Friday, May 9, 2014

8th Bead Soup Blog Party: The Reveal


Welcome to the 8th annual Bead Soup Blog Party hosted by none other then the gorgeous, talented, vivacious Lori Anderson of Pretty Things!

This year's BSBP was a little rough from the get go; a lot of health setbacks (both the hostess and myself), some pushing back and re-arranging, but everyone made it safe and sound to the reveal. Much deserved shout out to Lori for organizing, pairing partners, instructing, and everything else while going through treatments and her own struggles.

If that's not one strong person inside and out, I don't know who is!

This year I was paired with the lovely and talented Rebecca Anderson of Songbeads. You can read my introduction post Here.

As a reminder, here is a picture of the soup Rebecca sent me...




Due to my own procrastination, a busy schedule, and up and down health issues I didn't get to utilize the soup as much as I would have liked to. I usually like to squeeze out as much as I can with what I'm given and this round of BSBP I have several things left including some handmade findings, full strands of beads, and of course the gorgeous polymer clay owl I received.

That little guy is going to be saved for something special and just for me!

Anywho, without anymore babbling, I present to you my 8th annual Bead Soup Blog Party soup creations...




This pair of earrings was made last in my 8th Bead Soup Blog Party (put last first and first last in the blog post reveal-go figure!) and while they weren't my favorite piece of the soup, I still do enjoy them!

From my soup I utilized the absolutely STUNNING faceted rondelle beads. I have almost a full strand left and I'm excited at the prospect of using them in future projects.

I contributed the round glass teal beads and bronze/gold tone heart skeleton key charms from my own stash.





This handmade necklace is one of my main pieces and it definitely took a good chunk of time to make, especially since the soup stumped me for quite awhile before I decided what direction I wanted to take. From Rebecca's bead soup I took two different Czech flower bead strands, along with her speckled robin's egg blue round beads, the porcelain bird focal and the handmade robin's nest component.

I wish I could have used the clasp that was lovingly made but for some reason I just couldn't get it to work so I had to unfortunately save that for another time when I have the resources to order some matching findings.

From my stash I contributed salvaged tiger's eye rondelle beads from a bracelet, round vintage cream beads from a broken necklace, glass teal beads from a salvaged bracelet, copper wire from another past project, copper chain I ran out to get for this specific piece, and a toggle clasp I happened to buy for a custom order that didn't work out-perfect timing I'd say!

I named this piece Meadow Lane because this necklace reminds me of walking through a meadow with it's whimsical air, soft and earthy colors, and, of course, bird perched on top of it's nest.






I love this pair of earrings! They're so simple but they're so gorgeous in their simple form. Thanks so much to Rebecca for her gorgeous Czech flower beads and her very whimsical handmade findings.

The only thing I had to do was go out and buy the ear wires to match the findings!







There's a story that goes with this particular bracelet. One day I was walking up the street to my former high school tutor and neighbor's house to help her out with something and as I was walking back home, I happened to look down and found that very shiny and circular metal washer on the ground!

Leading up to that moment I knew I wanted to do a bracelet but didn't know how to proceed-until I found that washer and everything came into place :)

Used from my soup are those gorgeously colored ceramic beads.

From my own stash came the chain that makes up a majority of the bracelet as well as those deep red colored seed beads, the 'lost & found' washer (hence the name), and the toggle clasp.

While I'm very satisfied with how this beauty turned out, I'm going to change the toggle when time and finances allow as well as learn how to solder the connecting jump rings shut because right now the bracelet is very fragile and the jump rings easily come apart.








This was the first pair of earrings completed after the necklace was done! As you can see I took some leftover Czech floral beads (some went to the necklace and some went to these earrings) from my soup and contributed them to this pair of dangly earrings.

From my stash were the round glass beads salvaged from a bracelet, as well as larger metallic brown seed beads, and silver tone wire I just ordered not too long ago.

Can I tell you a secret? I wanted to use these seed beads in the necklace above and below the bird like I did in this pair of earrings but I didn't have any copper headpins. I'm kind of glad I didn't because I think it would have been too much!



