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!









Thursday, May 8, 2014

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!










Friday, April 12, 2013

7th BSBP: The Reveal


Welcome to Lori Anderson's 7th Bead Soup Blog Party!

This has been the biggest BSBP to date with over 500 participants in over 25 different countries. That's a lot of bead swaps and soup cookin'! 

Because of the vast amount of people taking part this go around, Lori had to separate the party into 3 separate reveals; my partner, Kelly from PyxeeStyx and I were given the second reveal which, as you probably guessed by the title, is today. Squeee!

As a refresher, here's the (very generous) soup that I received from my partner: 





Now, onto what I created with it....


Click to Enlarge

In honor of my partner and her amazing soup with which these pieces I've created would not have been possible, I've named this necklace after her and her business, PyxeeStyx. Plus with the components she provided me, the named seemed more than appropriate! 

Used from my soup were the gorgeous blue hue lampwork beads, copper swirl components created by Kelly herself, rich colored ribbon, teal glass drop floral beads, copper headpins, and teal swarovski crystal beads. 

The only thing I had to include was an upcycled large link chain and a few clear crystal beads!





These little beauties deemed Spring Has Sprung were the first earrings I constructed out of my soup. Utilized from the soup I received are the diamond shaped cloisonne beads along with the lime green floral pearl beads. The last beads that make up the earrings were a complete happenstance; don't know where or how I got them-they just happened to be there at the perfect time! 



Click to Enlarge

Next up, I knew I wanted to at least try to complete one set from what I was given, so a necklace and earring set it would be! Funny enough, I had no idea what I was going to do until I came upon that choker wire in my junk stash. Strange how a simple piece of gold tone wire can inspire you. 

From there, I upcycled a large link gold tone chain and used from the soup are the teal swarovski crystal beads as well as the blue floral beads. I added the small clear crystals and the splash of yellow from my own stash.





While this is probably the most plain necklace I created out of the bunch, I am happy with the way it turned out. When designing, I tend to lean towards more complicated and 'full' designs because I feel it looks more impressive, but I knew as soon as I laid eyes on this personalized focal created just for me, it HAD to be the center piece; I didn't want anything taking away from it's magic! Everything used except for the copper chain was part of my soup; ironically that copper chain was from the last BSBP.



Click to Enlarge


Bracelets are my specialty, so what kind of bead souper would I be without adding one to the mix?! Unfortunately I would have loved to put more time and effort into a bracelet but for the life of me I couldn't find any inspiration! So I went with the old stand by: when in doubt, throw it on a charm bracelet!

I do quite love how it turned out though. This bracelet, like it's name suggests, is a definite array of materials, most of which were left over pieces from my soup added with a few pieces here or there from my own stash.





These were also a pair of earrings I made earlier on in the bead soup assembly process. Used from the soup were those darling glass drop flowers, copper tone eye pins, and small teal colored swarovski crystals. My contribution were the square wooden beads and small clear crystal beads.




Click to Enlarge


This is the last necklace I made and even though, like one of the other ones I made, it's a little simple design wise, I really enjoy the way it turned out! The asymmetry of the necklace is just what those gorgeous green and brown beads called for, at least in my mind's eye ;)

Those large beads as well as the key were taken from my soup and I added the large brown chips, upcycled large link chain (look familiar?) and the necklace's clasp.







Lastly but certainly not least, I have quite the attachment to these Be Free earrings most of all, probably because they required a wee bit of stamping to be done; I'm still pretty enamored with stamping since I just recently learned how to do it! 

Kelly gifted me these absolutely gorgeous green and blue glass beads which had to be used no matter what! Thankfully I found those silver tone metal components riffling around my junk drawer and knew they'd be a perfect fit with those beads.

Oh, and those green dangle beads were a last minute addition from my bead collection!


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While I didn't use nearly everything Kelly gave me, I unfortunately ran out of time before I could utilize any more. My big regret is not being able to use the absolutely stunning clasp she made me, but I decided after I used up a good majority of my soup that it was too special to just whip together something with. 

I'm going to wait until the perfect time to use that!



Now that you're done viewing my goodies, make sure to pay a visit to my lovely partner Kelly of PyxeeStyx to see what she made with the soup I sent her. 

I for one can't wait to see what she created!

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After your done, make sure to check out this list of all second reveal party goers to see what others have cooked up as well!



