Tropical blonde

What I have been up to...

2011-12-07T10:28:00.001-07:00

Besides a ton of laundry due to 2 sick kiddos, you mean? Oh. Well, I did send off some merchandise to my first brick and mortar store! Recycologie by name. Check them out at recycologie.com or on Facebook.

New to the Tropical Blonde line....

Handmade brooch/hair clips and scarves!

These last two are fresh yesterday and will be staying in my personal wardrobe for a bit. But I love them so much I see more in the near future. If you just HAVE to have one, I will entertain the possibility of custom orders, shoot me a note :)

Bead swap with the Gossiping Goddess

2011-11-29T09:52:00.001-07:00

There was a smaller, lesser known bead swap recently with no finished project required. My partner was Lesley the Gossiping Goddess. I have no idea how much she gossips but I sure can tell you she does awesome bead swapping! Take a peek...

Adorable paper (that was complete with sari silk bow but I couldn't keep my hands off it ;))

TONS of goodies (see the ribbon?!)

Lesley does some fabulous bronze clay work. These are some of her textured discs and inspirational pendants.

Lampwork, textile beads, chain and goldstone to name a few.

Hand dyed silks

Gorgeously intricate glass

Textile beads (I had never seen anything like this and can't wait to play!)

Saving my favorite for last...bronze clay pendants by Lesley! Love, love LOVE these!!

And now that I have finally gotten this post up I can go play with it all! Don't forget the Virtual Craft Show that is going on this week. Go comment on Lori's blog to have a shot at some AMAZING art. Use the code VCS20 in my Etsy shop to get 20% off your order until December 4th!

Virtual Craft Show starts today!!

2011-11-25T19:41:00.001-07:00

Guess what?! Lori Anderson's first annual Virtual Craft Show starts today! Head over to Pretty Things and leave a comment on Lori's posts to get a shot at winning oodles of fabulous merchandise from all kinds of amazing artists. 70 different artists will be giving away their art and many of them are also having sales in their online stores so check them out each day between now and December 3rd. Comment on her post to have a shot at winning one of the fabulous prizes (I think my art bead bundle will be going up on December 1st so watch for it). I will be having a sale in my Etsy shop starting today for 20% off everything in my Etsy shop! Use code VCS20. Get started on that gift list!

Honoring our Veterans.

2011-11-11T07:04:00.001-07:00

11-11-11. A special day this year to honor those who volunteer to die, if need be, so that we can enjoy the freedoms of our amazing nation. To the beady blogland's veterans like Jennifer and Lori and all of our devoted men and women who have served or are serving, we thank you!

2011-11-03T07:16:00.000-07:00

I have not been posting as regularly for the past three months for several reasons but I think things might be "slowing down" as the holidays begin. Is that even possible? I am hoping to be able to post a little more regularly again, if not quite as frequently since I have some long term plans that might be taking up more of my time. I will let you know about what's up when it's a little more concrete.

One of the things I jumped on board with is this....

Brought to you be the fantabulous Lori Anderson. Check back for more details.

Right now I am off to start on my secret project ;). Hope you have a great Thursday!

Winner of the giveaway!

2011-10-17T08:48:00.002-07:00

So I was web surfing and came across this guy...

heehee!

I decided to name my spacey earrings in honor of our no longer recognized friend, Pluto. But since I still have stuff to give away I went to the random generator and had it pick a winner. Congrats to TeriB (number 5, thank you to random.org)!

RIP, Pluto!

And thank you to all who participated!

2011-10-07T08:51:00.000-07:00

Click this if you are looking for my Bead Soup Blog Party post!

Tutorial and giveaway!

2011-10-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, folks, I am stuck. I have not been able to come up with a name that I like for these earrings! So here's the deal. I will show you how I make said earrings and you then leave me a comment with a name suggestion. Whoever's name tickles my fancy will either receive a pair of earrings (custom made for the winner after consulting them) OR a pair of my own art beads to make your own earrings! I will take entries until the 16th of October and I will announce the winner on the 17th. Please make sure I have a way to contact you if you don't have your email on your blogger/commenter ID.

So here you go...

String a bead onto 20 gauge wire. If your looking for the particular style I use here go check out Julsbeads. Even if your not looking for that style go check her out. She totally rocks. I know I say that a lot but it's true.

*unpaid advertisement over*

Make a loop to keep the bead from falling off (that might kinda ruin your look ;))

Wrap one time around a regular Sharpie marker...

Then twice more.

Slide the marker out and bring the coils over the top of the bead and pull them down around it. Depending on the shape and size of your bead you might need adjust the wires shape to suit yourself.

Tada!

So now for the hard part! What to call it?!! Leave your suggestion in the comment section for a chance to win earrings or beads.

Hammered Drop earring tutorial

2011-10-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

Take some 20 gauge wire and cut 2 lengths of equal size. However long you want your finished earring to be cut the wire twice as long. Here I have about 3.5inches of wire (not exact I kinda eyeball things like that). Make a loop at one end.

If you are using copper wire, sterling or some other non colored/covered wire you may proceed to beating the bejeebers out of the front half of the wire. I like a ball peen hammer for texture but you can just flatten it with a the regular type if you like.

However, colored wire usually requires a little extra TLC so as not to lose that awesome finish. Here I gently flatten the front with an acrylic hammer head before GENTLY using the ball side. This may take some practice. If in doubt start out as lightly as possible and gradually use more force as you experiment. Also, make sure your hammer head is free of burrs and such.

Once the front has a satisfactory texture, bend the wire in half and shape to your satisfaction.

Add your beads!

Wear with pride ;)

Tomorrow I will be posting the tutorial for these babies...which I can't think of a name for so maybe there will be a contest/giveaway involved for helping a sister out ;)

BTW Earring Tutorial

2011-10-05T00:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I posted some earrings and talked a little about the ear wires that have become my favorite "flavor of the month"! I have pasted the tips I got from Boot~C over at Mama's Got to Doodle in response to my Bead Soup comment.

"as to my earwires? a sharpie(basic reg, not the skinny point kind they are a little skinnier) is what I use to wrap my wire around,tightly,until I have about an inch of coils. when I clip wire & let go it loosens up to the round size you saw on the wire.file the edge the goes in the ear, & turn the loop w/ your pliers for the earring charm. the loop can be turned to the outside(orig tute called for this) but I like it turned under.I keep a coil handy & clip off wires as I need them. I think Ornamenta is where I saw it "

I did try to dig up the original tutorial on Ornamentea but I didn't see anything that looked similar in their archived section.

So I decided to add a few pictures to show you my process.

I grabbed some art beads (ridged glass by Juls and the my own pillow beads and flower beads).

The secret weapon ;)

I used 20 gauge German style wire.

Coil the wire.

Snip and put a loop on one end.

If you like, you can use a mandrel and make larger sizes (I have found that I like to use a slightly larger size depending on the size of the bead).

Add your bead of choice!

