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!

Treasury Love Sunday(3/3)

It's time to dream by HeymesBalticAmber

Easter Greetings by VisualizingVintage

Little Details by ReddApple

Saturday's Picks(3/2)-Lions & Lambs

Yesterday we changed from February to the month of March and you've no doubt heard the old saying: "In like a lion, out like a lamb' and vice versa. 

We're definitely in like a lion this year with all the snow storms happening lately o.O

Enjoy these lion and lamb inspired Etsy picks!

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Lion of Judah Art Cards from KylePaxtonArt

$5.00

1 Dozen Little Sheep Decorated Cookies from CookieCoterie

$26.00

Florence and the Machine Lion Hearted Charm Necklace from jessicajanek

$14.95

Sheep and Lamb Rubber Stamp Set from norajane

$6.00

Vintage Fearless Lion Shank Gold Plastic Buttons from brizelsupplies

$5.99

 

Crocheted Enjoyment-Crocheted Little Things

Purple Scarf with Cupcake and Swirls--$25.00

Welcome to the blog Luisa of Crocheted Little Things on Artfire and Etsy!

Frog Pincushion--$12.00

Luisa, also known as Lu to her family, friends and customers has been a friend of mine for quite some time!

Currently residing in the Pan Handle of Florida in a little town called Niceville, Lu is an Italian-American who lives with her hubby and their two beautiful kids.


"My business name is Crocheted Little things. It was really a no brainer as when I started crocheting everybody kept telling how the liked my 'little things'."

Lu doesn't consider her 'crocheted little things' a job because she enjoys making each and every one of them! Aside from her creations bringing in a little extra income, she currently works a part time job as a lunch monitor in a public elementary school-"My real job is only part time (3 hours per day) so I can still play around with my yarn :)"

Starting her crocheted journey when she was just 9 years old, Luisa learned the art from both her grandmother and mom during a Summer break from school. "My first work was ugly, mismatched pot holders.....my mom proudly show them off on top of her stove...UGH!"

In my opinion, she's come a long, LONG way from those ugly, mismatched pot holders; just take a look through her Artfire and Etsy shop! You'll see all sorts of lively, unique, and colorful crocheted goodies from pincushions and keepsake holders, to ornaments, to spa and bath accessories and jewelry, a lot of which focus around novelty fake food inspired items.

Speaking of inspiration, Lu tells me inspiration for her comes from the daily, little things: a need for a wash cloth for the dishes, a warm garment for the Winter or the want to embellish something...Her kids and their spirited natures are also a huge source of inspiration-"They are the cause of how my cupcake obsession came about in the first place!"

Advice from Lu: "To never give up creating, doesn't matter if for profit, for hobby, for charity or what-have-you. You have a gift and you should enjoy it."

Crocheted and Beaded Necklace in Pink Cotton--$13.00

Things to know about Lu and her crocheted creations:

*Make sure to check out her business/personal blog, Crocheted Little Things on Blogger!

*Aside from Artfire, Lu sells her crocheted goods and patters on Etsy as well as Craftsy.

*Don't want to miss anything? Fan her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter @piccoladonna for all the latest and greatest news, updates and specials!

*For payment, shipping, and other important information make sure to view her Shop Policies Page.

I've been following Lu for years now (basically since I started blogging back in 2009) and I've come to know her and some of her life. One important aspect of that life includes her son and his Autism-"Autism is good part of my life as my son is affected by it. If you'd like to support the local Autism center that make my son recovery a possibility, feel free to purchase for my special section "Help Autism ECAC". In exchange of you donation, you will receive a beautiful handmade goodie."

{Giveaway}

1 winner will receive a $15.00 gift certificate to Crocheted Little Things!