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Be sure to check out The List of all my other nearly 500 fellow beaders, bloggers, and jewelry designers. Of course also visit my partner Rebecca and see what she created with her soup!









108 comments:

Cassi said...

Beautiful designs! The necklace is stunning :-)

Unknown said...

I love what you designed with your soup. I need some of those lovely earrings. hehehehe

Al@PolkaDotsandPaisley said...

So many beautiful pieces. I love the colour combinations you used.

Elizabeth said...

I think you did a fabulous job with everything!! I seriously love red and turquoise and your Lost and Found bracelet is wonderful!!!

Unknown said...

Such lovely pieces ! I love Meadow Lane and Bronze passion the most !

Unknown said...

You did a wonderful job with your components. I've been Rebecca's partner once and she makes a great soup...you've done very well.

Kepi said...

I don't know which ones I would wear first Sea of Love or Mosey Posey, they are gorgeous and of course I would have to be wearing Meadow Lane with them. Great designs, beautiful work!

baymoondesign said...

Everyone of your pieces are wonderful. You had a great soup to work with and you did it justice.

Janine Lucas said...

Your bead soup is to die for. Absolutely gorgeous. And I so like what you made with the beads. Especially the necklace and the last pair of earrings.

Ann Schroeder said...

You have some very fun pieces here. I especially like the story of the lost and found bracelet. Those colors are great together.

Unknown said...

I am in love with your earrings and your bracelet but I love the necklace too. Too many pieces to decide which is best. I can't wait to see what you do with that owl. I understand the health problems and I was in recovery myself. You did and outstanding job in spite of them.

Terri said...

Totally love your soup and the beautiful creations you came up with! Really Soup-er!

Christine said...

our designs are all so lovely!! I love the turquoise and deep red together!

fay ................................................... said...

Wow..love all of the pieces, especially the wire hearts

tappingflamingo said...

love the wire hearts earrings. everything came out so nicely. great job!

Pearl and Pebble said...

I am drooling!!!

Jo-Ann said...

Love the lost and found bracelet. the red really pops.

Janice said...

I love each and every piece. The necklace is perfect,you might be right anything more might have been too much. I love how the red in Lost & Found just makes it pop! And from sight I fell in love with those little flower beads. I've not seen them before. Great designs.

Unknown said...

Not only do I love all your designs, I also love the way you presented then. Your work is lovely!!!

Cynthia said...

You did a great Job! Love those colors.

Unknown said...

Great Colors and Designs...Looks like you had lots of fun!

Sarah said...

Those are just beautiful :)The Bronze Passion earrings in particular are exquisite!

Mandi said...

Kayla, you had an amazing soup and you did such a beautiful job. I love the colors!

bairozan said...

This collection is a pleasure to the eye! I can't even pick a favorite. I use split jump rings and they're pretty sturdy.

PiPa said...

Oh god I wish I had your patience to work with chains, because the result is so worth it! I love the birdie necklace, it is definitely my favorite - but can't say the others aren't gorgeous as well!

Lilik Kristiani said...

Ohhh I LOVE your designs...all of them so pretty. Well done!!!

Pepita said...

You've made so many beautiful pieces, but I love the most the Bronze Passion earrings, they are really special!
Alenka

Claire Lockwood said...

Lovely stuff! My favourite must be the bracelet.

Just Beads said...

So beautiful pieces, all of them. Especially I love the "Meddow Lane" necklace and the "Bronce Passion earrings. Both are awesome, great color combinations and designs.

Rebecca said...

Absolutely gorgeous all round Kayla! I am so impressed with how much you eked out of the soup I sent you - just wonderful. There's so much texture and movement in each piece, they will all be such fun to wear. I think the bracelet is my favourite as I adore red and turquoise together. You can't beat it! I love that you brought that into the mix, and also the stories you shared about each piece. Thanks for being a great partner! Ps if you are struggling with the clasp, give me a shout and I'll send you some pics of how they are used. You just need a jump ring to hook it onto and it sits like a button :-)

Rebecca said...

