Fun time - Anytime Autumn dangle bracelet

Keeping with the theme of the dangle bracelets for the Bead Trend category, here is my autumn bracelet.

Packed with jasper, agate, seed beads and quartz. It is a heavy one.







It is fun to wear, it is almost musical!

Fun bracelet with spring dangles!

Remember the chain bracelets I got last week? I got to play around with them and have come up with a couple designs.

This is the Springtime Anytime bracelet






These are fun vintage pearl buttons around the bracelet and I have added Czech cubes, swarovski crystals, daisy glass beads and a fresh water pearl.

I have worked up an autumn one, and I have two more bracelets left. I think I will do one for each season!

Bead Trends deadline for submission is tomorrow, with categories of bracelets and dangles...I am gonna submit!

Stay tuned!

Just in time for your Easter basket - fun with Art Beads Furnace glass.

Back on the 10th, I posted the beginnings of a necklace made from furnance glass from Art Beads. I finally got around to finishing it this weekend, it is fun, colorful and just in time for Spring. How perfect would this be in your sweeties Easter basket, and it won't make your butt look big in them jeans! *shakes fist at the chocolate Easter bunny*

This has these components from ArtBeads -

FD-SPRING SPRING MIX Fire Designs Hand Blown Furnace Glass Approx 1oz *
CR-RL207 5x4mm Emerald/Wasabi Mix Roundelle Strand *
TBRD6-121TOHO™ Bead Round 6/0 Opaque-Lustered Pearl White 8g Bag

From Rings & Things
47-408-SP 20 ga copper wire

From my inventory
Seed beads
Faceted pink glass drops


*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Art Beads were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blogging for Beaders Program. These items are for review or design purposes.

Oh Inspiration, where art thou?

If I squint - mebbe........

nope

Fun Finds on Vacation

While on vacation I picked up a couple fancy jasper arrowheads to wrap. My brother picked up one as well. This morning before we took him to the air port I made him this.






It is his fancy jasper arrowhead along with a couple of fancy jasper beads I had and accented with sterling. He is wearing it right now!




we went to a great little rock shop while we were out running around, and I picked up these crystals, a nice cube of calcite, a tourmalated quartz point and a piece of unpolished sodalite. Can't wait to wrap them crystals!!!

I need a few days sleep to re coop from vacation, will see you all on monday!!

Once more to the garden - Re purpose project

Still running with yesterdays theme of the re purpose of the Octopus's garden, I made these bracelets.

They are VERY similar, but that is ok. These freshwater pearls are so much fun and so active, I couldn't stop at one. I used a random slant on the original focal idea with the flower of the Octopus's garden necklace and just added faceted Czech crystal and sterling daisy spacers..







This one I used groups of seven and separated them with the daisy spacers and the Czech crystals.



I love looking at it on my wrist - it makes me giggle!!

Have you re purposed any jewlery? I would love to see it! Post a link in my comments and share it with all of us!

Octopus's Garden - Re do

Remember this - Octopus's Garden? I made that necklace trying to spark some creativity and never was super happy with the design, so I gave it a second try, and gave it new life.

This one I am happy with -



What I used

LUC4525OR - Vintage Lucite Tangerine Moonglow - 7mm rounds - Beadin path *

Sedona stones -
rose marble
green garnet
silver loops
silver daisy spacers

re purpose flower beads


I removed the pearl cluster and added hand wound links of green garnet on sterling and added some little flower beads from a re purposed necklace. This one is ready to wear and ready for spring!

*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Beadin Path were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Beadin Path Design Partners. These items are for review or design purposes. Other items were purchased by me, the artist, for my inventory.

It just keeps getting better!!!

Out running errands before work and stopped in AC Moore on a whim and found these!!




Great little metal bracelets on sale for a dollar!! I can ditch the initials and make some fun charm bracelets with them, or attach the bracelets and use them as a necklace, who knows!!
What I do know, is I am going back to grab a few more at that price!

Leavin for the Smokies for a few days of relaxing with my family. I can't wait! I left ya with a few things to read while I am away - See you on Friday!!!

Rings & Things blogger packet

I got home from work and there was a package on the counter. I looked at the return address and literally exclaimed - 'AGAIN?!?!?'

