Week #18 - Sweet, Simple Copper and Teal Butterflies

 Week 18 is the week of reveals for the Bead Peeps Swap N Hop, so I'm gonna keep it short. 

These sweeties feature copper firepolish beads, copper butterfly filigrees and wood dangles.  Sweet, simple and adorable!  Classic, too!

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Week #17 - Dreams of Seas

This week, we have a mixed metal selection - I used some beautiful bright silver spacers with the pink/yellow roundelles. The gold starfish help pull the yellow out of the beads.

 I'm so tired this week, and have a big week upcoming as well. So, hopefully next week I'll have a more exciting pair - but for now - pink, gold and silver it is!  Sometimes ya just want sweet and simple.

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

Swap N Hop 2015 Partner Link List

Bead Peeps Swap N Hop 2015  Partner List    Our Hostess: Linda Anderson from http//:fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com Linda Anderson http://fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com Marica Zammit http://www.beadlovelies.com Linda Anderson http://fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com Jessica Hocutt https://faithfamilyandadventure.wordpress.com Kristina Hahn Eleniak http://www.peacockandlime.wordpress.com Debbie Jeffries http://debrasdivinedesigns.com/blog/ Rosantia Petkova http://bairozan.blogspot.com/ Shalini Austin http://jewellerybyshalini.co.uk/my-blog/ Catherine La Vite http://drygulchbeadsandjewelry.blogspot.com Annica Larsson http://zestyfrog.wordpress.com/ Lori Schneider http://beadaddicted.blogspot.com/ Divya N http://www.jewelsofsayuri.com Mowse Doyle http://mowsemadethis.blogspot.com Fay Wolfenden http://torchfairy.blogspot.com Kathy Lindemer http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/ Claire Fabian http://saraccino.blogspot.de/ Janice Warden Bergeron http://thejewelryroom.blogspot.ca Natalie Davidson http://www.northshoredays.com Deb Fortin http://www.studiok24.blogspot.ca Inge von Roos http://ingetraud.wordpress.com Karen Mitchell http://overthemoon-design.com Robin Reed http://willowdragon.blogspot.com Marie Covert http://thistledown-and-swaddlings.blogspot.com/ Alicia Marinache http://www.allprettythings.ca Nan Smith http://www.wirednan.blogspot.ca Johana Nunez http://artincendi.com Kelly Hosford Patterson http://travelingsideshow.blogspot.com/ Lori Blanchard http://alainnjewelry.WordPress.com Sue  Kennedy http://suebeads.blogspot.com Shai Williams http://www.shaihasramblings.com Niky Sayers http://silverniknats.blogspot.co.uk Melissa Trudinger http://beadrecipes.wordpress.com Candida Castleberry http://www.spunsugarbeadworks.blogspot.com Erin Guest http://www.renlish.com Nicole Rennell http://nicolerennell.com/blog Ien Temaluru http://ienmaginationsjewelry.wordpress.com Robin Showstack http://heartsdesiresjewelryforyou.blogspot.com/ Sam Waghorn http://palemooncreation.blogspot.co.uk Marianne Baxter http://www.simplyseablimejewelry.blogspot.com Elsie Deliz-Fonseca http://ladelizchica.blogspot.com Shai Williams http://shaihasramblings.com Lee Koopman http://stregajewellry.wordpress.com Jayne Capps http://mamasgottodoodle.blogspot.com Marti Conrad http://artisancomponentmarketplace.com/martisbuttonsandbeads/2015/03/20/bead-peeps-blog-hop/ Tina Bosh http://bookbug-somanybookssolittletime.blogspot.com/ Eleanor Thomas http://woolywireetc.blogspot.com Jeanne Steck http://www.gemsbyjeannemarie.blogspot.com Gloria Allen http://www.wingsandbeads.blogspot.com Rachel Mallis http://www.mintmonarch.com/#!blog/c1jlz Andrea Glick http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/ Stephanie Stamper http://skwds.blogspot.com Chris Haussler http://pixybugdesigns.blogspot.com Betony Maiden http://www.beadwenches.blogspot.com/ Kari Asbury http://hippiechickjewelrydesign.com/blog/ Jenny Kyrlach http://anafiassa.blogspot.com/ Colleen Foley http://colleenfoleycreations.blogspot.com Marybeth Rich http://forestofjewels.blogspot.com/ Marcy Lamberson http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com Dyanne Everett-Cantrell http://www.deelitefuljewelrycreations.blogspot.com Ginny Lones http://www.Skippingintotheunknown.blogspot.com Maria Rosa Sharrow http://willowstreetshops.blogspot.com Loretta Carstensen http://designsbyloretta.blogspot.com Dolores Raml http://craftydscreations.wordpress.com Michelle McCarthy http://www.fireflydesignstudio.blogspot.com Louise McCormick-Glazier http://jewelrytreasuresbylouise.blogspot.com/ Heather Richter http://desertjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com Tammy Adams http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog/ Shirley Moore http://beadsandbread.blogspot.com Seed Beaders Susanne Stelljes http://pearlify.blogspot.de Sheila Prosterman http://catswithbeads.blogspot.com Pallavi Asher http://kalaabhushan.blogspot.in/ Jami Shipp http://celebratinglifewithdamamashipp.blogspot.com Peggy Kosier http://www.kosydesigns.blogspot.ca/ Andra Weber http://andrasjoyfuljourney.blogspot.com Catherine King http://catherines-musings.blogspot.com Krafty Max http://kraftymax.com Sierra Barrett http://giraffecanhas.wordpress.com Lois Sherwood http://thiznthat5454blog.wordpress.com Katy Heider http://onthepondcreations.blogspot.com Rebecca Robertson   (White) http://morganafeycreations.121hub.com/ Heather Richter http://desertjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com Brandy Collier http://bhjewelry.wordpress.com Stephanie Haussler http://www.pixybugdesigns.blogspot.com Lori Blanchard http://alainnjewelry.WordPress.com Kathleen Breeding http://99bobotw.blogspot.com Becky Pancake http://beckypancakebeaddesigns.blogspot.com Renetha Stanziano http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com/ Tami Norris https://jewelrybytami.wordpress.com/ Ginger Bishop http://lilmummylikes.blogspot.com/ Peggy Johnson http://charmbarn.blogspot.com

