I've gone through a lot in the last few months so It's good to be back. Real good. After what feels like forever, I'm excited for things that are coming my way soon.
I'm happy to say that I joined the first ever Bead Peeps Swap n' Hop. It's a brand new Blog Hop that was started in response to the cancellation of Bead Soup Blog Party. It's a huge undertaking and our lovely host Linda Anderson of From the Bead Board is doing a magnificent job of organizing everything.
It runs on much the same premise as the BSBP. (The only blog hop I've ever done) There was an open invitation to enter and luckily I saw it just in the nick of time. I got in just under the wire! Well, maybe I squeezed in right as the door was shutting. ;) I'm so glad I got in though.
My partner is Natalie from NorthShore Days, where sun, sand and creativity reign. I remembered her right away because I loved her creations so much from last year's BSBP. Her blog is fun and encompasses all things crafty. I really love her style as she is so often inspired by the ocean and does lots of 'beachy' crafts. No wonder! She lives on the beautiful North shore of New Zealand, just minutes away from the ocean. My dream to be sure! Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love the ocean. It fills my soul and frees it all at the same time. I can't even imagine how wonderful it would be to be able to take a short walk and feel it's energy every day. Some day perhaps...*sigh*
I've had a bit of fun stalking her and playing detective to see what kind of jewelry she makes and trying to get a feel for her style and favorite colors and hoping to find and make things that will fit her style. I can't wait for her to get my package. I hope she likes it! I'll post a sneak peek soon. Until then, have a bead- iful day!
Showing posts with label Bead Soup Blog Party. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bead Soup Blog Party. Show all posts
Thursday, 19 March 2015
Friday, 9 May 2014
Bead soup Blog Party~ The Big Reveal
The 8th Bead Soup Blog Party shows you what happens when jewelry designers swap their stash.
Thank you LORI ANDERSON for hosting this blog party! This is the first time that I participate in the Bead Soup Blog Party. I've loved it every inch of the way!
Participants from all over the world were paired up and they sent each other "soup ingredients"~any beads, findings, elements they chose. The only mandatory items were a focal and an art clasp.
Once you receive your "soup" you let things simmer and unfold on the Reveal Date.
This is the day I've been waiting for!
This party is designed to challenge you and help you to grow as a designer and maker. From the word "Go" that's exactly what it has done for me. From the selection of beads and the making of the pieces I wanted to include in my partner's soup. Whenever I do a swap I always worry whether my partner will like what I send. People have such varied tastes and styles, it can sometimes be a little intimidating.
My partner is Regina Santerre of Regina's Writings and she gracefully gifted me with beautiful ingredients.
Here's a reminder of the amazing soup she sent to me.
As I mentioned in a past post there is a process I go through when I make something. For some reason I got hung up on the idea that I needed to 'string' a necklace and try and use all the components in one piece. Stringing is not my forte and I really wanted to do justice to that pendant. Another handicap I have is I can't draw or envision what something will look like until I actually do a mock up. Strange, I know. If I do have a vision I rarely end up with that as my end result. I don't usually mind this because my biggest pleasure comes from the process itself. The only drawback to that is that it takes me a little longer sometimes to decide on my final design. So after a few false starts this is what I came up with. It's a little out of my comfort zone but thank you Regina for making me think outside my own design box.
I had really wanted to use the clasp as a bail but it covered a little more of the dragonfly than I wanted so I switched that idea for a little button I had in my stash.
I really liked the clasp Regina sent me and wanted to highlight it, so instead of using it on the dragonfly necklace and hiding it in the back, I used it as a focal on another little beaded necklace.
Once I finished the main piece I was able to relax and play a little in my own comfort zone and this is what happened.
I used copper tubing to make a channel/anti-clastic bracelet. As much as I enjoy using pearls in unexpected ways something felt a little off with this bracelet.
When I got word that the party was postponed I decided to see if I could give it a makeover.
