6th Bead Soup Blog Party

Today is the 3rd and Final Bead Soup Reveal.
Thanks to the wonderful Lori Anderson at Pretty Things for organizing this event.
I didn't have the time to participate this summer but below is a list of those who did.  And notice this is the 3rd reveal.  She divided the group because so many signed up.  Blog hop and enjoy the variety of designs and ideas by a talented group.

In case you haven't heard of the Bead Soup Blog Hop, just a little background.
Participants sign up with Lori, who pairs everyone up.  Each person then sends their partner a Party Pack including a focal, some coordinating spacers or beads, and a special clasp.  When you get your package of beads, you show your beads on your blog.  Then you make something with the beads (or several pieces!), take a picture, and post it on your blog on the reveal day.  Everyone hops around to as many blogs as possible to see what people made. 

Hostess, Lori Anderson, Pretty Things
Agi Kiss, Moonsafari Beads
Alice Peterson, Alice Dreaming

Alison Sachs, Beads by Earthtones

Amanda Dittloff, Passion Smashin'

Andra Marasteanu, Bijoux de Monanage

Angie Szlovak, SweetBeads

Anitra Gordy, Leelu Creations

Ann Sherwood, Ann's Blog

Arlene Dean, A Glass Bash

Audrey Belanger, Dreams of an Absolution

Barb Solem, Vivi Magoo Presents

Barbara Blaszczyk, laboratorim Flory

Becky Pancake, Becky Pancake Bead Designs
Beth Emery, Stories by Indigo Heart

Bianca Odenthal, Zydies Glasperlen

Birgit Klughardt, GitesBeads
Bobbie Rafferty, Beadsong Jewelry
Bonnie Coursolle, Jasper Gems
Cece Cormier, The Beading Yogini
Charlene Jacka, Clay Space

Cherrie Fick, En La Lumie're
Cheryl Foiles, Get Your Bead On
Christie Murrow, Charis Designs Jewelry

Christina Miles, Wings n Scales
Christina Stofmeel, Feng Beads
Christine Stonefield, Sweet Girl Design
Cindy Cima Edwards, Live to Design
CJ Bauschka, 4 His Glory Creations
Claire Smith, Embergrass Jewelry
Cynthia Riggs, Cynth's Blog
Dana Fowler, Trunk Full of Treasure

Dawn Pierro, Turtle Moon Designs
Dee Elgie, Cherry Obsidia
Donetta Farrington, Simply Gorgeous
Dot Lewallwn, Speedie Beadie

Eileen Snyder, Dorset Hill Beads
Elizabeth Bunn, Elizabeth Beads
Eva Kovacs, Ewa gyongyos vilaga!
Evelyn Duberry, Sheba Makeda
Fay Wolfenden, Torch Fairy
Fen Li, Bead Flora Jewels
Gail Zwang, Angel Moose Enterprises
Geneva Collins, Torque Story
Grace Dorsey, Fan of the Flame
Gretchen Nation, Art Food Lodging
Hannah Annear, Squintessential

Hajer Waheed, My Beaded World
Heather Goldsmith, As I Bead It
Heather Otto, The Craft Hopper
Heidi Kingman, My Bead Therapy
Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
Isolina Perez, Isolina Perez
Jacqueline Keller, CreARTelier
Jane Haag, Did You Make Something Today?
Janeen Sorensen, Wild Vanilla Designs
Jean Peter, Jean P. Designs
Jennifer Judd, Jen Judd Rocks
Jennifer L Justman, Soul's Fire Designs
Joanna Matuszczyk, Bizuteria z filcu
Joanne Brown, Jo's Jewels

oanne Lockwood, Jo Bunkum
Joyce Becker, Joyce's Joyful Gems
Judy Riley, Three Red Beads
Karen Mitchell, Over the Moon Design
Karen Williams, Baublicious
Karin von Hoeren, Creative Ideen
Karla Morgan, Texas Pepper Jams
Kashmira Patel, Sadafule .. always in bloom!
Kate Richbourg, We Can Make That at Home
Katrin Lembke, AllesPerle
Kathy Combs, Torched in Texas