Week #16 - Here SeaHorseyHorseyHorseyHorsey.....

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Birthday, K!  Love you, girlie!

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To be sure you don’t miss out on any of my crazy adventures, you can sign up to follow my blog by email or news servers using the links in the right column of my page. You can also follow me on Facebook get updates about blog posts, my latest jewelry designs, show schedule, and other happenings!
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Week #15 - Sweet Simplicity

A few weeks ago, I had this wild idea that I wanted to see if I could make my own components for some of my Year O Earrings.

I reached out to some folks to see if anyone might have some scraps left over and while there was plenty of excitement, it just didn't pan out.  So instead of using the metal scraps, as I'd hoped....I reevaluated my design idea.

I decided to stick with copper and made my own little frames, then wrapped my sweet new 3mm Swarovskis around it.  So cute!

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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 #14 - Hippos a la Swarovski

 Several years ago, we were getting ready to open Christmas presents and a family member, who was quite young at the time, pipes up and wants to play a song for us.  So, we all kinda went along with it and the song was.... "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" by Gayla Peavey.  Somehow, that song became kinda an anthem for me.  Since then, my family has often given me different hippo items for Christmas - so while I was searching for some interesting focals for my Bead Peeps Swap N Hop partners, I found these ADORABLE little hippos. So, you KNOW I had to have them.  =)

When they came, I about spit out my drink with how FREAKIN' CUTE they are!  I wasn't sure what to do with them, so I kinda let them simmer for a while.  Last week, it hit me..... I should put them in a hoop! Brilliant!  I dug out my beading hoops and whaddya know?  They were nearly a PERFECT fit!  Nearly.  The bottoms were a little.....barren.  I quickly realized that I ordered some new Swarovski crystal mixes and fantastically enough - they were PERFECTION! 

I present to you.....Hippos a la Swarovski:

I'm pretty proud of these little guys and I can't WAIT to wear them! 

Wish YOU had a pair?  Contact me (linda at cherryOnTopDesign dot co - not .com) - I might be willing to make another pair, similar to these. =)




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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 #13 - Too many to pick!

