Holiday Sparkle

Can't resist a little sparkle for the holidays! I made this pair of earrings to go with my LBD I'm wearing on Christmas Eve. Faceted black onyx rounds, gold faceted Czech glass beads and Swarovski crystals are hand knotted on black silk beading cord. I know...these beads are such a deviation from what I would normally chose. I'm not usually into the glitz stuff. I think that's why I'm finding these so exciting, because they are different from what I'm usually drawn to. And the gold. The gold is different, too. I never do gold. I'm feeling the gold and I'm digging the faceted gems and crystals. Must be all the twinkly lights and festive glitter everywhere that has stolen my mind. Still, even that is out of the ordinary. I don't remember wanting to make sparkly things last year. I think it's the silk cord that brings these earrings to a place I want to go. It adds that touch of fiber and natural texture that I find so appealing. I love the elegant drape of the cord, too. It gives the same effect as a delicate chain. I finally came up with a way to create dressy earrings that I enjoy making! These will be my signature fancy earring from now on. 

Oh...and I was having so much fun with the silk cord and the sparkles that I made this pair of faceted gem drops, too! I can't wait to make more of these earrings.

Happy Holidays! 

I hope it's merry and bright and full of sparkle for all of you!

Nora Story-time!

I haven't shared much of my daughter, Nora here on the blog lately. Here's a video we took of her just today! She's nearly 14 months old now. Please enjoy Owl Babies story-time with Nora Siegel.

Art Bead Bookmark

Did you like my handmade beaded and braided bookmarks? If so, head on over to the Art Bead Scene blog today for a free tutorial on how to make them! I hope you enjoy my project and Happy Holidays!

Beaded Bookmarks

 

I've got books, books, books on the brain lately and rightly so. Lorelei and I will be doing the final edits and will be getting our very FIRST look at our completed book, Bohemian-Inspired Jewelry: 50 Designs Using Leather, Ribbon and Cords over the Christmas holiday! A very special gift for me, indeed. I came up with this idea of making a beaded and braided bookmark as a celebration of sorts and also as a way to create and share my joy and excitement with others as I wait in great anticipation for the release of the book! I'm really excited about how my projects came out. I just had to share. I'm giving these as holiday gifts this year to family and friends. Everyone as been so supportive over the last year and this is my way to express my gratitude for that special support that was needed and given during the book writing process. I really like that it's something other than jewelry, but still expresses my style, esthetic and materials I love using in my jewelry designs.

Looks great holding your place in your favorite novel! Or these bookmarks would certainly be perfect to use along side your favorite beading book, don't you think?...just sayin'. :)

I think these will make great gifts, even for the guys! The guys on my list are getting one, like this bone bead one pictured above. 

Hmmm...maybe I could make up a tutorial for these so you can make one for yourself or give as a gift as well. Would anyone be interested in that? Let me know. I would love to share this with all of you, too!

Artists Helping Artists

Several artists in the blog community have decided to band together to help a fellow artist in need. Each one of us is conducting a silent auction to help raise funds during this time of hardship. All moneys raised will go directly to the artist in need.

I'm offering my "Rainfall" earrings below:

 Rainfall Earrings

 Modern and stylish bohemian chic earrings with a long, dramatic drape! Perfect for the hip, fashionista in your life or maybe that person is you! If you're an earring girl like me, you will love them. These earrings are light weight and so much fun to wear. Beautiful red aventurine gemstones are hand-knotted with precision and hang from artisan-made hammered and antiqued 25mm copper rings. Ear wires are also hand-forged antiqued copper. Earrings measure 4 inches long including ear wires. You will receive the earrings pictured above packaged in a pretty organza gift bag.

This is a rare opportunity to own one of my original designs!  You won't want to miss out.

The starting bid for these earrings is $20.00.  International participants welcome! Shipping costs will be included in the winning bid amount. Auction closes Sunday, December 11 at midnight.

Would you like to be the winning bidder?

Please leave a comment along with your bid. If you are the winning bidder, you will receive an invoice after the close of the auction. There must be a way to contact you. If you have email preferences turned off in your profile, please leave your email.

Many people are auctioning items to help out! Please visit these other artists below and place your bids!

List of participants:

Heidi Post http://expostfactojewelry.blogspot.com/

Marie Cramp & Lori Anderson http://skyejewels.blogspot.com/

Barbara Bechtel & Staci Smith  http://secondsurf.com/

Erin Fickert-Rowland http://elysianstudiosart.com/

Keirsten Giles http://www.cerebraldilettante.blogspot.com/

Andrew Thornton http://andrew-thornton.blogspot.com/

Karen Totten http://starryroadstudio.blogspot.com/

Kristi Bowman-Gruel http://dreamsomedesigns.blogspot.com/

Nan Emmett http://spiritrattles.blogspot.com/

Maire Dodd http://mairedodd.blogspot.com/

Amanda Cargill Austin http://www.seashoreglassgirl.com/

Janice Everett http://jlynnjewels.blogspot.com/

Rebecca Anderson http://songbeads.blogspot.com/

Shannon Iko Chomanczuk http://formysweetdaughter.blogspot.com/

Jennifer Justman http://soulsfiredesigns.blogspot.com/

Erin Prais-Hintz http://treasures-found.blogspot.com/

Kerry Bogert http://kabsconcepts.blogspot.com

Patricia Gasparino http://www.mylifeunderthebus.typepad.com/

Erin Seigel http://erinsiegeljewelry.blogspot.com/

Courtney Breul http://beadsbybreul.blogspot.com/

Other Fundraisers:

MaryAnne Carroll at LMAJ http://lovemyartjewelry.blogspot.com/2011/12/5-huge-giveaway.html

Sneak Peek!

I thought some might like to see this.
Interweave Press recently released this preview of our upcoming book.
Here's a sneak peek look! Enjoy and let me know what you think!
Interweave.comhttp://www.interweavestore.com/Jewelry-Making/Books/Bohemian-Inspired-Jewelry.html

Bohemian_Inspired_JewelryBLAD_web

Secret Stuff and Snaptastic Photo Results!

Hi all! I apologize for it being so quiet around here. Blogging will most certainly become more of a commitment in my immediate future, that's for sure. I was recently offered an amazing opportunity to join a well known group blog. I'm so excited! Joining a team like this will definitely help me make blogging more of a priority. Can't wait to share the news with you on that soon.

Also, I've been working hard on all secret jewelry stuff, lately. Mostly magazine submissions for 2012...and one other really BIG secret thing. At least, it's big to me. No, it's definitely big. Eeek! I'd be playing where all the professional jewelry girls and boys play if I got this. I haven't heard anything back yet, so wish me luck! I really want this thing to happen. I think it's the direction I want to take my jewelry career for the future. I wish I could tell you more, I just don't want to get too ahead of myself here, so I just can't go there. I know. I hate cryptic messages from people too, so I understand if you dislike me right now. ;)

Anyway, in other news, I finished up Kerry Bogert's Snaptastic e-course! Yay! I learned a lot and I'm improving on my jewelry photos tremendously! I still need a little more work and practice to be where I want to be overall, but I'm happy with the results I've gotten with the information Kerry shared in her course. You can still take the e-course, you know. Just click that link above. I highly recommend it! Here are a few of my new photos I took and edited while taking Kerry's e-class:

 Rainfall Earrings

 Blue Jean Baby Leather Wrap Bracelet

 Exotic Wishbone Earrings

You can see a few more on my Flickr page!

A Jewelry Accord: Our Book

Bohemian-Inspired Jewelry: 50 Designs Using Leather, Ribbon and Cords

by Lorelei Eurto and Erin Siegel

 Book News! Check out my post on A Jewelry Accord Blog...

A Jewelry Accord: Our Book: If you've been following us for a little while now, you know that Lorelei and I are writing a jewelry-making book all about creating beaded ...

Taking Jewelry Photos

I'm thrilled that Kerry Bogert is offering an e-course of her Snaptastic! Photography class! I was considering attending ArtBliss this year to take the class there, but with a baby, buying our first home and finishing up the book, I just couldn't make it. Kerry is one of those people in the bead and jewelry world I admire very much for just about everything she does. I'd love to meet her in person someday, but I was really thrilled she was offering her class as an e-course. Now, that I can do! I have some new plans in the works and I really need to be taking better photos of my jewelry. I feel I used to be able to get some good shots when I could take most of my photos outside, but I don't have an outdoor space to take photos where we live now. I need to learn how to get better shots inside. I also need to learn how to use the settings on my new camera. Even though I have a point-and-shoot camera, it still has settings and modes for things like aperture, shutter speed, manual, program, etc. Ack! I have no idea.
The e-course will be starting in a just few days. You still have time to registrar and take the class with me. I was a little too anxious to get started, so I bought her e-book version and I've gotten a little head start! I made some new earring designs I'm very excited about, so I wanted to get some good shots of them. I've been taking photos for 3 days straight and I'm exhausted!

Below are photos I managed to come up with after reading Kerry's e-book:

These were taken in natural light. It was cloudy all three days I took photos, but I think I managed to get some okay shots. Still, a bit dark. These are probably the best photos I've ever taken of jewelry, so at least there's improvement! So, what do you think? Be honest, now. I'm looking to improve, so don't be shy with the critiques!

10th Wedding Anniversary

October 7th 2001.

Here we are on our wedding day, 10 years ago!

An Apache Blessing read at our wedding:

Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be the shelter to the other.

Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be th warmth to the other.

Now you will feel no loneliness, for each of you will be a companion to the other.

 Now you are two bodies, but there is one life before you.

Go now to you dwelling place, to enter the days of your life together.

And may your days be good and long upon the Earth.

We are so lucky we found each other. We built a life together. We found the best together. There is no joy greater than living this life with each other.

