovin'!

 TOTALLY exciting!  I love EVERY.THING. beach so I was ALL OVER this! =)

I will say - I was VERY challenged with this round.  For a couple of reasons - personal reasons, as you see above and I really had no.idea. what to do with the beads I was sent.  They were in colors I wasn't expecting, so it really took me a while to kinda think through how *I* could make them shine.

What I received - sweet beads and some silk

After thinking long and hard.... I decided to go with some gorgeous beach colored glass beads I had.  I loved that they helped bring the neutral color of the designer beads, up to a beachy look.  I, also, found some GORGEOUS Amazonite that tied all the colors together.

Now, to figure out how to put it together.... I could just string it - but why?  Does jewelry cable really help the design?  Not really.  So, I went through my drawer of goodness and found some beautiful green/tealy waxed linen cording that was PERFECTION!  I have never used it, so in keeping with another challenge I've issued myself, to continue learning and trying new products during challenges, I dug in.  =)

It took me 3 tries to FINALLY get it to where I liked it, the knots worked well together, even spacing etc.... but I fell in love with it.  Pretty proud, indeed!

My piece - ceramic beads, glass beads, Amazonite, bead caps and a gorgeous anchor charm

Details of handmade beads and cute linen in between

If I were to do it again, I'd have made the knots a bit bigger, but otherwise - very proud of this bracelet and am VERY excited to wear it!



Thank you, Shawna for putting this together!. Check out some of my friends work here:

To see more of Shawna's components available for purchase, please see her Artisan Component Marketplace store.

Linda A. - http://fromthebeadboard.blogspot.com/
Kelly P. - http://travelingsideshow.blogspot.com/
Wendy S. - http://dragonflydreamers.blogspot.ca/
Lori S. - http://beadaddicted.blogspot.com
Shaiha W.  - http://www.shaihasramblings.com
Carolyn - http://Carolynscreationswa.blogspot.com

Debbie E. - https://www.facebook.com/designsbydebbi

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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 #31 - Bead Caps Keep A Comin'!

So, this is week #3 of bead caps.  =) 

I didn't realize how EXPENSIVE these little buggers can be!  Holy man!  So, a little confession to make - sometimes I troll certain websites for folks who are selling their beads....I won't say which for fear that someone else may become my competition...but anyway. =)  I found this listing that a woman had put up saying that she had bead caps.  I clicked on the link and saw a smattering of bead caps, and not really sure how many or what they REALLY looked like - but I bit the bullet.  I bought them from her, and she was kind enough to send them to me. 

When the package arrived, I nearly dropped it on the floor - it was HEAVY!  I weren't expectin' that.  I opened the bag....and my jaw about hit the same spot as the envelope!  That sucker was PACKED with bead caps.  SO!  You can see a *small* sampling of the goodies that I received and have sorted.  I've got about 3/4 of the bag left.  

I decided this this week, I hadn't really worked with pearls too much so I pulled out my organizer of pearls and settled on these pink marquis sweethearts.  I used some of the caps from the bag and matched the pearls with some GORGEOUS, round, Jonquil/Antique pink Swarovski crystals.  I LOVE how they turned out.  What do YOU think?

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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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Pine Ridge Treasures Beach Blog Hop!

OooO how I LOVE me some beach and sea glass!  When I saw the call for The Pine Ridge Treasures Beach Themed Blog Hop - I was on that like white on rice!  I dunno what it is about sea and sand that just makes my heart SING!

I made this adorable piece with memories of my trip to Puerto Rico, dancing in my head.  If you've followed my blog - then you've no doubt read about this amazing opportunity!  AND you've also read about my LOVE of the bio-luminescence bay tour that we went on.  The "Bio Bay" is one of 5 in the world where plankton turn blue, when they are disturbed.  SO, when you move the water - it's a beautiful blue color.  Just STUNNING!

So, you'd think THAT would be my inspiration for my piece....but it's not.  Instead, I went with the beautiful BLUE cobblestone that is throughout Old San Juan. 

Gorgeous blue and white sea glass with a sweet little sand dollar

Sand dollar up close - the piece needed a little something special

Check out the blogs of my friends who also played!