Rings & Things has done it again! Ya'all are putting me thru my paces!!! I can't keep up!!! These are AMAZING! So much fun.



This great bunch of fun stuff includes:

28-335-16 Lampwork 'calavera' skull bead (red, black) (23 - 27 per 16" strand - $11.00)*
28-333-89 Lampwork chili pepper bead (red) (36 - 44 per 16" strand - $9.00) *
28-335-18 Lampwork 'calavera' flower skull bead (black,white)( 23 - 27 per 16" strand - $13.00)*
28-335-15 Lampwork 'calavera' skull bead (black, white) (23 - 27 per 16" strand - $11.00) *
28-335-17 Lampwork 'calavera' sugar-skull bead (multicolor) ( 23 - 27 per 16" strand - $13.00)*
30-822-1 Bobby pin (white metal) (0.5 gross - $11.28)*
30-322-4 Cuff link (gold plated) (dozen - $5.65)*
30-052-1 Shoe clip (white metal) (dozen - $1.50) * ( i haven't worn a shoe clip since the 80's!)
44-940-56-AG Viva Mexicana charm, dancing senor (antiqued-gold plate)(ten - $10.50) *
44-940-57-AG Viva Mexicana charm, dancing senorita (antiqued-gold plate)(ten - $10.50) *
44-940-59-AS Viva Mexicana charm, 'calavera' skull (antiqued-silver plate)(ten - $9.75) *
44-940-61-AS Viva Mexicana charm, 'Catrina' skeleton (antiqued-silver plate)(ten - $10.50) *

*whew* *beams*

One of my retailers has a shop with a lot of Mexicana flare to it, these little beauties will be so much fun to work with and allow me to market directly to her store!

Thanks Rings & Things!!


*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Rings & Things were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blog Partner Program. These items are for review or design purposes. Find out more about the Rings & Things Blog Partner Program

More treasures!

While my daughter was here, we made a quick trip out to the flea market to see Harry and Vanessa. The weather was beautiful and it seemed a waste to stay inside.

Vanessa and Harry were full of hugs for me and Leigh, so excited to see her. They loaded her up with goodies as usual, a couple of stretchy bracelets and a pocket stone, and they gave me a few strands of chips. Blackstone, heat treated agate and quartz, looks like halloween!




Then we went for a bit of a wander and found the treasures of treasures!!! There was a booth full of junk - literally junk, door knobs, old campaign buttons, silver spoons, keys, watch parts, you name it there was a bin full of it. We had hit the mother load!!!

Leigh picked this one out, there is an inscription on it I can barely make out. Gonna research it a bit. She wants a necklace with this one.



I picked out this little beauty. I am thinking a bracelet, but I still have time to change my mind :)


These made us squeal and the vendor had a good chuckle at our expense watching us dig thru all of the bins. He is going to be back in April - I am going with my check book!!!

Redemption! Work Space is Clean!!

Back in September Dawno and Beadin Path co-sponsored a Tweet Your Studio contest. There were three categories - Best Use of Small Space, Most Organized Space, Holy Cow! How do You Work in That Space, which I won. I went back to my blog and brought a part of it forward, just to give you some back ground -

From September 30, 2009 -

Here is the picture - I have added the numbers to tell you a bit about how I work.


1. That is what I call my mail center. This where I keep my boxes, packing material, tape - things I need when I ship a package.

2. My sewing machine - broke - it is now a catch all for my other crafts that are not jewelry making.

3. That is the cover my husband made for my earring board. The earring board is a shutter that I thread the earring cards thru. The cover keeps the earrings in place when I go to shows.

4.That is the murphy bed that my husband is building - he has taken 16 inches of my studio away from me - that is why it is in such a mess, i dont' have any more room! he thinks the murphy bed will be awesome for guests.......if you stopped by for an overnite visit, would you want to stay in that room????

5.My little work table for soldering and hammering. the coffee cans?? i store the dry mix for my vibrating tumbler in them, and my raw stones that need to be tumbled. I need a wet tumbler for that, but that is another story and another cup of coffee.

6.My other sewing machine - broke - on the floor under that is stacks of folded material, another sewing machine and a surger............i have a problem i think when it comes to sewing machines.

7. stacks of folded material, batting and stuffing - it is also where my cat sleeps when i am working.

