Bead Soup is Almost Here

My name was not drawn for this round of Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog Party; at first I was very sad about that, but this year has been a whirlwind of unexpected crises and changes, so it was a blessing in disguise.   My creative well is beyond empty.  It has been crushed and obliterated into nothing.  (Yeah, I know, melodramatic much?)

I have several shows coming up, and very little stock.  I've been trying to force my muse, and of course she's having nothing of that.  I've stayed away from the things that bring me joy and inspire me. Sometimes, it is the little things that can ignite the flames.  My second BSBP partner, Diane Cook of Rosa and Josie's posted a giveaway on her blog, and in the post she mentioned her Bead Soup partners, including me.  Her work is so beautiful and delicate. Just looking at her work brought a smile to my face.  It felt good.  Check out Marian's blog and Nan's blog for some more inspiring art!

Bead Soup Reveal!!!!

Click here for the entire Soup list, located on the awesome Lori Anderson't blog.  Please visit as many blogs as possible.  You won't be disappointed.

I am so excited! Seriously, I cannot express how much I enjoy participating in the Blog Soup. I create things.  I play with shiny objects.  I meet new people.  For someone whose all-time favorite thing to do is to sit at home, curl up on the couch and read, "knowing" all these beautiful, caring, creative people is almost unfathomable.  My life is awesome.

My partner this round is Marian Hertzog of M's Place.  She creates beautiful polymer clay beads. Check out her Etsy store! She sent me a beautiful collection.

{deep breath}
This is what I created.

September kicks off an extremely busy time of year for me at work, and it really doesn't let up til February.  My life is nonstop.  I only mention that because when I first looked at all the goodies in my box from Marian, I was mentally designing no less than 5 pieces. When I was finally able to sit down and create, I realized *everything* had to go into one piece, not because I didn't have to time to do all the various pieces, but because I wanted it all NOW.

What Marian sent me are some of my favorite colors. Blues, purples, and black; metals in silver, brass, and copper.   Perfect.  I added brass and silver chain, blue pearls, a few of my handmade glass beads, and even a   ceramic bead from my first partner, Nan Emmett. I used the clasp Marian sent me in the main body of the necklace, so I used some brass wire my second partner, Diane Cook, sent me for the clasp.  :)

After I wear it next week (you know, quality control), I will be donating the necklace to Homes for our Troops. They build specialty adapted homes for our troops, and recently built one locally. My dad's birthday is in October, so this time of year always make me think of him, and miss him just a little bit more.  He was a Viet Nam vet.  Marian's son is currently serving our country in the Navy.  I kept my first Bead Soup necklace because it was my first one.  I kept my second one because it represents my grandmother.  I was recently approached by Homes for Our Troops for a donation, so it just seemed like this is where this necklace needed to go.

Twofer Wednesday

Ok,so Twofer Wednesday doesn't have a nice alliteration.  :)  Today is another installment of What You Looking At?  Wednesday and a Bead Soup Blog Party teaser.

First up, my friend Cara of Shuffle Studio on Etsy.  She has the cutest little beads, and she makes them all on a hothead.  She has a wonderful eye for sculptural, color, detail...  everything! On top of it, she is the sweetest person!

Next, we have a nice little teaser for the Bead Soup Blog Party reveal this Saturday.  My partner is Marian Hertzog of M's Place.

On a side note, I discovered this PhotoShop Elements effect called Glass Blocks.  How fun is this?

See you all on Saturday!

Bead Soup is Here! Bead Soup is Here!

I am so excited!  My Bead Soup from my partner, Marian Hertzog is here!

She sent me TONS of goodies.  Look at this cute little airplane.

Her beautiful handmade polymer beads are in soothing blues,with hints of gold leaf.  So comforting, and one of my favorite palettes. There are beads in black, purple, stones of blue, and hearts in brass, copper and silver.  I can't stop smiling and running my fingers through all of them.

I love this leaf clasp.It just adds to the whimsy of the collection.

More beads.  Many, many more beads.  I am just beside myself.  I love all of them, and I am sure I am going to drive myself nuts (ok, nuttier) designing and redesigning.  SO many ideas.

Woohoo! It's the Next Bead Soup Blog Party!

The awesome Lori Anderson is taking her next trip on the Crazy Train.

My partner this time is Marian Hertzog of M's Place. She creates beautiful polymer clay in nice, juicy colors. I can't wait to play!