*****Looking for my Bead Soup Piece? =) Click here!****
A few weeks ago, I posted about being part of Bead Soup Blog Party (This party has taken a hiatus) where I exchanged beads with my partner, Lisa Johnson of http://spudandmrsbutters.blogspot.com and made some pieces with what she sent me. As part of the "party", I made a commitment to myself that I wanted to go to each blog to see what was made and I DID IT! I commented on most (probably 400+) and tried to make personal comments vs something generic like 'nice piece'. After visiting all those blogs (including folks from 30+ countries), I started to notice some things and wanted to share with the class...
- Sometimes it's hard to comment on things that you just don't get or like (that's ok and part of the fun)
- MANY tried something new - either a technique, a color palate or style
- LOTS of pieces featured asymmetry
- LOTS of pieces featured cording of some nature (i.e., linen cotton, leather, rat tail, etc...)
- I was exposed to all SORTS of new ideas and techniques
- I found myself downloading ALOT of pieces in my "inspiration" folder - I wish more had put a watermark on their photos so I know whose pieces I'm looking at again
- The average comments per post was about 35
- Of those who participated, many are collecting pieces for next years soup already
- There weren't as many seed bead pieces as I expected
- I LOVE seeing the international pieces
- I feel like i have to use ! for everything!
- It's interesting to see how folks overcame their challenge
- It's interesting to see what folks considered a challenge and/or thought their partner would be challenged with
- Photo backgrounds can make or break how a piece looks =)
- If the person is an active blogger, it was REALLY helpful to have a link near the top directly to their pieces so I didn't have to scroll through everything to find it
- I was surprised at how many hadn't posted something (especially since we had an extra week). It made me sad that they didn't post and that there were many who would have given their eye teeth to be able to participate. More than that, that Lori worked so hard to pair people up and it was like her work didn't matter. =( That hurt my heart. And I know things come up, life happens...but post *something* - I stubbed my toe, my order was lost, my dog ate my piece...just something.
- Of those who posted nearly every.single.one. mentioned how much they appreciated how much work Lori Anderson, and her AWESOME support team, did!
- CAPTCHA blows when you're commenting on 400+ blogs
- The creativity of the people in this group is ASTOUNDING
I've been honored to be a part of this group of EXTRAORDINARILY TALENTED jewelry designers. They have encouraged me, challenged me and made me a better designer. If you're a designer - JOIN.THIS.GROUP. You'll be amazed at what you'll learn!
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Challenges and Teams - Oh MY!
**** BSBP 8: Here's My Bead Soup Piece! =) ****
After taking some time off of blogging, for my Bead Soup to be accessible, it's time to get back at it! And I've got some more exciting news to share!!
First - I've been busy as a beaver signing myself up for some new challenges including Octoberfest, Choosy Chicks Choose Chicklets and still working on my MOJO challenges. =)
Second - Some INCREDIBLY EXCITING news! I have been invited to join the design team for ZNetShows! I have purchased from them for a long time at various shows and am THRILLED to be a new member of their team! =)
Third - I had a few more pieces picked up with another magazine - so when I get publishing dates, I'll let y'all know!
Forth - Speaking of publishing - I'll have a pair of beautiful earrings in the Fall 2014 edition of Jewelry Stringing Magazine!
Personally - this has been a trying last month. My body has been struggling more than it had been - i found out why.... a device that I had implanted 7 years ago has stopped working. I'm praying that Medicare will cover this surgery as I'm desperate to get, at least a bit, of my life back.
I'm also working to get my belongings back to me, as they have been in a storage unit in DC for 2 years. I'm desperate to get my things back to me, including my car. It's EXPENSIVE and I've been struggling to save the money I need to get my things HOME. I've been "destashing" alot of my jewelry supplies which has helped to get me started on my journey towards getting everything back. I'm *DESPERATE* to get my bed here. I have a hospital style bed that I need, especially in light of new news that I've got some spine issues that may require shots and eventually surgery. This has been a long, rough road but at the end of the day, I'm thankful that I can sell some things and that God has provided for me in ways I never dreamed.