8. storage for material - now that i am trying to explain myself, i am discovering i do have a problem.......

9. I store my finished jewelry in baggies in these 2 containers

10. That is my 'show gear' when I do a show, if I have room, I take my supplies with me and craft at the table to pass away the time. It is a great conversation starter and a great way to get ppl into your booth. They want to see what you are doing and it really helps them understand that, yes, you do make all of this by hand. It also allows me to make adjustments on the fly for the customer if it is not the right size, or to make a quickie pair of matching earrings.

11. That is my work table - stacked with with bags of supplies and my tools. That little bitty space right there in the front where my pliers are laying is the space I work in. All my creations happen in a bout a 18 x 5 " space.


Spring is coming and i am getting in that spring cleaning mood - purging mood - happy mood. Yesterday morning I began to did myself out of my work room.

Today it is finished! Newd was giving the floor a final inspection for me before he went to lay down on his bed in the corner. He sighed when he lay down, I think it was a sigh of relief!





AND I CAN'T FIND A THING!!!!!!!!!!!

Shell pearls and elegance - Rings & Things Blogger Challenge

Like from yesterdays post, I am stepping outside myself, in a new direction to broaden my customer base and to appeal to a different retail vendor. I am going for a more elegant look, still some bulk to the design as to follow the trend, but not as earthy.

Four strands of different textures and lengths with a fun asymmetrical drape allowing the eye to wander and a color combination that is fun and busy.



From Rings & Things
29-555-10-905 Bead, Shell Pearl, Round, 10mm (Blue Mix) *
29-555-16-905 Bead, Shell Pearl, Round, 16mm (Blue Mix) *
28-000-007-443 Bead, Glass, Faceted Round, 10mm (Electric Blue) *

From Michaels
Silver plated chain
Darice seed beads

From Sedona Stones
Dyed crazy lace agate

Repurposed beads


Have I mentioned how much I love blue? I have a shirt this would go with...hrm......I may have to take it out for a test drive :)


*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Rings & Things were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blog Partner Program. These items are for review or design purposes. Find out more about the Rings & Things Blog Partner Program

Rings & Things shell pearl fun!!

About a month ago I got a great blogger packet from Rings & Things. I love them all, but I will say, this one was the most generous and most fun I have had in a long time. I have made so many things from these two huge handfuls of beads; a brown mix and a blue mix.

This is a fun dangle bracelet. It is a stretch from what I normally do, but there is a reason for this.
1. These style bracelets seem to be all the rage right now.
2. Bead Trends is taking submissions for their Sept issue two of the categories are dangles and bracelets. (this combines them both!)
3. There is an upscale resale shop that has opened and I want to approach them. This is an item that is more their style. (from peeking in their window) I want to show them some diversity from my normal hippy chunky stuff.

With all of that in mind I made this -



29-555-16-905 Bead, Shell Pearl, Round, 16mm (Blue Mix)*
28-000-007-443 Bead, Glass, Faceted Round, 10mm (Electric Blue)*
40-099-24-7 - Chain, Footage, Oval Curb, 10.5mm (Antiqued Copper Plated) *
Copper toggle
Purple turquoise faceted roundells
Copper spiral bead

I STILL have shell pearls left over!! Stop by tomorrow and see what I made with those!

*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Rings & Things were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blog Partner Program. These items are for review or design purposes. Find out more about the Rings & Things Blog Partner Program

Fun earring designs

My daughter came into town for a whirlwind weekend trip. We had the best time while she was here - it was way to short, and I was grateful for every moment.

When she left on Sunday, fighting the urge to cry all day, I sat down and got busy with some projects. I had fun with a couple pairs of earrings and I'll show these to you today!




From Rings & Things -
29-555-10-905 Bead, Shell Pearl, Round, 10mm (Blue Mix) *
28-000-007-443 Bead, Glass, Faceted Round, 10mm (Electric Blue) *

From Beadin Path
WRE-111 22 ga sterling wire

From Sedona Stones (not listed on their site)
Silver links
daisy spacers







These were fun to make and surprisingly light. I used the lamp work beads that were in a little 'barter' package from Lisa at A Bead A Day along with some 47-402-SP 14 ga copper wire and 47-406-SP 22 ga wire I have from Rings & Things.