Bead Soup Blog Party

It's time for another fabulous Bead Soup Blog Party hosted by the lovely, Lori Anderson. I ended up with TWO Bead Soup Party partners, this time around. Yay! A double serving of soup for me, but as it turns out, I only had time to make one batch of bead soup jewelry. I will be doing a separate post with the bead soup from my second partner, Nan Emmett of Spirited Earth at a later date, so stay tuned for that.

 Bead soup from Anna of Total Escape Clay Studio

My first partner is Anna Sabina of Total Escape Clay Studio. She is a polymer clay bead artist and she sent me the bead soup shown above. I don't usually work much with polymer beads. So, that was a little different for me. The style of Anna's beads are definitely my aesthetic, though. I crave materials that have a natural, earthy feel to them and I love creating designs with an ethnic appeal. So, of course, I really dug these faux carved-bone tribal beads and pendant. Below is the jewelry I made with Anna's polymer clay beads:

Tribal Necklace and Bracelet Set

The beads from Anna's soup are the carved "bone" beads and pendant, the fuchsia/orange swirl oval beads and a brass toggle clasp. I added copper and dark brown seed beads, copper and brass tribe nugget beads, and red and orange coco shell beads strung onto my favorite Irish waxed linen cord.
 

Here is a close-up of the necklace being worn. I love it and it looks totally chic with this top, if I do say so myself.

For another style option, the pendant can be removed from the necklace. Then, the necklace can be worn wrapped around the wrist as a beaded wrap bracelet. Below, I layered it with the tribal bracelet I made with Anna's beads. I love the look.

Thank you for stopping by my little blog today!
A special THANK YOU to our hostess, Lori Anderson for another amazing Bead Soup Blog Party! It gets bigger and better every time. It's an honor to be apart of this renowned event.

Here's the list of all the participants for the Bead Soup Blog Party:
1.  Lori Anderson, Pretty Things
2.  Barbe Saint John, Barbe Saint John
3.  Rebecca Watkins, Artybecca
4.  Doris Stumpf, Glaszwerg
5.  Terry Carter, Tapping Flamingo
6.  Nancy Peterson, Beading From the Heart
7.  Ingrid McCue, Wrapped in Silver
8.  Tari Sasser, Creative Impressions in Clay
9.  Amber Dawn, Inventive Soul
10.  Julie Nordine, Julie Nordine | Credit River Art Glass


11.  Carol Tannahill, Fire In Ice
12.  Lisa Boucher, Lisa's Clay Happenings
13.  Jean Yates, Snap Out of It Jean, There's Beading to be Done! 
14.  Emanda Johnson, Artemesia's Studio
15.  Stephanie Haussler, Pixybug Designs
16.  Sandra Richardson, Sandy's Coloring Box
17.  Kitty Durmaj, Perles and Life
18.  Amy Severino, Amy Beads
19.  Debbie Price, Green Shoot Jewellery Designs
20.  Kim Ballor, Vitamin C ... A Daily Dose of Creativity



21.  Jen Judd Velasquez, Jen Judd Rocks
22.  Courtney Breul, Beads by Breul
23.  Lynne Bowland, Island Girl Insights
24.  Mary McGraw, MK's Creative Musings
25.  Shay Williams, Shaiha's Ramblings
26.  Shea Zukowski, gr8findings
27.  Laurel Steven, Rue's Daftique
28. Heather Goldsmith, As I Bead It
29.  Nicole Keller, Nicki's Reef
30.  Stefanie Teufel, Stefanie's Sammelsurium


31.  Johanna Rhodes, Fire Phoenix Creations
32.  Niky Sayers, Silver Nik Nats
33.  Valerie Norton, Hot Fused Glass
34.  Lyn Foley, Lyn Foley Jewelry Blog
35.  Jayne Capps, Mama's Got To Doodle
36.  Tari Kahrs, Pearl and Pebble
37.  Elisabeth Auld, Beads For Busy Gals
38.  Judy Glende, Judith B. Designs
39.  Mary Ellen Parker, Bee Tree By Me
40.  Jennifer Cameron, Glass Addictions


41.  Shirley Moore,  Beads and Bread
42.  Susan Kennedy, Sue Beads
43.  Melissa Meman, Art, Life, Love
44.  Lois Moon, Que Onda Q'town?
45.  Sally Russick, Wire Worked
46.  Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
47.  Nan Emmett, Spirit Rattles
48.  Kate Gardenghi, Tropical Blonde
49.  Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads
50.  Deci Worland, Gem Trails


51.  Sandi Lee James, Do Be Do Bead Do
52.  Diana Ptaszynski, Suburban Girl Studio
53.  Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found
54.  Lisa Liddy, Metal Me This
55.  Tracy Bell, Copper, Glass, and Recycled Trash
56.  Rebecca Anderson, Song Beads 
57.  Cathie Carroll, Cathie Carroll's Studio
58.  Norma Turvey, Moonlit Fantaseas
59.   Marianna Boylan, Star Girl Jewelry
60.  Jackie Ryan,  Keep Your Dreams Original!