Your hostess:  Lisa Lodge, A Grateful Artist

Carolyn Lawson, Carolyn's Creations

Candida Elkins Castleberry, Spun Sugar Beadworks

Becky Pancake, Becky Pancake Bead Designs

Kari Asbury, Hippie Chick Design

Susan Anderson, La Main Tresor

Kim Dworak, Cianci Blue

Margaret Pelech, Margaret Pelech's Blog

Lisa Prewitt Knappenberger, LiRaysa Designs

Carol Briody, A Beads Life

Karin Grosset Grange, Ginkgo et Coquelicot

Shaiha Williams, Shaiha’s Ramblings

Gloria Allen, Gloria Allen Designs

Rosee Floss Hanemaayer, Silver Penny Artisans

Saundra Farren, Something by Saundra

Beti Horvath, Stringing Fool Jewelry

MaryAnne Kelly Hobbs-Fernie - TBD

Chris Eisenberg, Wanderware

Alicia Marinache, All the Pretty Things

Veralynne Malone, Designed by Vera

Kelly Fletcher – TBD

Linda Anderson, From the Bead Board (You are here!)

Diana Chavis - TBD

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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 #28 - Ode to Bead Caps

This week has been a little cray-cray for me.  Haven't really felt myself and really haven't felt the urge to make jewelry so this week's installment is a pair that I made a few weeks ago, but made some others I liked more - so these got pushed back a bit.  =)

After intentionally making 28 pairs of earrings, and looking all over for inspiration, something I noticed in other people's work - but not mine - was bead caps.  Those little things that can add a little pizzazz, when used right or can make you go "huh?" when used wrong.  I've been kinda scared of them, mostly because I felt like each time I used them.....it was "huh? that looks awful. remove"  In the interest of the Year project, I know that this is something I need to get comfortable with and stretch myself in to using.  As a friend said "bead caps can make pieces that are "pretty" in to "pretty AMAZING"" So, here's my first - intentional attempt at using bead caps.  (Yes, I used them in the gushers earrings - but that was more of a trial and error) 

Would love to hear your thoughts!  Cute little, hot pink glass rounds with bright silver bead caps on top and bottom - accented with silver daisies and a silver ball at the top.

Catch the next pair of earrings - as they too - will be using bead caps.  Mixed bright and antique silver - oooooooooo!


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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 #23 - Helllllllo Summer!

 I dunno about you - but these last few weeks have seemed like summer may NEVER come!  It's june and we haven't even hit 85 yet, which is kinda strange.  A blessing, but kinda strange.  I guess that's life in the sub-arctic tundra, fer ya! 

So, this week's earrings were inspired both by my trip to Puerto Rico and summer!  I found these ADORABLE little chevrons while at a local 'big box' store.  I had no intentions of buying beads, but was waiting for an inventory check on some storage boxes and these little guys caught my eye.  They're so cute, bright and fun!  Just like moi!  =)

A beautiful building in Old San Juan

Since taking this challenge on, I've been looking at earrings more than I ever dreamed I would....and this trend - using the chain this way - has been pretty hot, so I thought I'd give it a whirl.  

Hope you love them as much as I do!

They can be purchased right here:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/236159522/rainbow-bright-earrings-sra-summer-fun?ref=shop_home_active_1

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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 #16 - Here SeaHorseyHorseyHorseyHorsey.....

It's week 16!! Can you believe I've made it THIS FAR?!  I can't! =)

This week, a dear family member is celebrating a birthday and being that she's one of my best customers, I nearly always make something special for her.  This year, is no exception. =)  Lemme tell ya a bit about her:  When we were little, we never spoke.  Not because we hated each other or anything of the sort - we just didn't speak.  So, when she was in college and she called me to see if she could come spend a few days with me in Indiana, I was floored.  We had SUCH a great time!  I played some pranks (which we STILL talk about) and learned what an incredible woman she had become. 

As the years progressed, good things and tough things happened in each of our lives.  I got sick....really sick....and she has been there with me to support me through nearly all of it.  She came to spend weeks with me in DC and driving me all over creation to different doctors (and adventures), she's cried with me, laughed with me and had some tough talks with me.  We've walked through boys, doctors, friends, jobs, social security, disability and drama - she really means the world to me.  So it's fitting that the first piece I ever had published was a piece I created for HER wedding! =)

Ok, so back to task at hand....she loves sea horses.  Loves them.  She loves all things ocean, but ESPECIALLY sea horses....so you can imagine my surprise when I found these little goodies!  I, also know, that she loves unique things and styles so I really wanted to "go outta the box" with this and the idear for squares came to mind. 