If you feel led to make a donation (nothing is too small) you can donate here at my GoFundMe page or check out my destash page to peruse a whole lotta unclaimed beads and bits!
Looking forward to an awesome next few months and seeing what's next in Linda Land! =)
I'll be returning to my "Whys It Gotta Be So Expensive....." series in my next post
After taking some time off of blogging, for my Bead Soup to be accessible, it's time to get back at it! And I've got some more exciting news to share!!
First - I've been busy as a beaver signing myself up for some new challenges including Octoberfest, Choosy Chicks Choose Chicklets and still working on my MOJO challenges. =)
Second - Some INCREDIBLY EXCITING news! I have been invited to join the design team for ZNetShows! I have purchased from them for a long time at various shows and am THRILLED to be a new member of their team! =)
Third - I had a few more pieces picked up with another magazine - so when I get publishing dates, I'll let y'all know!
Forth - Speaking of publishing - I'll have a pair of beautiful earrings in the Fall 2014 edition of Jewelry Stringing Magazine!
Personally - this has been a trying last month. My body has been struggling more than it had been - i found out why.... a device that I had implanted 7 years ago has stopped working. I'm praying that Medicare will cover this surgery as I'm desperate to get, at least a bit, of my life back.
I'm also working to get my belongings back to me, as they have been in a storage unit in DC for 2 years. I'm desperate to get my things back to me, including my car. It's EXPENSIVE and I've been struggling to save the money I need to get my things HOME. I've been "destashing" alot of my jewelry supplies which has helped to get me started on my journey towards getting everything back. I'm *DESPERATE* to get my bed here. I have a hospital style bed that I need, especially in light of new news that I've got some spine issues that may require shots and eventually surgery. This has been a long, rough road but at the end of the day, I'm thankful that I can sell some things and that God has provided for me in ways I never dreamed.
If you feel led to make a donation (nothing is too small) you can donate here at my GoFundMe page or check out my destash page to peruse a whole lotta unclaimed beads and bits!
Looking forward to an awesome next few months and seeing what's next in Linda Land! =)
I'll be returning to my "Whys It Gotta Be So Expensive....." series in my next post
Friday, May 30, 2014
Allow Me To Introduce You To A Special Girl
**** BSBP 8: Here's My Bead Soup Piece! =) ****
======================================
Friends - Several months ago, I saw a reporter was looking for some great people from the Dayton, Ohio area. I sent the writer an email and told her about this wonderful girl who has purchased jewelry from me for homecoming and prom (and has even said she wants me to do her jewelry for her wedding if she gets married someday!) . I sent her story in and today it was published in the Dayton Daily News
This piece requires a subscription and I paid for a day pass to see the article.
If you know someone going to Prom, Homecoming, Graduating, Getting Married or otherwise have a special occasion coming up - please contact me! I LOVE custom orders! =)
======================================
Friends - Several months ago, I saw a reporter was looking for some great people from the Dayton, Ohio area. I sent the writer an email and told her about this wonderful girl who has purchased jewelry from me for homecoming and prom (and has even said she wants me to do her jewelry for her wedding if she gets married someday!) . I sent her story in and today it was published in the Dayton Daily News
This piece requires a subscription and I paid for a day pass to see the article.
If you know someone going to Prom, Homecoming, Graduating, Getting Married or otherwise have a special occasion coming up - please contact me! I LOVE custom orders! =)
 | |
| Kyra's Prom Piece |
Cinderella’s Closet donates prom dresses
Church program helps girls afford their big night.
By Beth Anspach - Contributing Writer
The prom dress a girl chooses often becomes as important as prom night itself. But for many girls, the expense of the dress, coupled with the accessories, hair and makeup, makes prom night something about which some can only dream.
Carlisle High School senior Kyra Utech, 18, says her senior prom on May 9 ended up being “the best school dance I’d ever been to,” thanks to an organization called Cinderella’s Closet.
The group donates prom dresses and accessories to needy girls who might not otherwise have an opportunity to attend.
