Good To Be back!

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!

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

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

 Pardon me, I really must go and start getting my Soup ready!