*I* created the ear wires and with the Swarovskis wanted to add both the purples (also her favorite color) and some sea colors, so she could wear them with other things beyond just purple....and honestly - sea horses live in the SEA - they need sea colors. =) 

I hope she likes 'em - cuz I LOVE them! =)

Happy Birthday, K!  Love you, girlie!

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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 #7 - Life's a Beach!

LOOKING FOR THE PARTNER LIST? Click HERE

 This has been an interesting week in Linda Land.  It started with the announcement that a friend is closing the jewelry portion of her store, one of my favorite bead stores having a 90% off sale and announcing partners for the First EVER Bead Peeps Swap n Hop.  WOW!

During the 90% off sale, I picked up about *coughcoughcough* Swarovskis and decided that I should start figuring out WHERE these *coughcoughcough* Swarovskis are going to go, once they arrive.  

While looking through my "pendant" box, I came across these LOVELY polygon pendants, in one of my FAVORITE colors Light Azore.  (yum!)  So, these were really the starting point for this week's earrings.  Since the color is so...beachy...I went with copper to mimic the sand. I added some other favs...indicolite, light turquoise, light colorado topaz...just to name a few....keeping with the beachy theme.  I also decided that instead of using the ball headpins, I'd make each pin by hand....and I love how they turned out.  Versatile, sparkly, beachy and lovely.  *bliss*

  

 For sale here:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/222892911/beach-crystal-bling-earrings-swarovski 

Week #5 - Battered and Bruised

So this week has been a toughie for me.  It started 2 weeks ago, mentioning to a doc that I had a lump.  Within minutes, words like 'Cat Scan', 'Surgeon' and 'We'll get you in to see a doc sooner rather than later' were being thrown around.  I had an ultrasound which showed a mass in a lymph node under my jaw bone.   I had a biopsy done ....6 needles went into my face.  6! After a scary week of waiting for word - I AM cancer free! 

After getting through all that, I was preparing for a show this last weekend - my first of the year and while loading the car, took a MAJOR fall. Thankfully, I don't think I'm broken, but almost a week later and I still can't walk without a marked limp.  Add on to that the Build a Line challenge, matching partners for the Swap N Hop AND doing the weekly earring project.....I'm STRESSED OUT!  

This week's earrings are a reflection of my week - a little chaotic with plenty of bruises in a plethora of shapes all over my body.  LOL!  I think they reflect it well. 

It's been a cray-cray week, but I'm kinda loving these little gems which feature, of course, Swarovski crystals. =)

I'm also excited because I ordered some fun new tools that will help me move my earring designs forward, and I'm quite excited to put them in to action!

Until next week!

Build a what?!

WHAT am I doing!??!!?

My name is Linda and I'm a jewelry designer. (HI, Linda!)  I started making jewelry in Oct 2010 after going to a craft show and purchasing a piece for a family member for $38.  A few days later, I found the exact pendant at Michaels for $4.99.  I went home, googled 'How to make jewelry class' and there was one that night.  I took the class and wore my piece, proudly.  Then something weird happened..... people started asking where I got it.  (Strangers) I told them I'd made it and you'd have thought I told them I had won the lottery.  So, I felt like I was on to something.

I found another bead store that was offering classes where you'd pay for the supplies and they'd show you what to do with them.  I was kinda hooked (hardy har har).  I took classes about every other weekend..... learning new things....going home and practicing.  It wasn't until the crochet class (where I promptly threw the piece down, pouted and said 'I'm NEVER doing this again!') that I was challenged.  More importantly, when I went home.... I detoured through another shop where I found some gorgeous multicolored beads.  I made this GIGANTIC piece with the beads and lots of strands (not just the 3 we were told to use) and again - strangers.... but this time - the store owners and teachers noticed.   Something was happening......... 


All that said, those who know me, know that for many many moons I've dreamed of having my own line of jewelry.  Specifically, a line of crocheted pieces.....necklaces, earrings, bracelets....colorful - so quite versatile....geared towards working professional women...... and I'm taking the plunge!  I'm doing the B'Sue's Boutiques Build a Line Challenge!








 
I learned to crochet from my mother, while she was fighting her losing battle with cancer.  Crocheting was my way of dealing with things....until my carpal tunnel nearly made my fingers numb. She used to call me "A Crocheting Fool" - so I want to build off of that for this line's name and focus. 

One of our last photos together <3

 I had NO IDEA that in 1996, when I learned to crochet, that 15(ish) years later, I'd be BACK to crocheting and now doing it with wire, beads AND making a line!