While I was in the tutorial mode I took enough pictures to do two more styles of ear wire. Check back over the next couple days for these babies as well as the Hammered Drop using Artistic Wire I mentioned earlier in this post. Click on the images for the full size view.

What's on you bead table? Check out the whole BTW gang on Flickr.

Earrings are tickling me this Tuesday.

2011-10-04T09:22:00.001-07:00

I seem to have been in the earring making mood recently. Here are some of the more recent pairs I created with the handmade glass goodness of Julsbeads. I am totally loving the ear wires in the first picture here which I got from Boot~C. She made some rockin' Bead Soup and in her response to my comment shared her "Sharpie secret" with me. I will be posting a little tutorial tomorrow as long as she's ok with it ;)

These are a some I did for a giveaway I did on the blog for my church a couple weeks ago.

Do you get into a groove with making one thing?! Or are you a "set" person? Bracelet, necklace, earrings, matchy matchy? A little of everything? What's your pleasure? No matter what it is I know everyone loves free stuff so go check out Patty's Tickle Me Tuesday giveaway as long as your surfing the www!

Fall Festival 2011

2011-10-03T10:00:00.001-07:00

Saturday was the Fall Festival PTO fundraiser for the boy's school. Fun picture ops..

Carnival games...

More fun pictures...

Bake sale...

The boys played the games and earned tickets to trade for face painting and prizes. Here is Isaac playing with his yo yo on the walk home.

Let's see if we can get a fun brother pic...think we can do it?! Maybe...how many do you think it will take to get a good one?

ONLY 5???!!!! That has got to be a record.

Tell me, what's on your fall "to do" list?

na, na, na, na....Batman!

2011-09-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago I reorganized the boys room to make it easier for the school year. I had been planning to redo this dresser all summer and just never seemed to manage it. So it seemed like the perfect time to knock it out. It started out this medium brown (it was left at the house we live in when we move in so it didn't cost anything!).

I painted it with primer because nobody makes gray spray paint apparently :) And then taped off the Batman outline.

Filled in the yellow,

And then the black...

Had the boys "unwrap it".

Voila! There were a few issues with doing the whole logo with spray paint instead of by hand like I did with the other dresser (click here to see the Spiderman dresser I did last year). But the boys were happy with it and it kinda has that grungy look that Batman uses as a major theme in Gotham so we're gonna roll with it. Have a great weekend!

Bead Table Wednesday...wow it's been a while.

2011-09-28T09:42:00.001-07:00

I have a confession to make. I sometimes get a little stressed out over not blogging. Are you a blogger? If you are do you know that feeling? It's not that I just miss posting, although I do. It's like I feel GUILTY for not posting, sometimes. Am I weird?! Maybe...or maybe it's something else. My husband is a "lurker"(reads but never comments) on a bazillion blogs totally different from the online circles I frequent. He sent me this post the other day by a guy that seems to know a lot about blogging. It was really helpful to me so I thought I'd post it for you bloggers out there that might benefit from it too. Having said all that, I have had a few minutes to myself this morning and hope to be able to get back to posting a little more regularly.

On my bead table today are some leftovers from the Bead Soup Party Conundrum post.

While I did use some of the first batch in one of my final BSBP pieces, I still have a bunch left that I still think go SO well together. So here's to extending the party, right?!

What about you? What's on your Bead Table this Wednesday? Check out the whole gang here on Flickr.

Bead Soup is here!!!

2011-09-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

Here's what I sent to my partner Charlotte Penvy of the Infrequent Beader.

Here is what I received from Charlotte. Isn't is uncanny how similar they are with the exception of the scale of the beads?! I usually work on a pretty large scale as far as jewelry is concerned (it might have something to do with the fact that I am almost 6 feet tall ;0)). This batch of soup kind of daunted me at first with it's daintiness but I do these parties to stretch my style and abilities so I pledged to "do something different than I normally do" even if it killed me. It didn't. Kill me I mean. I'm still here and extraordinarily happy with the results of my soup.

The first necklace contains the PMC focal that Charlotte made herself as well as the carnelian teardrop she sent me.

I made the wire loop on the teardrop so that the focal can be adjusted according to the mood of the wearer.

I then used fresh water pearls and labradorite nuggets in a more free form cluster style.

Where's the clasp, you say?! You HAVE to use the clasp! It's the rule! Here it is!! I loved the PMC clasp Charlotte made so much that I had to use it as a focal too. A few of the larger turquoise nuggets she sent, a couple green garnet tubes with more pearls brought this delicate yet versatile piece together.

And finally.....I had a *few* beads left over since I was so focused on "less is more". So what did I do? I went with my regular habit of throwing a bunch of beads into one piece and hoping for the best ;) Well, really I do have a method to my madness but I wont bore you with messy details. See for yourself! With some of my own beads and findings I added Charlotte's turquoise, carnelian and a few others roped in to make a Tropical Blonde piece "signature look". Big, bright and asymmetrical!

Oh and don't forget the earrings!

I hope you have at least half as much fun as I did with this party! Hop on, my beady friends, hop on!

A HUGE shout out and thank you to Lori Anderson of Pretty Things for hosting this enormous undertaking and putting up with A LOT this time around. You totally rock the beading world, my friend! Check out her blog and the full list of partners here.

Blogging about not blogging (part 2: Aquarium trip)

2011-09-12T08:44:00.003-07:00

While my brother was here we all took some time to do some fun stuff besides just hanging out and catching up. Like the Denver Aquarium!

My Dad with Declyn and they looked like little peas in a pod :)

This is my brother with his baby girl Rhys who you've seen before if you frequent this blog regularly.

Blogging about not blogging: Part 1 Grandma Vivian turned 100!

2011-09-08T08:29:00.001-07:00

I haven't posted for a week! There are several reasons but here is one of the BEST ones!

My great grandmother Vivian turned 100 over Labor Day weekend!

She just moved into an assisted living facility at the beginning of this year and is in FABULOUS shape for her age. She partied like it was....well, her 100th birthday! ;)

Here's the birthday girl with my youngest son, who turns 1 at the end of the month. I think that is cool!

My grandma Marge, Vivian's daughter (my Mom's mom) in purple and my father's mother Margaret in green.

"The Outlaws". Paul, my hubby with Jenni in the denim jacket and Mallory in the floral shirt.

Uncle Vince, his daughter Sarah and my Mom.

Paul took the official pics

Me with my sisters (in-law but I just kinda skip over that part ;))

Geoff and Mallory

Vince, Josh (cousin) and Paul

Kiddos

Ben, Jenni and Rhys with the star!

My Dad was the MC

So there you go! I have some more stuff going on while my brother Ben is still in town visiting. I DO have some Bead Soup time planned though and since I won't be able to post too many pictures of that I might dig up some other beady goodness for you!

From the tiny anvil to Bead Tables near you.

