Bead Soup Blog Party Reveal

Wow! It is 2 AM on the nose and I just finished with my pieces for the Bead Soup Blog Party hosted by Lori Anderson over at Pretty Things. I shudder to think what time it will be when I actually finish writing this post!

What is this, you ask? Basically a bunch of us were paired up with a partner. With that partner we switched beads/jewelry components, making sure to include a focal and super fab toggle. Then we created something using the beads sent to us by our partner, also incorporating items from our own stash. And today is show and tell all about it day. We are hopping from one blog to another checking out each other's handiwork. All of this arranged by Lori, of course. Give her a high five!

Guess I'll just jump right in then.

My partner is Elizabeth Owens Dwy. Here is a pic of what I started with. If you wish, read more about that here. Or you can just scroll down since I posted about it yesterday, lol. :)

Wanna see what I sent her? Click here.

Elizabeth made most of the pieces from polymer clay. The round beads are leopard jade. The handmade toggle is made using copper, seed beads, and fibers.

Honestly, I was stumped. I've never really worked with polymer clay before and as you can see, there are a lot of options to use as the focal. Decisions, decisions.

Well, the first thing I made was a pair of hoop earrings. I added some of the dangles she made and alternated them with teal Swarovski bicone beads. It's hard to see, but hanging down the middle is a teal flower that Elizabeth made from polymer clay. Simple yet chic, i think.

Below is the first necklace I made. I tried using the toggle as the focal since it was so unique. I then used cracked agate, polished agate, and glass pearls to create this choker like necklace. I must admit that I'm not entirely satisfied with it at this point. I'm not sure but it still needs some pizazz. I'll keep working on this one.

But then, sitting at work today, I got an idea to go with this type of necklace. I call this piece "Girlfriends" because of the pendant. To me it looks like girlfriends out on the town walking hand in hand. :)  The pendant had a large bail so it easily slid right over the antique brass chain. I then added the leopard jade and polymer clay dangles that Elizabeth sent. From my stash I incorporated turquoise howlite, the brown stone beads, and the vintage cream beads with the flower shape on them. I just love the earthiness of this necklace. Blue and brown is one of my fave combos. I'm really excited about how this piece turned out! I just love the chunky, cha cha feel of it.

Enough babble about me. Want to see what everyone else created? Click here. This link will take you to the list of participants in the BSBP and all of their blogs. Please check them out and don't be scared to give a high five when you see something awesome!