8th Annual Bead Soup Blog Party Partner: Rebecca of SongBeads

I can't believe the last time I blogged on this website was the last Bead Soup Blog Party! I guess I've let this blog and my jewelry designing fall by the wayside in favor of my other blog and trying to make myself some money on a regular basis.

I'm sad I can't contribute more time to my designing and this website but ultimately I have to do what's going to bring in the income, especially if I'm planning on moving out within the next year or so!

That being said, the 8th annual Bead Soup Blog party put together by our ever gracious hostess Lori Anderson of Pretty Things has been one for the books-it seems like we're all having health issues (at least the hostess and I), so things seem to be getting pushed back. The original reveal date was set for the 3rd of May, but Lori pushed it back a week due to impending health issues.

Quite honestly while she was apologizing I was doing a little dance of glee since I was WAY behind from my own procrastination, busy schedule, and health setbacks! I heard a few other people where in need of the extra week as well, so I don't feel as bad ;)

One thing I wasn't able to get up until now was my partner introduction post! I was lucky and got paired with a blogger and jewelry designer that I have admired and followed since my first BSBP back in August of 2012.

Meet Rebecca Anderson of Songbead!

Rebecca hails from Northern Ireland (my first international partner...squeee!) and not only does she make some gorgeous, very whimsical jewelry, she sells her jewelry on Etsy and her own website, as well as running a supply shop, The Curious Bead Shop.

Some of my favorite pieces of hers...

You Are My Home Bracelet (Reserved)

Mocha Smile Necklace

Botanical Handmade OOAK Earrings

I waited like a patient little puppy for my soup to arrive and when it did, I couldn't help but admire the package it came in. Since I have a natural and insatiable wanderlust, anything from outside the country fascinates me, including packaging!

I took a little while to admire the foreign package with it's colorful and decorative tape (courtesy of Rebecca herself) as well as the stamps, custom form, and other markings I'm not use to seeing.

Then came the moment I had been anticipating for nearly two weeks! Opening up a bead soup package is much like opening up a present on Christmas-you've been waiting and anticipating the arrival and have NO idea what you're going to get until you have unwrapped presents, a.k.a beads, in hand.

This is my 3rd BSBP and it never ceases to amaze me the beautiful and unique components that are sent. The moment that package is ripped open you're in awe of what you receive while simultaneously fearing it as well because inevitably, you're getting something that will challenge you to think outside your normal creative bubble.

The soup Rebecca sent me did just that! 

Included in the soup I got a lovely notecard detailing what was sent; ttrands of Czech glass beads and some gorgeous handmade findings from Rebecca's supply shop, The Curious Bead Shop, a ceramic bird focal from Captured Moments on Etsy, light teal ceramic beads from Smitten Beads, and finally a polymer clay owl focal from Something To Do Beads on Etsy.

We also decided upon our first emails back and forth to include something non-bead soup related so inside among the beautiful beads and purple tissue paper used to wrap everything I found a roll of colorful stickers!

I'm such a kid at heart because I big. puffy. heart. stickers :)

Now for what I sent MY partner...

Make sure to come back Saturday to see what I whipped up with this soup and visit My Partner as well to see what she made with hers!