Linda Anderson of St. Cloud, Minn., a longtime friend of Utech’s mother, Janet Johnston, said Kyra is deserving for many reasons. “I have known Kyra since she was a newborn and have watched her grow up,” said Anderson. “Her family has struggled with a sick child (Utech’s younger sister Zoe) and they nearly lost her. Kyra has sacrificed so much for her sister. She gave up marching band — something she loved — her senior year, because her family couldn’t afford to pay for both girls to do it. As an older woman looking at a young lady, I see that it’s such a sacrifice she made during her senior year for her sister. She has a loving heart.”
And though Anderson doesn’t see the family often, she and Utech correspond often, and Utech has purchased some of Anderson’s handmade jewelry, which she has worn to several school dances. “I’ve been so honored that she would trust me to make some jewelry pieces for her,” Anderson said. “She is a special young lady.”
In addition to marching band, Utech has been involved with Winter Guard and performs in four different choirs. She has also played the piano since the age of 7. Her sister, Zoe, now 17, was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis when she was a sixth-grader.
“Zoe was in the hospital for about three weeks when she was first diagnosed,” Utech said. “She has to have surgery this summer because she is sick a lot.”
Utech also has two younger brothers, Evan, 14 and Joah, 9.
Anderson said the family has overcome many struggles, but Utech has a “wonderful stepfather” now. Still, money is tight, and Utech worked a job to help out. “I started working at Dairy Queen to help pay my sister’s band fee,” Utech said.
According to some published reports, average prom expenditures are now surpassing $1,100, with the majority of this spent on that special dress.
Utech found her “fairy godmother” in Cinderella’s Closet. “My choir teacher, Mrs. Shively, heard about Cinderella’s Closet at Center Pointe Church and nominated me and two of my friends, and we were chosen to go and get free dresses, shoes and accessories,” Utech said.
Utech and her friends went to the church on April 12, met her “fairy godmother,” Lisa, and was given the royal treatment, until she found the perfect dress for her special night.”
“Junior and senior high school girls are referred to us by a school staff member, social worker or community liaison,” said Sara Mosteller, director of Cinderella’s Closet in Liberty Twp. “Girls come to us for all different reasons, and we don’t require proof of need. They are paired with a ‘fairy godmother’ who shows them love and makes them feel like they are smart, talented and pretty all day long.”
Girls coming to Cinderella’s Closet go home with a prom dress, shoes and jewelry of their choosing, all of which are theirs to keep. Each also receives an 8-by-10 photo taken in the dresses.
“We have more than 1,500 dresses here, either donated or purchased with donated funds,” Mosteller said. “Prom costs a lot of money and I can tell you that many of these girls just wouldn’t get to attend unless they could get assistance. I have watched countless girls come in with their heads down and they put on a formal dress and we compliment them and it makes them feel good. The most rewarding part is to watch the girls change on the inside because of what is happening on the outside.”
Utech and her friends enjoyed a wonderful prom night at Yankee Trace Golf Club on April 9 as a result of the dress donation. And on May 31, she will graduate from Carlisle High School and has plans to study nursing and also attend cosmetology school.
For more information about Cinderella’s Closet, go online to www.cinderellasclosetusa.org.
Linda Anderson of St. Cloud, Minn., a longtime friend of Utech’s mother, Janet Johnston, said Kyra is deserving for many reasons. “I have known Kyra since she was a newborn and have watched her grow up,” said Anderson. “Her family has struggled with a sick child (Utech’s younger sister Zoe) and they nearly lost her. Kyra has sacrificed so much for her sister. She gave up marching band — something she loved — her senior year, because her family couldn’t afford to pay for both girls to do it. As an older woman looking at a young lady, I see that it’s such a sacrifice she made during her senior year for her sister. She has a loving heart.”
And though Anderson doesn’t see the family often, she and Utech correspond often, and Utech has purchased some of Anderson’s handmade jewelry, which she has worn to several school dances. “I’ve been so honored that she would trust me to make some jewelry pieces for her,” Anderson said. “She is a special young lady.”
