7.3 Bead Soup Blog Party

This is my soup for the 3rd reveal of the 7th Bead Soup Party Blog, well, most of it. I got my great soup from my partner, Brandy Thomason McNair of Bella Vita Jewelry. Click here to check out her jewelry with my beads. I say this is most of the soup as I was so in love with some of the beads I made my jewelry piece before I took the photo (bracelet below). The little green chips on the top are Kyanite. I think the green rounds are jade, maybe....they were in a baggie labeled "?" along with the lovely purple stones. The focal is a faceted bamboo agate. There are some handmade charms in copper and brass and some antique buttons.

Here is a close up of the handmade charms Brandy made. I haven't made anything with these yet; I'm ashamed to say. I will use them, I promise. I think I'll add the little WA charm to my bracelet, see below.

This necklace uses the rings that Brady labeled "Vintage". I think they maybe Lucite or Bakelite, I'm not sure. I usually like to make beads to use with my focal piece and that was an issue this year. The focal bead was a lovely large bamboo agate (see below). It is a lovely white stone, but with a lot of grey. I made at least three sets of lampwork beads to go with it and they did not match at all. The beads above were they 3rd set I made. I used silvered ivory glass to get the grey and yellow colors, but they were just too dark, but I thought they looked great with the warm yellow rings. Brandy also sent a copper clasp, so I wired wrapped the beads with copper wire and used a long copper chain. I added rings of coiled green wire to bring out the green in the beads. I think I should have either gone without the rings or more asymmetrical (but I have a really hard time making asymmetrical items).  The cain doubles through the rings so there is a length option. I used my torch to patina the copper with fire for blues and purple colors, but it didn't really stay on the wire when I manipulated it. I think I may patina with either LOS or vinegar. I'm not sure if the green/blue color made with the vinegar will clash with the green in the glass beads (I can always change out the green coils to match better or use a contrasting color or take them out all together).

Here are the stones and antique button I snatched out of the package and made into a wrap bracelet immediately. So quickly that I have misplaced the baggie that had the name of the stones. Brandy, little help with these? I just love them.

Here is my focal bead, the bamboo agate. It is so lovely and I'm not happy with what I have done. I focused so long on making matching beads, I kind of didn't come up with other ideas.  I have not done any wire wrapping before, so I took a shot. I think the shot missed by quite a bit. Oh boy, what a sad little pendant.....  Of course, I should have used the stones I used to make the bracelet, look how perfect they are together...

Many thanks to Lori for organizing the blog hop and CLICK HERE to find all the other blogs.

Bead Soup Blog Party - The Big Day

This is the great bead soup I received from Lisa Suver. She makes these great swirly polymer clay beads. These are in shades of deep green/turquoise, coral/red gold, brown and white.

Check out Lisa's blog HERE and her Etsy shop HERE

Can you believe that I have never made a three strand bracelet? I have not until this challenge. Weird, right? Lisa sent these neato clasps with an offset loop and three loops. I am not sure how to use them (see below) and used the extra single loop for a dangle. I should have checked out the bracelet in Lisa's shop to see how she used them. Lisa used the three loops for dangles, this would have been better. Lisa sent some turquoise, pearls and copper beads with her soup. I really like how the light and dark pearls add an almost mixed metals look to this bracelet. I added some seed beads in a copper tone. I love the look of asymmetrical designs, but have a hard time doing it (I like to make symetrical designs). I found that by making this bracelet I could make each row symmetrical, but each row different and tada, asymmetrical bracelet that doesn't give me a headache trying to design.

Lisa sent a really bead beautiful focal bead and I knew I wanted to make a lariat necklace. I used her large bead and made dangles and paired them with this lovely brass chain and clasp. I made the clasp in the front. I cut the chain too short. I wanted a really long necklace, but on me it is a little shorted than I wanted. Oh well another trip to the bead store.

Finally I made some simple earrings with the sparkly polymer clay beads and the turquoise beads she sent. I like how the polymer beads looks like wood or a gemstone in this photo.

