Kalmbach Bead Soup Party-The Reveal!

Do you remember my teaser post from a few days ago? 

Well, I think I've made you wait long enough! Ready for my Kalmbach Bead Soup Party Reveal? 

Here you go! 

 

I knew that agate HAD to be the focal piece of the necklace because it's quite the show stopper! That was the main attraction, but in my opinion, you can't have a main attraction regardless of what it is without support. 

In this case, the support of the gorgeous agate beads and nuggets I was sent in my soup along with a few other smaller, lovely brown colored beads. I also took apart a necklace I purchased at some garage sale and had lying around just for this type of occasion; it fit perfectly with the color scheme I was going for (adds the splash of greens and tans). 

Most importantly, it supports the show stopper ;)

Close up of those gorgeous colors! 

I have to give credit where credit is due-My mom was the one who recommended me going asymmetrical with the necklace and it turned out so much more wonderful then I had imagined! 

Thanks mom ^.^

One of my favorite things about this necklace is its versatility. 

You can wear it....

The folks at Kalmbach only wanted a necklace for this bead soup challenge, but I went a bit further (overachiever that I am) and created two pairs of earrings-One matching the necklace and another separate pair.

Left side-Matching earrings               Right side-Extra pair of earrings

Of course I can't thank Lori Anderson of Pretty Things, Kalmbach Publishing and A Beadtiful Thing in Aurora, Illinois enough for this incredible opportunity, fun experience, and gorgeous soup :)

Were you included in the party beadtivites? 

Make sure to leave a link so I can check out your beautiful creation!

For Me, Myself, and I

It's been a good, long while since I actually made something for me, myself and I.

I mean, I honestly couldn't tell you the last time I made something specifically with myself in mind. I've always been focused on making things for other people; presents, giveaway prizes (I'm a sucker for a good giveaway), sell-able items to put in the Etsy shop...

That changed recently, though, when a friend of mine and I made a trip to a small bead show being held in Rockford (The Crystal Limit out of Missoula, Montana).

It was an impromptu trip because I had completely forgotten about the show on the 2nd and 3rd of this month until we virtually passed by it looking for something to do! Kismet I tell you ^.^

I digress.

Walking around, I set eyes on this ethereal beauty and it was all over for me-I had to have her.

I've always wanted my own Gaia or Goddess pendant or charm, so it was, again, kismet. Plus, the fact that it was in a gorgeous purple hue cemented the deal even more (purple is my favorite color).

{click to enlarge}

The pendant and the wire used in wire wrapping are the only two things I bought new. The rest was upcycled, including those incredible purple beads which were parted out from a larger necklace, ironically bought before I even laid eyes on the pendant at one of the annual Labor Day flea markets in Rockford.

I think this necklace was just one big Meant-To-Be, don't you? ;)