In addition to marching band, Utech has been involved with Winter Guard and performs in four different choirs. She has also played the piano since the age of 7. Her sister, Zoe, now 17, was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis when she was a sixth-grader.
“Zoe was in the hospital for about three weeks when she was first diagnosed,” Utech said. “She has to have surgery this summer because she is sick a lot.”
Utech also has two younger brothers, Evan, 14 and Joah, 9.
Anderson said the family has overcome many struggles, but Utech has a “wonderful stepfather” now. Still, money is tight, and Utech worked a job to help out. “I started working at Dairy Queen to help pay my sister’s band fee,” Utech said.
According to some published reports, average prom expenditures are now surpassing $1,100, with the majority of this spent on that special dress.
Utech found her “fairy godmother” in Cinderella’s Closet. “My choir teacher, Mrs. Shively, heard about Cinderella’s Closet at Center Pointe Church and nominated me and two of my friends, and we were chosen to go and get free dresses, shoes and accessories,” Utech said.
Utech and her friends went to the church on April 12, met her “fairy godmother,” Lisa, and was given the royal treatment, until she found the perfect dress for her special night.”
“Junior and senior high school girls are referred to us by a school staff member, social worker or community liaison,” said Sara Mosteller, director of Cinderella’s Closet in Liberty Twp. “Girls come to us for all different reasons, and we don’t require proof of need. They are paired with a ‘fairy godmother’ who shows them love and makes them feel like they are smart, talented and pretty all day long.”
Girls coming to Cinderella’s Closet go home with a prom dress, shoes and jewelry of their choosing, all of which are theirs to keep. Each also receives an 8-by-10 photo taken in the dresses.
“We have more than 1,500 dresses here, either donated or purchased with donated funds,” Mosteller said. “Prom costs a lot of money and I can tell you that many of these girls just wouldn’t get to attend unless they could get assistance. I have watched countless girls come in with their heads down and they put on a formal dress and we compliment them and it makes them feel good. The most rewarding part is to watch the girls change on the inside because of what is happening on the outside.”
Utech and her friends enjoyed a wonderful prom night at Yankee Trace Golf Club on April 9 as a result of the dress donation. And on May 31, she will graduate from Carlisle High School and has plans to study nursing and also attend cosmetology school.
For more information about Cinderella’s Closet, go online to www.cinderellasclosetusa.org.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Help Me Get Home?
Looking for my Bead Soup Piece? =) Click here!
Hey Y'All - It's looking like I might FINALLY be making progress to get my belongings HOME! They are currently living in Virginia, right outside of DC, while I'm living in Minnesota. I need to raise about $700 more dollars and I'll be able to get EVERYTHING home!
Would you help? You can make a donation here: Go Fund Me Page or purchase some jewelry here: Cherry On Top Design.Co. I'm SO CLOSE! Even $5 would be a HUGE help!
Hey Y'All - It's looking like I might FINALLY be making progress to get my belongings HOME! They are currently living in Virginia, right outside of DC, while I'm living in Minnesota. I need to raise about $700 more dollars and I'll be able to get EVERYTHING home!
Would you help? You can make a donation here: Go Fund Me Page or purchase some jewelry here: Cherry On Top Design.Co. I'm SO CLOSE! Even $5 would be a HUGE help!
Friday, May 9, 2014
BEAD SOUP REVEAL!!
Here it is!!
As a reminder....here's what I sent Lisa (plus some round quartz, silver stardust rounds and a few strands of czech glass not pictured. I felt like my soup was a little....thin...needed some more ....'veggies', if ya get my drift) The oranges are some of my favorite beads and the focal was hand made glass discs.
Here is what Lisa from http://spudandmrsbutters.blogspot.com sent! So beautiful, I cried. Yep - it's true. Tears.
Let me start by saying this was a CHALLENGE. Not because I didn't have gorgeous soup - because HOLY CANNOLI! LOOK AT IT! I felt inadequate. I wasn't familiar with Czech glass and I was really becoming discouraged. But let me say this...... I am SO.PROUD. of the pieces I made. Seriously, I haven't been this proud in a LONG time. Lisa - I hope I did YOU proud!