Kathy Lindemer, Bay Moon Design
Kay Thomerson, Kayz Kreationz
Kelley Fogle, My Life, One Bead at at Time
Kelly Hosford Patterson, Traveling Side Show
Klaudette Koon, Only Road
Lara Lutrick, Lampwork Beads by Lara
Laura Guenther, Blue Antiquities
Laurie Lalonde, Simply Mod Jewelry
Lilik Kristiani, Soul of My Embodiment
Linda Younkman, Lindy's Designs
Lisa Chapman, Beach Cat Beads
Lisa Lodge, Pine Ridge Treasures

Loretta Carstensen, Designs by Loretta
Lori Bergmann, Lori Bergmann Design
Lori Dorrington, Lori's Adventures in Etsy Land
Lupe Meter, Gem's PC Corner
Lynn Davis, LLYYNN
Malin de Koning, Beading by Malin
Mandi Effron, Craft-o-licious
Mandy Williamson, Mimi's Beading
Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter
Maria Rosa Sharrow, Willow Street Shops

Marianne Baxter, Simply Seablime Jewelry
Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre
Marjolein Trewavas, Room for Change
Marelene Cupo, Amazing Designs
Marsha Neal, Marsha Neal Studio
Marta Kaczerowska, uhuhu
Mary Govaars, MLH Jewelry Designs
Melissa Trudinger, Bead Recipes
Menka Gupta, Menka's Jewelry Blog
Michelle Burnett, Reverie and Revival
Michelle Escano-Caballero, The Cabby Crafter
Miko Wiropati, Uniquely Yunikua
Milla Hope, LB Creative Arts and Crafts

Mimi Gardner, Other Curiosities
Miranda Ackerley, MirandackArts
Natalie McKenna, grubbi
Noemi Baena, fuego, metal, y color
Pam Ferrari, Ferrari Originals
Pam Sears, Crazy Creative Corner
Penny Neville, Copper Penny
Rachel Baron, R. Baron Designs
Rachel Myers, Rockabead Jewelry
Rana Wilson, Definitive Designs by R. Wilson
Rebecca Anderson, Song Beads
Rebecca Sirevaag, Becca's Place
Riki Schumacher, Riki Jewelry
Rose Binoya, Ahtee's Blog

Rossana De Gaspari, Rdegas Blog
Sandi James, Do Be Do Bead Do
Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe
Sandra Wollberg, City of Brass Stories
Sarah Goode, Pookledo
Sarah Small, blog by salla
Shai Williams, Shaiha's Ramblings
Shawn Mills, Shawn Marie Designs with Bent Wire
Sheila Davis, Stone Designs by Sheila
Sheryl Stephens, Babble Bead
Shiraz Biggie, Secret Song Designs
Solange Collin, Ahowin Handcrafted Jewelry
Sonya Stille, Dreamin' of Beads
Stephanie Dixon, The Dixon Chick

Susan Kennedy, Sue Beads
Susan Sheehan, Strands of Thought
Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Beadphoria
Sweet Freedom, Sweet Freedom Designs
Tabatha Dinger, Modernly Created
Tania Hagen, Pelima Jewellery Design
Tanya Boden, Fusion Muse
Terri Gauthier, Blooming Ideas
Terry Carter, Tapping Flamingo
Tracy Stillman, Tracy Stillman Designs

Happy hopping!

Carol

Thanks to Lori, I am back!

I have taken a two month break from my blog.  What, you say?  Where have I been?  Well, right here actually.  But life got busy as it will and I just needed a break.  I hope I haven't lost all of my readers while I was gone.  I really do care about all of you. 

Thanks to Lori Anderson from Pretty Things and her Bead and Button giveaways, I am back.  There are five chances to win with great choices.  Here is one of the packages up for grabs.  And the drawing takes place on lucky Friday the 13th. 



One of Lori's rules for her giveaways is to post about the giveaway on your blog.  So since I really want to enter, here it is.  And if you want to enter, check it out on her Blog.  Thanks Lori for enticing me with your giveaway and getting me back in the swing. 

