BSBP 6: The Reveal

So, today is the 3rd reveal date for Lori Anderson's 6th Bead Soup Blog Party (BSBP). As always, Lori is a superstar! She's so patient and kind, even when all four hundred of us BSBP participants are throwing eight hundred different, yet the same questions at her. :) 

Also, I did something weird-like copy too much code or something when I was copying the link list-and my formatting is a little wacky. I tried to look at the HTML code but it was like Greek and it's 3 am, so let's just go with it. K? UPDATE: After a few hours sleep, I was able to fix my blog! :)

My partner is Becky Pancake over at Becky Pancake Bead Designs.  Becky knows that I love all, well, most things vintage so she dug deep in her stash and sent me a bunch of vintage treasures. How about that awesome handmade clasp that she sent me??

 

 

 

 

Drum roll, please......

 

Actually, I just jumped right in and the first piece I made was the pair of earrings. That's backwards from how I normally roll but the bead gods spoke, and I listened.

 

 I really like the white vintage beads that have a carved design on them. I paired them with clear Czech glass beads and the cutest little bead caps. I actually won the bead caps from Lori quite a while back. :) They are super cute. Between the earrings and necklace I used them all. To make the necklace, I created links using the Czech glass, the carved ivory beads, and the orange beads. The orange beads almost glow. They make me think of tigers eye the way that they glow in the light.

Since I ran out of those super cute bead caps this is just a simple necklace with only a few links. Sometimes simple works better, i think. It is on a long, silver chain that just slips over the head. I couldn't find a silver clasp in my stash that I wanted to use so I just made it a long necklace.

 

 

A closer look...

 

 

 

The second necklace I'm showing is my favorite piece. Of the two necklaces, I actually made this one first. When I looked at that floral focal, I kept seeing nature and the outdoors...picture a magical forest, if you will. :)  I set the floral focal in a brass setting and paired it with a dragonfly from Patina Queen and super cute owl from Tree Wings Studio (did I say super duper cute?) and a large filigree piece from Paloma Antigua. I also added a vintage glass jewel thingy that hangs from the dragonfly's tail. After all, I'm sure he's a magical dragonfly since he's in a magical forest. I used some sari silk that I bought forever ago but have been afraid to use. I used the handmade clasp that Becky made and wire wrapped the ends. My wire wrapping needs a little practice but I like the messy look. Again, simple, but I really like how fun and whimsical this piece turned out.

 

...and a closer look.

 

 

I've still got a lot of beads to play with, so while I'm doing that you guys run on over here and check out what Becky made. I've already taken a sneak peek over there and she's got some cool things going on.

 

When you're done over at Becky's blog, check out what everyone else did!

Hostess with the Mostest, Lori Anderson, Pretty Things

Agi Kiss, Moonsafari Beads 

Alice Peterson, Alice Dreaming

Alison Sachs, Beads by Earthtones

Amanda Dittloff, Passion Smashin'

Andra Marasteanu, Bijoux de Monanage

Angie Szlovak, SweetBeads

Anitra Gordy, LeeLu Creations (You are here!)

Ann Sherwood, Ann's Blog

Arlene Dean, A Glass Bash

Audrey Belanger, Dreams of an Absolution
 

Barb Solem, Vivi Magoo Presents

Barbara Blaszczyk, laboratorim Flory

Becky Pancake, Becky Pancake Bead Designs (My partner...Hi Becky!)
Beth Emery, Stories by Indigo Heart

Bianca Odenthal, Zydies Glasperlen

Birgit Klughardt, GitesBeads
Bobbie Rafferty, Beadsong Jewelry
Bonnie Coursolle,  Jasper Gems

Cece Cormier, The Beading Yogini
Charlene Jacka, Clay Space
Cherrie Fick, En La Lumie're
Cheryl Foiles, Get Your Bead On
Christie Murrow, Charis Designs Jewelry
Christina Miles, Wings n Scales
Christina Stofmeel, Feng Beads
Christine Stonefield, Sweet Girl Design
Cindy Cima Edwards, Live to Design
CJ Bauschka, 4 His Glory Creations
Claire Smith, Embergrass Jewelry
Cynthia Riggs, Cynth's Blog

Dana Fowler, Trunk Full of Treasure
Dawn Pierro, Turtle Moon Designs
Dee Elgie, Cherry Obsidia
Donetta Farrington, Simply Gorgeous
Dot Lewallwn, Speedie Beadie
Eileen Snyder, Dorset Hill Beads
Elizabeth Bunn, Elizabeth Beads
Eva Kovacs, Ewa gyongyos vilaga!
Evelyn Duberry, Sheba Makeda
Fay Wolfenden, Torch Fairy
Fen Li, Bead Flora Jewels
Gail Zwang, Angel Moose Enterprises
Geneva Collins, Torque Story
Grace Dorsey, Fan of the Flame
Gretchen Nation,  Art Food Lodging