I have lots of beads left over to make more jewelry, can't wait to try out more. Many thanks to Lisa for her beads and Lori for her organization of the party.

Check out all the other blogs in the links below.

Hostess, Lori Anderson

1. Adlinah Kamsir (Singapore) and Hajer Waheed (Kingdom of Bahrain)
2. Adrienn Lukacs (Hungary) and Agata Grygiel (Poland)
3. Agi Kiss (Hungary) and Carolien Muller-Genger (the Netherlands)
4. Agnes Asztalos (Hungary) and B.R. Kuhlman
5. Alesha Conklin and Becki Mendivil
6. Alice Peterson and Carol Dillman
7. Alicia Marinache (Canada) and Dita Basu
8. Amanda Dittloff and Brandy Thomason McNair
9. Amanda Tibbetts and Andrea Trank
10. Amy Freeland and Kay Mallery

11. Andra Weber and Christine Murrow
12. Ann Sherwood and Diane Welte
13. Barbara Bechtel and Kerry Bogert
14. Barbara Lewis and Cat Pruitt
15. Bonnie Coursolle (Canada) and Fay Wolfenden (Canada)
16. Carmel McGinley (Australia) and Tracy Stillman (Australia)
17. Cassie Donlen and Deryn Mentock
18. Cathie Carroll and Janel Dudley
19. Cece Cormier and Morwyn Mullins
20. Charlene Jacka and Christina Hickman

21. Cheryl Brown (Canada) and Diana Ptaszynski
22. Christina Stofmeel (the Netherlands) and Eva Kovacs (Hungary)
23. Christine Damm and Deb Brooks
24. Cilla Watkins (Canada) and Elaine Robitaille (Canada)
25. Sabrina Straub (Switzerland) and Kathy Combs
26. Cindy Cima Edwards and Eleanor Burian-Mohr
27. Cory Celaya and Rhea Freitieg
28. Courtney Breul and Dana Hickey
29. Cynthia Abner and Jennifer Boreck
30. Cynthia Tucker and Jean Peter

31. Debbie Goering and Heidi Post
32. Dee Elgie (UK) and Joanne Lockwood (UK)
33. Dian Hierschel (Germany) and Eniko Fabian (Austria)
34. Diane Cook and Lyn Foley
35. Donna Bohler and Lisa Lodge
36. Donna Millard and Kiersten Giles
37. Doris Stumpf (Germany) and Eszter Czibulyas (Hungary)
38. Elisabeth Auld and Eva Sherman
39. Elke Leonhardt-Rath (Germany) and Marjolein Trewavas (UK)
40. Ema Kilroy and Laurie Keefe-Cecere

41. Erika Nooteboom (the Netherlands) and Giorgia Rossini (Italy)
42. Erin Grant and Jean Wells
43. Evelyn Duberry (Canada) and Gaea Cannaday
44. Genea Crivello-Knable and Heather Powers
45. Ginger Bishop (military, Okinawa) and Martina Nagele (Germany)
46. Heidi Kingman and Lori Greenberg
47. Helen Kemp and Lisa Wangeman
48. Helene Goldberg (Australia) and Karen Vincent
49. Jamie Hogsett and Jeannie Dukic
50. Jeanette Ryan and Jelveh Jaferian

51. Jennifer Cameron and Tania Spivey
52. Jennifer Justman and Kari Carrigan
53. Jennifer Tough and Lorelei Eurto
54. Joanna Matuszczyk (Poland) and Julianna Kis (Hungary)
55. Joanne Tinley (UK) and Michaela Pabeschitz (Austria)
56. Julie Anne Leggett and Kelley Fogle
57. Karen Hess and Linda Landig
58. Karyn Bonfiglio and Kathleen Lange Klik
59. Kashmira Patel and Kat White
60. Kat Barron Miller and Kelly Morgan

