Showing posts with label Crystal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Crystal. Show all posts

Saturday, April 8, 2017

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!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Thursday, January 5, 2017

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!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
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!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sunday, September 4, 2016

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!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Saturday, July 16, 2016

Creative Spark! WOOHOO!

Hey Y'all - Now that some of the excitement of the next issue of Creative Spark has simmered a bit - I thought I'd crank it up again. =)  As a reminder: Creative Spark is an E-mag featuring products from ZNetShows.  They have just redone their website and it's ON FLEEK!!  SOOO much better than the previous version - WOW!

This time, I was chosen to make some jewelry - Hooray!  I got to play with their sea glass tubes, their NEW 3x2mm crystals and their AWESOME sea glass nuggets!




You can see MY pieces, below the magazine - including their item codes so YOU can check out the exact pieces I used (and get some for yourself!)





My necklace design came very quickly to me.  I love the idea of the tubes swelling and contracting around the neck.  The crystals were the perfect addition, to add just a touch of sparkle and interest.  One thing I did find, is that the small tubes may require smaller headpins.  They are tiny little holes.  I absolutely LOVE the piece and when it's on - it's even more fun and interesting.

Necklace codes:
RS274-47AB     Chinese crystal designer glass rondelle Beads faceted 47AB-Opaque Sky Blue AB (about 150-pc-str) 
RS274-46AB     Chinese crystal designer glass rondelle Beads faceted 46AB-Opaque Blue Opal AB (about 150-pc-str)  
RS274-43AB     Chinese crystal designer glass rondelle Beads faceted 43AB-Opaque Seafoam Green AB (about 150-pc-str)
S93-B01     Cultured Sea Glass tube Beads 01-Crystal (strand length 8 inches)       14x4mm
S81-B01     Cultured Sea Glass tube Beads 01-Crystal (strand length 8 inches)       about 9x4mm
S92-B01 - Cultured Sea Glass tube Beads about 6x4mm 01-Crystal (strand length 8 inches) 













The bracelet started as a much different idea, but in the end, I love the way that it turned out.  I used the nuggets as a starting point.  When I think of sea glass, I always think of pearls - so I added a sweet little strand of pearls - but it was still missing something.  So, I went to my supply of ribbons and found some lovely, soft and wispy yellow silk, to add.  The silk kind of ties everything together and adds a touch of whimsy to the piece. 

Bracelet codes:
S38-B39     Cultured Sea Glass nugget Beads 39-Periwinkle Changes -periwinkle blue color (7-pc-str)
S38-B84     Cultured Sea Glass nugget Beads 84-Lemon (7-pc-str)
S38-B88     Cultured Sea Glass nugget Beads 88 - Light Aqua `Coke` bottle Seafoam (7-pc-str)
S38-B06     Cultured Sea Glass nugget Beads 06-Blossom Pink (7-pc-str)






~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
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!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Thursday, June 23, 2016

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!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

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!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

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

\

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
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!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Thursday, November 12, 2015

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 Lindemerhttp://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

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!



~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
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!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sunday, October 4, 2015

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?


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
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!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Saturday, September 5, 2015

Leather Feather Blog Hop (and Week #36 of Year O Earring Project) by Rachel Mallis

Several weeks ago, Rachel Mallis of mintmonarch.com, put out a call for designers to use her new leather feathers in a fun and exciting way!  I was one of the lucky designers who answered the call. =)  Rachel sent GORGEOUS sage colored leather feathers, to me.  I was over the moon!  SO GORGEOUS!

I went straight to work - thinking..... comparing.....sampling.....thinking.....and more thinking.  I decided that the beautiful leather called for something just as gorgeous - Swarovski crystals.  So, with a custom combo - I put these AWESOME earrings together.



They feature 8 different colors of crystals, hand made head pins, hand made ear wires - that feature Swarovski rondelles, and bright copper bead caps that I smooshed down to make a custom cover for the feathers.  I LOVE them!  Tell me what YOU think?


Check out what my friends did!


Rachel Mallis (host) http://www.mintmonarch.com/
Linda Anderson http://fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com (You are HERE!)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
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!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Week #35 - Burning in my brain

Ever had one of those ideas that just keeps stewing and brewing in your brain?  Just something you WANT to do, but not really sure HOW or with WHAT?  Well, that's what this week's earrings are all about..... an idea I've had for eons and FINALLY figuring out how to do them with the appropriate beads. 



I picked these gems up at an Intergem Show.  Living in MN - they only come once a year - where in DC they come every 3 months.  What a change!  =(   Anyway, I picked up these little crystal drops from one of my favorite vendors, Ina and George, and have looked at them for FAR too long.

The holes are SMALL so 20g wouldn't fit through them.   I didn't have the right color in 24 and honestly, wasn't sure they'd even be strong enough with 24g wire....so I started digging through my bag o wire.  I found this wire that was twisted....and guess what?!  It fit through the holes!  The twisted wire gives more stability than a single wire and while some didn't fit - the majority did. 

Here they are!
 


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
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!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Week #34 - Fun with Fibers!

Whatdya get when you take 1 girl who has 52  pairs of earrings to make, a package of bead caps and some wool?  A pair of earrings that include bead caps and wool. =) duh! ;)


Somewhere out my brain, I thought to myself "Self, what if you took some ribbon or something and wrapped it around a round frame? That'd look kinda cool"  Enter bead caps that I'd ordered from an online store, with some sweet fuschia Swarovski cubes and BLAM! HOT EARRINGS! =)
In all actuality, I was inspired by this photo from Munsinger Gardens, here in St. Cloud, MN.  I love the color of the purple plants and was excited to find my Swarovski crystal and wool matched!







~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
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!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~