61.  Heather Pyle, My Muse, Aquariat
62.  Joanna Matuszczyk, Bizuteria z filuc
63.  Kathy Welsh, Girly Girl Art
64.  Marcie Abney, La Bella Joya
65.  Cassie Donlen, The Glass Beadle
66.  Serena Trent, All Things Made Jewelry
67.  Loretta Carstensen, Loretta's Boutique
68.  Deana Hager, Just Deez' Art & Life
69.  Stacey Curry, Star Hitched Wagon
70.  Christine Brandel, A Hot Piece of Glass



71.  Kristina Johansson, Wild Roses and Blackberries
72.  Jennifer Pride,  Jewelry by J. P. 
73.   Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Beadphoria
74.  Cindy Wimmer, Sweet Bead Studio
75.   Karen Williams, Baublicious
76.  Kristi Bowman, Kristi Bowman Design
77. Sue Hodgkinson, Hello Gorgeous
78.  Natalie Monkivitch, Beadmonki Lampwork
79.  Marge Beebe,  Rock Creek Creations
80.  Lupe Meter, Gem's PC Corner


81.  Genea Crivello-Knable, Genea Beads
82.  Anna Lear, The Laughing Raven
83.  Cat Pruitt, Boo Beads
84.  Hilary Frye, FryeStyle
85.  Karyn Bonfiglio, Plus Size Bangles
86. K. Hutchinson, Jumbled Hutch
87.  Moira McEvoy, The Musings of Mystic Pesto
88.  Janet McDonald, Singing Woods
89. Carrie Tahquechi, Carrie T
90.  Ambra Gostoli, Chic and Frog


91.  Birgitta Lejonklou, Create With Spirit
92.  Kim Stevens, Picking Poppies
93.  Becky Fairclough, Chameleon Designs
94.  Jenni Connolly, Jenni Bead
95.  Wendy Chamberlain, Bears, Beads and Beautiful Thing
96.  Cory Celaya,  Art With Moxie
97.  Gretchen Nation, Art Food Lodging
98.  Davinia Algeri,  Polymer Clay Beads Baubles and Buttons
99.  Michaela Pabeschitz, La Mar de Bonita
100.  Karin von Hoeren, Creative Ideen


101.  Tracey Weiser, Summer Smack
102.  Lorelei Eurto, Lorelei's Blog
103.  Malin de Koning, Beading by Malin
104.  Regina Santerre, Regina's Writings
105.   Ana Krepel-Novak, Cat's Pajamas, Dog's Tuxedos
106.  Lesley Watt, The Gossiping Goddess
107.  Eleanor Snare, EBS Jewellery
108.  Gillian Lehman,  The Adventures of GillyBean and Friends
109.  Lisa Hamilton, Simply Irresistible Jewelry
110.  Barbara Bechtel, Second Surf


111.  Stacie Stamper, Park Avenue
112. Beth & Evie, EB Bead and Metal Works
113. Mylene Hillam, Mill Lane Studio
114.  Claire Maunsell, The Next Bend
115.  Jill Harris, Gypsy Brocante
116.  Therese Frank, Therese's Treasures
117.  Patty Gasparino, My Life Under the Bus
118.  Christine Hendrickson, The Clay Chick
119.   Melissa Mesara, One-Eared Pig Beads
120.  Poranna, Poranna Reczni Zrobila


121.  Laura Twiford, Souvenirs From Life
122.  Holly Westfall, Silver Rose Designs
123.  Noemi Baena, Fuego, Metal y Color
124.  Natalie McKenna, Grubbi...
125.  Karin Slaton, Backstory Beads
126.  Cindy Gimbrone, Lampwork Diva aka Cindy Gimbrone
127.  Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe
128.  Kristi Harrison, It's a New Day
129.  Stephanie LaRosa, Confessions of a Bead Hoarder
130.  Michelle Mach, Beads and Books



131.  Michelle Hardy, Firefly Visions
132.  Stephanie Dixon, The Dixon Chick
133.  Janice Everett, JLynn Jewels
134.  Kay Thomerson, Kayz Kreationz
135.  Cindy Cima Edwards, Live to Design
136.  Norma Agron, Norma's Clay
137.  Cece Cormier, The Beading Yogini
138.  Kim Hora, Kimmykats
139.  Margot Potter, I Color Outside the Lines
140.  Melinda Orr, Peace Creek Blog



141.  Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre
142.  Cilla Watkins, Tell Your Girlfriends
143.  Tammy Powley, The Crafty Princess Diaries
144.  Vicky Taylor, Treasure Island Crafts
145.  Erin Grant, Erin's Jewelry Creations
146.  Nicole Rennell, Nicole Rennell Designs
147.  Christine Altmiller, One Kiss Creations Beaded Jewelry
148.  Sandra Wollberg, Stories from the City of Brass
149.   B.R. Kuhlman, Mixed Mayhem Studios
150.  Kelly Ramstack, Adventures with Kelly