I still have a work in progress to use the rest of those lovely pearls, and Vintaj links, but I ran out of time, so I'll post that as soon as it's finished.
This whole experience was a lot of fun and has really challenged me and taught me quite a bit. I'm so grateful I had the opportunity to participate. I can't wait to see what Regina and everyone else have come up with! Thanks for stopping by. Please remember to stop by Regina's blog to see how she used the soup I sent her.
If you'd like to leave a comment, I'd love to hear from you. It's super easy, no need to register or use those annoying little Capchas.
Happy Blog Hopping, everyone!
For a list of all the participants you can go to the link below. It's right at the end of our hostess' Lori Anderson's Soup Reveal
Thank you LORI ANDERSON for hosting this blog party! This is the first time that I participate in the Bead Soup Blog Party. I've loved it every inch of the way!
Participants from all over the world were paired up and they sent each other "soup ingredients"~any beads, findings, elements they chose. The only mandatory items were a focal and an art clasp.
Once you receive your "soup" you let things simmer and unfold on the Reveal Date.
This is the day I've been waiting for!
This party is designed to challenge you and help you to grow as a designer and maker. From the word "Go" that's exactly what it has done for me. From the selection of beads and the making of the pieces I wanted to include in my partner's soup. Whenever I do a swap I always worry whether my partner will like what I send. People have such varied tastes and styles, it can sometimes be a little intimidating.
My partner is Regina Santerre of Regina's Writings and she gracefully gifted me with beautiful ingredients.
Here's a reminder of the amazing soup she sent to me.
As I mentioned in a past post there is a process I go through when I make something. For some reason I got hung up on the idea that I needed to 'string' a necklace and try and use all the components in one piece. Stringing is not my forte and I really wanted to do justice to that pendant. Another handicap I have is I can't draw or envision what something will look like until I actually do a mock up. Strange, I know. If I do have a vision I rarely end up with that as my end result. I don't usually mind this because my biggest pleasure comes from the process itself. The only drawback to that is that it takes me a little longer sometimes to decide on my final design. So after a few false starts this is what I came up with. It's a little out of my comfort zone but thank you Regina for making me think outside my own design box.
I had really wanted to use the clasp as a bail but it covered a little more of the dragonfly than I wanted so I switched that idea for a little button I had in my stash.
I really liked the clasp Regina sent me and wanted to highlight it, so instead of using it on the dragonfly necklace and hiding it in the back, I used it as a focal on another little beaded necklace.
Once I finished the main piece I was able to relax and play a little in my own comfort zone and this is what happened.
I used copper tubing to make a channel/anti-clastic bracelet. As much as I enjoy using pearls in unexpected ways something felt a little off with this bracelet.
When I got word that the party was postponed I decided to see if I could give it a makeover.
I think this works a little better. What do you think?
I still have a work in progress to use the rest of those lovely pearls, and Vintaj links, but I ran out of time, so I'll post that as soon as it's finished.
This whole experience was a lot of fun and has really challenged me and taught me quite a bit. I'm so grateful I had the opportunity to participate. I can't wait to see what Regina and everyone else have come up with! Thanks for stopping by. Please remember to stop by Regina's blog to see how she used the soup I sent her.
If you'd like to leave a comment, I'd love to hear from you. It's super easy, no need to register or use those annoying little Capchas.
Happy Blog Hopping, everyone!
For a list of all the participants you can go to the link below. It's right at the end of our hostess' Lori Anderson's Soup Reveal
Sunday, 4 May 2014
Bead Soup Blog Party Postponed
If you are looking
for the Bead Soup Blog Party reveal post, it has been postponed by one week to Saturday, May 10th
Sending, our hostess Lori Anderson of Pretty Things lots of positive energy and healing vibes.
To be honest I'm actually sighing with a little relief here, I could use the extra time to get my projects and pictures finished. I was finally successful in carving out a work space. So, now I just hope I can do justice to my partner,Regina's mix she sent me. If you'd like to see the soup I sent her you can check it out here.