Absolutely gorgeous all round Kayla! I am so impressed with how much you eked out of the soup I sent you - just wonderful. There's so much texture and movement in each piece, they will all be such fun to wear. I think the bracelet is my favourite as I adore red and turquoise together. You can't beat it! I love that you brought that into the mix, and also the stories you shared about each piece. Thanks for being a great partner! Ps if you are struggling with the clasp, give me a shout and I'll send you some pics of how they are used. You just need a jump ring to hook it onto and it sits like a button :-)

Unknown said...

This is all so beautifuland fantasy ful as well. Hard to pick a favourite :-) You made some amazing color combinations, love it!

BluMoon said...

Kayla, your designs are lovely and the colours are so spring like and pretty, love the colour contrast in the bracelet. The flower necklace and earrings look beautiful.
Jackie

Lori Bowring Michaud said...

What lovely pieces you've created from your beautiful soup! I'd wear each and every one of them!!

Unknown said...

Beautiful job with your soup! Great use of color...especially on your "Lost and Found" piece...love it!

Unknown said...

I love all of your pieces. You are a great designer. Love the colors of the soup and your combinations.

Linda Sadler said...

Great bead soup-beautiful creations!

EB Bead and Metal Works, LLC said...

Love your earrings! Your "Lost and Found" bracelet is awesome and I love the story behind it! Love, love, love the necklace! Lots of beautiful pieces!

Loris Glassworks said...

Lovely designs as always, so glad to see your work again in this event. Cheers!
Lori in Atlanta

Klassy Joolz said...

Love those purple earrings as well as all your beautiful creations from that wonderful bead soup!

Anonymous said...

beautiful works,,,,well done,,,,

Hannah said...

Lovely work - thanks so much for sharing it with us!
Hannah Rosner
http://goodrivergallery.blogspot.com

LiRaysa Designs said...

Love the Mosey Posey bracelet...Fabulous Color

Andrea said...

The bracelet- the blue and red absolutely pops! I love all the pieces.

Donna Cruz-Comia said...

You have an amazing soup and you did justice to all of them. I personally love your bronze passion earrings.

My Life Under the Bus said...

SO much Birdy beady goodness I love what you made!

coffeeaddict said...

gorgeous designs! I couldn't help but smile when I read you picked the washer for the bracelet off the gorund. So happy I'm not the only one doing that :-)

Unknown said...

I love how you utilised your soup,the lost and found bracelet is really pretty and i hope you enjoying soldering.
Meadow lane is beautiful and you can see a lot of time was spent piecing this together.
Love all of your pretty designs.

Unknown said...

Beautiful work, loves the names of your jewelry.

Anonymous said...

"Lost and Found" is beautiful!

TesoriTrovati said...

I have a particular fondness for Miss Rebecca. She has become a dear friend! I love the soup ingredients she sent. What a great color palette! I do hope you share what you make with that owl because he is a keeper! The Meadow Walk necklace is perfect. So soft and spring-like with the subtle color blocking. But I love the story of the Lost and Found bracelet. That would be a great message to stamp on that found object! I am a hoarder of all things and nothing is out of the realm of jewelry making for me, so that is a great find! Thank you for sharing your talent with the 8th Bead Soup! Enjoy the day. Erin

Anonymous said...

Beautiful work! Totally reminds me of the beach! I especially love the bronze passion flower bead & heart headpin earrings, simply gorgeous :)

Jasvanti said...

I am amazed at your lovely creations, one more beautiful piece than the other. I am really inspired.

Jodie said...

Lovely pieces!

Tammy Adams said...

Everything is lovely but that Lost and Found bracelet is really calling to me. Love the contrast of the colors.

Chandra Merod said...

I love your bronze passion earrings! Your photos are great too.

Liz said...

Love the bronze passion earrings! So pretty!

Shai Williams said...

What great designs! I definitely love the bracelet with the washer and your Bronze Passion earrings.

Unknown said...

I " felt" the names as I looked at each piece.
Such lovely work.

Skye said...