{The Rules}

 

1. You MUST use the name and email you want to be contacted with in the Rafflecopter.

2. Contest will run from Thursday, February 28th, 2013 to Thursday, March 13th, 2013.

3. Open to US only-Sorry everyone else! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I was not provided any compensation for this feature and interview. All opinions expressed in the above post are 100% mine and mine alone unless otherwise stated. This contest is open to US residents only and will run from Thursday, February 28th, 2013 12:00am central standard time until Thursday, March 13th, 2013 11:59 pm central standard time. The winner will be chosen through Rafflecopter.com and be contacted within 24 hours of the drawing. You'll then have 48 hours (2 days) to claim your prize and send me all applicable information-If I haven't heard from you within that time frame, I will be forced to choose another winner. The Eclectic Element is not responsible for lost, stolen or undelivered prizes.

Friday Featured Artist is ME!

Thanks to Sue a.k.a Mimi of Signature Sterling on Etsy, I've been honored to be chosen as today's Friday Featured artist! 

If you're interested in reading a little about me, head over to her blog, Mid-Life Greater Expectations and catch my Interview.

If you're interested in becoming a featured artist on Mimi's website, just follow her through Google Friend Connect (top right-hand corner) and she'll contact you with the rest :)

The Fiber Arts Dream Team-TheWanderingEwe

Red Knitted Coffee Cup Cozy--$14.00

Give a warm welcome to Holly and Hannah of The Wandering Ewe on Etsy!

Wool Needle Felted Mermaid Doll--$40.00

This talented mother-daughter team hails from Maryland and, working alongside their several wooly sheep and wandering chickens, work strictly with fiber!

Their devotion to the fiber arts started when Hannah was just 10 years old and mother and daughter took a knitting class; things just seemed to expand from there! "We already knew how to crochet, then we bought the spinning wheel, then the sheep, then more sheep, then another spinning wheel... you get the picture."

Aside from their joint Etsy business, Holly has her Master's in acupuncture; her and her husband have both decided, however, to put that on the back-burner as of right now because they feel that it's important that she devote her time to raising their family. Hannah is currently a full time student.

The Wandering Ewe got its name as mother and daughter brainstormed names for their (then) dream business. "Holly said, "What about The Wandering Ewe?" It had just popped into her head. We both knew that it was "the one" and didn't bother trying to think of any other names."

Since dealing strictly with fiber arts, wool is a particular favorite of both of theirs! Spinning, knitting, crocheting and needle felting are all in Holly and Hannah's crafting skill sets. It seems weaving and wool dying will ultimately be next for these two multi-talented woman!

The Wandering Ewe stocks products such as whimsical needle felted dolls and animals, Christmas ornaments, knitted tea and cup cozies, barrettes and pins. They soon hope to have hats, scarves, and fingerless mittens, and always are willing to try anything that a customer would like.

Advice from Holly and Hannah: "First of all, don't give up! The Wandering Ewe has been up since last November and had no sales until September. People can get discouraged if they don't get sales very soon, so we would advise patience to others as new as ourselves. Also, don't stress yourself out trying to make and make products to the point where you don't even enjoy your craft or artwork anymore. Have fun with your business!"

St. Patrick's Day Needle Felt Shamrock Pin--$9.00

Things to keep in mind about Holly, Hannah and The Wandering Ewe:

*Aside from the wonderful world of Etsy, you can find them on Wanelo.

*Pin crazy? Follow The Wandering Ewe on Pinterest to see what neat things they're pinning!

*For payment, shipping and other information, make sure to check out their Shop Policies Page.

If you're quite taken with whimsical beauty, Holly and Hannah's shop, The Wandering Ewe, is a must see! I'm absolutely smitten with their felted wool dolls and am quite excited to see what they add into their inventory next.

Along with their 5 sheep (Lucy, Elsie, Milly, Wooly, and Jeremiah), this is quite the fiber arts dream team!

Saturday's Picks(2/16)-I Heart You

Since Valentine's Day was just a few short days ago, I thought I'd take today's Saturday's Picks (even though I'm a wee bit late) to show you guys some love!

Enjoy! 

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Metal Art Geek Heart Emoticon Wedding Decor from KnobCreekMetalArts


$19.99

Antique Silver Anatomical Heart Necklace from LostApostle


$55.00

I Heart You Letterpress Love Card from vandaliastreetpress


$4.50

 
 3 Wool Catnip Kitty Heart Catnip Toys from smilingfrogpets


$6.00

Shades of Pink Decorative Soap Flowers & Hearts Gift Set from EcoChicSoaps


$8.00




 

Treasurey Love Sunday

I figured since I'm included in a lot of treasuries lately, I might as well make a meme of it! 