61. Kathy Lindemer and Rose Binoya
62. Krafty Max and Sandra Miller
63. Kristen Latimer and Pam Ferrari
64. Kristie Roeder and Lea Avroch
65. Kristina Johansson (Sweden) and Penny Neville (Canada)
66. Krisztina Erlaki-Toth (Hungary) and Nicole Keller (Germany)
67. Lara Lutrick and Lisa Suver
68. Laura DeMoya and Lisa Hanna
69. Libby Leuchtman and Melanie Brooks
70. Linda Koch and Rosemarie Cowit

71. Lisa Chapman and Menka Gupta
72. Lisa Liddy and Marion Simmons
73. Lori Anderson and Marcie Abney
74. Lori Bowring-Michaud and Mary Govaars
75. Lori Dorrington and Maria Rosa Sharrow
76. Lori Finney (Canada) and Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp (Canada)
77. Lynn Bennett and Mandi Ainsworth
78. Marta Kaczerowska (Poland) and Milla Starchik (Canada)
79. Mary Harding and Shannon LeVart
80. Mary Jane Dodd and Stacey Curry

81. Melinda Orr and Molly Alexander
82. Melissa Meman and Michelle Escano-Caballaro
83. Michelle Jensen and Sandra Young (Canada)
84. Nan Emmett and Nicole Valentine-Rimmer (Canada)
85. Nancy Boylan and Suzette Bentley
86. Natasha Lutes and Patti Vanderbloemen
87. Pam Hurst and Rebekah Payne
88. Patty Miller and Sara Rhoades
89. Rebecca Anderson (UK) and Lori Anderson
90. Rebecca Sirevaag and Sharon Driscoll

91. Rochelle Brisson and Shannon Chomanczuk
92. Rosa Maria Cuevas (Mexico) and Tejae Floyde
93. Sabine Dittrich (Germany) and Sally Russick
94. Sandi Volpe and Sarah/Saturday Sequins
95. Shanti Johnson and Tracy Mok (Canada)
96. Skylar Brez and Theresa Buchle

97. Sonya Stille and Traci Zeller (Canada)

98. Stefanie Teufel (Germany) and Tania Hagen (New Zealand)

99. Stephanie LaRosa and Vonna Maslanka

100. Terri Wlaschin and Wendy Blum

My beads in other people's work.

I just love seeing how other people use my beads to make jewelry. I sold these beads recently to a jewelry designer in Russia, Tatiana Poputnikova. She made these beautiful pieces. I love how she used the Mykonos beads and the other disk beads in conjuction with the lampwork beads. Check out Tatiana's work HERE.

YAY, my beads on Art Bead Scene

Kinda late to post this, but how excited was I to see my beads on the very cool blog on 10-27-11: Art Bead Scene! Now, they did not get there on their own, but in a really beautiful pair of earrings by Kristi Bowman, see above. Kristi stopped by my booth at the Northwest Bead Society's Bead sale a few weeks ago. She makes these really cool copper findings and just stunning jewelry. Check out her blog HERE and her Etsy site HERE.

I especially like the earrings below (they have already sold, but heck, I would buy those beads back just like this).

Bead Soup Party Blog Show and Tell Day

My bead soup came from Deci Worland (Blog and Etsy). I was able to make three items and have beads left over. She sent a super cute beetle focal. It is ceramic or clay. Deci said: "The focal is from Andrew Thornton, I am not sure if he made it or someone else. The smaller handcrafted beads are from Jardanne." I don’t know if that is the glass beads or the cool enameled bead. If anyone knows let me know. Deci choose colors that I love, thanks Deci! I really like the bright green color and purple is my favorite. The base color of the focal bead is a deep purple almost black.

I am a lampwork bead artist and I wanted to incorporate my beads into the piece. There are several colors of glass that come close to the color of the beetle background and they all have a neat finish. I made TONS. The color I liked the best did not match at all. I ended up with a lot of beads that looked similar and they are purple or black with a slight iridescent finish. I had a hard time picking them apart and now when I look at the finished piece I can pick out the ones that don’t match the others. Darn it! I’m not sure if it looks OK all mixed up or not. For those that are interested I used Dark Silver Plum and Gunmetal. The color that did not match was Dark Metallic Black.