One challenge I encountered was scale. Scale is the size of things and how they relate to each other. Typically, big things go with big things...little with little. Well, you'll notice that the coordinating beads are itty bitty while my gorgeous Owlivia (the ADORABLE owl) is a little... on the plus size. =) So, I was REALLY struggling to make it all work together until one day it hit me.... make 2 pieces. (And Lisa thought my biggest struggle would be working with copper...heh heh) I'll dig into these pieces a lot more, later. Without further delay...
The first piece features the beautiful itty bittys and the GORGEOUS clasp! I made the connector out of copper.
The second piece features my adorable Owlivia! I wired wrapped her (my first real wrapping experience) and made the clasp, carrying the theme of the flower through the clasp. =)
Then.... I needed earrings of course.....
For these little gems, I made the pins with the swirls on the bottom, to mimic the swirls on Owlivia.
AND I made these little guys - including the pin, ear wire and the flower on the bottom! Aren't they AWESOME!?!? (If I do say so, myself)
I had a little fun doing a selfie session with my new pieces.... enjoy! =)
Check out what the rest of my 499+ friends did here:
As a reminder....here's what I sent Lisa (plus some round quartz, silver stardust rounds and a few strands of czech glass not pictured. I felt like my soup was a little....thin...needed some more ....'veggies', if ya get my drift) The oranges are some of my favorite beads and the focal was hand made glass discs.
Here is what Lisa from http://spudandmrsbutters.blogspot.com sent! So beautiful, I cried. Yep - it's true. Tears.
 |
| Click to enlarge |
Let me start by saying this was a CHALLENGE. Not because I didn't have gorgeous soup - because HOLY CANNOLI! LOOK AT IT! I felt inadequate. I wasn't familiar with Czech glass and I was really becoming discouraged. But let me say this...... I am SO.PROUD. of the pieces I made. Seriously, I haven't been this proud in a LONG time. Lisa - I hope I did YOU proud!
One challenge I encountered was scale. Scale is the size of things and how they relate to each other. Typically, big things go with big things...little with little. Well, you'll notice that the coordinating beads are itty bitty while my gorgeous Owlivia (the ADORABLE owl) is a little... on the plus size. =) So, I was REALLY struggling to make it all work together until one day it hit me.... make 2 pieces. (And Lisa thought my biggest struggle would be working with copper...heh heh) I'll dig into these pieces a lot more, later. Without further delay...
The first piece features the beautiful itty bittys and the GORGEOUS clasp! I made the connector out of copper.
The second piece features my adorable Owlivia! I wired wrapped her (my first real wrapping experience) and made the clasp, carrying the theme of the flower through the clasp. =)
Then.... I needed earrings of course.....
For these little gems, I made the pins with the swirls on the bottom, to mimic the swirls on Owlivia.
AND I made these little guys - including the pin, ear wire and the flower on the bottom! Aren't they AWESOME!?!? (If I do say so, myself)
I had a little fun doing a selfie session with my new pieces.... enjoy! =)
 |
| Whoooooo! |
 |
| Too much? (both pieces on) |
 |
| Fishface! |
 |
| Not bad, kid! |
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| Proud and SO GLAD I did this, again! Thanks, Lori! |
Check out what the rest of my 499+ friends did here:
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
BIG NEWS!!
SO....a few weeks ago I posted about some *big news*.....
I'm going to be published again!!! HOORAY! This time, just a pair of earrings in Jewelry Stringing Magazine! Fall 2014 issue. VERY excited!
I'm going to be published again!!! HOORAY! This time, just a pair of earrings in Jewelry Stringing Magazine! Fall 2014 issue. VERY excited!
Monday, April 21, 2014
Czech glass
Continuing the series on Whys It So Expensive?!......
Glass is glass is glass....right? Or is it?