How do I know this will work?  I don't.  I DO know that BeadStyle published one of my crocheted pieces.  I also know that the crocheted pieces are my best sellers....so....as they say "money talks".  

 SO....that's what I'm doing.  You can see what others are doing below!






















Hostess and Teacher: Brenda Sue Lansdowne, B'sue Boutiques
Jewelry Making Outside the Box


Linda Anderson
From the Bead Board (You are here)

Marcia Tuzzolino
Aurora Designs

Jann Tague
Clever Designs by Jann

Judy King
Apt to Wander Studio

Linzi Alford
Magpie in the Sky, Spoil Heap Tales

Cynthia Wainscott
Exotic Peru

Carole Carlson
Beadsophisticate

Lynn Stinten
Dragonzwench

Marica Zammit
Bead Lovelies

Catherine Shattuck
VRBrose

Michaele Collie
The Vintage Gem

Mary Craig
Jewelry Alchemy

Lee Koopman
Strega Jewelry

Erin Whitacre
Shattered Time Jewelry

Monica Casady
MJCasady Copper Works

Leila West
Leila Nicole Designs

Cindy Peterson
Howling Dog Jewelry

Leila Belcher
Leila Bee Designs

Gloria Allen
Wings and Beads

Pamela Anger
Novegatti Designs

Tammy Adams
Paisley Lizard

Lynda O'Mara
LOmara Creative

Elizabeth Hildreth
MadScientistsDesigns

Dana Hickey
Wind Dancer Studios

Janet Calardo
Jan Lea Designs

Maria Clark
Sweet Willow Designs

Lori Beekman
B. Accessorized

Jennifer Kroeger
Relic Charm

Amy Jorgensen
Hoarder's Corner

Robin Reed
Artistry: Handcrafted Bead Designs

Ingrid Anderson
Lilis Gems

Louise O'Shields
Desire Divine Jewels

Susan Killam
Killam Creative

Mary Katherine Deis
The Rose Sword: Artisan and Vintage Collectible Jewelry

Nike Bottalico
Nike Bottalico

Susan Bowerman
Woodside Wireworks

Kristy Le
Kristy Le Trendy Jewelry Designs

Jan Peters
Stylized Vintage

Mitzie Crider
Needful Luxuries Occasional Blog

Gina Hockett
Freestyle Elements

Alexandra Sefton
Imaginary Jewelry and Altered Art

Melida Boman
The Journey of Pens and Things

Teresa Shurter
TreeZ's Treasurs

Melissa Latimer
Smithed Up

Renee Hong
Fine and Dandy Jewelry and Art

Nadine Edris
Moondance Jewelry

Lori Meyer
Parisienne Girl

Jennifer Merrill Williams
Artists of All Stripes

Denise Lussier Poirier
Jewelry by Denise

Renee Allen
Small Stuff Design

Autumn Adams
Autumn Dawns

Elizabeth Owens
1996 Shabby Lane

Kat BarronMiller
Midnight Kat Productions Art Jewelry

Sandra Ballard
Mama San's Mojo

Coral Law
ab:coraldesign

Earrings Wk #3 - Something.....different

So, Week 3 is upon me and I HAVE created week 3's earrings WOOHOO!

This week,  I made the copper connectors - which I've seen similar things around here and there.  It was FUN!  I loved just winding up, down, tight, loose, and the REAL challenge was making them the same length. =)  I've had these AMAZING etched dragon scales for a few months now, just waiting for the right project.   I like the cragginess of the copper pieces and the contrast with the silver scales.  I think they're just awesome! =)

I, also, made the ear wires.  I couldn't decide if I liked the silver (on right) or the copper (on left) better.  I think I like the silver wire with the blue flower.  What do you think? 

Week 3 complete!  Raise the roof!

Gems and Metals Hop

*****Looking for my Bead Soup Piece? =) Click here!**** 
DISCLAIMER:
Please do NOT be offended if this is your favorite gemstone.  This merely MY experience with it.



OHMEGERD - what a CHALLENGE!  So, I signed up for this great little challenge called "Gems and Metals" - I would be sent a package of pre-selected, random gemtones and a chosen metal.  I was VERY excited.  I hadn't done one like this before and had visions of sodalite, amazonite, pietersite and mookaite dancing in my head.  Would I get gold, silver...copper?  I was SO excited when the package came...I KNEW this was my big moment......I anxiously ripped that envelope open and to my shock and awe - I found...... what the?! What IS that?! I ain't never seen THAT before...what IS it?