2011-08-31T10:13:00.001-07:00

I have been struggling a little to adjust to like with a kindergartener, preschooler and infant (some days 2 infants). As a result I feel like my jewelry, blog and general online presence are "suffering". I know in my head that this is totally acceptable. My kids and family come first. This IS a side gig. But I MISS it! I have been able to get a few things done in the creative arena of my life. These new hammered copper charms are one of them. For Bead Table Wednesday I am hoping to a few made. You can find what I have so far in my store on Etsy. Each picture will take you to it's own listing.

What's on your table today?!

DIY Jewelry Displays.

2011-08-25T01:22:00.001-07:00

I took some picture frames I got a a yard sale, some spray paint, a set of shears and a staple gun.

A roll of aluminum screen (like you put in doors and windows.

I painted the screen.

In contrasting colors...

Then I cut the screen out and stapled it to the back of the frame with the contrasting color.

It might be hard to see but the red frame had turquoise screen, turquoise frame has red screen, black frame has turquoise screen and the fancy frame has black screen.

Tada!

Bead Table Wednesday and a SALE!

2011-08-24T08:40:00.000-07:00

Today I am excited about what is NOT on my bead table! And dresser. And bathroom counter. And side tables. Earrings!! I have a bad habit of taking off my earrings (and shoes *ahem*) and leaving them places. Usually, right where I take them off. So I came up with a pretty way to store earrings. To entice me to put them away. We'll see how that goes ;). I made several versions. Tomorrow I plan to post a tutorial so you can make your own! Stay tuned.

As for the sale...enter the code BTW20 for 20% off in my Etsy shop! Just because I need more to keep me busy these days ;) I will be running this sale thru Sunday.

Don't forget to check out the Photo Challenge for this week. It's especially appealing to beaders!

To see more BTW go here. It's awesome.

Bead Soup is on!

2011-08-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

My partner Charlotte Penvy sent me this awesome batch of bead soup.

Handmade PMC clasp and focal by Charlotte with sterling toggle and handmade headpins. Turquoise , carnelian, copper, pearls, garnet and labradorite.

I am laughing that we send such similar batches of soup! If you missed what I sent check it out here.

Also, I host a weekly Photo Challenge and this week's theme is suited especially well to the Bead Soup crowd. Check out this post and then shoot me your entry for a chance to be voted the winner. I feature the winner for a week in my sidebar to help you drive traffic to your site!

Photo Challenge is back on! Current theme is "BEADS".

2011-08-22T10:11:00.002-07:00

This week I will be featuring Tracey from A Beadiful Mess in my sidebar again with her entry for the "Jewelry" theme.

This week we are in the midst of the Bead Soup Blog Party and many of us have received our bead soup batches. I thought it would be fun to keep the beady theme going for my weekly Photo Challenge. BUT, you don't have to be a Bead Soup participant to enter. All you have to do is send me a picture that YOU took of some great beads. If you have a great photo of beads you love, shoot it to me in an email. I will post all the entries next Monday with links to your website or blogs and we will vote on our favorite. The winner will be featured in my side bar for the following week while we collect entries for a new theme! Email me your bead pictures and be sure include a link to your website so I can add that too. I will take entries right up until late Sunday night!

Bead Soup Conundrum

2011-08-19T08:46:00.001-07:00

I started with this. Primrose pendant (olive/turq.), copper clasp, 5 petal flower beads, and a ceramic frog (artist unknown).

I added some (begin top and go counterclockwise) labrodite, tiger eye, sunset jasper, grossular garnet, czech glass and ceramic rounds.

Then decided Charlotte might need more options so I grabbed some different Czech glass assortments in amber and greens as well as those African Trade glass beads in the center.

"What about the clasp", I hear you say?

My tiny anvil produced this toggle as well as one of my "Grow" charms and some hammered rings.

*Here's the kicker* I did not send this soup!!!

Read on to see what happened next....

I had volunteered to send out a second batch of soup to anyone that had a partner mishap, mail mix up, whatever. I got an email from Lori by accident and thought I needed to send out an extra batch. So I mixed this batch up below. I found out a little later about the hiccup and that I did NOT actually need to send out a second batch but now that I had two all ready to go....what's a girl to DO?!

Primrose pendant, orange and turquoise garden lentils and a *new debut* orange and turquoise disks!

Coral chips, tiger eye, carnelian rounds and turquoise.

Some czech glass for filler and options and I was debating on the two sizes of clasp.

Finally, I decided that the orange just had to go. I don't know Charlotte except for the few emails we exchanged and the few posts I read on her blog, The Infrequent Beader, but this soup just seemed to WANT to go to her. I wrapped it up with a piece of sari silk and popped it in the mail!

BTW 8/17/11

2011-08-17T13:10:00.001-07:00

Today I am working on turning these awesome lampwork beads from Julsbeads into....

...earrings!

The silver rings are actually upcycled from junked computers. They are the aluminum spacers that are part of the hard drive...you probably care very little about what they actually do and more about how light and fabulous they are as findings, though! I hammer the bejeebers out of them than with a ball peen hammer and then wire them up. Fun, right? And much better than throwing it away! What kind of things do you upcycle and give new life?

Photo Challenge Winner for Food!

2011-08-16T09:33:00.000-07:00

Great job, Tracey at A Beadiful Mess! Tracey's chicken and peas was the favorite for voters last week and she was the ONLY entry for this Jewelry theme this week. So here's what I am going to do. This week I will display Tracey's Food Challenge photo and next week I will change the featured photo to this....

Lovely, isn't it?!

Congratulations, Tracey!

I am going to put the Photo Challenge on hold for a week or two as I adjust to school for two of my boys, keeping my niece and with Bead Soup going on I want to focus on that. We will pick this up again though, never fear. It just might be a week or so, deal?

Why I haven't been blogging as much.

2011-08-11T18:17:00.001-07:00

Keeping them busy is keeping ME busy! But I am still running the Photo Challenge this week. The theme is Jewelry. Send me 1 photo of something you made or a favorite piece you like to wear or even something on someone else....as long as YOU took the photo, I want it! Email me at kathryn7@gmail.com and I will post it on Monday so we can vote.

Food Challenge Voting AND new theme! (more recent posts below)

2011-08-08T07:37:00.000-07:00

I have decided that we are going to try voting and posting the new theme for the coming week in the same Monday post. We'll see how it goes. This way we can all link to one post for voting and attracting new entrants.

The winner of the "Children" theme is Hannah Gardenghi! Great job, Hannah! Her name and photo will be posted in my side bar for a week while we vote on these delicious looking photos.

"Food"

Tracey at A Beadiful Mess

Brenda at The Broken Quill

Courtney at Beads by Breul

Rebecca at Rebecca's Kitchen.

Courtney at Beads by Breul

The new theme for the coming week is "Jewelry". Email your entry (just one this time) to me by Sunday night the 14th of August.

Children Photo Challenge Vote Post and the Fauna winner!

2011-08-07T07:13:00.000-07:00

The winner of the Fauna Photo Challenge is Jan Gardner of The Cookbook Experiment. Way to go Jan! Her picture and link to her blog will be in my sidebar for this week while we vote on the adorable kiddie pics! Send your friends to vote!

