BSBP - The Second Reveal!

It is time for the second phase of this Bead Soup Blog Party!

My partner is JuLee Wolfe of The Polymer Penguin.  She makes beautiful polymer clay beads - hop on over to her blog and check her out!  

JuLee sent me an amazing array of beads; my brain about exploded at all of the goodies!  

First and foremost, please realize that her beads are more amazing in person; I recently moved and unpacked my camera and put it in a safe place so I could find it later when I needed it.  Well, if anyone is aware of where my safe place is, please let me know.  feh.  These pictures were taken with my phone.

The first necklace I made with her 'corn on the cob' beads.  I love the bumpy texture of these beads, and I wanted all of them in the forefront.  I chopped up two sterling silver ball chains for the necklace part and patinaed them in liver of sulfur.  I rubbed some of the patina off, and the ball chain complements the corn beads. 

The second necklace I created with the steampunk focal.  I wanted something a little different, so I affixed a clasp to the backside, strung silk ribbon through the "top" of the focal, and created a choker necklace. She sent several coordinating beads for the steampunk focal, and I originally had them on this choker.  It was too cluttered and I like the simple choker resting in the hollow of my neck.

Lastly, I created a long necklace with her domino floral bead.  Simple and feminine.  Two things I am not, lol, so I will wear it when I am trying to be one or the other.

Thanks for stopping by!!!  Please check out today's reveal participants.  It seems like a long list, but one can never have enough bead porn.  Ever.  

Hostess, Lori Anderson, Pretty Things

Adlinah Kamsir, Dream Struck Designs

Adrienn Lukacs, Raszputyin Designs

Agata Grygiel, Cytherea Bijoux 

Alenka Obid, Pepita Handmade 

Amy Dickerson, Damyjo Designs 

Amy Schmidt, Amy's Treasure 

Amy Severino, Amy Beads 

Ana Krepel, Cat's Pajamas, Dog's Tuxedos

Andra Weber, Andra's Joyful Journey

Andrea Trank, Heaven Lane Creations

Anke Humpert, Anart Island Studios

Ann Rishell, My Critical Eye

April Grinaway, Brooklyn Bead Goddess 

Ashley Bunting, Miss Ashely Kate 

Astrid Boyce, Astrid Boyce Beads 

B.R. Kuhlman, Mixed Mayhem Studios 

Barb Fernald, Barbara S. Fernald Jewelry 

Barbe Saint John, Saints and Sinners

Beata Benkone Meggyesi, Beahobbi

Brandy McNair, Bella Vita Handmade Jewelry 

 Bryna Lumb, Bryna's Bead Box

Carmen Lau, Little Maketto

Cate van Alphen, Fulgorine

Cathie Carroll, Cathie Carroll's Studio

Cathy Khoury, Touch Jewelry 

Christina Stofmeel, Feng Beads 

 Collette Collins, Fire Fly Myst Artisan Jewelry

Courtney Breul, Beads by Breul 

Crystal Thain, Here Bead Dragons

Cynthia Abner, Created Treasures

Deana Hager, Just Deez'Art & Life

Debbie Davis, Natural Treasures by Deb

Debbie Phenes, Deb Joy Sing

Debbie Rasmussen, A Little of This, A Little of That

Dhea Powers, Java Bead

Diana Welte, Lilyweeds

Dita Basu, alankarshilpa

Dorota Zeranska, gdymamczas 

Dot Lewallwn, Speedie Beadie

Eleanor Snare, The Magic Square Foundation

Elisabeth Auld, Beads For Busy Gals

Ema Kilroy, Ema K Designs

Emma Todd, A Polymer Penchant

Eva Sherman, Eva Sherman Designs

Evie and Beth McCord, EB Bead and Metal Works

Francy Inman, Francy's Studio

Ginger Bishop, lilmummy likes...