Keep busy creating,
Carol

Fabric Treasure Chest

A few years ago, I found a treasure chest of fabric at an estate sale.  I almost walked away from it as there was just so much at this sale.  You could get lost just in looking.  For once, I had the presence of mind to pick up this unassuming sewing basket and hang on. 

When I looked inside, I saw all these little squares of cotton fabric.  So I began to carefully feel down through the layers to see what was underneath.  And ouch!  There were straight pins stuck in randomly throughout and apparently all pointing up.  So I became even more careful.  But as far as I could feel and see there were many more layers just like this top layer. 

What would I do with all these little squares?  I had only recently resumed my sewing hobby after my children had gone off to college.  And I had just completed a crib quilt for a great-nephew.  So, of course, I had grandiose ideas of the many quilts that would be churned out. 

Whoooooosh! 

Yes, that was time flying.  I have finally pulled out and sorted the many squares all measuring 2" x 2".  I have picked an Irish chain pattern that uses 2 inch squares.  Typical of most of my projects, there is more work than it would appear.  All of the squares are cut, right?  Well the squares do need to be cut accurately so I am checking each one to make sure it is exactly 2 inches square.  They are surprisely accurate, though I have found a few that don't make the cut (pun intended).  Stayed tuned to see what these little squares can become.

Happy being creative,

Carol 

I Heart Macro & Winning from EB Works

Better late than never!  A picture for I Heart Macro at Studio Waterstone.

A few months ago I won a gift certificate from EB Bead and Metal Works for NOVICA.  Thanks Evie and Beth.  NOVICA is one of the leading fair trade artisan websites. They work with National Geographic to give talented artisans around the world a place to express their artistic talents and provide access to the world market. Their website, (so much like etsy) have thousands of top fair trade corporate gifts, accessories, jewelry and home decor items.

 I finally made a selection from the many interesting items.  What did I buy?  This delightful bird in a cage with blue topaz necklace.  It came in an interesting package with a note from the artist. 

So if you need to buy a gift for a birthday, Mother's Day or even for yourself, give this site a try.  I think you will be pleased with the service and products.

Be happy and creative,

Carol

I Heart Macro

These ladyslippers are in the woods behind my house.  I think they are an unusual wildflower and when I found these, I started trying to protect the area where they grow.  You see, my woods is in the middle of an old subdivision that backs up to a new subdivision.  A fair amount of kids walk and bike through the area. 

As is typical of children, they don't spend a lot of time looking down at wildflowers or worry about stepping or riding over them.  So since I enjoy seeing these reappear each year I try to set up some road blocks with rocks and tree limbs that will redirect traffic.  Just my own little effort at nature preservation.

So these little beauties are my close up view for today.  Hope you have had time to stop and appreciate the smaller things in your world.  And to see more you can visit Studio Waterstone.

Smile and be creative,

Carol

"Pretty Things" Giveaway

Lori Anderson on Pretty Things is holding a drawing for a set of Impress Art Letter Stamps.   There is also a stamping hammer.  These are premium tools that PJTools has donated for the giveaway. 

The drawing is on Monday, April 16th, so hurry on over to put your name in the hat. 

Good luck and happy creating,

Carol

Happy Easter

Nothing says spring and rebirth like the buds and flowers so abundant right now.  My azaleas have timed their spring show perfectly for Easter this year.

My yard is all aglow with these gorgeous and prolific blooms.

This post linked with Studio Waterstone.

Happy Easter,
Carol

Bead Giveaway

Giveaway Alert! Deez News is giving away some of the beads she acquired on her recent Bali trip.  It is easy to enter by just leaving a comment or reposting the information.

Hurry on over because you have less than a week to enter.

Happy creating,

Carol

I Heart Macros

Got the blues?  Blue hyacinth, that is! 

There are two of these beauties near my front door.  With all the warm weather, they bloomed early this year.  I was really afraid we would get a freeze or frost and ruin them.  But they made it.  Have you ever seen such vivid blues in flowers?

Have some close-up shots to share?  Join us at Studio Waterstone to see more macros and close-ups.

Happy creating,
Carol

I Heart Macro Sunday

Joining up with Lori Plyler over at Studio Waterstone for I Heart Macro, here is my close-up shot for the week.