151. Heidi Post, Ex Post Facto Jewelry
152.  Julianna Cannon, Julsbeads
153.  Karen Zanco, Everyday Gypsy
154.  Laura Zeiner, Stick Lizard Designs
155.  Linda Djokic, Lutka and Co.
156. Kathleen Lange Klik, Modern Nature: My Creative World
157.   Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me
158.  Lori Dorrington, Lori's Adventures in Etsy Land
159.  Bobbie Rafferty, Beadsong Jewelry
160.  Amy Freeland, Copper Diem



161.  Sarah Elder, My So Called Junky Life
162.  Anitra Gordy, LeeLu Creations
163.  Kristy Abner, Kristy's Kreations
164.  DaviniaDesign, Davinia Design
165.  Judy Riley, Three Red Beads
166.  Pam Ferrari, Wait Just One More Bead
167.  Lori Bergmann, Ashlyn Design
168.  Diane Cook, Rosa - Josies
169.  Charlotte Pevny, The Infrequent Beader
170.  JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions



171.  Diane Hawkey, Diane Hawkey
172.  Jelveh Jaferian, Jelveh Designs
173.  Deanna Chase, Deanna Chase
174.  Jennifer VanBenschoten, Jewelry, Art and Life
175.  Barbara Lewis,  Painting with Fire
176.  Natasha Lutes, N's Whims
177.  Lisa Lodge, Pine Ridge Treasures
178.  Cris Peacock, Cris' Page
179.  Alice Craddick, Alice's Bead and Baubles
180.  Riki Schumacher, Riki Jewelry



181.  Cryss Thain, Here Bead Dragons
182.  Cynthia Abner, Created Treasures
183.  Erin Siegel, Erin Siegel Jewelry  <---You are Here!
184.  Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads
185.  Andrea Turini, Andrea Turini Jewelry
186.  Cherrie Fick, En La Lumie're
187.  Melissa Clarke,  Pieces of Me
188.  Lori Greenberg, Lori Greenberg Glass Beads
189.  Allison Scott, Oh Allison Beading & Designs
190.  Cynthia Tucker, Sea of Glass



191.  Lara Kinney, Something Unique by Lara
192.   Jennifer Justman, Soul's Fire Designs
193.  Patty Evins, Patsy Evins Studio
194.  Jenny Vidberg, Shyme Design
195.  Wendy Blum, Sand & Sea Designs
196.  Bryna Lumb, Bryna's Bead Box
197.   Saskia Kaffenberger,  Perlendistel
198.  Kerry Bogert, KAB's Creative Concepts
199.  Fiona Christie, Christal's Creations
200.  Dot Lewallen, Speedie Beadie



201.  Ann Rishell, My Critical Eye
202.  Eva Sherman, Eva Sherman Designs
203.  Pat Haight, The Wigglebutt Blog
204.  Lori Bowring Michaud, Artfully Ornamental
205.  Amanda Davie, Articulations
206.   Sharon Palac, Sharon's Jewelry Garden
207.  Tammy Jones, Jewelry Making Daily
208.  Shannon Chomanczuk, For My Sweet Daughter
209.  Susie Hibdon,  Vintage Susie & Wings
210.  Barbara Blaszczyk, Laboratorium Flory



211.   Jess Italia Lincoln, Vintaj Blog
212. Christine Damm, Stories They Tell
213.  Staci Smith, Staci Louise Originals
214.  Cristi Clothier, 2 If By Sea
215.  Missy Rappaport, Melissa Rappaport
216.  Sally Anderson, Wild Sally Road
217.  Karen Firnberg,  Weaveabead's Blog
218.  Tara Plote, The Newbie Beader's Blog
219.   Terry Matuszyk, Pink Chapeau Vintage Jewelry
220.  Melissa Pynn, Behind the Smile



221.  Rhea Freitag, Starrgazer Creates
222.  Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp, Skye Jewels
223.  Marci Brooks, That Nothing Be Wasted
224.  Erin Fickert-Rowland, Elysian Studios
225.  Marcy Lamberson, Studio Marcy
226.  Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog & Meanderings
227.  Niki Meiners, Inspiration the Whole Year Through
228.  Michelle Buettner, MiShel Designs
229.  Dorcas Midkiff,  Wondrous Strange
230.  Kelly Morgan, Silver Parrot



231.  Beth Emery, Stories by Indigo Heart
232.  Debbie Goering, Prairie Emporium
233.  Geneva Collins, Torque Story
234.  Jenny Davies-Reazor, Jenny Davies-Reazor
235. Dana Johnson Jones, Dana's Jewelry & Etc.
236.  Suzette Bentley, Ellie's Bijoux
237.  Rose Binoya, Ahtee's Blog
238.  Tania Spivey, Moobie Grace Designs
239. Aimee Wheaton, creativeFlutter
240.  Andrea Trank,  Heaven Lane Creations