Giorgia Rossini, Jo in Wonderland

Ine Vande Cappelle, Jewels by Ine 

Iveth Caruso, Creative Atelier 

JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions

Jackie Ryan, Kydo Jewellery

Jeannie Dukic, Jeannie's Blog

Jelveh Jaferian, Jelveh Designs

Jenna Tomalka, Twin Birch Studio

Jenni Connolly, Jenni's Beads

Jennifer Van Horn, Jennifers Jewels and Junk

Jo-Ann Woolverton, It's a Beadiful Creation

Johanna Rhodes-Nash, Fire Phoenix Creations 

 Joyce Blair, Bent Wire West Coast

JuLee Wolfe, The Polymer Penguin

Karen Vincent, Swallow Tail Jewellery

Karin Slaton, Backstory Beads

Kayla Potega, The Eclectic Element 

Kim Dworak, CianciBlue

Krafty Max, Krafty Max Originals

Kris Lanae Binsfeld, Cherish Designs by Kris Lanae

Kristen Latimer, MJM Jewelry Designs

Kumi Fisher, Malie Kai Designs

Kym Hunter, Kym Hunter Designs

Lennis Carrier, Windbent

Leslie Wayment, AA Beads & More

Linda Florian, Lilys of the Valley Jewelry Creations

Linda Murphy, Bonita Bead

Lisa Johnson, Whimsey Wonders

Lisa Lodge, Pine Ridge Treasures

Lisa Sittniewski, Love, Yesterdays

Lois Moon, Que Onda, Q'Town?

Lola Surwillo, Bead Lola Bead

Lorelei Eurto, Lorelei's Blog

Lori Bowring Michaud, Artfully Ornamental

Lori Callahan, Dancing Wire and Beads by Lori

Lori Finney, Using My Beads

Marcia Dunne, The Alternative Foundry

Margareta Saari, Mags-koruja

Maria Horvath, Horimarika Beads

Marian Hertzog, M's Place

 Mary Ellen Parker, BeeTree by m.e.

Mary K McGraw, MK's Creative Musings

MaryLou Holvenstot, time2cre8 

Martha Aleo, Ornamento

 Maybeline Tay, The Jewelry Larder

Megan Collins, Churchy & Her Sailor

Melissa Meman, Art. Life. Love.

Melissa Mesara, One-Eared Pig Beads

Melissa Muir, Kelsi's Closet Jewelbox

Paige Maxim, Paige Maxim Designs

Pam DeBoer, Purple Notes from the Studio

Pam Farren, re-maker

Pam Hurst, Pam Hurst Designs

Patricia Handschuh, The Color of Dreams

Patty Miller, CabariBeads

Penney Klapoth, Faerie Acres

Regina Santerre, Regina's Writings

Rhea Freitag, starrgazer creates

Rochelle Brisson, A Creative Chelle

Sabine Dittrich, PerlenDschungel

Sandra McGriff, Creative Chaos

Sandra Neights, Petalo Azul

Sandra Young, It's a Bead Life!

Sara Oehler, SoftFlex Girl

Saturday Sequins, Saturday Sequins

Shanti Johnson, Sunshine Bliss

Shari Replogle, Plays With Paper

Sonya Stille, Dreamin' of Beads

Stefanie Teufel, Stefanies Sammelsurium

Tammie Everly, TTE Designs

Tania Spivey, Moobie Grace Designs

Tanya Wiles, Tenebrous Hollow Studio

Therese Frank, Therese's Treasures

Tina Holden, Polymer Clay Bytes!

Toltec Jewels, Jewel School Friends 

Tracey Nanstad, A Beadiful Mess

Tracy Choy, BumbleBeads Designs

Valerie Norton, Hot Art

First of Three Bead Soup Reveals!!!

It is time for the first of the three Bead Soup Blog Party reveals!  Check out all of these blogs and the wonderful creations!