Hannah Gardenghi

Tracey at A Beadiful Mess

Brenda Coats at The Broken Quill.

BTW 8/3/11

2011-08-03T10:49:00.001-07:00

New beads! To day I put my newest bead designs in groups and listed them for you in my shop.

This little guy you've seen before....

But now we have our cousin staying with us for an extended visit! So if you see less of me you'll know why. I've got double the fun in the "kids under 2" department!

Thanks for stopping by! Check out more Bead Table Wednesday participants on Flickr.

Don't forget to send me your yummo food pictures for this week's Photo Challenge!

Food Photo Challenge

2011-08-02T13:20:00.000-07:00

This week our challenge will be "FOOD".

Ready to eat...

Not so ready to eat yet...

Breakfast...

Lunch...

or Dinner!

If you can eat it and you took a cool photo of it, I want it. Shoot it to me in an email! I will be accepting entries until Sunday night the 7th of August.

Fauna Challenge Voting (new posts below)

2011-08-01T01:16:00.001-07:00

So I think we are going to make a few adjustments to the challenge process. I will be posting the photos AND the photographers info on the voting posts. We then vote all week and then choose the winner which I will feature in my side bar the following week.Anna is already there for this week, so check her out. I think that this way everyone will get more blog exposure and you can post about your photo and send your readers over to vote for their favorite (hopefully it's yours). So here are the entrants for the Fauna theme:

Paul at Photics.org

Patty at My Life Under the Bus

Jan at The Cookbook Experiment

Hannah Gardenghi

Of bees and beads (Inspired by Nature: Bees)

2011-07-29T20:04:00.001-07:00

This week the Inspired by Nature Challenge is about Bees. Here is my submission.

Here is my stylized bumblebee. The most classy bumblebee you'll see, says me ;) Can you tell we read a lot of Dr. Seuss?!

The Flower Pendant and beads were made my your truly and the lampwork is from JulsBeads.

As my regular readers know I am endeavoring to take more interesting and better photos of my work so here are the matching earrings to the necklace in several different settings. What do you think? Got a favorite? Let me know in the comments section. I am discovering that when it comes to photography the favorite of the audience is not always that of the photographer! Speaking of photos, the Tropical Blonde Photo Challenge is still accepting entries for the theme "Children" this week. I am allowing *2* entries per person this week! You can also vote for your favorite "Fauna" entry until Sunday night.

To see more of the Inspired by Nature Jewelry Challenge check us out on Flickr. Also, Heather Powers is having a heat induced beady breakdown and is GIVING away a massive bundle of her amazing beads. You really won't want to miss this.

Finally, a huge, happy thank you to Lisa Crone over at A Bead a Day for her kind words about my work. Check out her blog to see what she said!

Have a great weekend!

BTW 7/27/11

2011-07-27T09:27:00.000-07:00

This week I am SO excited to say that my very first batch of JulsBeads is on my beading table! If you hurry you might be able to snap up some her beads over in her Etsy store. She just added some awesome sets for only $15! That is artisan made, unique lampwork totally covered in awesome sauce (and rinsed in fairy pee according to the description) for $15. Made by this chick that makes me snort my drink out of my nose almost every time I read her blog. Seriously.

Here you can see he beads which I am planning to pair with my Flower Pendant (available in multiple colors for you on Etsy). I also have plans for the seemingly disembodied wings because this piece is most likely going to be entered in the Inspired by Nature Challenge for this week.

Here is actually the finished piece from the IBN challenge last week which was also on my BTW post as I was working on these mushrooms that day.

I have to say I was a little dubious when I started but I am thrilled with the way it finally came together. Even if the hubs did observe that I am having a "lopsided phase". I did inform him that we like the term asymmetrical much better than "lopsided". My preference was duly noted and has been implemented ever since ;)

Don't forget to check out this week's Photo Challenge! The theme is "Children" and I have had such a great response I am taking DOUBLE ENTRIES. That's right. You can send me 2 pics this week because trying to choose just one of these sweetie pies is just too darn difficult!

Hop over to Flickr and check out other Bead Table Wednesday participants to for more beady works in progress.

New Photo Challenge Theme

2011-07-26T06:48:00.000-07:00

"Children"

Email your entry to kathryn7@gmail.com by Sunday night the 31st of July. Pictures do not have to be of your own children but the photo must have been taken by you.

Color Photo Challenge Winner is....

2011-07-25T01:00:00.036-07:00

Anna Lear (number 2)!

Your photo will appear in my side bar this week along with a link to your blog.

Here are all the entrants for the Color theme along with their websites (if they have one).

The blog buttons for these challenges are up and running so check them out in my side bar and grab one!

1. Ashlee Wilkinson. A lot of people loved the creativity of this shot!

2. Our winner Anna Lear of The Laughing Raven.

3. Cara Jane

4. Hannah Gardenghi

5. Mandy at The Pocket Banana (isn't that the cutest name?!)

6. Brenda Coats of The Broken Quill.

7. Paul Gardenghi (the hubs) at Photics.org

8. Courtney Breul of Bead by Breul.

I need to revisit my weekly timeline for these Challenges so as of right now I will post the new Fauna Challenge entrants later today and tomorrow I will post the next theme for you to be sending to me this week. Have an awesome Monday!

It's an unplanned laundry day because...

2011-07-21T08:23:00.000-07:00

...this adorable, cuddly, lovable little booger remembered his long lost Optimus Prime transformer was outside in the garden and he went out first thing this morning to get it. What I failed to realize was that it had been out there for DAYS and when he so lovingly came in to show me his prize he dumped about 50 EARWIGS IN MY BED!! Ok maybe it was more like 20 but that early in the morning and IN MY BED means there were a LOT of earwigs, people! Needless to say, I have much washing of bed linens to do today plus I keep finding the little critters scattered around because some of them got away. grrr.

BTW 7/20/11

2011-07-20T08:37:00.000-07:00

Today I am working on some new beads inspired by the Inspired by Nature Challenge over at Humblebeads. This weeks inspiration photo stopped me dead in my tracks for a couple reasons. First, the colors in the photo are some of my all time favorites. And then the mushrooms themselves. I always have ideas percolating in my brain for new beads and products but sometimes they don't go any further than ideas because something better or just more convenient comes along. Mushrooms have been like that for me. I think they are cute and all but I just never really had an idea that hit me that I really loved. Until this week. I am just playing with ideas at the moment, rough drafts and product development if you will. But the important this is that I like where I am headed.

Also, the new theme for the weekly Photo Challenge is up! Check out this week's awesome entries for the "color" theme and vote for your favorite too.

Go check out the other Bead Table Wednesday photos on Flickr!

Photo Challenge Theme

2011-07-19T00:14:00.001-07:00

This week's Photo Challenge Theme is "Fauna".

Wildlife, domestic pets, insects, arachnids....whatever (no kids, they'll have their own week ;)).

Just as an interesting aside, all the baby robin pictures were taken with my Android phone (first generation) because the nest is almost touching the ceiling of my patio and my big camera can't see into it. I think, under the circumstances that's pretty amazing.