241.   Cynthia Deis, Shiny Little Things
242.  CJ Baushka, 4His Glory Creations
243.  Astrid Boyce, Cooking Glass
244.  Sandra McGriff, Creative Chaos
245.  Theresa Fosdick, Thoughtful-Notions
246.  Polly Barker, Future Family Relics
247.  Jane Haag, Did You Make Something Today?
248.  Laura Blanck, Laura Blanck
249.  Penny Neville,  Copper Penny Designs
250.  Gaea Cannaday, Gaea Handmade



251.  Carol Bradley, Carol Bradley Designs
252.  Charlene Jacka,  Clay Space
253.  Christine Miles, Wings N Scales
254.  Heather Marley, Creaky Cogs
255.  Lola Surwillo, Bead Lola Bead
256.  Gail Zwang, Angelmoose Enterprises
257.  Liz DeLuca, Creative Arty Facts
258.  Rebecca Sirevaag, Becca's Place
259.  Jana Tarhala, Stories of the Secret Garden
260.  Mags Saari, Mags - koruja



261.  Manuela Wutschke, GlassArt - Manuela Wutschke
262.  Sabrina Staub,  Sabrina's Glasswork
263.  Tracy Stillman, TS Designs
264.  Kristi Kyle, Kristi Kyle
265.   Kym Hunter, Creatively Kym
266.  Kate Richbourg, We Can Make That at Home
267. Cheryl Roe,  BeadRoe
268.  Collette Collins, Firefly Myst Artisan Jewelry
269.  Charlene Sevier, The Bead Dreamer
270.  Karen Sinkowski, Krisdaka's Kreations



271.  Pepita Bos, Urracaa
272.   Janna Harttgen, Palima Lim
273.  Terri Gauthier, Blooming Ideas
274.  Mandy Williamson, Mimi's Beading
275.  Vonna Maslanka, Just Vonna
276.  Laurel Bielec, Bielec's Baubles
277.  Mary Eilliott, Starry Dreams Jewellery Designs
278.  Monica Johnson, Vintage in Disguise
279.  Sweet Freedom Designs, Sweet Freedom Designs
280.  Alison Sachs, Beads by Earthtones



281.  Suzanne Tate, Catching Up
282.   Keri Lee Sereika, Pink Lemonade
 283.  Jennifer Heynen, Jennifer Jangles
284.  Tamara Soper,  Handcrafted Baubles by Tamara
285.  Laura Sanger, Hg - Elemental Mercury
286.  Andrea Morici, Strung Out
287.  Maggie Towne, Maggie's Bead Towne
288.  Ann Sherwood, Ann's Blog

289.  Pam Brisse, The Blue Between
290.  Julie Bean, Strung Out (#2)



291.  Linda Inhelder, Must-Haves Jewelry
292.   Amanda Cargill Austin, Sea Shore Glass
293.  Karen Tremblay, Creative Alloy
294.  Helena Fritz,  Beadwork by H's Blog
295.  Maria Grimes, Garden Path Beads
296. Tiffany Long, Glory Hound Designs
297.  Cathy Khoury,  Touch Jewelry
298.  Barbara York, Quilting in the Panhandle
299.   Sharon Gardner, Preciousness
300.  Barrie Edwards, Barrie's Jewelry World


301. Rochelle Brisson, A Creative Chelle
302.  Melissa Muir, Kelsi's Closet Jewelbox
303.  Linda Murphy, Bonita Bead
304.   Elizabeth Woodford, Elizabeth Creates
305.  Dana James, Dana's Jewelry Designs
306.  Mary Hicks, Falling Into the Sky
307.  Christie Murrow, Charis Designs Jewelry
308.  Patty Miller, Cabari Beads
309.  Anna Sabina, Total Escape Clay Studio
310.  Kathy Engstrom, Catherine's Dreams


311.  Shay Stone, On My Path
312.  Lara Lutrick, Lampwork Beads and Jewelry by Lara Lutrick
313.  Bella Borgouise, Wirelicious Jewellery
314.  JuLee Wolfe, The Polymer Penguin
315.  Kathleen Robinson Young, Ugly Duckling Beads
316.  Kari Carrigan, Kids, Glass, Life
317.  Nadezhda Parfyonova, Nally's Creation
318.  Eszter Czibulyas, Bigyo Gyar
319.  Maria Horvath, Horimarka Beads
320.  Doris Radlicki, Doralila Beads


321.  Geanina Grigore, Janina Grigore
322.  Charlene Gary, Gray Girl Studios
323.  Miri Agassi, Bead Work by Miri Agassi
324.   Julianna Kis, Juli Bizsu
325.  Line Labrecque, Play Sculpt Live
326. Kimberly Roberts, Bahama Dawn
327.  Maria Clark, Sweet Willow Designs
328.  Kathy Alderfer, Artful Accents
329.  Michelle Heim, Life in the Bead Lane
330.  Elizabeth Owens Dwy, Clarity of Purple Sage