I cut a piece of the 14 ga wire about 3 1/2" long. Hammered one end flat to stop the bead. Slid on the bead and them shaped the tail of the wire. Then using 47-406-SP 22 ga wire, I wrapped the top of the copper wire. I stopped half way thru the wrap, made a wire wrapped loop to hang the ear wires from and then continued on with the wrap.

I have a lot of ideas I want to get to this week - hopefully I can show them all to you!

*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Rings & Things were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blog Partner Program. These items are for review or design purposes. Find out more about the Rings & Things Blog Partner Program

Fun treasures to celebrate spring!!!!

My friends Harry and Vanessa are vendors at the local flea market - Harry and Vanessa's Treasures :) They have the greatest booth, full of strands of beads, silver jewelry, tumbled stones, spheres, cathedrals you name it, if it is natural gemstone, they have it.

I blame Vanessa for enabling my natural rock hound tendencies and planting the seed to make my own jewelry.

I stop by and see them about twice a month and have a good visit. We often trade recipes or home made treats, and they always have a goodie bag for me. These goodie bags consist of broken strands of beads or chips that they have collected over time.

The last time I was there they gave me these:



Fluorite, blackstone, mother of pearl, 3 carved mother of pearl pendants, amazonite, citrine, heat treated agate, dyed quartz chips, and fancy jasper! This was a haul! I was so excited when they gave it to me.

Over at Millie's blog she is having a fun little celebration of spring. She is asking you to comment and leave your blog address and show everyone your design that celebrates spring. I have some fun things in this pile to get me motivated for something very 'Springy'

What will you make to share with Millie??

Wrap it up - I'll take it!

Got a request for a couple 'purpose pendants'. I love making these. The whole process is very therapeutic to me.

This first one, the customer wanted a pendulum for a friend, wanted it simple, and it was for a 'pisces'. The research began. I found that pisces are imaginative and sensitive, compassionate and kind, selfless and unworldly, and intuitive and sympathetic. Sounds like jasper to me :)

I used jasper and iolite for this pendulum. Jasper - nurturing stone, bringer of joy. Iolite - awakens inner knowledge, gives direction. Silver - energized the stones



This request was a bit more difficult. This customer has a family member who is battling cancer. She wanted a pendant that would keep them focused and positive. Recovery from anything is sped up with positive thinking and staying focused on a goal. Treat the patient, mind body and soul.

silver energizes the stones
tibetan quartz - healing and meditation
azurite/malachite change, rebirth, cleansing. Healing lore - prevents cancer
agate balance of mind/body/soul. Healing lore - heals stomach issues
lepidolite hope peace, stone of transition. Healing lore -helps the immune system




Fun pair of copper earrings I made this morning to go with the necklace I was wearing. I created the large links by wrapping 14 ga copper around my ring mandrel. Then I hammered the links to strengthen, flatten and texturize the copper. Then I had to deal with the break in the link. I have my torch, but that is as far as I have gotten. Still need flux, copper solder, pickling solution, tumbler.........

So I did the next best thing. I call it a weld wrap :) I just wrap the link with a smaller ga wire, here I used 22 ga, so it covers the gap of the loop, and then give it a good mash with my pliers. Decorative and functional!


This was my morning, between cups of coffee, cleaning up after the cat, wearing out the dogs and laundry - i am ready for a nap :)

Furnace glass and copper earrings - ArtBeads blogger challenge

I feel like I am evolving, changing directions and I like the path I am on. I feel I have more freedom to express myself than I have had in a long time.

Oh yes, I am hooked on this new design :) I don't know what the style is called, I am sure it has a name, I need to research it and give it justice.



Started with a 5 inch piece of 20 ga copper wire, made a loop on the end. Hammered a small section to flatten the copper so the beads would not slide down. Added the bead design and made right and left hand curves on top of them. Wrapped the end around my ring mandrel to created the ear wire and then hammered the wire to strengthen it. Added the pink drops to the bottom and there you have it.