When we buy things like glasses or windows or even mirrors, we start to learn that all glass is not created equal - and the same is true in beading. The most popular types of glass include lampwork (see the last edition of "Whys It So Expensive"), crystal, dichroic, Venetian, vintage, cats eye, and today's topic Czech.
I've been learning all about Czech glass in the last few weeks because my Bead Soup partner is a big fan and sent nearly all this type of beads to me. It's been a challenge and so much fun to learn about the different finishes, shapes, colors, mixes and types of beads.
ArtBeads.com describes it this way:
Glass making in the Czech Republic is an age old cottage industry. These glass beads are still made in small quantities by hand. Due to the way the glass is made, there may be slight color variation from one bead batch to the next.
Now, you may wonder why this matters....well...it matters because when an artist decides to use this glass, it's more expensive than say something that is mass produced. HOWEVER, this glass is simply *splendid*! Check out some of these different types:
GORGEOUS, right?!!? I'm having a great time using these 'new to me' beads and looking forward to using them in my jewelry. I LOVE that they are hand made in small batches and that gives them more personality! The price is a bit higher than a typical glass bead, made in large quantities but it is CERTAINLY worth it!
Here is an adorable pair of earrings I made with some adorable pressed flower bead caps:
Next time you're looking at hand made jewelry and they tell you it's made with Czech glass - you know that while it may be a little more expensive - it's also that much more special!
Glass is glass is glass....right? Or is it?
When we buy things like glasses or windows or even mirrors, we start to learn that all glass is not created equal - and the same is true in beading. The most popular types of glass include lampwork (see the last edition of "Whys It So Expensive"), crystal, dichroic, Venetian, vintage, cats eye, and today's topic Czech.
I've been learning all about Czech glass in the last few weeks because my Bead Soup partner is a big fan and sent nearly all this type of beads to me. It's been a challenge and so much fun to learn about the different finishes, shapes, colors, mixes and types of beads.
ArtBeads.com describes it this way:
Glass making in the Czech Republic is an age old cottage industry. These glass beads are still made in small quantities by hand. Due to the way the glass is made, there may be slight color variation from one bead batch to the next.
Now, you may wonder why this matters....well...it matters because when an artist decides to use this glass, it's more expensive than say something that is mass produced. HOWEVER, this glass is simply *splendid*! Check out some of these different types:
Click Photo to Enlarge
GORGEOUS, right?!!? I'm having a great time using these 'new to me' beads and looking forward to using them in my jewelry. I LOVE that they are hand made in small batches and that gives them more personality! The price is a bit higher than a typical glass bead, made in large quantities but it is CERTAINLY worth it!
Here is an adorable pair of earrings I made with some adorable pressed flower bead caps:
Next time you're looking at hand made jewelry and they tell you it's made with Czech glass - you know that while it may be a little more expensive - it's also that much more special!
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
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Tuesday, April 8, 2014
MMmmm...Soup!
I'm lucky enough to participate for the 2nd time in the wonder called BeadSoup. 1 woman offers to let 500 people sign up (in 24 hours mind you) to exchange beads with another artist, make something special with them (and some of your own) and then reveal them ALL on one day! QUITE a task and so, VERY exciting!
What I loved about doing this challenge, is that it REALLY pushed me as an artist to make someone else's art bend into my own style. I was pretty excited about last years piece, but this year.... HOLY CANNOLI! Take a look at THIS soup! (I cried it was so beautiful!)
Big thanks to Lisa from http://spudandmrsbutters.blogspot.com/
I'll leave you with an ok preview of the beads.... the great photos will come in May....until then....eat up! Just be sure to chew your BeadSoup carefully. =)
Sunday, April 6, 2014
"The Color of Dreams" Blog Hop!
TODAY IS THE DAY!
Several weeks ago, I signed up for a very EXCITING and CHALLENGING blog hop. It's called "The Color of Dreams". The organizer (Rita of Toltec Jewels) posted this on her blog: http://www.jewelschoolfriends.com/2014/03/the-color-of-dreams-participant-list.html and I responded! I wanted to try to put my dreams into a piece of jewelry.