RED AVENTURINE - in my eyes - baby food orange.......ew.  What the BLEEP am I gonna do with THAT?!!?!?

Stone and antique brass metal finding

So, after I recomposed myself - I'm not gonna lie....it took a few weeks....I finally pulled out my baby food. In the meantime, I went to a trade show and picked up some fun new beads.... not even considering my red aventurine. It was home and I was HAPPY! As time continued to pass by, I just kept shaking my head going - what am I gonna do with that?!!?

Time was closing in quickly and while I was putting my new beads away, I came upon my challenge.... and decided that perhaps it was time to pull out the "big guns" - a color wheel.  I know - crazy, right!?  The color is very red-orange.....and compliments to it include blues, purples and greens.  So, at least I had a jumping off point - somewhere to begin.

On a whim, I held up my new aqua quartz and HOLY SCHAMOLY it looked AMAZING!!  Ok, I'm on to something here..... so I went through my spacer beads and had 0 that were bright gold (remember the metal I was given was an antique brass color) - so I found some seed beads I had and they were PERFECTION!   

I present to you....Piece 1.....*drool*

 Piece 2:
Now, I had some of these crazy sticks to use.... if  you know me at all - you know that I'm NOT a fan of sticks (ok, not a fan of Red Aventurine + not a fan of Antique brass + NOT a fan of sticks = GREAT challenge!) =)  So, I tried to take a fresh look at them.  Again, back to the color wheel and back to my greens and blues.  I decided to try a new product (to me) and put some very cool electroplated hematite in between them.  I used blue/green on top and a bright blue on the bottom.  Using the 2 colors gives me more options of things I can wear this piece with. =)

I'm actually surprised at how much I like this piece.... considering all it had going against it. ;)  It needed a little jazz , so I went a little crazy with the filigree connections..... it took some time to get it figured out and in the process.... this came out - which I kinda LOVE =)  Hot, right?!

But this is how it ended up and frankly - I LOVE this piece.

Red Aventurine?  Eh - it's not so bad.... not my favorite but I don't have a vendetta against it.......anymore. ;) 



As a side story: A dear friend had come over one day and asked me if I had any new challenge things I was working on....I mentioned my "UGH Red Aventurine" and after talking about it for a while...I ended up showing her my start (which at the time was the first piece with the aqua) and I REALLY loved the way it was shaping up.  She nearly brought tears to my eyes when she said that even though it wasn't something that I'd have chosen on my own, I knew how to elevate it and make it gorgeous - really - I about lost it.  I was so humbled and thankful for her encouragement.  <3 you, girl!

Be sure to leave a comment on what you thought, and don’t forget to visit all of the wonderful other artists in this fun blog hop!
 Your hostess:  Lisa Lodge, A Grateful Artist

Kim Dworak, Cianci Blue

Marybeth Rich, A Few Words from within the Pines

Karen Grosset Grange, Ginkgo et Coquelicot

Veralynne Malone, Designed by Vera

Katrina Taylor, I Wanna Go Out

Ann Schroeder, Bead Love

Kathleen Breeding, 99 Bottles of Beads on the Wall

Terri Wlaschin, Dances in Fog

Margaret Pelech, Big Margaret

Jo-Ann Woolverton, It's a Beadiful Creation

Kathy Zeigler Lindemer, Bay Moon Design

Heather Richter, Desert Jewelry Designs

Carolyn Lawson, Carolyn's Creations

Toltec  Jewels, Jewel School Friends

Melissa Trudinger, Bead Recipes

Shaiha Williams, Shaiha's Ramblings

Chris Eisenberg, Wanderware (May be delayed a few days)

Eleanor Burian Moore, The Charmed Life

Christine Stonefield, Sweet Girl Design

Robin Reed, Artistry HCBD

Laurie Vyselaar, Lefthand Jewelry

Cassi Renee Paslick, Beads: Rolling Downhill

Crystal Thain, Here Bead Dragons

Alicia Marinache, All the Pretty Things (May be delayed a few days)

Becky Pancake, Becky Pancake Bead Designs

Judy Campbell, Macmillanmarie Jewellery Design

Nan Smith, Handmade Jewelry Nanmade

Marde Lowe, FanciMarDesigns

Linda Anderson, From the Bead Board (You are here)

Leithleach Alainn Seodra, Alainn Jewelry

Lisa E. Prewitt Knappenberger, LiRaysa Designs
Paige Maxim, Paige Maxim Designs