From ArtBeads, I used -
FD-SPRING SPRING MIX Fire Designs Hand Blown Furnace Glass Approx 1oz *
CR-RL207 5x4mm Emerald/Wasabi Mix Roundelle Strand *
VIN-0041 Pink Glass Teardrop Vintage Patina Copper Head Pin *

From Rings & Things, I used -
47-408-SP 20 ga copper wire

The one thing I did notice about wearing these. Because they do not give, it is hard to cradle the phone between your shoulder and cheek, and if you have on something that has a stiffer collar (jean jacket) the earrings will be pushed out of your ears. So these could be seasonal earrings. Good for summer and light jackets. (that or i have to stop making them so long)


This one is still in the works. I am not sure what to do just yet, I am thinking multiple strand. I could work it onto a chain or leather, still thinking. I love this furnace glass and took the picture with candy. It looks like something you would find in your Easter basket - Yum Yum!!! (and it won't make your butt look big :) )


This has these components from ArtBeads -

FD-SPRING SPRING MIX Fire Designs Hand Blown Furnace Glass Approx 1oz *
CR-RL207 5x4mm Emerald/Wasabi Mix Roundelle Strand *
TBRD6-121TOHO™ Bead Round 6/0 Opaque-Lustered Pearl White 8g Bag

And from Rings & Things
47-408-SP 20 ga copper wire

Will show you more tomorrow!!

*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Art Beads were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blogging for Beaders Program. These items are for review or design purposes.

Spring Fling bracelet - Art Beads Blog Partner

This is one idea that came to my mind and I immediately set down to work.
At first I wanted to group all the pink drops on the center brass link, but the wire wasn't long enuff, and I didn't feel they would be secure. I haven't quite figured out how to work with the pink drops, they remind me of something that would be used in a floral design.

I purposely turned the brass ovals opposite of each other so you can see both sides of the link, and not have to worry if the bracelet is put on upside down or turns on your wrist and shows the underside of the link. I didn't have any brass wire, so I used the brass as part of the focal and used the copper wire to bring it all together. I love mix and match :)

It is fun with a nice drape and the dangles make me happy.


These items I got from Art Beads -
PBA-LX021 Antique Vintage Brass-Plated Pewter Abstract Oval Link *
CR-RL207 5x4mm Emerald/Wasabi Mix Roundelle Strand *
VIN-0041 Pink Glass Teardrop Vintage Patina Copper Head Pin *

From my inventory -
Copper131 Copper rings - Sedona Stones
47-408-SP 20 ga copper wire - Rings & Things
47-402-SP 14 ga copper wire - Rings & Things

Soon I am going to learn how to work my camera and have the whole picture in focus - but that is another day and another cup of coffee.

*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Art Beads were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blogging for Beaders Program. These items are for review or design purposes.

Spring furnace glass fun with Art Beads!

Gumdrops and Easter, jonquils and daffodils, this is a celebration of spring from Art Beads!!
I kept the design simple wanting the cluster of furnace glass to get all of the attention. And you know how I am about that furnace glass!!!


Here are the components from ArtBeads.com that went into this necklace -
PBA-LX003 Antique Vintage Brass-Plated Pewter Clover Shape Heart Link *
PBA-LX021 Antique Vintage Brass-Plated Pewter Abstract Oval Link *
BBACH08 Antique Brass-Plated Figaro Chain *
CR-RL207 5x4mm Emerald/Wasabi Mix Roundelle Strand *
FD-SPRING SPRING MIX Fire Designs Hand Blown Furnace Glass Approx 1oz *
VIN-0041 Pink Glass Teardrop Vintage Patina Copper Head Pin *
BBA-HP15 1.5-inch Antique Brass-Plated 23 Gauge Head Pin 24 *


The holes in the furnace glass beads are large, so I used the green glass and seed beads as 'stoppers' and it was also a nice addition to the dangles. Gave it a bit more depth.

Bam! In your face colors of Spring!!


It explodes from your neck with bright springtime colors



Am starting to put away my sweaters and break out my short sleeve shirts. Can't wait to wear this!

*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Art Beads were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blogging for Beaders Program. These items are for review or design purposes.