Here was the challenge as stated by Rita:
You may share a dream
that has come true, one you are working on now, or one you hope for in
the future. The one goal of the hop: we'll focus on our dreams as
entirely possible, with the idea, "If we can dream it, we can achieve
it." So, try creating "from the end" -- as if your dream has already come true -- using your jewelry design to do so.
My inspiration came from a BEAUTIFUL, handcrafted flower bead made by Color of Dreams Boutique. It features the amazing pinks and purples that I just happen to LOVE! =)
I tried to approach this challenge as a story of my jewelry career, for now...and what I dream will happen in the future. The first bead, a long pink, glass piece symbolizes the very beginning of my jewelry making journey. I started making pieces with these types of beads and they turned out pretty well.
From there, I moved on to learning other techniques including pearl knotting (which is my favorite thing to do, but doesn't seem to sell well so I don't do it often). My mother loved pearls and passed that love on to me. (It's all her fault! =) )
Next, I used a beautiful piece of crystal and brand called "Thunder Polish". It was my first experience with crystal and I was hooked! Until very recently, I used nearly exclusively, Thunder Polish. I love their colors, their shapes, sizes and was the perfect price point for someone starting out and not really ready to invest in premium items.
As I moved to the next section, I used some of my absolute favorite beads, mother of pearl shells. I use them in so many ways, it's ridiculous! I LOVE them! They're INCREDIBLY versatile, unusual, come in a variety of shapes and sizes and lend themselves perfectly to nearly any application you can dream of! I also used these beads in my 2nd piece of work that was published by BeadStyle magazine! =)
So, next we have the pretty little lime green ball.... this piece also holds HUGE significance for me... it was a bead used in my FIRST published piece...also in BeadStyle. When I made the necklace, I wasn't a huge fan of it.... but apparently it's pretty special because another editor asked for the same piece for her magazine. =) Because it's already been published, I can't use it...but it REALLY changed my life. It gave me industry validation that what I'm doing is....good. I felt like a ROCKSTAR!
Which leads to the flower bead....it fits so perfectly with the way this last year has been.... a year of excitement, opening myself up to new opportunities, learning new things, building my business, meeting people and blooming into the person I believe God made me to be.
The next bead is called a "Divine Rock", which fits perfectly in to my story. I truly believe that God has given me this gift. He has used the good and bad (notice the matte section which is somewhat fractured in the middle) in my life, including chronic illness, to turn my ashes into beauty for myself and others. It symbolizes the fact that prior to 4 years ago - I had NO IDEA I had a lick of talent in designing jewelry. I give ALL the credit to God for this. I'm SOOOO excited to see where He's
going to take this!
AND FINALLY - I used Swarovski pearls in blackberry and gold. I went with Swarovski because one of my dreams is to become a Swarovski Ambassasdor. I have NO IDEA how to go about this....but it's a dream! I would just LOVE to be known as someone who is an expert and does fantastic work with their beauties! I chose the purple (not just because of the flower) but also because it represents royalty, innovation and creativity. The gold, because it represents opulence, success, generosity, wisdom and knowledge - all attributes of Swarovski Ambassadors =). OH! And if you're an Ambassador and could pass some info on...that'd be AMAZING! =)
I CANNOT WAIT to see what my future holds, but I know who holds it.... and I know I'm excited about the ride!