Deci sent a cooper clasp and these cool puffy copper triangle beads. I need to get more of these, they are so fun! I choose the lightest and brightest green gem beads. I think they maybe moss agate. I anyone knows, please let me know.

I used some bright green seed beads to attach the focal and clasp to the necklace.



Green and purple are a classic combination and I wanted to use these fun shaped purple beads in earrings. I couldn't decide if they should be on the top or the bottom of the earrings, so why not both!

Finally I used the black gem beads (these have a very faint strip of grey/white which is more evedent in some beads that other, but didn't show up in the photo.) I paired these with some bead caps and sterling findings for these cute earrings. I don't know what these gems are, but would like to know I have several left. I think it might be black agate.

I had a great time with the Bead Soup Party. I hope to participate in the future. Many thanks to Deci for sending my beads and huge thanks to Lori for organizing the party.

There lots of blogs to visit for the Bead Soup Blog Party. There are 362 blog particiapants from five contients and 21 contries.

Check them all out here.

Kent Cornucopia Days

I did another three day show this weekend. Yes, I said I would not do another one, but signed up for this one already. I have some observances and thoughts.

First off: I don’t really understand the three-day show concept. I work at my art/craft, but I also work as a nurse. I can’t be the only person that works at an outside job and wants to do art shows, but I have to take a day off to do so. There are not a lot of shoppers around on Friday. Hoping to find some artistic locals shows that are 2 weekend days.


Things I learned and observed at Kent Cornucopia Days.
In no particular order.....

· Love having a booth partner. YAY for Lori. Someone to talk do is great.

· YAY for Lori’s husband Kraig and daughter Katie for helping take down the booth and haul my stuff to the car. They made two trips while I made one. My gratitude is huge and they deserve KUDOS

· Three days is a long show, but I was less pooped after this show than the last, thanks to having a booth mate.

· Compliments on my artwork are wonderful. Seeing someone understand that I MADE the beads and appreciating the time and patience it takes is great. We had one very boisterous lady that was fun to watch.

· Having a booth neighbor that spend the entire show hacking up phlegm only to slurp it down again was so gross and I’m a nurse. Get some nasal spray Rob!

· Kent Cornucopia Days was all commercial and resale! I heard from some co-workers today that were able to walk around that there were 2 Avon booths, 2 Scency booths, and multiple of colors. Really?!? YUCK

· Sitting outside of Starbucks is a good way to drink and eat your profit away. Why are Frappuchinos so good???

· Starbucks letting fair goers use their clean restroom is cool. Didn’t have to use the port o potty once.

· Having a patient buy your work is very special, especially when you know that patients does not make a lot of money.

· Not remembering patient names is very embarrassing, especially since they all know my name.

· “People watching“ is fun and entertaining when there are no sales.

· Dog watching is better.

· Chameleon watching is surprising.

· Marching bands are cool, I don't care if it is dorky, they are really neat!

What I did this weekend - Maple Valley Farmer's Market

Things I learned at this Farmer's Market this weekend.

In no particular order.....

- I did like a short day better than three day long show.
- It was great to have my booth partner, Lori Bergmann, back. YAY, someone to talk to.
- Rain sucks.
- Lori has the nicest husband, thanks for all the help setting up and taking down Kraig.
- Mist sucks.
- Farmer's Market food smell just as good as fair food and it is a little cheeper.
- Heavy mist sucks.
- Warm fair food goes cold very quickly.
- Setting up in the heavy mist/rain sucks.
- Tearing down in the heavy mist/rain really sucks.
- Being wet all day and looking like you just got out of the shower in your cloths sucks.
- Wet hair takes all day to dry.
- Really excited to hear a customer ask about Beads of Courage. Very cool! We told her about the concert in Seattle coming up.

- CUSTOMERS WILLING TO COME OUT IN THE DOWNPOUR ARE THE BEST. YAY!