More shell pearl earrings - Rings & Things blogger challenge

Made these earrings to go with the pendant from a previous post
47-408-SP 20 ga copper wire
29-555-10-905 Bead, Shell Pearl, Round, 10mm (Blue Mix) *
28-000-007-443 Bead, Glass, Faceted Round, 10mm (Electric Blue) *

This is one continuous piece of wire for each earring. Cut about 6 in of wire. Hammer one end of the wire to create a head pin. Slide on the faceted glass bead. Bend curves into the wire with your round nosed pliers. Hammer to strengthen and flatten the wire. Add the shell pearl. At the top of the pearl, make a 45 degree angle bend in the wire. Create a coil around the end of your round nosed pliers at the bend. Carefully push the bent wire back up straight. Using a form (ink pen will work) bend the remainder of the wire around the form and snip off the excess. Hammer the ear wire to strengthen.

Wa-la!!! You made and earring out of one piece of wire!




Made these to compliment the necklace from this previous post
28-000-007-273 Bead, Glass, Faceted Round, 10mm (Electric Purple)*
gold tone chain
re purposed links


Quick and easy peasy - two pair of earrings in under 15 minutes!


*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Rings & Things were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blog Partner Program. These items are for review or design purposes. Find out more about the Rings & Things Blog Partner Program

Window to my creative soul - Rings & Things Blogger challenge

What do you do with a locket that is see thru?

See thru it of course!

These little hinged round glass pendants* stock # 55-702-11-1 from Rings & Things have a fun vintage feel about them. I see them worn close around a high button up collar in the 20's. I get the gravitation to steam punk with these sort of components. Too much fun.

This was a great opportunity for me to create a bit of a window to my creative soul. A fun little piece to wear, my beading on the go kit :)

I had to put a dab of glue on the latch to hold it in place. I think I stuffed it with too much!


Where before my weekends were committed to chores and beading due to a new work schedule, I think that is going to change. Now that the weather is breaking, I am ready to get the bike out, but now I have a new distraction.



So much for chores:)


I need another locket to fill with gears, tools and paint. I am just as much a gear head as I am a bead head :)

*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Rings & Things were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blog Partner Program. These items are for review or design purposes. Find out more about the Rings & Things Blog Partner Program

Blue Baubles - Rings and Things blogger challenge

I am so hooked on these free form wire wrap bracelet designs. I want to make them all the time. I have several ideas in my head, and I need practice, so this morning, I wanted to work with the blue set of shell pearls from Rings & Things.

I used:

29-555-10-905 Bead, Shell Pearl, Round, 10mm (Blue Mix) *
29-555-16-905 Bead, Shell Pearl, Round, 16mm (Blue Mix) *
28-000-007-443 Bead, Glass, Faceted Round, 10mm (Electric Blue) *
Black - Designer Assorted Beads*
47-406-SP 22 ga copper wire
47-408-SP 20 ga copper wire
47-202-SP 14 ga red brass wire
Seed beads

I had some artistic wire from a bucket of goodies from my mother in laws things. I used it as a color accent. The fun thing about this artistic wire, it is coated copper. So as the coating wears off, it will match the rest of the bracelet. Will be a cool look too.





I made these earrings to compliment the bracelet - they are a bit heavier than I normally wear, but for sitting around the office they are ok.



And I couldn't help it!! I had to wear it today!!!!



*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Rings & Things were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blog Partner Program. These items are for review or design purposes. Find out more about the Rings & Things Blog Partner Program

March GiveAway - A Bead in Time by Lisa Crone

Celebrating craft month I couldn't think of a better give away than Lisa Crone's beautiful book - A Bead in Time. Lisa, blog author of A Bead A Day, offers to you 35 exquisite jewelry projects inspired by personal memories and expierences.



I love this book! Each project is beautifully photographed and easy to follow step by step instructions. It is hard to choose a favorite, but I will say, I do adore Summer Salad!


To enter leave a comment about what your favorite craft is, I will draw the winner on March 9, 2010. (This contest is also open to my FaceBook fans, leave a comment on my FaceBook fan page and get a second entry!)

*FTC compliance disclosure: the give away mentioned in this post credited to Lisa Crone was provided as a promotional gift with her permission thru her publisher North Light Books. This item is for review and promotional consideration.

Shoulda Coulda - Peridot necklace

I wanted to submit this piece to Bead Trends for August 2010 issue. Being peridot is the birthstone, I thought it would be an appropriate submission. But too many things got in the way and I didn't get it finished til this morning.