Here are a few ideas!

Click on any photo to see the large size.

Still Time To Enter!

2011-07-16T07:40:00.000-07:00

I have to work "for real" all day today so I am leaving one last call for this week's Photo Challenge! Get your entry in to me by emailing kathryn7 at gmail dot com. I will be setting up the post to vote on all the entries and post it on Monday. Read the Photo Challenge post here. I am also working on some blog buttons for the participants which I will also put up on Monday. Happy snapping!

BTW 7/13/11

2011-07-13T08:19:00.006-07:00

These babies were a custom order from a friend. Once they were finished though they ended up being a little longer and heavier than we expected so I am going to make some adjustments to them and most likely end up with several bracelets to coordinate.

This awesome lady randomly stopped by my house this morning and took all my boys on a walk. Does she rock or what?! Thanks, Mom!!

This photo is a year old at least...just so you don't think this is her "walking outfit" ;)

And now they are due back any minute and we're headed for some water fun. Have a great Wednesday! Hop over to the group on Flickr to see what everyone has on their tables.

Also, I have thrown out my first Photo Challenge! Check it out and enter...it's not just for beaders ;)

Photo Challenge

2011-07-12T08:05:00.006-07:00

Last week I mentioned hosting a challenge of my own inspired by some of those that I have been participating in like the ABS Monthly and Inspired by Nature. As I pondered how to present this challenge my first thought was to make it centered around beads and jewelry since I think most of my readers are so inclined. But then I got to thinking that many of you are already participating in various swaps, hops, challenges and it being summer many have kids to entertain (or at least keep from killing each other) so I wanted to do something that is a little different.

So I present my Photo Challenge!

Here's how it goes:

1. I will post a theme, hopefully each Monday.

2. You email me a picture (that YOU took) to kathryn7 dot gmail dot com. I don't care if it's old, new, taken on the most expensive Nikon ever or taken with your crappy flip phone camera. It just has to be YOUR photography.

3. The next Monday I will post all the photos (without names on them) and you vote for the one you like the best (your own or not...it's up to you). Voting will be open for the business week ending on Friday.

4. By the following Monday I will post all the pictures again with credit and links to your blog or website (if you have one, if not I'll just post your name)

5. I will post the winner's photo in my side bar for the week with a link to their site until the next winner is chosen.

So, come one, come all and enter your photo in the first Photo Challenge on Tropical Blonde! Tell your friends on Facebook, Twitter, post to your blog....the challenge is open to anyone.

The first theme is...

Color.

The subject can be anything at all (ok, wait...no adult content, please). The only requirements are that YOU took the photo and that it is in color. Have fun!

Random mojo

2011-07-11T10:28:00.006-07:00

Yay! I won the randomly picked drawing for the Inspired by Nature Challenge over atHumblebeads!! My post about my entries is here. Thanks, Heather! Also, check out the other entries on the Flickr group.

Just a quickie fun post today. You guys seemed to love the supportive, jewelry sporting husband I have so I thought you might like to see that he's rubbing off on my boys.

Check out their own accessories. Isaac is wearing a fossilized shark tooth and Jason's is a skull bead. Am I lucky or what?! I have the shark's tooth listed already, skull necklaces will hopefully follow!

ABS July

2011-07-09T14:42:00.013-07:00

Morning in the Garden at Vaucresson, by Edouard Vuillard 1923 reworked 1938
distemper on canvas, 59 ½ by 43 5/8 inches

Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Collection, Wolfe Fund, 1952

This month's challenge over at the Art Bead Scene is inspired by this painting.

Here is my submission called "Garden Party". It's never to early to party in my book!

My piece includes my own art beads (Pink Garden Lentils and Flower Pendant which I put an extra hole in to make it a connector).

I also used some of my most recent Bead Soup beads to fashion my own leaves and bring in that rust color from the roof in the painting.

Finally, I took 3 shades of sari silk and braided them before wrapping them in wire to get that contained wildness feel that I get from the art. I strung the rust colored ceramic spacers on the silk before weaving them together and added the green seed beads to mimic pieces of greenery clinging to a trellis (or whatever you call those wire guiding thingees...can you tell I do jewelry NOT gardening?!).

Check out the other submissions here on Flickr.

Inspired by Nature challenge week 2.

2011-07-09T08:06:00.000-07:00

This weeks' challenge motivated me to do several things I have wanted to try for quite some time but always seem to get distracted from. Using feathers for one and making nest components for another.

Here is my submission for the challenge. I call it "Fly" (bet you didn't see that coming, huh?). I made the nest myself! Yay, finally...now I think I might be addicted and you might start seeing nests all over the place. I hammered, stamped and put a liver of sulfur patina on the "charm". I have a hard time not still calling it a washer as it began ;)

Speaking of the charm...I actually started this post with the it placed higher on the chain but my Mom saw it and suggested maybe trying to move it down a link. You can see the original below and the final design is the one above. Which I liked much better. Isn't it funny what one link can mean?

Close up of the nest and charm. I did also put a patina of LoS on the nest too.

Handmade toggle. I LOVE this. You will definitely be seeing more of these. I might even put them in the shop.

Close up of the feather cluster.

And a bonus...

I said I had wanted to work with feathers...specifically...make peacock earrings. What better time to do it?! They are HUGE but I can't get enough of them.

Check out all of the challenge entries on Flickr.

Photography practice

2011-07-08T08:48:00.001-07:00

...we bought a membership to the Butterfly Pavilion on Groupon. It's a great chance for me to practice my photography. I am thinking about possibly hosting a challenge inspired by the photos I take. Would you be interested?

Now for the important stuff!

2011-07-07T09:43:00.002-07:00

Yesterday I woke up bitten by the cleaning bug and since that doesn't happen very often (read: NEVER) I decided to ride it out. My awesome Mom came over and helped. So between us my ENTIRE house is clean. I'm kinda in shock I think. Anyway, that means that today I am working with this stuff...

to make more stuff like this!

Woo hoo!

Are you a "consistent cleaner" or do you not see the mess until it's in your way?! Tell me I'm not alone!!

Btw 7-5-11

2011-07-06T14:30:00.001-07:00

So really i have been cleaning like a crazy woman but this is what's "nesting" in my mind for this month's ABS challenge. I still need the right mix of filler but these will be the main events. What's on your table?

Bead Soup in the off season

2011-07-05T09:43:00.006-07:00

Many of you are familiar with Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Party. It is one big stuff yourself to the brim with inspiration blog hop that Lori puts on about twice a year. However, there is a MUCH smaller group on Yahoo that does other swaps all throughout the year that may or may not have a challenge and blog hop associated with them. We recently swapped beads with an "Earth Tones" theme. My partner was Jennifer of Jewelry by Jennifer Pride. There are the fabulous bits and pieces she passed my way.

I can't wait to get started with them...I think a few might even make it onto this month's ABS entry :) Wait and see!