331.  Shiraz Biggie, Secret Song Designs
332.  Dee Wingrove-Smith, Beady Musings
333.  Tracey Nanstad, A Beadiful Mess
334.  Sara Hardin, Soft Flex Girl
335.  Angela May, Canterbury Cottage
336.  Terri Wlaschin, Starseed Jewelry + Beads
337.  Marsha Neal, Marsha Neal Studio
338.  Christine Stonefield, Sweet Girl Designs
339.  Christine Hansen, Intuitive Sparks
340.  Maria Rosa Sharrow, Willow Street Shops


341.  Joyce Becker, The Joyful Gem
342.  Marianne Baxter, Simply Seablime Jewelry
343.  Marian Hertzog, M's Place
344.  Joanne Tinley, Daisychain Jewellery
345. Salla Small, Blog by Salla
346.  Tracy Martin, Nutkitten's Jewelry
347.  Nancy Boylan, Snazzy Doodle Designs
348.  Penny Ilagan, A Crafty World
349.  Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman
350.  Pamela Petry, Seeing is Believing 



351. Kelley Fogle, My Life... One Bead at a Time
352. Heather DeSimone, The Beadin' Blog
353.  Candice McGinnis, Craziness, The Theme of My Life
354.  Chris White,  Dzeyner Studio
355.  Jill MacKay, Jill MacKay
356.  Julie Jones, Juliery Jones
357.  Laurie Hanna, Laurie's Jewel Box
358.  Beth Bricker, Vintage Sweets
359.  Barbara Judy, Beads of Spirit
360.   Lesley Weir, Djinn Rummy

 
361.  Jennifer Geldard, Torch Songs
362.  Teri Baskett, Born to Be Worn

Bead Fest Philly

I went to Bead Fest Philadelphia for the first time. I had the pleasure of meeting many wonderful, beady friends, that I hope to be able to make lasting connections with! My husband, Josh and 10 month old, daughter, Nora were unable to make the trip with me. Nora is in the middle of teething and we decided traveling with a cranky, teething baby wasn't such a good idea. So instead, my Mother-In-Law, Nancy Siegel made the trip with me. When we arrived Friday night, we met up for drinks and dinner with my friend and Co-Author, Lorelei Eurto along with Nancy Schindler, Lisa Petrillo, Diana Ptaszynski and her husband, Colin, Mary Hubbard and her daughter, and Melinda Orr and a few others. Later that evening, the amazing Melissa Cable came over to our table. What a treat. A fun night of meeting, drinks and chatting!

On Saturday, at the show, we went straight to the Ornamentea booth, where I met owner, Cynthia Deis and ceramic bead artist, Elaine Ray.

 Ceramic beads, pendant and button by Elaine Ray from the Ornamentea booth.

There, we met back up with Lorelei, Nancy, Lisa and also Kelley Wenzel. From there, we popped over to Green Girl Studios and chatted with Andrew Thornton. Then, it was off to Earthenwood Studio to meet Melanie Brooks...

Ceramic pendants by Melanie Brooks of Earthenwood Studio. Greek Leather from Ornamentea.

And also, Diane Hawkey, who was my Bead Swap partner.

Ceramic beads by Diane Hawkey.

After that, we headed over to meet Barbara Lewis at her Painting with Fire booth.

Enameled metal beads and recycled sari silk from Barbara Lewis of Painting with Fire.

Then, a bunch of us met up for a bead swap hosted by Diana Ptaszynski of Suburban Girl Studio.

Diana Ptaszynski at the bead swap with a button by her swap partner, Kristi of Artisan Clay.

At the bead swap, I met Kristi Roeder, Jenny Davies-Reazor, Marsha Neal and Anne Gardanne for the first time. After the swap, we all met up for dinner Saturday night at Legal Seafoods, which my MIL and I were fashionably late for. A BIG thanks to Diana for making this event extra special and fun! She even made us all cute "Bead Snob" buttons. The whole experience was so much more fulfilling with the get-togethers and that was the main reason I even wanted to come to this show in the first place. To meet creative, like-minded people and make connections.....and well, the beads aren't bad, either. ;)

Here's the rest of the bead stash I snagged at the show on Saturday:

From top left: Coco shell beads from Priscilla Beads, Hand-rolled paper beads also from Priscilla Beads. Seed beads from Bead Biz and Metal nugget beads from Hands of the Hills.

What a great time! Looking forward to it again next year.

Have you seen my new banner?

Have you noticed my new blog banner? Pretty snazzy, heh? I love it. What's even better is, the lovely Lori Plyler of Studio Waterstone created it for me. That Lori, she is so talented, isn't she? She's definitely one of my favorite artists. I have one of her handmade leather hand bags. I love that, too. Anyway, back to the banner story. I was visiting Lori's blog one day. She posted about some banners she made for her blog. I've admired the beautiful, professional image she creates for her own blog and Etsy shop for sometime now. I got the idea to ask Lori if she might be interested in making her talents available to others.