Hostess, Lori Anderson, PrettyThingsBlog.com

Alice Craddick,  Alice's Beads and Baubles

Alicia Marinache,  All The Pretty Things

Amanda Tibbetts,  Amanda Made

Amber Dawn Goldish, Inventive Soul

Annita Wilson,  AW Jewelry

Beti Horvath, Stringing Fool

Birgitta Lejonklou,  Create With Spirit   

Candida Castleberry,    Spinning Spun Sugar

Carolyn Lawson, Carolyn's Creations

Cassie Donlen, Glass Beadle

Cheri Reed,  Creative Designs by Cheri

Cheryl McCloud,  One Thing Leads to Another

Cheryl Roe, BeadRoe

Christina Hickman, Vintage Treasures Jewelry

Christine Hendrickson,  Clamworks

Cilla Watkins, Tell Your Girlfriends

Cindy Wilson, Mommy's Dream

Cindy Wimmer, Sweet Bead Studio

Cory Celaya, Art With Moxie

Cory Tompkins, Tealwater Designs

Cris Peacock, Cris' Page

Cynthia Deis, Shiny Little Things

Cynthia Machata, Antiquity Travelers

Cynthia Wainscott, Exotic Peru

Dana Hickey, Magpie Approved

Dana James, Dana's Jewelry Designs

Dana Lang, Tumblestone Handmakery

Debbie Price, Green Shoot Jewellery Designs

Denielle Hagerman, Some Beads and Other Things

Diane Valasek, Dragonfly Close

Doris Stumpf, Glaszwerg

Dyanne Everett-Cantrell, Dee-Liteful Jewelry Creations

Elaine Robitaille, Too Aquarius

Eleanor Burian-Mohr, The Charmed Life

Enikö Fabian, Perl-eni

Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found

Heather Davis, Blissful Garden Beads

Heidi Post, Ex Post Facto Jewelry

Hilary Frye, FryeStyle

Ilenia Ruzza, Ilenia's Unique Beaded and Painted Jewelry

Inge von Roos, Inge's Blog

Jami Shipp, Celebrating Life

Jayne Capps, Mama's Got to Doodle

Jean A. Well, Jean A. Wells Handcrafted Artisan Jewelry

Jean Yates, Snap Out of It Jean! There's Beading to Do!

Jennifer Cameron, Glass Addictions

Jennifer Pottner, Rock Candy Beads

Jennifer VanBenschoten,  Jewelry, Art and Life

Jenny Davies-Reazor, Jenny Davies-Reazor

Jenny Vidberg, Shyme Design

Jessica Dickens, My Jewelry, My Life, Me

Jessica Klaaren, Beadful-Things by Jessica

JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions

Joan Williams, Lilruby Jewelry

Judith Johnston, Judith Johnston

Judy Riggs, Rigglettes

Judy Turner, Silver Rains

Julie Anne Leggett, The Peaceful Bead

K Hutchinson, Jumbled Hutch

Karen Meador, Dreamcatcher Ranch

Karyn Bonfiglio, Plus Size Bangles

Katherine Gale, Terra Beadworks
Kathleen Lange Klik, Modern Nature Studio

Katja Benevol Gabrijelcic, Slovonske Technobe

Kelli Jacobson, Creative Moon

Kelly Ramstack, Adventures with Kelly

Keri Lee Sereika, Pink Lemonade

Kim Ballor, Vitamin C... A Daily Dose of Creativity

Kim Bender-Hora, KimmyKat

Kirsi Luostarinen, Kirsi Luo Korut

Kitty Bozzini, Kitty Lampwork

Laura Demoya, The Bead Therapist

Laurie Hanna, Laurie's Jewelbox

Leah Curtis, Beady Eyed Bunny

Lesley Watt, The Gossiping Goddess

Linda Inhelder, Must-Haves Jewelry

Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog & Meanderings

Lisa Liddy, Metal Me This

Lori Dorrington, Lori's Adventures in Etsy Land

Lori Poppe, Adventures in Creativity with Lorillijean

Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads

Marge Beebe, Rock Creek Creations

Marianna Boylan, Pretty Shiny Things

Marion Simmons, Shade Tree Studio

Marla Gibson, Spice Box Design

Marta Weaver, Marta Weaver Jewelry

Marti Conrad, Marti C's Clay Blog

Maryse Fritzsch-Thillens, GlassBeadArt, Lampwork Beads

Melanie Brooks, Earthenwood Studio

Michelle Hardy, Firefly Visions

Mikala Coates, Maybe Just Perhaps

Mowse Doyle, HoCArt

Nan Emmett, Spirit Rattles - Spirited Earth

Nancy Boylan, Snazzy Doodle Designs

Nancy Peterson, Beading From the Heart

Nicole Rennell, Nicole Rennell Designs

Niki Meiners, 365 Days of Craft

Niky Sayers, Silver Nik Nats

Norma Turvey, Moonlit Fantaseas
Paige Maxim, Paige Maxim Designs
Pamela Gangler, She Always Loved Pink