Fabulous pieces! They're all lovely, and that necklace is just a fabulous piece, but I think my faves are the Bronze Passion earrings, and the Lost & found bracelet.. those pieces just catch my eye :)

A Polymer Penchant said...

Great work using your soup! The lovely little owl I'm not surprised to hear saved for a special project. I am a self affirmed blue girl so all these pieces appeal to me, from the hit of red to the wonderful collection of the long necklace. Those simple copper and czech flower earrings, I'm with you, pretty killer!

Crystal said...

Those floral glass beads are lovely...and they pair so well with both the bronze and silver wires! I look forward to seeing what becomes of the little polymer owl...he's adorable!

Anonymous said...

That sure is a cool soup you got. Your earrings are awesome and I do love that little "lost and found" bracelet with its backstory.

Nelly May said...

I love the story behind your lost and found bracelet and it looks like it was just meant to be! Without a shadow of a doubt my favourite is your meadow lane necklace. Beautifully put together every single component compliments the others. Perfect.

Unknown said...

Every piece is beautiful. The red and blue together makes for an amazing effect. Love it.

Anonymous said...

Those Mosey Posey earrings are spectacular! All of your pieces are but I would so wear those.....
The Lost&Found bracelet is wonderfully done, love the teal and pop of red together.

I can't wait to see what you do with the owl - his eyes match those dark Rondelles so well.

definitely going to start following you on pinterest

La Marquise said...

Oh my... so many beautiful goodies with excelent design. SUPERB !!!

Silver Parrot said...

Everything is beautiful - I particularly like the "Lost & Found" bracelet - it just glows!

The Creative Klutz said...

Love what you've done with your soup - such a great selection =)

Unknown said...

Really love all the pieces and the very distinct groupings you did with them. Beautiful job! I really like that bird necklace. Would totally wear it :-)

Anonymous said...

I love your necklace :) I hope you find some time to make something with the owl pendant too! I feel ya though; even with the best intentions, life just gets in the way!

KayzKreationz said...

Such great pieces. I love the earrings with those great headpins. I agree they are stunning in their simplicity. And I really like your 'lost and found' bracelet with it's pop of color and the recycled/upcycled washer as the focal. Very nice.

Barb Fernald said...

Your work looks great. I love the first necklace and the earrings with the cool copper headpins.

Heather said...

beautiful pieces love your work

Unknown said...

Love the whimsical feel of the necklace - it makes me think of being barefoot and carefree :)

Unknown said...

I just love what you made!!! The necklace is really beautiful and I adore the earrings. The ones that are with the copper hearts are stunning!!! Just love it all!!! Great Job! Have a Blessed Day!

Karin G said...

All your designs are beautiful, I love the soft colors of the necklace and your fresh and playful bracelet.

Unknown said...

What lovely designs! Couldn't choose a favorite, but love the charm bracelet! The pop of red sets the colors off perfectly! Very nice!

Ghislaine said...

OH MY WORD
I am not sure if I survive this blog hopping thing....seriously I see one after the other gorgeous piece and every tie think 'that can not get any better' and then I click into the next blog and BAM! WOW!
I am completely smitten by that necklace, I am normally not about cute and sweet, I am more a bold kind of person, but this....wow, I am really in love! thank you!

AWJewelry said...

Everything is lovely but I love the bronze passion earrings

sheilaposter said...

You have a dab hand with earrings, but i wish you'd used that cunning little owl.When you make something with it you should post it in the cafe so we can check it out

sheilaposter said...

You have a dab hand with earrings, but i wish you'd used that cunning little owl.When you make something with it you should post it in the cafe so we can check it out

Unknown said...

I went through a few blogs, and that's definitely my favorite! I mean, I'm in love with that mint-red bracelet. Those colors go so well together!

Kelly said...

Really enjoy the green & red bracelet. It's very cheerful & a nice use of color. Your necklace is gorgeous too. What a bead soup!

Krafty Max Originals said...

They are all perfect the way they are!! I just love the earrings with the wire hearts...those are wonderful!! And I can't wait to see what you make with the owl!! :) GREAT JOB!! ~KM

Mimi said...