Luckily enough for me, she was interested! And lucky enough for YOU, too. Lori has decided to make her talents available to all her blog friends and she will create a unique banner for you. She even has a special banner page on her blog. Check that out right here. I highly recommend her. One happy customer here!

Mostly Metal Challenge

 

Metal Love Jewelry Collection

Hi Everyone! Today is reveal day for Michelle Mach's Mostly Metal Challenge. We had 3 challenge kits to choose from with mostly metal components in them. Each kit had a theme and a metal color of either antique brass, gold filigree or gunmetal. Aside from all the metal parts, each kit also came with a few beads and some luscious fibers, which was my favorite part! You know me, throw some ribbon or cord in there and I'm all about it. 

 I chose the Gunmetal Love kit shown above. (Red cord and beads not shown.) 

I liked the overall look of this kit and I had a few ideas for some of the components as soon as I saw them. I ended up using 4 items from the kit: the black metal key ring, the large heart pendant, the red cording and the two ornate bead caps. 

I decided that I wanted to create a collection of pieces that looked chic together as a grouping. Each design in itself is very simple, but they enhance each other put together. I really enjoyed mixing the metal finishes in each piece. Each piece of jewelry has a combination of copper and silver metals. 

Peace Made with Love Charm Necklace

The large split ring/key ring and red cord were from the kit. I made them into a simple charm necklace. I'm such a sucker for charm necklace. Always have been. What I love about this is the large key ring is perfect for making a necklace like this. The charms can easily be taken on and off the split ring without the use of any tools. These charms can be switched out anytime for other charms for a different look. How cool is that? It seems so simple and obvious, but I don't think I've thought of doing this before. I WILL be on the look out for more key rings like this one to make more charm necklaces! Can't help myself.

Our Hearts Beat as One Chain Necklace

Very simple design, but I like the simplicity and symbolism. "Two hearts beating as one." The heart pendant was from the kit. I added the Miss Fickle Media antiqued copper ball chain and the two heart charms. One in copper, one in silver. 

Teal Tassel Earrings

How fun are these? The ornate bead caps were from the kit. I used them as "Cone" findings and made these cool tassel earrings with some teal colored embroidery floss. These earrings are super lightweight and add lots of drama to any outfit.

I hope you enjoyed my challenge pieces! Now, have fun hopping around to see what the others created with their kits.

Here's the list of the participating jewelry designers:
Antique Brass Romantic

• Donetta (via Michelle's blog)
• Michelle
• Pam
• Shannon
• Stephanie
• Terry

Filigree Fun

• Andrew
• Cassie
• Cyndi
• Jeannie
• Ruth
• Vina "Jane" (via Michelle's blog)

Gunmetal Love

• Erin
• Heather
• Jean
• Kelli (via Michelle's blog)
• Linda
• Lola

Bead Soup and August Happenings

A special THANK YOU goes out to Lori Anderson for hosting another amazing Bead Soup Blog Party! It gets bigger and better every time. It's an honor to be apart of this renowned event. Here's a sneak-peek teaser of the bead soup I sent my partner, Anna Sabina of Total Escape Clay Studio. She is a polymer clay bead artist and I can't wait to see what she sends along.

And now, here's a list of a few beady events coming up in the month of August:

Tuesday, August 16th - Michelle Mach's Mostly Metal Challenge -
 I'm participating! I can't wait to see what the other participants made with Michelle's mostly metal bead kits! I choose the Gunmetal Love kit. I'm pretty excited about the jewelry I made for this, so be sure to stop by my blog on Tuesday to see what I created.

Friday-Sunday, August 19th-21st - BEAD FEST Philadelphia -
I'm finally going this year!!! I'm so super excited! I'm mostly looking forward to seeing all my beady friends there. What was that, you said?...What about all the beads lying around? Ah, well...those are a nice bonus, too ;0 Can't wait to see my friend and co-author, Lorelei and Nancy and Kelley, too. I'll be meeting TONS of new beady friends from the beading and blogging community that I've been wanting to meet for years. I. CAN. NOT. WAIT. Are you going? Will I see you there? Please let me know if you will be there, I would love say Hi.

Saturday, August 27th - Lorelei's Shadow Box Challenge -
I missed out on this one, but I'm really looking forward to seeing what everyone does with those enameled boxes from C-Koop Beads.


Monday, August 29th - Andrew Thornton's August Reader's Challenge -
Geesh, another one I missed this time. I'm excited to see the results from the ones that did participate, though. It's always fun to see what others create. I like Andrew's idea of creating bead kits for the challenges. It's always interesting to see different ideas come to life from the same components. I really enjoy having a limited pool of materials to work with. Sometimes that makes it much easier to be creative. I will be on the look out for Andrew's September challenge kits to participate next month!