Springtime is a special time of year.  The trees budding, the daffodils, tulips and hyacinths springing forth with new life. It is a true awakening of the senses and the soul is filled with hope.

It is the perfect time to participate in the Bead Soup Bead Hoarders Hop hosted by the marvelous Lori Anderson.  I wanted to be apart this year to challenge myself to get in my workroom and create something new....it has been too long.  I love jewelry design but life's obligations have consumed all my "extra" time lately.

This years concept to gift our partner with a focal that we had been hoarding. My bead soup partner, Marianna Wehner of stargirlshop.blogspot.com gifted me some beautiful lampwork beads which she made herself. She is very talented and her beads are beautiful.

The bottom left picture are some of the pieces that Marianna sent me.  Immediately when I saw the red and blue lampwork heart, I envisioned it as part of a charm style bohemian necklace.  My "Heart of Wisdom" necklace came together when I found this vintage pewter charm holder by artisan Mike Barker and the seek wisdom charm by Green Girl Studios.  I added some vintage and new Czech glass flowers and a fun, flirty turquoise blue tassel.  I added the beautiful vintage turquoise blue glass button with painted flowers to the clasp for extra interest to the Chalcedony linked chain.  I love fun, flirty outcome!

This "Floral Fantasy" necklace features the gorgeous lavender lampwork headpin leaves that Marianna made and gifted me.  I didn't get a before photo of them because I was to excited to use them.  Originally I was thinking of using them as earrings but the wires were too large with the beads that I wanted to use.  So I happened upon this lovely Hyacinth Purple German Lucite rose that I had already attached to a filigree base.  They blended so beautifully that it was meant to be.  I accented the focal rose and leaves with a collection of aqua, rose, white luster and periwinkle Czech glass flowers and leaves.  Above the rose is an amazing enameled connector by Marie Demicco.  The necklace is finished with vintage Japanese glass beads that reminded me of blue sky and clouds. More vintage Japanese glass beads in a Springtime green complete the necklace.  I used another piece by artisan Marie Demicco as a toggle. To me, there is an air of fantasy about it and the colors are perfectly Spring.

You can hop along with us at www.prettythingsblog.com/2017/03/welcom-to-bead-soup-blog-party.html.  Please leave a comment.  Thanks for hopping along and Happy Spring to everyone!

Gift from the Sea

Three years ago, my youngest son, gave me a beautiful silver plated starfish pendant for Christmas.  It is not only a beautiful pendant, but was also a very thoughtful gift. He knew his momma's favorite store and hand picked this starfish for me.  I loved it!  However, it sat on my work table until recently because I wanted to do something extra special with it. The finished necklace is a collection of treasures including mother of pearl flowers, mother of pearl starfish, seashells, a vintage reflector (reminds me of ocean bubbles), lamp work flowers, Swarovski glass pearls, vintage glass beads, artisan pottery, vintage Japanese head pins, wire mesh ribbon and the silver plated starfish.  My son was pleased which is the most important thing. It is definitely a statement piece that I love and will wear with joy because of its story.

The Art of Awareness: Autism

Lori Anderson is back doing what she does so brilliantly,  hosting a blog party.  This time she partnered with Heather Wynn Millican of Swoondimples.  Heather created polymer clay bean beads with inspirational words of our choice in the color of our choice each with an awareness ribbon. As soon as I saw Lori's post about this hop, I signed up. What an amazing collaboration between art, artisans and awareness organizations. 

I chose Autism.  I think Autism is an issue that touches everyone; the degree of separation just varies.  Do you have a friend of a friend, a friend, a family member who lives with the effects of Autism?  I resist labels, but my family is also touched by Autism. Autism is a difficult subject because the cause is unknown and the results vary from person to person.  Patience, Kindness and Acceptance are key while the research is ongoing.

I chose the words,"be you" for my bean bead; a reminder to shine bright regardless of difficulties. Heather made me a fantastic royal blue, red and yellow bead.  It is perfect for the primary color palette associated with Autism. From the outset, I knew I wanted to incorporate some plaid.  When I see plaid, I think of boy's and men's shirts.  In fact, I upcycled one of my sons outgrown shirts to add a few pieces. Since more boys are affected with Autism, I wanted to use the plaid as a subtle symbol.  I also knew from the beginning that I wanted to use this wonderful enameled key from Marie Demicco; a key to Autism is kindness, patience, understanding and acceptance. I also knew that I wanted to integrate one of the rings from Pam Ferrari.  When I laid the necklace out, I decided to use all three rings as a symbol of the puzzle pieces representing the complexity of Autism.  This necklace, "The Heart Shines Through", is beaded with a rainbow of faceted seed beads representing the diversity of Autism, red Czech starburst beads representing the hope of research, and a blue Czech bird representing the individual caregivers...the wind beneath the wings. I finished the necklace with chunky red glass nuggets and a vintage red glass button. It is available for purchase at my etsy store. 

