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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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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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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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!

 

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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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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)

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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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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 #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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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 #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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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/

Inge von Roos https://ingetraud.wordpress.com/

Lori Blanchard alainnjewelry.WordPress.com

Linda Anderson http://fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com (You are HERE!)

Deb Fortin www.mhotistudio.blogspot.ca

Rebecca Robertson White http://morganafeycreations.121hub.com/#sec-blog

Lucy Bejarano http://lucybejaranojewelry.blogspot.com

Jenny Kyrlach http://anafiassa.blogspot.com/

Marina Rios http://fancifuldevices.blogspot.com/ 

Georgie Marcu https://instagram.com/nearlylostjewelry/

Christina Taylor www.dreamcatjewelry.wordpress.com

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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 #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!

 

They can be YOURS! 

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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 #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!

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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 #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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