Stay tuned!
Sending, our hostess Lori Anderson of Pretty Things lots of positive energy and healing vibes.
To be honest I'm actually sighing with a little relief here, I could use the extra time to get my projects and pictures finished. I was finally successful in carving out a work space. So, now I just hope I can do justice to my partner,Regina's mix she sent me. If you'd like to see the soup I sent her you can check it out here.
Stay tuned!
Sunday, 27 April 2014
Life Happens and Sometimes it's Messy, Messy, Messy
I'm in full panic mode tonight. There's been a series of "life happens" events that have kept me hopping for the last couple of months. Up until today I had been feeling pretty good about my 'soup' so far. I absolutely loved the process of deciding upon and making my partner Regina's soup.
I learned so, so much from that side of the exercise and had lots of fun in the process. I was pleasantly surprised at the lessons and the process surrounding this side of the soup mixing.
Then my soup arrived and I was loving it and ideas were bouncing all over the place! I seem to have a set of stages I go through before I actually sit down to create something. Phase 1 is when I go through my ruminating stage where I just let ideas flow in and out as they will. I don't try and direct it. I probably couldn't if I tried. I just let it take it's course. I told my husband it's like having Creative A.D.D. Most people would probably call it brainstorming but because I don't actively try and direct it I call it A.D.D. There's no real telling how long this stage will actually last. It can range from a few hours to a few days, sometimes more. I'll even dream about the possibilities. Did I mention I might be a tad OCD? Sometimes I have to rein it in and just sit and pick one to start. I was finding this project challenging because I don't do much stringing and for some reason I got locked on the idea that was what I needed to do. So I sat down and concentrated on giving my ideas a little more focus
I knew time was creeping by and didn't want to get caught at the last moment so I settled on a few design ideas and put a couple of them together to see how well they'd work without actually constructing them because of other pressing things that needed my attention. The day before I left to go visit my Mom for her 89th birthday I had narrowed my ideas down to a couple of designs and got them ready to assemble when I got back. I was still feeling fairly confident and enjoying the process thoroughly even though I knew I'd be gone 10 days. The plan was to get down to brass tacks and put it all together once I got back. The designs were fairly well set and all that was left was the mechanics. I was excited and looking forward to it. I got home today, BUT... this is what I came home to.
We've been waiting for a while now to have this work done and unfortunately the contractor called at the last minute and wanted to start work the next day. So Claude made an executive decision and piled everything from the first room where the work is starting into the jewelry room. There weren't a lot of other choices. Once the first room is done then we'll have to move everything from the jewelry room into the first room so they can finish my room too. Phew, I get tired just thinking about it.
A
curio cabinet, full length mirror, tall dresser, bookcase, and 3
wardrobes along with the normal
workroom furniture make it a tad cluttered.
That's what has me worried. I'm hoping things will look better in the light of a new day and that I'll find everything I need to get cooking tomorrow morning and find a way to carve out a small workspace somewhere. Wish me luck!
Oh. One more, before I head to slumber land. This is the progress on the other room.
Not one little bit of insulation in that wall! No wonder heating is costing a small fortune.
Sweet dreams all. Wish me luck for the morning.
I learned so, so much from that side of the exercise and had lots of fun in the process. I was pleasantly surprised at the lessons and the process surrounding this side of the soup mixing.