This is not a color palette that I typically work with and it was fun for a change.  Thank you Heather Wynn Millican for inspiring me to work outside of the comfort zone and for the opportunity to bring awareness to Autism. Thank you Lori Anderson for hosting this wonderful blog hop.  You are amazing!  Check out Lori's blog, www.prettythingsblog.com to hop along, see the other reveals and the stories behind them.

Bead Hoarder's Blog Hop Reveal

Today is the reveal day for the Bead Hoarder's Blog Hop hosted by the awesome bead artist, jewelry artist and hostess Lori Anderson.  When she first announced this blog hop about a month ago, I quickly signed up. 

 I thought it was a great idea to dig into my stashes to create something fun. However when I create, I never have enough space so my work space takes over every adjoining space.  With Thanksgiving for 19 at the house this year, my workroom required cleanup.  I must say that when I clean up it looks so good, but I can't find a thing:( 

So I began to look on the work table itself to see what I had grouped together....that is where I spotted the pendant focal.  This focal is not a piece that I have hoarded, but rather a work in progress.  I love vintage jewelry pieces and the vintage color of sea foam green. This focal has been a piece that has been on my work table for about 3 years.  Every time I go into my workroom, I pick it and say maybe today.  I add a crystal or pearl here or there and then lay it back down. I have made and sold similar pieces adding chain or beaded rosary style chain but this one I just didn't want to do that.  It seemed too simple.  Then, I found the aqua blue freshwater heshi pearls and the vintage sea foam green glass leaves.  Only one problem, the pearls would not string on anything except (Ughhh) the dreaded traditional beading wire.  Out comes the crimp tubes and crimpers with a sigh.  I am smiling, pleased with the outcome... an ode to Miriam Haskell.  Miriam's Garden is an unique, one of a kind, modern piece with a vintage twist.

Thank you Lori Anderson for being an amazing artist and an inspiring hostess.

Be sure to check out Lori's blog and the other participant's in this Bead Hoarder's Blog Hop to see the reveal of their beautiful creations and hear the stories behind them.

http://www.prettythingsblog.com/2014/12/welcome-to-2nd-annual-bead-hoarders.html

Choosy Chicks Choose Chicklets Blog Party

Time to PARTY!  I am participating in the Toltec Jewel School Friends Choosy Chicks Choose Chicklets blog hop. Our designs focus on featuring the beautiful artisan lampwork chicklet bead by Susan Kennedy of SueBeads.  Below are the ones that I chose to design with.  

When I started working with these lovely beads, I wanted to do justice to these wonderful beads and feature them prominently in unique designs. All three of my pieces evolved into vintage geometric and Asian inspired designs. I am thankful for the opportunity to participate in this challenge.  It was a joyful journey of new inspiration.


With the green and mauve chicklet, I designed Moondrops and Roses using vintage brass, porcelain cameo, a large sage green vintage lucite moon glow teardrop and czech glass in shades of purple. With the gorgeous red chicklet bead I created Asian Excursion.  It took shape when I remembered my vintage brass fan in my stash.  I also incorporated little knotted ties with waxed linen.  The last piece I created Wisdom's steps.  This one features a black oil slick chicklet in a geometric pattern with "messy" wire wrapped biwa pearls, a green freshwater pearl and vintage purple glass circle. A easy to wear piece finished with copper link chain.

Check out the other participants here:

http://www.jewelschoolfriends.com/2014/06/Choosy-Chicks-Choose-Chicklets-participating-artists.html

ARTISTS:

Guest of Honor & Featured Artist:  Susan Kennedy

Sue Kennedy's blogs:                               SueBeads...A Beady Girl's blog

                                                               Art Jewelry Elements

Sue Kennedy's website                            SueBeads

SueBeads Art Beads                                SueBeads

Hostess:

Toltec Jewels                                           http://www.JewelSchoolFriends.com

Artists:

Linda Anderson                                       http://fromthebeadboard.blogspot.com/

Jennifer Reno                                           http://jenrenjewelry.blogspot.com/

Shirley Moore                                          http://beadsandbread.blogspot.com/

Kristen Stevens                                        http://kristen-beadjourney.blogspot.com

Marybeth Rich                                         http://forestofjewels.blogspot.com