Willow challenge

2011-07-01T09:17:00.005-07:00

Heather Powers is putting on a 12 week challenge in conjunction with her upcoming book release. This week I was inspired by her photo to create this pendant. I added the little translucent blue and teal swirls because they remind of little gusts of wind that I imagine are in the photo. I was going to do a more complex necklace as is my usual style but I liked the pendant just simply strung on the sari silk with a few cream wood beads that look like the willow puffs. You can check out the whole group participating in the challenge here on Flickr.

Of mothers and daugthers

2011-06-30T07:47:00.006-07:00

My church has a private blog and for Mother's Day I sponsored a giveaway. Now that everyone has seen the items over there I can show you guys! It was super sweet. The winner wanted to give the prize to her mother since the contest was to tell a story about your mom and we voted on the best one. I thought it was a great idea to give the subject of the winning story the prize but I also wanted my friend to have a piece of her own to remember the fun. So we got together and here's what I came up with after our chat. I made a set of beads that would be included in all the jewelry to represent the mother/daughter's similarities and common elements. I then proceded to make 2 totally different styles of necklace with the same beads and mostly the same findings and "extras". Here's how it turned out.

The long necklace for the daughter is able to be worn with either chain in the front depending on her mood and outfit.

I made them an identical set of earrings.

Mom's necklace is short and a little more traditional in style but still bright and fun.

They loved it...which means I am one happy beader! I added the beads to my shop too so if you'd like include them in some of your summer plans go here.

BTW 6-29-11

2011-06-29T08:13:00.004-07:00

Today I have a custom order to make and my deadline is....drumroll.....tomorrow. Awesome. Actually, it's really fine because it's supposed to be 99 degrees here today and we'll be in the basement playing the Wii and making jewelry ;)

What's on your bead table (or life's plate in general for you non beady types?)

Check out more of Bead Table Wednesday on Flickr and pop over to Humblebeads to give Heather a virtual hug on the upcoming release of her new book! Heather is the brain mama of BTW. She totally rocks. Go tell her so.

Turquoise and orange, the saga continues.

2011-06-28T08:02:00.000-07:00

During the week of the now famous Muffin Tin Jewelry Challenge my inspiration went a little into over drive. I told you yesterday about the projects I completed for the challenge. What I didn't tell you was that I made a necklace for myself because I wanted to wear my current favorite color combo to a wedding on Saturday! I came home from work at 9:30pm on Friday night with a large caffeinated beverage and made these pieces while the hubs and I watched a movie.

I'd say that was one well spent creative week, peeps!

Muffin Tin Challenge Reveal

2011-06-27T11:25:00.010-07:00

Here's my completed muffin tin! What's that I hear you say? One is empty?! Oh dear.

Wait! Here it is!! It is being worn almost daily by the resident super hero father man!

Hot, I know right? Hand's off, ladies, this one's mine ;)

Some close ups and group shots of the product of the Muffin Tin Challenge hosted by ABS.

A couple of the crystal stretchy bracelets were a custom order that I forgot to get a photo of before they were delivered...bad beady blogger! Only one task that I set myself did not happen (one of the pendants that I set out to patina just hasn't found it's patina soul mate yet so I left her plain for now). However, I did end up making WAY more pendants and beads than I had expected and even got lots of them cured, covered in patinas and ready to be sold or made into finished jewelry. I think we're going to call that a wash. Exceeding expectations, even....love that! This challenge was an awesome way to make your "to do" list tangible and attainable. I might be doing more of these on my own in the future so stay tuned.

Summer fun

2011-06-24T13:55:00.001-07:00

We started our weekend off with a visit to our Butterfly Pavilion. We had tons of fun and I will post more pictures of the prettiest inhabitants over a few posts. Have an awesome weekend!

I won!

2011-06-23T08:10:00.002-07:00

Last month over at the Art Bead Scene I was randomly selected to win one of the grab bags from this fantabulous sponsor Gardanne. Anne Lichtenstein. Check her out. Her lampwork and enamel skills will make your fingers itch to get your hands on some. Which you can totally do by clicking through to her shop on Etsy. Do it, do it now!

BTW 6-22-11

2011-06-22T08:14:00.008-07:00

Yesterday over at the Art Bead Scene they posted a Muffin Tin Challenge. I LOVE this idea. Incidentally, the Muffin Tin Challenge and Bead Table Wednesday came from the same place. Ms Heather Powers! She is one awesome, amazing chick. Did you know she has a book in the offing?! So cool right? Hop over and leave her some bloggy love.

Here is my muffin tray and the projects from top left to bottom right.

A skull necklace for the hubby,

a new pendant design that needs a patina,

the smaller version of the new pendant which also needs a patina,

new flower beads that need patinas,

a custom order in progress that needs "something extra" that seems to be eluding me,

zebra striped leatherleaf beads that I have been wanting to use for ages and they have been stumping me,

the next two cups are both new colors of clay for my Primrose and Iris pendants,

the three cups full of crystals are all going to be stretchy bracelet coordinates for a friend that needs easily coordinated arm candy,

and one last new clay color for another style of flower pendant!

I plan to take photos of each project in it's completed form and post it next week!

Check out the rest of the BTW group on Flickr.

What I did on vacation (part 2)

2011-06-21T09:11:00.003-07:00

My father in law and I visited Harbor Freight (my first time ever) and I picked up an alphanumeric stamping set! Here are my first few pieces. He also has tons of scrap and stuff from his job that is awesome for jewelry making.

I hammered a piece of scrap brass tubing to make this bracelet and used some brass wire for the clasp. Pop on some turquoise and voila!

A pendant for my sister in law and her boyfriend. I later used some liver of sulfur on it but somehow forgot to get a picture.

The clasp on this necklace (front and back)

And the winners are...

2011-06-20T07:27:00.001-07:00

Holly Westfall at number 23 and Lesley Watt at 17. Thank you all for participating! Thanks to random.org for the number generator ;)

I am sick as a dog today and pretty much letting the boys do whatever they want that won't burn down the house. That's also the reason the pic of my most recent pendant choices is modeled on my husband's pillow and taken on my iPad. You do what ya gotta do, am I right?! Oh yeah, and there are a couple beads in the pic that don't go, I know...but the are new ideas I'm playing with and thought a little sneak peek might keep you interested ;)

I will be emailing the winners if I don't hear from them first for shipping info and pendant choice. Thanks again to all of you who participated!

What I did on vacation (part 1)

2011-06-16T08:27:00.005-07:00

Practiced my photography. Both of jewelry and non-jewelry subjects.

Part 2 will focus on the new skills I developed in the jewelry department (hint: involves a lot of metal and some chemistry).

Don't miss out on the giveaways that are going on right now! Check out this post to see.

BTW 6-15-11

2011-06-15T07:34:00.004-07:00

Today I will be experimenting with new colors and patinas for my new pendants!

I am also hosting a giveaway for two winners if you comment on the giveaway post found here.

Bead Table Wednesday is the brain child of the amazing Heather Powers of Humblebeads and to more of the bead tables across the blogland check out the Flickr group.