As I was taking some shots of all the flowers blooming this week, I came upon this shrub that was literally buzzing with activity (pun intended).  Bees were everywhere but catching them in the lens was a challenge. 

And finally this guy was probably the most persistent of all.

We are not sure what this flowering shrub is.  It looks like an azalea but blooms a couple of months earlier than all the other azaleas.  It has been here for probably 30 years or more and pre-dates me in the house.  I guess you don't have to know what it is to enjoy its early March lavendar blooms each year. 

So take some time to smell the roses (or azaleas) and take some close-up shots while you are out there.  And then share, please.

Happy close-ups to you,

Carol

Organization Find

Here is a new-to-me cabinet obtained at an estate sale.  I was so excited to find it because I had been looking for a cabinet with shallow drawers for my jewelry making tools, beads and findings.  The cabinet appears to have belonged to a dentist at one time and then had become someone's tool chest.  I speak with some authority here because when cleaning it, I took out the drawers and all kinds of things had fallen down inside (sample floss packets, toothbrushes, drill bits, coins, keys, screws and washers).  Don't you just love to discover goodies left in thrift finds?  I was really hoping for some items to use in my jewelry but other than the keys, there wasn't much to inspire me. 

As you can see I have quite a bit of work to do on the outside, but surprisingly the inside is in very good condition.  One drawer has a little rust inside but several of the drawers had been lined with white contact paper.  This served to protect the paint inside. 

All of the drawer handles were intact when I bought it and somehow by the time I got home, one was broken.  How does that happen when it was lying on its back?  Grrrr!  Anyway, let's see what I can do to make this cabinet fabulous and then put it to good use.

So watch me organize while I create,

Carol

Can Never Have Too Many Earrings

The day before I left on vacation a special package arrived in the mail.  So this post is a little late but no less thankful for these darling earrings won from a giveaway on Earrings Everyday.  Several jewelry artists donated earrings and mine are from Marie Voyer-Cramp at Skye Jewels.  The link will take you to her Etsy shop for lots more goodies.  Thanks Marie.

I was surprised to see the lovely coral color because it exactly matches a knit top that I had just purchased.  What are the odds?

Keep creating,

Carol

I Heart Macro

Spring has arrived early this year.  The daffodils appeared at the same time as the crocuses.  These hellebores are in full bloom and are such a soft yellow and white along with the dark green surrounding them.

The vincas on the slope behind the house are glowing their beautiful blue, although I got them in a little too much light so they look paler in the photo.

And even the hostas are popping up ready to leaf out.

So it is time to get out in the yard and flower gardens to do a little work.  I don't remember ever having to start yard work so early in the year.  I am not complaining though, because I will take yard work over housework any day of the year. 

And if you want to see more photos or join in with some of your own, just click on the link above to go to Studio Waterstone.


Enjoying the warm weather,
Carol

I Heart Macro

We are taking a short vacation in Hudson, Florida, this week.  Even though it has been a mild winter in Virginia, it is nice to experience these warm temperatures in the 80s.  These little creatures are plentiful here and will occasionally hold still for a photo shoot.

Sometimes the photographer has to get in to some precarious positions to get a good shot.  But it is worth the effort if you can hold still enough to focus.

If you have some close-up photos you would like share, join us at Studio Waterstone.



Have a creative week,
Carol

Bead Soup Blog Party Begins

Just after midnight, nature's fireworks began with bright lights and noise to herald in the beginning of Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog Party.  Very fitting , huh?!  So let the party begin!  As a reminder, here is what I received from Alice of Alice Dreaming.

 

I sorted and re-sorted to get inspiration.  Then I started pulling from my stash and when I pulled some of my turquoise lampwork beads into the mix, I suddenly saw the center of the ammonite shell light up.  It doesn't show up as much as I would like in the photo but the color is definitely there. 

Now this is probably not my usual color or metal scheme.  I am more bright colors and sterling silver, but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate these colors and metals.  In fact, the bronze scrollwork at the top of the photo was in my stash waiting for just the right moment to come out.  The ammonite shell, bronze chain, clasp, and rhinestone beads are all from Alice.  When you look at the bead soup I received, did you think I would use this color combination - turquoise and browns?  Well, I didn't but that is what happens if you start with an open mind.