Customer Appreciation

As a lampwork glass bead maker I make supplies for other people's artwork. It is a little odd as I don't get to see how a particular bead will be used very often and I love to see how my beads are used. Sometimes an artist will send a photo to me and sometimes I stumble across the jewelry myself (usually during a self Goggle - that sounds a little hinky doesn't it). The bracelet above was found that way. I came across Debi Auger's website and blog where she had this bracelet listed as her January fundraiser for The National Cervical Cancer Coalition . I was very honored. As an RN I'm familiar with cervical cancer and work with women daily in ways to prevent cervical cancer. Check out Debi's site where the bracelet is showcased and her ArtFire site where it is for sale. Come to find out, Debi is a big fan of handmade lampwork beads and has been spreading the word on Facebook and her website about the beauty of handcrafted beads. Thanks so much Debi.

The photo above is from Michelle Plumb whom is also a big supporter of handmade glass beads. She has titled this piece "All Hail Queen Alice!" She has taken beads from multiple artisits and put them together wonderfully. My beads are the heart in the center and the gold bead just below. Great job Michelle.

Jewelry

Thought I would just share a couple photos of some jewelry. I've been making a lot for an upcoming show, see flyer below, at my local gallery, Up Front in Issaquah WA. The theme is spring Garden and those are my ring, most of a flower like design. The date of the show is 4-16-11 from noon to 8pm.

I also made some jewelry for possible exhibition that my local bead chapter is hoping to put on at this facility, I'm looking forward to see if I get in.

Customer Appreciation

I love my customers. They keep me going and like my beads! I rarely get photos of my beads used as jewelry, but I get excited when I get a picture. I recently got the photo above from Evie Gauthier. I really like the way she combined the different lampwork beads into one harmonious necklace (my bead is the heart). Click here to see her necklace listed on Etsy: Deep River Necklace. Check out her website and her stunning jewelry: www.moonrabbitoriginals.com

Thebeadedlily mentioned my shop as one of her favorite's in her write up at analliteration blog.
I am so flattered, thanks Sarah. Picture of my bead in thebeadedlily's necklace:

Any other customers that want to send photos are always welcome.

NEW LISTINGS - JEWELRY

I have not listed any jewelry for a while as I had everything stored up for the Farmer's Market. I have taken pictures and started listed some of that jewelry. The earrings above are the favorite ones I made for the Farmer's Market. I was surprised they didn't sell as they are super adorable. These are called "bird bath."

This is the favorite necklace I put together with a handmade lampwork bead and vintage enamaled chain.

Click on the pictures to be taken to the item for sale.

Farmer's Market

I don't do a lot of show, but this year a friend of mine, Lori Bergmann, and I are sharing a table for four Saturday's this 1st season of the Maple Valley Farmer's Market. I have been busily making jewelry (necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings) as well as functional items (cell phone charms, key chains and ceiling fan pulls). I've got around 170 items ready to go. Whew, it was a lot of hard work, but I'm ready to go on Saturday.

A new item for me is rings. In the latest issue of Step by Step Wire Jewelry has a great tutorial on how to make quick cocktail ring by Kerry Bogert. I have been a huge fan for her work for a long time and really thank her for this easy to follow tutorial. Here are the rings I have made so far.

NEWLY LISTED BRACELET

I made this bracelet this week out of beads from my bead bowl. This is where I keep the beads that didn't have a size match for a set or that I was experimenting with colors or shape. I am super happy with the way this turned out. It is so pretty.

This was listed at 1000Markets, feel free to check it out. Bracelet

Any comments or constrictive criticism are welcome.

Hey, Goggled Myself, Thank You Kim

I found myself mentioned in another blog today. This is an interview from about 2 months ago from my customer and friend Kim Lewis of kimforbeads on Etsy. A big thank you to Kim for mentioning me in her interview. Seen here are some of my beads being used in Kim's jewelry. Kim also makes beaded bugs, beaded purses, beaded necklaces, bracelets and earrings, embellished gloves (of which I wear a pair on the drive to work each morning) and more!

Article here: http://www.stylelist.com/blog/2008/10/05/indie-designer-interviews-designs-by-kim/

Kim's Etsy Site: www.kimforbeads.etsy.com