Then my soup arrived and I was loving it and ideas were bouncing all over the place! I seem to have a set of stages I go through before I actually sit down to create something. Phase 1 is when I go through my ruminating stage where I just let ideas flow in and out as they will. I don't try and direct it. I probably couldn't if I tried. I just let it take it's course. I told my husband it's like having Creative A.D.D. Most people would probably call it brainstorming but because I don't actively try and direct it I call it A.D.D. There's no real telling how long this stage will actually last. It can range from a few hours to a few days, sometimes more. I'll even dream about the possibilities. Did I mention I might be a tad OCD? Sometimes I have to rein it in and just sit and pick one to start. I was finding this project challenging because I don't do much stringing and for some reason I got locked on the idea that was what I needed to do. So I sat down and concentrated on giving my ideas a little more focus
I knew time was creeping by and didn't want to get caught at the last moment so I settled on a few design ideas and put a couple of them together to see how well they'd work without actually constructing them because of other pressing things that needed my attention. The day before I left to go visit my Mom for her 89th birthday I had narrowed my ideas down to a couple of designs and got them ready to assemble when I got back. I was still feeling fairly confident and enjoying the process thoroughly even though I knew I'd be gone 10 days. The plan was to get down to brass tacks and put it all together once I got back. The designs were fairly well set and all that was left was the mechanics. I was excited and looking forward to it. I got home today, BUT... this is what I came home to.
 | |||||||
| This is the main door to my Jewelry Room, all sealed shut to try and minimize the dust that's going to soon permeate what will feel like every corner of the house. |
 | ||
| Door 2: A different kind of barrier but almost as effective. |
We've been waiting for a while now to have this work done and unfortunately the contractor called at the last minute and wanted to start work the next day. So Claude made an executive decision and piled everything from the first room where the work is starting into the jewelry room. There weren't a lot of other choices. Once the first room is done then we'll have to move everything from the jewelry room into the first room so they can finish my room too. Phew, I get tired just thinking about it.
workroom furniture make it a tad cluttered.
 |
| Yes, my soup is buried in there somewhere. |
That's what has me worried. I'm hoping things will look better in the light of a new day and that I'll find everything I need to get cooking tomorrow morning and find a way to carve out a small workspace somewhere. Wish me luck!
Oh. One more, before I head to slumber land. This is the progress on the other room.
Not one little bit of insulation in that wall! No wonder heating is costing a small fortune.
Sweet dreams all. Wish me luck for the morning.
Tuesday, 4 March 2014
Partnered Up!
I managed to fall prey to a cold bug and haven't had a clear enough head to write the last couple of days but I was happy to see I've been paired with my Bead Soup partner.
My partner, Regina, is in Florida, where I truly wish I was right about now; as I watch yet more snow falling endlessly from the gray sky.
Here's a link to her blog: Regina's Writings
As Lori Anderson (the organizer) wrote on her blog "It's quite the task to get all the participants matched up. "We have 30 countries, 48 states (come on, Colorado and North Dakota!) -- North America, Asia, Europe, Australia as continents. THIS ROCKS!" I agree,Lori, this does rock and so do you!
If you'd like to read more about how she matches people up please hop on over to her blog to get a feel for the process. She is nothing short of amazing as she is doing this while fighting a very serious illness. Thank you Lori for all you do.
Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog Party
My partner, Regina, is in Florida, where I truly wish I was right about now; as I watch yet more snow falling endlessly from the gray sky.
Here's a link to her blog: Regina's Writings
As Lori Anderson (the organizer) wrote on her blog "It's quite the task to get all the participants matched up. "We have 30 countries, 48 states (come on, Colorado and North Dakota!) -- North America, Asia, Europe, Australia as continents. THIS ROCKS!" I agree,Lori, this does rock and so do you!
If you'd like to read more about how she matches people up please hop on over to her blog to get a feel for the process. She is nothing short of amazing as she is doing this while fighting a very serious illness. Thank you Lori for all you do.
Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog Party
Wednesday, 19 February 2014
The Soup Pot is Simmering
Everything is hush hush until my partner receives her soup. I can't wait to find out who my partner is so I can make the final
decisions on what to include in her soup. So many ideas dancing around
in my head.