 This week, I went a little crazy with the earrings. I made so many that I can't decide which to make #13!  SO - I'll go with..... ones I made for folks with metal allergies.  

One of the things, I've learned over the years of doing shows is that there are WHOLE LOTTA FOLKS who are allergic to metal of some sort.  I started making "metal free" pieces a few years ago and found that there aren't a whole lotta options out there for folks who can't do a metal.  I did, however, find plastic posts.  Genius!  So, these little sweets have them and make them perfect for those awful allergies! 

The beads are wood, coated with resin on front and back, so the posts should not ever come off, and because they are wood - they are SUPER lightweight!  The charcoal and turquoise are PERFECT for spring!  Enjoy!

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/228054030/gray-turquoise-metal-free-wood-earrings

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!

Bead Peeps Swap N Hop - Package #2 Received!

 As the leader of the group, Bead Peeps, while matching we had a "spare" person....so I picked up a 2nd partner....and what an adventure it has been! =)

Jessica lives in Alaska and has just had her 6th child.  She's SUCH a strong woman!  I can't imagine having 6 children, let alone...living in the bush.....homeschooling AND being a wife and mom.  Whoa!

I sent her package a few weeks ago and you can see what SHE received here:
http://fromthebeadboard.blogspot.com/2015/03/swap-n-hop-partner-2-has-received-her.html

And THIS is what I received:

 

Some gorgeous spacers, some hearts and a beautiful "message in a bottle".

 

A beautiful lampwork bead, some blue quartz chips, some heart clasps and a beautiful blinged out crown.  

The deets - So, Jessica made the lampwork piece - oh so gorgeous! I LOVE pink and blue - like LOVE it!  So, that will be fun to play with.  I'm going to see how I can add the hearts in.... I haven't worked with something like that before so that will be a challenge for me. 

She also made the stunning message in a bottle, which features a verse about being healed.  I have struggled for nearly 12 years with chronic illness.  God has used that sickness to bring me to a new place in life, where I'm *artistic* and for those who know me - that's weird.  Before getting sick, I had no CLUE I had a lick of artistic ability inside me.  Isn't that incredible?  This beautiful gift that comes from the ashes of a life that *I* thought was the way life would be, from then until forevermore.  

Going to be interesting to see what comes from these pieces..... so many options....so little time. 

Check back here on May 2 to see what I've made and check out the blogs of the other participants, too!

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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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So...what'd he say?

Today...... after a horrific weekend filled with pain, like I've never known and honestly, wasn't sure I'd make it through the night on Friday.  While that may sound dramatic..... it's truth.  I had so much *pain*.  It was RELENTLESS.  After Friday night, I drove an hour+ to the Twin Cities (my dentist was in Chicago) to an emergency dentist who promptly told me that I had an infected tooth and that it would be a cool $3k for them to fix it.

I don't have $3k.  I cried. Alot.  I'm on social security and am disabled.  I'm not able to work.....I don't have the luxury of picking up a few extra hours to make some extra cash.... my body won't let me.  Imagine the freak out.

Look at that smile! Help me save it!

So, this morning, I went to my own dentist, who agreed that YES I need a root canal.  However, he felt pretty certain, that a crown may not be needed immediately.  More importantly, the cost for the root canal and filling, will be right at $1k - which is MUCH more manageable than $3k, but still frightening because I don't have that kind of money.  I've spent the last several months being VERY disciplined and exercising HUGE self control to save around $600 - which is OUTSTANDING - but the thought of losing all that cash to a tooth and having NOTHING again is absolutely sickening.   (I know, I'm very THANKFUL that I have this savings.... I just HATE spending it!)

I'm asking for help.  I have to.

I have started a gofundme page, which you can find here: http://www.gofundme.com/pnvu2c  It also explains more of my story and why this probably happened..... and I will be doing a destash again in my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LindasDestash/.  Please share with your friends - I want to raise as much as I possibly can so that I can keep SOME sort of savings. 

If you'd rather purchase jewelry - you can find it here: http://cherryOnTopDesign.co and I do custom pieces, as well! 

THANK YOU for your friendship and if you would like to help, I'd be forever grateful (as would my mouth)!