2 strands of peridot chips
1 strand of white and green seed beads
1 strand of copper hand wound links, lamp work, swarovski crystals and seed beads
1 strand peridot, green quartz, rose quartz, and seed beads


Here is a close up -



The color choices of the necklace are brought out by the lampwork beads, the stone combination is a no brainer.

Peridot is the stone of compassion. It has a friendly energy and is excellent for healing. It assists in rebirth and renewal of all kinds. Peridot also bring abundance and prosperity. It enhances the healing and harmony of relationships of all kinds, but particularly marriage. Peridot can lessen stress in relationships, anger and jealousy.

Rose quartz is the stone of unconditional love. The elevated energy of quartz gives rose quartz a property of enhancing love in virtually any situation. It also brings gentleness, forgiveness, and tolerance.

Even tho I had intended it for August to celebrate the birthstone, the stone combination's brings love and forgiveness all year long, that is way better than just one month :)

Rings & Things Blog Parter goodie package - Memory jewelry

Got a package last nite from Rings & Things - more blog partner goodies!!! When I opened the package my jaw dropped. Let's just push Tish out of her comfort zone and watch what happens! Moreso, I think Dave has his foot out and tripped me right over the edge. These items are fantastic, great theme, Memory Jewelry - and I am clueless!!!!


These little hinged boxes made me happy. I put the Hersey's mini there to give you an idea of their size (that was breakfast)

55-700-21-1 hinged picture frame 1.5" square*
55-701-01-7 hinged shadow box 1.6" square*
55-702-11-1 hinged round glass pendant*



"These are great for decoupage or resin" as suggested by Dave in the partner letter. I may try playing with resin.


46-301-11-0 bezel cup 22mm round, 1 loop*
46-301-21-0 bezel cup 22mm round, 2 loop*
46-301-50-0 bezel cup 18x13mm oval 1 loop*
46-301-60-0 bezel cup 18x13 oval 2 loop*



This is a really sweet little bottle - one problem. the stopper fits, but the cap does not. I don't know if I am going to be able to do anything with this.


30-407-H glass jar heart*



These are awesome little jars, I already have a couple of ideas of what I want to do with these.


30-187-SM glass jar, 32x15mm*



These are fun diamond shaped bottles - how cool is that!!!


56-999-01-262 alexandrite diamond glass bottle *
56-999-01-452 blue diamond glass bottle*

I got my work cut out for me this week and I am ready to accept the challenge!

*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Rings & Things were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blog Partner Program. These items are for review or design purposes. Find out more about the Rings & Things Blog Partner Program

The Beauty of Spring with ArtBeads!!!!

Art Beads is declaring "February as the month of ‘The Beauty of Spring‘ for our blogger community." That being said, I was given the opportunity to choose items for review and asked to use them in my interpretation of spring. (the way winter has been here - I am ready for spring!)

I immediately went to the furnace glass section - you know me and furnace glass. I used the
FD-SPRING SPRING MIX Fire Designs Hand Blown Furnace Glass Approx 1oz as my base and made my choices from there -

Look what I got!!!



PBA-LX003 Antique Vintage Brass-Plated Pewter Clover Shape Heart Link $1.48
PBA-LX021 Antique Vintage Brass-Plated Pewter Abstract Oval Link $4.20
BBACH08 Antique Brass-Plated Figaro Chain $4.92
CR-RL207 5x4mm Emerald/Wasabi Mix Roundelle Strand $3.59
FD-SPRING SPRING MIX Fire Designs Hand Blown Furnace Glass Approx 1oz $12.99
VIN-0041 Pink Glass Teardrop Vintage Patina Copper Head Pin $6.80
BBA-HP15 1.5-inch Antique Brass-Plated 23 Gauge Head Pin 24 $1.00


Here is a close up of the of the links the the emerald glass - Aren't these great!!!!! I am going to have to get more of that glass. It is brilliant!



These little guys are so intriguing - I can't wait to work with them.


I am so excited about these, and can't wait to start creating!

These beads and more can be found at ArtBeads.com, and while you are browsing, Don't forget -

Artbeads' 10th Anniversary Sweeps

Sweepstakes Starts January 06, 2010 @ 09:00 am (PST)

Sweepstakes Ends March 04, 2010 @ 11:59 pm (PST)

Good luck and happy shopping!!


*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Art Beads were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blogging for Beaders Program. These items are for review or design purposes.