Jael Thorp                                                http://jaelsjewels.blogspot.com/

Melissa Trudinger                                     http://Beadrecipes.wordpress.com

Andrea Glick                                            http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/

Nan Smith                                                http://wirednan.blogspot.com

Blanca Medina                                         www.peru-medesigns.com

Shai Williams                                            http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com

Carolyn Lawson                                       http://Carolynscreationswa.blogspot.com

Rana Wilson                                             http://Ranaleadesigns.blogspot.com

Robin Reed                                              http://willowdragon.blogspot.com

Robin Showstack                                     http://heartsdesiresjewelryforyou.blogspot.com/

Sheila Prosterman                                     http://catswithbeads.blogspot.com

Karla Morgan                                          http://Texaspepperjams.blogspot.com

Kari Asbury                                             http://hippiechickdesign.blogspot.com

Kelly Rodgers                                          https://www.facebook.com/BeadinBlackBlue

Jayne Capps                                            https://mamasgottodoodle.blogspot.com/

Mischelle Andrade Fanucchi                    https://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com/

Heather Richter                                       http://desertjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com

Chris Eisenberg                                       www.wanderware.blogspot.com

Kathleen Breeding                                   http://www.zibbet.com/99BottlesofBeadsontheWall

Linda Landig                                           http://lindalandig.wordpress.com

Crystal Thain                                           http://beaddragons.blogspot.com/

Cheri Reed                                              http://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com

Heather d-Entremont                               http://frugalmadougall.wordpress.com/

Dini Bruinsma                                          http://angazabychanges.blogspot.com/

Lori Schneider                                         http://www.beadaddicted.blogspot.com/

Tammy Adams                                        http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog.html

Melinda Orr                                            http://bandanagirl.indiemade.com/blog

Lennis Carrier                                         http://windbent.wordpress.com/

Cynthia Machata                                     http://antiquitytravelers.blogspot.com

Elizabeth Hodges                                    http://thewhisperingseas.blogspot.com

Debbie Rasmussen                                  http://kepirasmussen.blogspot.com/

Tanya McGuire                                       http://tanyamcguire.blogspot.com/

Charlie Jacka                                          http://clay-space.com/blog/

Ev Shelby                                               http://raindropcreationsbyevelyn.blogspot.com/

Sharyl McMillian-Nelson                        http://sharylsjewelry.blogspot.com/

Jasvanti Patel                                        http://jewelrybyjasvanti.blogspot.com

It's Reveal Day

Honored....I am honored to be among the participants many of which I have been inspired by to push my limits of comfort to create something uniquely mine. You are an immensely talented group!

Thrilled...I was thrilled to receive my bead soup.  Kate Dufour, https://mixfolios.wordpress.com/ is my bead soup partner.  She stirred the pot with a beautiful blue soup with green pearls and silver accents.  They are colors that aren't my go to colors. The beads were beautiful and dainty but I usually work with chunkier components. I was immediately inspired by the beautiful blue and green herringbone lampwork focal bead that Kate sent.

Challenged...I was challenged by those gorgeous tiny green pearls.  In the end, I used every single one and loved them!

Inspired....I was inspired by this experience to create for the fun of creating.  Too often, creating has become creating for sale with careful cost considerations and thereby limiting the creative process.  During this challenge, I dug deep into the stashes...the ones where I stashed the pieces that were a bit pricey and reserved.  I was inspired to create special pieces for me.  Sounds silly but I rarely create for myself.

     






Here is my bead soup.

Buttoned Up!  My first piece constructed with a  Lisa Peters Art Focal flower and button layered with vintage Antique brass filigree. The gorgeous lampwork focal bead sent by my bead soup partner, Kate and a trio of leaves dangling. The back is finished with green deerskin leather from Tracee 

Dock of The Classic Bead.  Tiny brass, steel cut and enameled antique Demi buttons from my personal stash complete this design.  

English Rose!  This piece features a vintage rose brooch  with a sapphire stone center.  It is a piece that I had in my stash.  It is accented by vintage German glass beads in pretty Montana blue from my stash which I had purchased from Heather DeSimone, lovely crystal accented flower connectors provided by Kate(loved these) and antique silver chain.  Those beloved tiny green pearls and some more green soup beads are woven in.  The back of the necklace feature faceted gems and the toggle from my soup mix.

Please go check out my bead soup partner Kate Dufour here: https://mixfolios.wordpress.com

Find out more info on the 8th Bead Soup Blog Party, our gracious host Lori Anderson and a list of links to all participants here: http://www.prettythingsblog.com/