Patricia Johnson, Patricia L. Johnson Glass Art

Patti Vanderbloemen, My Addictions ... Handcrafted Jewelry by Patti

Perri Jackson, Shaktipaj Designs

Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads

Renetha Stanziano, Lamplight Crafts

Shannon Hicks, Falling Into the Sky

Shannon LeVart, Miss Fickle Media

Sharon Driscoll, Right Turn Art Werks

Shelby Foxwell, Sundown Bead Designs Rhetoric

Shelley Graham Turner, Fabric of My Life

Sherri Stokey, Knot Just Macrame

Shirley Moore, Beads and Bread

Skylar Bre'z, Brising Beads

Stacie Florer, Soul to Substance

Stacie Stamper, Park Avenue

Stacy Alderson, Iridal's Attic

Stephanie Haussler, Pixybug Designs

Stephanie Stamper, Rainy Day Designs

Sue Hamel, The Bottle Cork and Crystal

Suzette Bentley, Ellie's Bijoux

Szarka, Magpie Gemstones

Tammy Jones, Jewelry Making Daily

Tania Tebbit, Glass, Craft, & Artful Goodness

Tanty Sri Hartanti, TJewellicious by Tanti

Terry Matuszyk, Pink Chapeau

Tina Bosh, Every Good and Perfect Gift

Tracy Bell, Copper, Glass and Recycled Trash

Vonna Maslanka, Just Vonna

Bead Soup is here!

My Bead Soup is here!  Check out all the awesomeness from my partner this round, JuLee Wolfe of the Polymer Penguin.  

I can't wait to see what my brain comes up with this time around.

Updated Show Schedule

I have updated my show schedule.  Not sure what the heck is going on with the colors.  I will make it prettier after dinner.

Bead Soup Blog Partner!

My partner is JuLee Wolfe of the Polymer Penguin! She creates some beautiful polymer clay goodies.  I cannot to see what we send each other!

I've been unpacking my jewelry studio because I really, really need to beat things with a hammer. I meet the gas guy tomorrow to discuss installing my gas line so I can set things on FIRE!

Hottest day of the year so far....

so I decided to assemble my new lawnmower and mow the jungle in my yard.

A few things I should point out:

I am 40-something and I've never mowed a lawn before. I used to be deathly allergic to mowed grass, and by the time I discovered Allegra, I was married to XDH and he did the lawn.

I often forget to eat before undertaking physical tasks.

It is 93 and humid.

I have never claimed to have good judgment.

So, I only finished the front yard.  Man-o-man, that is the crappiest mow-job I have ever seen, lol.  At least it isn't a foot tall any more...


I was going to update my show schedule, but damn, I'm tired.  I am going to enjoy my Oberon and veg.

Back At It

2012 has sucked, for lack of a better word; a family emergency that consumed January and then DH moved out in February and became XH in May.  No creative energy when simply getting out of bed and minimally functioning in society took up so much energy.  I'm in my new house and in a new city (well, city next to childhood city, so it is familiar).

I'm going to get back into lampworking and jewelry design, and I cannot wait to be creative again.  I've worked on getting my life going in a new direction and now I want to work on ME.  I signed up for the next installment of Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog Party.  They are always so much fun! Plus, Lori is pretty neat herself.  :)  Back in May she sent me a doodle page with the following note:

"for when I get bored".  lol  That right there put a smile on my face.  I've spent the past four days unpacking and cleaning and putting things away.  Today I unpacked this letter Lori send me and my new coloring pencils.  I sat down and turned off my brain (not too difficult, really) and attempted some scrollwork.

Rather simple and childlike, but it was to just "create".  I chose these colors because I am decorating my living room in apple green and turquoise.  I figure I will 'fake it til I make it' and surround myself with bright, happy colors.

Getting Ready for My Next Show

I spent the day making jewelry, about 7 necklaces and 6 pairs of earrings.  I'm getting ready for the 2012 Northern Michigan Bead & Jewelry Show at the Cadillac Junior High in Cadillac Michigan on April 14th.  I'll be sure to post pics tomorrow!

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!

Table Set Up

My friend Tracy & I had our first show this weekend.  It was a decent enough show, but more importantly we were able to tweak our table set-up that we'll be using for the year.

We are going for a vintage look.  I am using books, antique bottles, and some of my husband's antlers.  We received a lot of positive feedback.  I can't wait for the rest of the year!

More than a Suitcase

I work some pretty awesome people.  Shortly after Christmas I became aware of a situation and needed some assistance having some cats removed from a hoarding situation.  I had heard my coworker Sharon had rescued cats and horses in the past.  I didn't know that she has a network of awesome people.  Within an hour of telling her of the situation, she had made phone calls and those people had made phone calls.  That night, the cats were evaluated.  The next day, they were on their way to being removed.  Within a few days, they were cleaned, cared for, given lots of love, and were on their way to their forever homes.  Words cannot describe how grateful I am for her assistance.  