So put it all together and this is what I got.

I have also been working with the rest of the bead soup and will be showing the rest in the next few days.  But for now, check out the rest of the Bead Soup Blog Party.  Enjoy!

Hostess, Lori Anderson


Special Book Sneak Peeks, Cindy Wimmer

1.  Adlinah Kamsir (Singapore) and Hajer Waheed (Kingdom of Bahrain)

2. Adrienn Lukacs (Hungary) and Agata Grygiel (Poland)

3.  Agi Kiss (Hungary) and Carolien Muller-Genger (the Netherlands)

4.  Agnes Asztalos (Hungary) and B.R. Kuhlman

5.  Alesha Conklin and Becki Mendivil

6.  Alice Peterson and Carol Dillman

7.  Alicia Marinache (Canada) and Dita Basu

8.  Amanda Dittloff and Brandy Thomason McNair

9.  Amanda Tibbetts and Andrea Trank

10.  Amy Freeland and Kay Mallery 

11.  Andra Weber and Christine Murrow

12.  Ann Sherwood and Diane Welte

13.  Barbara Bechtel and Kerry Bogert

14.  Barbara Lewis and Cat Pruitt

15.  Bonnie Coursolle (Canada) and Fay Wolfenden (Canada)

16.  Carmel McGinley (Australia) and Tracy Stillman (Australia)

17.  Cassie Donlen and Deryn Mentock

18.  Cathie Carroll and Janel Dudley

19.  Cece Cormier and Morwyn Mullins

20.  Charlene Jacka and Christina Hickman

21.  Cheryl Brown (Canada) and Diana Ptaszynski

22.  Christina Stofmeel (the Netherlands) and Eva Kovacs (Hungary)

23.  Christine Damm and Deb Brooks

24.  Cilla Watkins (Canada) and Elaine Robitaille (Canada)

25.  Sabrina Straub (Switzerland) and Kathy Combs

26.  Cindy Cima Edwards and Eleanor Burian-Mohr

27.  Cory Celaya and Rhea Freitieg

28.  Courtney Breul and Dana Hickey

29.  Cynthia Abner and Jennifer Boreck

30.  Cynthia Tucker and Jean Peter

31.  Debbie Goering and Heidi Post

32.  Dee Elgie (UK) and Joanne Lockwood (UK)

33.  Dian Hierschel (Germany) and Eniko Fabian (Austria)

34.  Diane Cook and Lyn Foley

35.  Donna Bohler and Lisa Lodge

36.  Donna Millard and Kiersten Giles

37.  Doris Stumpf (Germany) and Eszter Czibulyas (Hungary)

38.  Elisabeth Auld and Eva Sherman

39.  Elke Leonhardt-Rath (Germany) and Marjolein Trewavas (UK)

40.  Ema Kilroy and Laurie Keefe-Cecere

41.  Erika Nooteboom (the Netherlands) and Giorgia Rossini (Italy)

42.  Erin Grant and Jean Wells

43.  Evelyn Duberry (Canada) and Gaea Cannaday

44.  Genea Crivello-Knable and Heather Powers

45.  Ginger Bishop (military, Okinawa) and Martina Nagele (Germany)

46.  Heidi Kingman and Lori Greenberg

47.  Helen Kemp and Lisa Wangeman

48.  Helene Goldberg (Australia) and Karen Vincent

49.  Jamie Hogsett and Jeannie Dukic

50.  Jeanette Ryan and Jelveh Jaferian

51.  Jennifer Cameron and Tania Spivey

52.  Jennifer Justman and Kari Carrigan

53.  Jennifer Tough and Lorelei Eurto

54.  Joanna Matuszczyk (Poland) and Julianna Kis (Hungary)

55.  Joanne Tinley (UK) and Michaela Pabeschitz (Austria)

56.  Julie Anne Leggett and Kelley Fogle

57.  Karen Hess and Linda Landig

58.  Karyn Bonfiglio and Kathleen Lange Klik

59.  Kashmira Patel and Kat White

60.  Kat Barron Miller and Kelly Morgan

61.  Kathy Lindemer and Rose Binoya

62.  Krafty Max and Sandra Miller

63.  Kristen Latimer and Pam Ferrari

64.  Kristie Roeder and Lea Avroch

65.  Kristina Johansson (Sweden) and Penny Neville (Canada)

66.  Krisztina Erlaki-Toth (Hungary) and Nicole Keller (Germany)

67.  Lara Lutrick and Lisa Suver

68.  Laura DeMoya and Lisa Hanna

69.  Libby Leuchtman and Melanie Brooks