Agata Grygiel
Ali McCarthy
Alice Craddick
Amy Severino
Ana Krepel
Andra Weber
Andrea Glick
Andrea Trank
Anitra Gordy Boyers


Annette Rivers
Anu Tuppurainen
April Grinaway
Audrey Bélanger
B.R.Kuhlman
Barbara Bechtel
Barbara Mason
Becky Pancake
Beti Horvath
Billi RS Rothove


Bobbie Rafferty
Brandi Burdick
Candida Castleberry
Carol Dillman
Carolyn Gebert
Carolyn Lawson
Caron Reid
Catherine King
Cathy Jakicic


Chandra Merod
Charlene Jacka
Cheri Reed
Cherrie Fick
Cherrie Warzocha
Cheryl Brown
Cheryl Dunham
Cheryl Foiles
Cheryl Gangle


Chris Eisenberg
Chris White
Christina Miles


Christine Murrow


Cindy Ritchie
Clare Etheridge
Cory Tompkins


Cris Peacock
Cynthia Abner
Debbie Rasmussen
Debi Levine
Deborah Brooks
Deborah Read
Debra Behrends
Dorota Żerańska
Elaine Robitaille


Elsie Deliz-Fonseca
Emma Todd
Erin Guest
Evelyn Shelby
Evie and Beth McCord
Francy Inman
Ginger Bishop
Gloria Allen
Hajer Waheed


Hope Smitherman
Ilenia Ruzza
Ilona Hegedűs
Ine Vande Cappelle
Jackie Ryan
Janine Lucas
Jean Peter
Jean Wells
Jeanne Steck


Jelveh Jaferian Johnson
Jennifer Cabic
Jennifer Reno
Jennifer VanBenschoten
Jenny Davies-Reazor
Jenny Kyrlach
Jenny Robledo
Jessica Brower
Jill MacKay


JJ Jacobs
Jo-Ann Woolverton
Joanne Tinley
Johanna Rhodes Nash
Judy Robinson
Juli Cannon
Julia Gerlach
Julie Bowen
Julie Panusis


K Hutchinson
Karen Martinez
Karen Vincent
Karen Williams
Karin Slaton
Karyn Bonfiglio
Kat Douglas
Kate Dufour
Kate Mulligan


Kate Richbourg
Kathleen Gallant
Kathleen Lange Klik
Katie Nielsen-Nunez
Kay Bolton
Kayla Potega
Kelli Jacobson
Kelly Patterson
Kelly Ramstack


Kiersten Kern
Kim Sparks
Klaudete Koon
Klaudia Tóth
Krista French
Kristin Oppold
Kym Hunter
Lana Kinney
Laura Guenther


Lauren Fenty
Leah Curtis
Lennis Carrier
Linda Murphy
Lisa Johnson
Lori Anderson
Lupe Meter
Lynn Jobber
Mandi Effron


Marcia Dunne
Margareta Saari
                     
Marianne Baxter
Marie Covert
Mary Ellen Parker
Maryse Fritzsch-Thillens
Megan Milliken
Melissa Meman
Melissa Mesara


Michaela Pabeschitz
Michelle Tucker
Mimi Gardner
Mischelle Fanucchi
Monica Phillips
Mowse Doyle
Nancy Boylan
Nancy Dale
Pat Haight


Patina Queen
Patty Miller
Pia Kaven
Rebecca Anderson
Rose Johnson
Roxanne Blanc
Sarah Goode
Sarah Singer
Sarah Strover


Shalini Austin
Sherri Stokey
Sherry Baun
Sheryl Stephens
Silvia Sernicola
Solange Collin
Stacie Florer
Stacy Alderson
Stephanie Haussler


Stephanie LaRosa
Sue Burleigh
Susan Bowie
Susan Kelly
Susan of Libellula Jewelry
Susan Sheehan
Suzanne Fragiacomo
Tammi Sloan
Tammie Everly


Tania Hagen
Tania Spivey
Tanya Goodwin
Tanya Wiles
Tari Kahrs


Theresa Buchle
Tiffany Smith
Tina Holden


Tracey Nanstad
Tracie Dean
Tracy Bell
Tracy Kruse
Veralynne Malone
Veronica Campos-Hallstrom


Facebook Participants



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Claire Brannigan Hasemeier
Robin Showstack
Melanie Lemen Swope
Beccy Peterson
Kelli Nelson
Chris Schlicht
Shelley Cole-Kuduk