Kayla - what beautiful creations! I love them all and was ready to "fave" the bracelet when the "back" story really put it over the top for me - so wonderful! Great job!!

Rachel said...

Lovely work! No one would have known you were pressed for time! Hope everything is getting better for you and thanks for sharing your beautiful work!

Divya N said...

really pretty pieces but bronze passion is my favourite. Those flower beads are really gorgoeus

lamplight crafts said...

For all your procrastinating, you did a wonderful job with your soup. I love the earrings. Making jewelry with found objects is fun.

Lori Anderson said...

The necklace and the Lost and Found bracelet are my absolute favorites! You did an amazing job, and I hope you start feeling better soon!!!

Unknown said...

Kayla I received my purchase with your Bronze Passion earrings and I just adore them!! I am actually wearing them right now! Thanks so much and keep on creating!

Wendy & Megan Chamberlain said...

Love your creations, the round flower centre beads are amazing. Lovely work.

Unknown said...

Kayla everything is so beautiful, but I'm IN LOVE with the Bronze passion earrings!!!

Anonymous said...

Great pieces. I particularly like the colour combination in the Lost and Found bracelet.

Anvil Artifacts said...

Lovely job. All so different and each piece a beauty!

Deelitful Boudoir Photography said...

Your soup is amazing! And what you did with it is gorgeous! I love the teals/blues!

javabead said...

I love the soup you were sent and you did a beautiful job with it Kayla!!!

Unknown said...

I love all of your creations but my faves are the bronze passion earrings! I was disappointed however since I love that owl focal and was looking forward to seeing what you came up with. I'll be following and hope you post what you eventually make with it.

WindDancerStudios said...

Wonderful pieces! Those earrings are sweet! Love your owl and I'm sure whatever you make with his will be awesome!

Unknown said...

I love your designs! So beautiful and fresh! :)

roomforchange said...

Gorgeous designs from an oh so lovely soup! I admire how you photograph your designs!!

Becky Pancake said...

Hi Kayla, "Meadow Lane" is a beautiful necklace. I like the bird above the nest. Your "Bronze Passion" earrings are my favorite piece. The light green ceramic rounds pair well with the red seed bead clusters in "Lost and Found." Your "Mosy Posy" earrings are great. The metallic brown seed beads really make the aqua pop. Great job using your soup ingredients. I hope that you are feeling better.

PyxeeStyx said...

I love your Meadow lane necklace Kayla. The way you used the bird focal on the side is great. Your wire work is coming along nicely too. Your lost and found bracelet is really fun also. Another trick for weak jump rings is to hammer them to work harden them. That toughens them up so they're not so flimsy. There's a lot more about working metal that I wanted to share with you during last year's bead soup, but my internet connection issues made communicating so difficult. If there's anything I can help with don't hesitate to send me a message. I have wifi now ;)

CraftyHope said...

Your soup makes me drool just a little. The hues are SOOOOO yummy! And your designs are lovely. I wouldn't have known you were pressed for time if you didn't mention it. I love that you used a found object in your bracelet. I'm a sucker for picking up odd metal bits and saving them. You used it so well. Of course, all of your pieces are really lovely.

Toltec Jewels for Jewel School Friends said...

Brilliant and fresh and gorgeous jewelry! I'm impressed with all you created! A wonderful collection of beautiful jewelry. "Lost & found" is magnificent; balanced, detailed, and a spectacular colorway! All of your earrings are sensational: the handcrafted "headpins" rock & you highlighted them richly, with elegance. And "Meadow Lane" is a serene, charming, nurturing necklace-- love!! Congrats on a fabulous reveal! Bravo :) Happy Hopping! ♥ Rita

Monique (A Half-Baked Notion) said...

Oh my goodness, Kayla, I love the gorgeous selection you received (with Rebecca as a palette consultant, how can you go wrong?) Your designs took full advantage of the lovely components :) While everything is splendid, my particular fave is the awesome bracelet :)

Treasures by Louise said...

Wow! I like your soup and love what you made with it. Love your design style.

Arlene said...

Wow detailed little bits.. Very nice~!