70.  Linda Koch and Rosemarie Cowit

71.  Lisa Chapman and Menka Gupta

 72.  Lisa Liddy and Marion Simmons

73.  Lori Anderson and Marcie Abney

74.  Lori Bowring-Michaud and Mary Govaars

75.  Lori Dorrington and Maria Rosa Sharrow

76.  Lori Finney (Canada) and Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp (Canada)

77.  Lynn Bennett and Mandi Ainsworth

78.  Marta Kaczerowska (Poland) and Milla Starchik (Canada)

79.  Mary Harding and Shannon LeVart

80.  Mary Jane Dodd and Stacey Curry

81.  Melinda Orr and Molly Alexander

82.  Melissa Meman and Michelle Escano-Caballaro

83.  Michelle Jensen and Sandra Young (Canada)

84.  Nan Emmett and Nicole Valentine-Rimmer (Canada)

85.  Nancy Boylan and Suzette Bentley

86.  Natasha Lutes and Patti Vanderbloemen

87.  Pam Hurst and Rebekah Payne

88.  Patty Miller and Sara Rhoades

89.  Rebecca Anderson (UK) and Lori Anderson

90.  Rebecca Sirevaag and Sharon Driscoll

91.  Rochelle Brisson and Shannon Chomanczuk

92.  Rosa Maria Cuevas (Mexico) and Tejae Floyde

93.  Sabine Dittrich (Germany) and Sally Russick

94.  Sandi Volpe and Sarah/Saturday Sequins

95.  Shanti Johnson and Tracy Mok (Canada)

96.  Skylar Brez and Theresa Buchle

97.  Sonya Stille and Traci Zeller (Canada)

98.  Stefanie Teufel (Germany) and Tania Hagen (New Zealand)

99.  Stephanie LaRosa and Vonna Maslanka

100.  Terri Wlaschin and Wendy Blum

Getting Organized or My Studio is a Mess and That's got to Change

Have you ever avoided your studio because it needed some serious cleaning and organizing?  I am very lucky to have a whole room with a built in closet and lots of windows.  But as this room is off to itself, it can become the repository for things that must be gotten out of the way.  So now I have to undo the messes that have been made.  Some areas of the room are so bad, I won't even show them till a little straightening is done first.  I am sure that never happens to all of you, but that is how I roll.  I am hoping that by blogging about my cleaning ventures, I will be forced to make progress. 
 
In the process of "hiding" things in this room, projects in mid-stream have gotten shoved aside and disorganized.  Beads, though grouped by color and size on mandrels, have taken over my desktop. Findings are laid aside and not put back in boxes or drawers.  All this chaos makes me very unproductive. 

I will apologize right now for the quality of these photos.  It is difficult to get the right lighting in every corner of my room.

Tools are usually the only thing I can find when I get ready to work.  My pliers, hammers and scissors have been stashed in this latest find, a turntable from Michaels.

Glass storage has been constructed with PVC tubes which are stacked in plastic milk crates.  This is essential if you are ever going to find the colors you need.

So those two areas look pretty good you say.   What's the problem here?  So here is the first area needing work - the torching area.  Believe me, this is one of the easy projects so I will start here to give my self a positive outlook to tackle the rest.

So I hope you will follow me as I get reorganized and make my studio back into the pleasant place I know it can be for creating wearable pieces of art.  I will share as many ideas as I can for creating order out of chaos, just in case there is anyone else out there with similar issues.

Cleaning and creating,

Carol