Hannah Annear, Squintessential
Hajer Waheed, My Beaded World
Heather Goldsmith, As I Bead It
Heather Otto, The Craft Hopper
Heidi Kingman, My Bead Therapy
Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
Isolina Perez, Isolina Perez
Jacqueline Keller, CreARTelier
Jane Haag, Did You Make Something Today?
Janeen Sorensen, Wild Vanilla Designs
Jean Peter, Jean P. Designs

Jennifer Judd, Jen Judd Rocks
Jennifer L Justman, Soul's Fire Designs
Joanna Matuszczyk, Bizuteria z filcu
Joanne Brown, Jo's Jewels
Joanne Lockwood, Jo Bunkum
Joyce Becker, Joyce's Joyful Gems
Judy Riley, Three Red Beads
Karen Mitchell, Over the Moon Design
Karen Williams, Baublicious
Karin von Hoeren, Creative Ideen
Karla Morgan, Texas Pepper Jams
Kashmira Patel, Sadafule .. always in bloom!
Kate Richbourg, We Can Make That at Home

Katrin Lembke, AllesPerle
Kathy Combs, Torched in Texas
Kathy Lindemer, Bay Moon Design
Kay Thomerson, Kayz Kreationz
Kelley Fogle, My Life, One Bead at at Time
Kelly Hosford Patterson, Traveling Side Show
Klaudette Koon, Only Road
Lara Lutrick, Lampwork Beads by Lara
Laura Guenther, Blue Antiquities

Laurie Lalonde, Simply Mod Jewelry
Lilik Kristiani, Soul of My Embodiment
Linda Younkman, Lindy's Designs
Lisa Chapman, Beach Cat Beads
Lisa Lodge, Pine Ridge Treasures
Loretta Carstensen, Designs by Loretta
Lori Bergmann, Lori Bergmann Design
Lori Dorrington, Lori's Adventures in Etsy Land
Lupe Meter, Gem's PC Corner
Lynn Davis, LLYYNN

Malin de Koning, Beading by Malin
Mandi Effron, Craft-o-licious
Mandy Williamson, Mimi's Beading
Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter
Maria Rosa Sharrow, Willow Street Shops
Marianne Baxter, Simply Seablime Jewelry
Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre
Marjolein Trewavas, Room for Change
Marelene Cupo, Amazing Designs
Marsha Neal, Marsha Neal Studio

Marta Kaczerowska, uhuhu
Mary Govaars, MLH Jewelry Designs
Melissa Trudinger, Bead Recipes
Menka Gupta, Menka's Jewelry Blog
Michelle Burnett, Reverie and Revival
Michelle Escano-Caballero, The Cabby Crafter
Miko Wiropati, Uniquely Yunikua
Milla Hope,  LB Creative Arts and Crafts
Mimi Gardner, Other Curiosities
Miranda Ackerley, MirandackArts
Natalie McKenna, grubbi

Noemi Baena, fuego, metal, y color
Pam Ferrari, Ferrari Originals
Pam Sears, Crazy Creative Corner
Penny Neville, Copper Penny
Rachel Baron, R. Baron Designs
Rachel Myers, Rockabead Jewelry
Rana Wilson, Definitive Designs by R. Wilson
Rebecca Anderson, Song Beads
Rebecca Sirevaag, Becca's Place
Riki Schumacher, Riki Jewelry

Rose Binoya, Ahtee's Blog
Rossana De Gaspari, Rdegas Blog
Sandi James, Do Be Do Bead Do
Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe
Sandra Wollberg, City of Brass Stories
Sarah Goode, Pookledo
Sarah Small, blog by salla
Shai Williams, Shaiha's Ramblings
Shawn Mills, Shawn Marie Designs with Bent Wire
Sheila Davis, Stone Designs by Sheila

Sheryl Stephens, Babble Bead
Shiraz Biggie, Secret Song Designs
Solange Collin,  Ahowin Handcrafted Jewelry
Sonya Stille, Dreamin' of Beads
Stephanie Dixon, The Dixon Chick
Susan Kennedy, Sue Beads
Susan Sheehan, Strands of Thought
Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Beadphoria
Sweet Freedom, Sweet Freedom Designs
Tabatha Dinger, Modernly Created
Tania Hagen, Pelima Jewellery Design

Tanya Boden, Fusion Muse
Terri Gauthier, Blooming Ideas
Terry Carter, Tapping Flamingo
Tracy Stillman, Tracy Stillman Designs

BSBP: What I Received

                         Here is what I received from my partner, Becky Pancake, for the 6th BSBP.

A sweet note from Becky

A vintage floral cab, brass findings, vintage lucite, aventurine, and other beads

A closer look at some of those beads.

Really like those white ones that have a carved look.

No idea yet what I'm going to do. Ya'll know I work best under pressure. My reveal date is the last date in August so I've got time to think. I'll just put these in the corner of my table and let the beads talk to me at their leisure. :)



6th BSBP: What I Sent

In case you have forgotten, I am participating Lori Anderson's 6th Bead Soup Blog Party.