I can't show anything I've worked on for the BSBP, but I'm happy to say it's already helping me to grow and motivating me to expand my skill set. I made a bunch of clasps tonight for the first time. I quite like how most of them turned out, but plan on doing more so I have a good variety to choose from. Tomorrow I plan on making some etched toggle clasps and torch painting copper hearts. Lots of copper hearts. I cut, sanded and textured them already and now they're ready to torch. I'm looking forward to seeing how they turn out.
I read a blog last night from a past BSBP, that mentioned their blog partner was Szarka Carter and that sent me into a mini panic. What if I get Szarka? She's like a goddess to me and owns the most wonderful online gem and mineral store. How could I possibly come up with a soup that might impress her...or challenge her for that matter? Ah well, I got over it quick enough and I think I'd welcome the challenge now.
Speaking of Szarka, she just got back from Tucson and has some beautiful new stock. Too bad I'm so poor!
If you like beautiful stones and artisan jewelry, check her out . That's where I'm headed now!
Szarka's store/ Magpie Gemstones
I can't show anything I've worked on for the BSBP, but I'm happy to say it's already helping me to grow and motivating me to expand my skill set. I made a bunch of clasps tonight for the first time. I quite like how most of them turned out, but plan on doing more so I have a good variety to choose from. Tomorrow I plan on making some etched toggle clasps and torch painting copper hearts. Lots of copper hearts. I cut, sanded and textured them already and now they're ready to torch. I'm looking forward to seeing how they turn out.
I read a blog last night from a past BSBP, that mentioned their blog partner was Szarka Carter and that sent me into a mini panic. What if I get Szarka? She's like a goddess to me and owns the most wonderful online gem and mineral store. How could I possibly come up with a soup that might impress her...or challenge her for that matter? Ah well, I got over it quick enough and I think I'd welcome the challenge now.
Speaking of Szarka, she just got back from Tucson and has some beautiful new stock. Too bad I'm so poor!
If you like beautiful stones and artisan jewelry, check her out . That's where I'm headed now!
Szarka's store/ Magpie Gemstones
Monday, 17 February 2014
It's official, I'm in this year's Bead Soup Blog Party!
Woo Hoo!!! Yup, I'm a little excited about it! (insert big smiley face here) The whole reason I decided to start a blog was so I could participate.
So what's this Bead Soup Blog Party, anyway? It's an awesome, gigantic, international bead swap that pairs you with another jewelry designer. This year there are 490 participants! You send each other a quality package of beads that includes a focal bead or pendant, some coordinating spacers or beads and a special clasp. It can't be just any old mix. You try and send something a little out of the ordinary. Bead Soup extraordinaire!
The idea is to NOT send what your partner normally creates with. That little twist challenges you to work with new materials and helps you to grow and think outside the box. There will be a big Reveal date and LOTS of blog hopping to see what everyone has done.
This event has been covered in 'Jewelry Affaire' and 'BeadWork' magazines and has inspired a book by the creator and host, Lori Anderson.
Here's a link to the book if you'd like a peek'
Bead Soup - 32 Projects Show What Happens When 26 Beaders Swap Their Stash
So what's this Bead Soup Blog Party, anyway? It's an awesome, gigantic, international bead swap that pairs you with another jewelry designer. This year there are 490 participants! You send each other a quality package of beads that includes a focal bead or pendant, some coordinating spacers or beads and a special clasp. It can't be just any old mix. You try and send something a little out of the ordinary. Bead Soup extraordinaire!
The idea is to NOT send what your partner normally creates with. That little twist challenges you to work with new materials and helps you to grow and think outside the box. There will be a big Reveal date and LOTS of blog hopping to see what everyone has done.
This event has been covered in 'Jewelry Affaire' and 'BeadWork' magazines and has inspired a book by the creator and host, Lori Anderson.
Here's a link to the book if you'd like a peek'
Bead Soup - 32 Projects Show What Happens When 26 Beaders Swap Their Stash
Pardon me, I really must go and start getting my Soup ready!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)