So every Sunday, I'm going to share all the great treasuries I've been included in :)

Enjoy! 

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is that all there is? from mothersatelier

 

Textures from TwoVictorias

Black from ChrysalideaArt

Feminine Glamor from 1006Osage

Native collection from Corojewelry

Innovation & Determination-Rozies Pearls

Personalized Handcrafted Newborn Twin Girls Bracelets-$20.00

Welcome to TEE Jewelry Tress, Randy and Rozie of Rozies Pearls on Etsy! 

Rozie, Rozies Pearls namesake

Hailing from Orlando, Florida but moving to the small town of Centerton, Arkansas, Tress and Randy own and operate today's featured shop alongside their downright adorable German Shepard, Rozie.

Rozie is the inspiration behind the name of their Etsy shop, Rozies Pearls which specializes in making personalized bracelets for newborn babies. They also offer crocheted baby blankets and sewn bibs and towels.

As a day job, Randy works for a warehouse driving a forklift and Tress takes care of the house and puts her time and energy into maintaining their business.

Creation of their Etsy business came after years of learning a variety of different crafts so she could give family and friends a more personalized gift for birthdays, holidays and other special occasions.

Aside from the adorable handcrafted baby bracelets you see, Tress also enjoys creating Christmas decorations and designing ornaments and ceramics. Working with these different crafts, you can understand a bunch of different materials are used, some of which are sewing material, ceramics, beads, lace, wood and yarn.

From our conversation and browsing their shop, I can tell you Tress is quite the determined and innovative individual! "The photos you see are very special to me. It's a great accomplishment when I think of our shop. I built the whole shop from our cell phone and continue to work from it to this day."

If that's not truly impressive I dare you to tell me something that is!

Advice from Tress: "Take your time and make the item look great before sending it out. Everything you make is a reflection of who you are so take pride in your work and people will love it." 

Crocheted Shell Design Blanket Set with Hat, Booties & Bracelet

Things to keep in mind about Tress and her handmade creations:

*Every handcrafted bracelet is sized for optimal comfort and comes with its own decorative pouch.

*Make sure to follow Tress, Randy and Rozie on Facebook and Twitter @Rozie_101!

*Bulk orders of 5 or more items are available at a discounted price of 20%. What a great offer!

*For shipping, payment and other important need-to-know information, check out her Shop Policies Page.

I wanted to take a minute to stop and thank Tress, Randy and of course Rozie of Rozies Pearls for taking the time for this great interview!

Artemisia's Studio & a Giveaway Win

This post is unfortunately way late in coming, but better late then never, right?

Back in the beginning of December I received an email from Emanda of Artemisia's Studio letting me know that I had won a handmade ornament from her website!

To be honest, I had NO idea what the ornament looked like or even how I won it so it definitely came as a welcomed surprise. Looking back, I now know It was won from a comment I had left on Emanda's Challenge of Color post, a challenge we both participated in at the end of November.

After chatting with Emanda for a little bit over email, she told me to expect a package in the mail within the next couple of weeks. When it finally arrived, I was surprised once again, this time by it's contents!

Not only was there the most beautiful blue, green, and silver colored Angel wing ornament that literally took my breath away, Emanda also included a gorgeous pair of Rose Quartz and 'New Jade' earrings for me to enjoy.

Breathtaking. Literally! 

Merry Christmas to ME

I couldn't wait to add Emanda's ornament to our Christmas tree! It actually turns out that Angel wing was one of the first ornaments to adorn our tree this year. See for yourself...

Make sure to check out Emanda's Etsy shop, Artemisia's Studio and her Blog! She has some beautiful things to offer and is such a kind and wonderful person :)

More Treasury Love

Eclectic Blue Saturday by Perriwinkleblue

Love by butenasPhotography

Lavender Snowflakes by PeachParlorVintage

You Are Here by MyAntarctica

Let it snow! by chickantique