My partner, Becky Pancake, received her beads yesterday so I'd like to show you what I sent.

I gotta be honest, the photo cred goes to Becky since I'm borrowing the pic she took. Hers looks better than mine. :)

I hope Becky loves it!

Reflections from the BSBP-2011 Fall Edition

These are my own personal reflections on the BSBP-2011 Fall Edition.

They are not directed at anyone, rather, these are just my observations, from my perspective.

Of course, you might feel differently.

There were so many amazingly talented and creative people that participated in this BSBP.

Just seeing everyone’s work makes me want to step up my game.

Ways to Push Myself and Expand Creatively

• I have got to get me some of that sari silk and figure out what to do with it!

I love the softness that it gives to pieces. There were so many beautiful pieces created that used it.

• I want to push myself to work on multiple strand necklaces. I love them but when it comes to me making them I freak out a little because in my head they seem so overwhelming! Plus, I’ve done a couple of multiple strand necklaces with chain and the chain always gets all mixed up or won’t lay right, but maybe that was because I used chain?

• Asymmetrical pieces are all the rage! I’ve been fighting them for some time but I feel it’s time to step up to the plate. Again, I guess it’s in my head, but my brain just doesn’t see things that way. I automatically think pendant in center, and a symmetrical design on both sides. Gotta break out of that shell.

• I also want to try using cord and knotting in between beads. Love that technique!

• I must improve my photography skills.

A Few Other Notes

• I like to comment on most everyone’s design on their blog, however, if I have to leave my name, email, social security number, mother’s maiden name, and blood type just to leave a comment on your blog, I’m annoyed.

We are hopping to 300+ blogs and if I have to do that for every other one…..yikes! It gets tedious, frustrating, and just not fun anymore. For those blogs, I keep my thoughts to myself, no matter how awesomely fantastic your design is. Just sayin...

• Get your beads out to your partner on time.

To me, it’s about being respectful. Your time is valuable, right? Well, so is your partner’s, and Lori’s as the coordinator. We are made aware of the expectations and deadlines before signing up so there are no surprises.

• Along the same train of thought, be respectful to the other participants by posting your reveal on time. Scheduled posts in Blogger are a bloggers best friend!

• If you choose to participate in the BSBP, your responsibility does not end when you post your reveal.

 It is also your responsibility to actually go to everyone’s blog to see their work. But, the longer you wait to do so, the harder it is to find the BSBP post on their blog (depending upon the frequency with which they post) so it’s best to get to hoppin’, so to speak. :)

Lori, thank you so much for coordinating this. You must be mega organized! Thank you so much for your patience, graciousness, and kindness with all of us.

I wouldn't even know where to begin with something like this. I don't know how you do it, lady.

Thank you.

If you want to sign up for the 2012 BSBP, click here for info on that.

If you want to read more about this BSBP or see the list of participants, click here for that.

In case you missed it, my fave piece that I made is below, and you can read more about it here.

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!

My BSBP Soup

I guess later is better than never, so here are the beads that I received for the BSBP. **UPDATE:  When I say that later is better than never, I am referring to the posting of my soup by me and nothing else.**
This party goes down tomorrow for those that haven't been 'round the bead scene.

I started on mine yesterday (yep, I said yesterday). Needless to say that I work best under pressure, lol. Seriously, I've always been like that. Anyhoo, I started mine yesterday but when I got it finished I came up with a totally different idea that I like a lot better so I'm gonna regroup tonight and see what I can come up with.

So, here are pics of what I received from Elizabeth Owens Dwy over at Clarity of Purple Sage. I believe she made the pieces from polymer clay, except for the round beads which are Leopard Jade, and the copper toggle. It's weaved with seed beads and fibers. Elizabeth must've known that I love flowers!

If you wanna see what I sent her, click on over here.

Wish me luck! Seriously....i need it....so send it my way...but do it fast because this has to be done, pics taken, and blog post posted by tomorrow!!!!!!...And I don't get off of work until 6-ish and then have to hit the Harris Teeter for triple coupons...Sounds like someone will be burnin' the midnight oil again tonight. Yep, I'm feelin' the pressure. :)

See ya at the party! Make sure you come back tomorrow to check out the final pieces.

Bead Soup Blog Party...What I Sent.

Elizabeth finally got the beads I sent her for the BSBP so I thought I would share with you what I sent to her. I can't wait to see what she sends me! From what I gather, she is making some of the beads from polymer clay, i think.

Included in this soup are:

Howlite butterfly

Teardrop Pottery shard pendant

Vintage Lace

Brown/gold glass pearls

Green jade

Salmon stone bead (maybe dyed jade?)

Ivory stone beads

Flower toggle

I think that the beads I sent really complement the colors of the pottery shard pendant.

How is your soup coming along?