Giveaway Tuesday!

2011-06-14T07:58:00.006-07:00

In honor of my new pendants I will be giving away 1 each to 2 fantastic commenters! Just leave a comment on this post to enter. Blog about it, Facebook it or Tweet it for additional entries. Please leave separate comments for each so I make sure to give you all your entries. I will choose a winner on Monday morning June 20th. The winners will be able to choose one from the picture above (also available for purchase in my shop) OR I will be accepting custom color requests from my winners!

If you love giveaways as much as I do check out these lovely ladies:

Amy at Copperdiem

somethinguniquebylana

Both are hosting fantastic giveaways so check them out and click the Follow button on their blogs if you haven't already. Both are well worth keeping track of!

UPDATED LIST

These marvelous blogs are also hosting giveaways at the moment!

Lori at Pretty Things (there are 9...count 'em 9! winners over there!!)

Norma at Moonlitfantaseas

Laura at Little Treats

ABS challenge June 2011

2011-06-13T09:05:00.005-07:00

This month's challenge is inspired by this work.

Ophelia by Odilon Redon

c. 1900-05; Pastel on paper mounted on board, 19 7/8 x 26 1/2 in; The Woodner Collection

This painting really spoke to me as far as colors were concerned. The palette is so varied and vibrant that there seemed to be endless combinations of color that appealed to me! In fact, as I was coming up with the perfect art bead to use I created a whole new line for my Etsy shop almost by accident! You can see the variety in this snap I took of them all together (minus that perfect one that I used for my finished piece).

Here is my finished submission.

It features my new Primrose pendant in yellow and turquoise!

Having been on vacation for a couple weeks this was an awesome project to come home to! It totally got me back into the creative groove.

What to take?!

2011-05-25T07:12:00.006-07:00

Back in March the Rings & Things trunk show came to Denver. Not just anywhere in Denver, but practically right down the street from my house. Happy Birthday to me! I have used some of my awesome finds but quite a bit of my favorite pieces have been stewing in my brain as I play with designs that use them to their full potential. Take a look at some of what will be coming on vacation with me.

Various gorgeous tiger eye strands.

BLING!

Carnelian, various agates and some amethyst. Those large agate coins are about 45mm, btw! Love them!!

So, my advice is run to the next Rings & Things show you can or failing that, check their online store anytime of the night or day. Gotta love the internet.

While you're surfing said 'net, pop over to Humblebeads and say hi to Heather who started the Bead Table Wednesday blog party every week. The whole gang can be seen on Flickr here.

Work in progress...

2011-05-24T07:37:00.002-07:00

Just "quick and dirty" posts this week because I am in crunch time mode before we go on vacation at the end of the week. Here are the beads born of my most recent canes. These particular ones are going to be the make up of my mother/daughter necklace giveaway. As soon as I get more made I'll be listing them on Etsy but it may have to wait until after I get back from Baltimore. We shall see how much get's done before I leave ;)

BTW 5/18/11

2011-05-18T02:29:00.009-07:00

My turquoise and orange phase has moved into the realm of polymer this week. Here are some canes that I developed to scratch the incessant itch I have developed for this color way.

Here are some beads in progress.

Here are a some finished focals that are going to be a corrdinating mother and daughter set that I am making for friend at church who won the giveaway I sponsored for Mother's Day.

Both pieces will have this focal and some coordinating beads but have totally different looks.

Come back next week to see them, hopefully!

The results of last week's BTW! Which I have worn multiple times already :)

Check out more of Bead Table Wednesday on Flickr and pop into Humblebeads to give Heather some bloggy love for starting this show!

I can't blog today

2011-05-17T08:48:00.001-07:00

Because somebody needs a playmate. I'll let you know what I'm working on in between reenacting Toy Story scenes when we return to the regularly scheduled Bead Table Wednesday tomorrow.

Octodogs!

2011-05-13T13:23:00.003-07:00

I get bored easily...especially in the kitchen. Here's a twist on an old favorite that keeps me at least half way interested. If you eat all your noodles and octopus you get to see Spiderman on the bottom of your bowl ;) Have an awesome weekend!

BTW

2011-05-11T08:49:00.004-07:00

I quite often get inspiration from clothing and outfits that I either wear or see on other people. On Monday I saw this awesome outfit on a lady in line at Chipotle. It started this new color obsession...orange and turquoise! Yes, I am aware this is not a new combo but it never grabbed me like it did after seeing this lady wear it SO well!

Here are some potential earring pairs.

Here are some Halfway Around the World" bracelets from last week's BTW post.

Check out more BTW on Flickr and pop into Humblebeads and virtually high five Heather for this awesome idea!

My most photogenic Mother's Day present!

2011-05-10T09:09:00.004-07:00

I got some great stuff for the bath and awesome tasting stuff that I should be eating but life's too short, enjoy the Dr. Pepper and Sour Patch Kids, I say! My hubby got me this awesome orchid and I decided to practice my photography on it. I think it went pretty well, don't you?!

ABS May Challenge

2011-05-09T06:43:00.004-07:00

This month the Art Bead Scene Challenge piece is "Hide and Seek" by Berthe Morisot.

Click on the images to make them larger, there is some great detail.

When I first looked at the painting I saw a lot of greens. Green is not a color I use all the time so I have to admit at first nothing sprang to mind. Usually when I look at a piece of inspiration a piece of jewelry kind of crawls off the the page and lodges itself in my brain until I make it. This time I started pulling out my art beads that I thought might work well into the color scheme. I landed on my faux carved jade and couldn't put them aside. I started trying to decide which pattern to use and decided to mix the styles. You'll see the most detailed one on the left in the picture below followed by a less intricate pattern and finally one that shows more of the faux jade with less "carving".

Upon closer examination some of the warmer colors like the cherries and the roofs started to come out so I decided to mix in some antique copper colored artistic wire to link the faux jade. It still wasn't quite "there" yet though. I wanted a little more "roof and cherry" and it was also feeling too dark at that point. I grabbed some green tree agate briolettes to add some lighter green with some carnelian chips and sunset agate for that "pop". I also mixed up the metals in this piece because I wanted some to be seen (like the gold on the carnelian) and others not so much (like the jasper and the green agate). I love the way it came out and I'll be wearing it all this week, I'm sure.
The finishing touch was the sari silk! I tried chains but it just looked too modern and not earthy enough for me. I tried one ribbon but didn't get the depth and substance I needed to really compliment the focal section. Finally, I found three great greens that worked well together and braided them and voila!
This was a super fun challenge! Be sure to check out more on Flickr and at ABS!

The best bouquets

2011-05-07T10:05:00.000-07:00

Are collected from the backyard as your family spends time together in the sunshine. Have an awesome Mother's Day!

I should be working...

2011-05-05T08:06:00.003-07:00

...on posting to Etsy! So while I pop over there to add the new Vintage Chic collection that should have been up over the weekend you take a peep at a couple snaps I got of these cuties the other day :) We are hoping to have a play and picnic date today with a friend so you might see some more later. Have a great day!