Sharon and her friends rescued 29 cats, cleaned them, gave them veterinarian care, and spayed and neutered all of 29 them.  She works with Richland Animal Rescue; please take a moment and check them out.  

My table set up for this year has a vintage theme.  Sharon gave me her beloved grandmother's cosmetic case to use.  She said that she has many fond memories of her grandmother and this case. She said she is just happy that someone will be using it.  I feel privileged that she was willing to let me have it, and I plan on cherishing it.

And of course, I can't let any serious post occur without a little humor.  Doesn't this case have the cutest little face?  Big ol' anime eyes and a cute, tiny smile...

One of Those Days...

First Show of 2012

I've updated my Show Schedule.  My first show is next weekend at the Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek, Michigan.  It is the Art from the Heart show, and it is the first show with my bead buddy, Tracy.  I am so excited, I cannot stand it!

I've been tweaking the finishing touches on my table.  Well, I should say the first round of finishing touches on my table.  One of the things I did today was to tea-stain the clothes pins I'll be using on my displays.

They may need to be darker, but I figure it is easier  to add color than it is to take it away.

I Love the Bloggess

I wish I had a witty post, or a post with some awesome pictures of the necklaces I made tonight...  Oh that's right, my work table has 4 half-finished necklaces and a large dose of frustration.

Luckily, The Bloggess post today made me laugh until I nearly peed myself (The part about doll heads, not the part about being in the hospital.  I'm not that soulless. Really.)

http://thebloggess.com/2012/01/the-post-where-i-make-it-up-to-you-and-then-make-things-worse-and-then-apologize-again/

Something New

Here is one of the new necklaces I created this weekend.  The hand dyed ribbon is from Paradox Art Glass on Etsy, the copper pendant bail is by JustVonna.  I made the glass leaf using raku glass.  This is the only time I've been able to coax the pink out of raku.  I've had the leaf for a few years, so I figured it is time to use in something...

I Love Dogs

Yesterday was our monthly bead cult meeting, and this time we met at Laurie's.  She has two adorable corgis, Winston and Special Ed.  I love seeing my glassy peeps every month, but I just love it when there are dogs around.  This is Winston.  Once he decides on who will play with him, that person *will* play with him for the entire time you are there.

Hanging out with my peeps always inspires me to create, and I made several necklaces and pairs of earrings today.  I will be listing them over the next couple of days.

Sweet Fire, How I've Missed You

My dear, sweet flame, how I've missed you.

Cleaning Up

Well, I didn't get around to making any beads today, but I did accomplish quite a bit.  I cleaned up around the house, and I straightened up my jewelry work area.  It was an absolutely disaster area. Before my last show in December I was looking for something, couldn't find it.  I started dumping things in piles.  Big shiny piles of jewelry components.  Not a pretty sight.

I've reopened my Etsy store!

One of the things I did today was to assemble my new office chair. I am currently using an old office chair my husband had WAY back in college.  You look at it and it makes and awful squeaking noise, similar to nails-on-a-chalkboard noise.  Now I have a quiet, purple dreamcloud.  

What I'll Be Reading

It was a very good Christmas.  Books, books, and more books.  The above picture is a pile of unread books, most from Christmas, and a few that my BBF lent to me.

So far, I've been able to read three of them.  All good, but I think my favorite is The Secret History of Moscow.  Somewhat Gaimanish, but considering he endorsed it, I can't complain it is a copy of his work.

Shot post, but I'll be back tomorrow.

Don't Blink

No, I can't resist a Doctor Who reference. :)  

Life's been, well, complicated lately.  Can't get into details at the moment; I do plan on sharing because it involves an important subject for me - depression.  Depression and its stigma.  Why depression is so difficult to understand, even for those who live with it.  What is happening right now isn't completely my story to tell, but I will at some point figure out how much I can share without hurting someone.

For now, things are as in control as they can be. I get to spend tomorrow preparing for this year's shows.  It involves a total revamp of my tabled set-up.  Tomorrow also kicks off registration for the next installment of Bead Soup Blog Party.  It is a lottery this time, so I am crossing all of my lucky bits that my name will be chosen to participate. Sunday WILL be spent melting glass.