Check out my other friends here:
Honorary Guest and Featured Artist: Patricia Handschuh
Patricia's blog: The Color of Dreams
Patricias Etsy: The Color of Dreams
Hostess: Toltec Jewels Jewel School Friends
Kay Thomerson KayzKreationz
Audrey Belanger Toki No Hourousha
Patricia's blog: The Color of Dreams
Patricias Etsy: The Color of Dreams
Hostess: Toltec Jewels Jewel School Friends
Kay Thomerson KayzKreationz
Audrey Belanger Toki No Hourousha
Alicia Marinache All the Pretty Things
Terry Carter TappingFlamingo
Lori Schneider Bead Addict
Jenny Kyrlach Wonder and Whimsy
Asri Wahyuingsih Asri's Beadwork
Dini Bruinsma Angaza by Changes
Karla Morgan Texas Pepper Jams
Debbie Rasmussen A Little of This, A Little of That
Veralynne Malone Designed by Vera
Kathy Stemke Vintage Memories Jewelry Design
Mowse Doyle Mowse Made This
Heather Richter Desert Jewelry Designs
Lori Poppe Adventures in Creativity with LorilliJean
Terry Carter TappingFlamingo
Lori Schneider Bead Addict
Jenny Kyrlach Wonder and Whimsy
Asri Wahyuingsih Asri's Beadwork
Dini Bruinsma Angaza by Changes
Karla Morgan Texas Pepper Jams
Debbie Rasmussen A Little of This, A Little of That
Veralynne Malone Designed by Vera
Kathy Stemke Vintage Memories Jewelry Design
Mowse Doyle Mowse Made This
Heather Richter Desert Jewelry Designs
Lori Poppe Adventures in Creativity with LorilliJean
Jayne Capps Mama's Got To Doodle
Andrea Glick Zenith Jade Creations
Kathleen Breeding 99 Bottles of Beads on the Wall
Becky Pancake Becky Pancake Bead Designs
Karin Martinez Fairies Market
Miranda Ackerley Mirandack
Kathleen Breeding 99 Bottles of Beads on the Wall
Becky Pancake Becky Pancake Bead Designs
Karin Martinez Fairies Market
Miranda Ackerley Mirandack
Penny Houghton Smelly Nelly
Carolyn Lawson Carolyn's Creations
Chris Eisenberg Wanderware
Christie Murrow Charis Designs Jewelry
Monique Urquhart A Half-Baked Notion
Eve Shelby Raindrop Creations Jewelry by Evelyn
Cryss Thain Here Bead Dragons
Jasvanti Patel Jewelry By Jasvanti
Nan Smith NanMade Handmade Jewelry
Sue Kennedy SueBeads
Jean Yates Snap Out of It, Jean! There's Beading to be Done!
Debbie Rogers Debbies Treasures
Marybeth Rich A Few Words From Within the Pines
Shirley Moore Beads and Bread
Shaia Williams Shaiha's Ramblings
Kathy Lindemer Bay Moon Design
Linda Anderson From the Bead Board
Judy Turner Silver Rains
Gloria Allen Gloria Allen Designs
Regina Wood Ginas-Design
Robin Reed Artistry HCBD
Mary Goovars MLH Jewelry Designs (please visit after Wednesday, April 9)
Marlene Cupo Amazing Designs
CJ Bauschka 4 His Glory Creations
Robin Showstack The Crazy Bead Hoarder
Cynthia O'Toole Sparkles and Sweets
Carolyn Lawson Carolyn's Creations
Chris Eisenberg Wanderware
Christie Murrow Charis Designs Jewelry
Monique Urquhart A Half-Baked Notion
Eve Shelby Raindrop Creations Jewelry by Evelyn
Cryss Thain Here Bead Dragons
Jasvanti Patel Jewelry By Jasvanti
Nan Smith NanMade Handmade Jewelry
Sue Kennedy SueBeads
Jean Yates Snap Out of It, Jean! There's Beading to be Done!
Debbie Rogers Debbies Treasures
Marybeth Rich A Few Words From Within the Pines
Shirley Moore Beads and Bread
Shaia Williams Shaiha's Ramblings
Kathy Lindemer Bay Moon Design
Linda Anderson From the Bead Board
Judy Turner Silver Rains
Gloria Allen Gloria Allen Designs
Regina Wood Ginas-Design
Robin Reed Artistry HCBD
Mary Goovars MLH Jewelry Designs (please visit after Wednesday, April 9)
Marlene Cupo Amazing Designs
CJ Bauschka 4 His Glory Creations
Robin Showstack The Crazy Bead Hoarder
Cynthia O'Toole Sparkles and Sweets
Jael Thorp Jael's Art Jewels
Renetha Stanziano Lamplight Crafts
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