BTW

2011-05-04T08:42:00.004-07:00

Today I am experimenting with my new "bead mirror" for taking photos of jewelry. By that I mean, I bought a square bezel mirror on clearance at Walmart and am seeing if I like how pictures turn out when I use it :) So far I think it's a winner!

Here are the raw components of what I plan to make today...

They will be turning into my new design I call "Half way around the world"

Here are the first two in the collection.

Check out more Bead Table Wednesday on Flickr and pop in at Humblebeads to check out Heather Powers who started it all!

Singin' the blues...

2011-05-03T08:42:00.004-07:00

Blue seems to be my color lately!

Introducing the "Vintage Chic Collection"

2011-04-29T07:28:00.003-07:00

A while back I mentioned I had a new collection inspired by vintage elements in the works. Today I present the first pieces in that set! I am going to post them in my Etsy shop over the weekend but I am giving my bloggy pals first crack at them. If you would like to purchase one leave me a comment or send me an email at kathryn7 dot gmail dot com. Each piece is one of a kind made from upcycled jewelry as well as some handmade components. They also layer together very well. I designed them to stand alone or be worn 2 or 3 together. Because I'm just nuts like that ;)

Victoria: 18 inches. Filigree focal balanced by handmade free form wire connector.

$35

Diana: Cameo pendant with purple rhinestones. $20

Elizabeth: Intricate round pendant with layered chains. $25

Catherine: Handmade original design composed of black labradorite diamonds and silver colored wire. $30

Have an awesome weekend!

One focal...four or more options!

2011-04-28T07:59:00.003-07:00

Yesterday for Bead Table Wednesday I showed you some of the things I was planning to work on. I got stuck. On one type of bead :) As I began to sketch some ideas with these large ceramic oval beads I had a stroke of inspiration. The beads are very large (40mm top to bottom) so it seemed like using one would be ideal for most people so that the weight could be kept at a comfortable level. But I couldn't decide the best way to orientate the bead. And then I remembered this awesome idea I saw on a blog I read earlier this week. I tried to find it again and couldn't if you know who I am talking about please leave me a comment because I wanted to link to her work to show you how awesome this idea is! Take a look.

I started by taking one bead and giving it extra large wire loops. I wanted to get as many options as possible out of the design so I attached it to 36 inches of copper chain (makes an 18 inch necklace when fully extended like above). The handmade hook clasp went on the other end of the chain and voila! I added the Vintaj fairy and the vintage turquoise bead to add a little whimsy and balance for when it's worn horizontally as seen below.

And finally...

Tada! The reason I decided on the 18 inch length was because you can also double the chain and wear it short, again with the vertical or horizontal option!

I loved it so much I had to do another one...

This time I made little dragon flies with grossular garnet rounds for accents and used different types of chain for a simple yet still asymmetrical look (when worn long) that turns symmetrical when worn short. Neat, huh?

BTW

2011-04-27T08:00:00.005-07:00

For my birthday mid-April my in-laws gave me a Hobby Lobby gift card and super cute damask patterned candle with matching holder. Today on my table are the beads that said gift card bought. I have recently fallen for ceramic beads thanks largely to Jen and the stash she sent me a while back which contained a wide variety of goodies including some awesome ceramics! Today I am hoping to work up some designs for these babies....starting with those giant ovals at the bottom. Aren't the gorgeous?!

For more Bead Table Wednesday check us out on Flickr and don't forget to hop over and say hi to Heather for starting this great group.

The runner up

2011-04-26T08:30:00.004-07:00

Yesterday I posted about my ABS challenge entry. Yay! Now I will show you the other piece I had thought I might enter. Here she is....

The faux jade polymer pendant came from the same mold that my entry did. That mold is a current favorite. I love the little oriental (not sure what language it is) character surrounded by all the flora. As far as "wearability" goes, this piece goes with a surprising range of current colors. The amethyst rounds and rondelles add another aspect, allowing me to keep the design simple but still interesting to look at...nothing keeps you guessing and coming back for more like natural stones! Finally, the coins! As soon as I held them up to the mix I had going with the faux jade and amethyst I was hooked. I thought about using one coin to make a clasp but I wanted to be able to show both sides while it was being worn so I went with the symmetrical and simple all the way.

The reason I didn't enter this piece was because when I completed it i wasn't sure if it was *too* simple of a construction for the challenge. Also, while the colors I chose were a rough approximation of some that were in the color palette of the painting, I felt that the overall feel of the piece just wasn't close enough to suit me. But I'll let you in on a secret...I think this is the one I will be adding to my personal collection ;)

ABS Challenge April 2011

2011-04-25T09:23:00.004-07:00

I posted last week about debating about whether I should enter my work in the ABS challenge.

Thank you to all you fantastic and supportive people who left comments and thoughts on such struggles :) The comments were a huge help! Sometimes hearing the same thing you are telling yourself sounds even more obvious coming from somebody else! Anyway...here is my submission for the challenge.

The polymer pendant was made using mokame gane techniques and keeping a somewhat irregular shape because I wanted shape that looked more organic...like a stone that you didn't want to cut away to much of to make the perfect form. The coordinating beads (the three on the opposite side of the flower) are also all made by me. All the polymer was inspired by the painting for this month that you see here.

The blossom is rose quartz and accented by the carved stone beads that I have forgotten what they are but love how they look and feel. The rest of the beads are carnelian rounds. The first piece that I created for this challenge was strung on waxed cotton. While I LOVE the piece (I will do a separate post about it later) I knew that that fiber was just not what I wanted for this second installment. So I went with artistic wire for an added boost the the asymmetrical design and also to bring in that tiny bit of green, giving a nod to the leaves in the painting.

This was a fun challenge and I think now I will try to do them more often. Thanks again for all the support...you guys are awesome!

BTW and my inner turmoil.

2011-04-20T09:23:00.003-07:00

Wednesday, Wednesday...Bead Table Wednesday!

Here's the thing...I am working on two pieces right now and here are peeks at both of them.

They are both inspired by the same source and there are similarities (you'll just have to take my word because I deliberately didn't show those similarities to you ;) ). However, I am first of all having trouble deciding which one I like best for the challenge and secondly...well, I guess I am just having a bout of that self doubt that strikes most artists from time to time. Some really AMAZING artists enter this challenge and it's just kinda daunting to think "maybe my work could be in the same group with these people"?! I know I should just go for it. I probably will. We'll see.

Here are some photos of past BTW pieces that are now complete. Check out more of BTW on Flickr. And don't forget to check out Heather Powers who started it all!

Testing The Blogsy App

2011-04-18T12:46:00.001-07:00

I am hoping that this app is the answer to my iPad blogging needs! We shall see :)

7000 Bracelets of Hope

2011-04-15T12:24:00.006-07:00

Here is my bracelet for the rare disease awareness blog hop!

The theme was to make bracelets that go with blue jeans so I took the opportunity to use some artistic wire with a new color combo I have been experimenting with for my pillow beads

Since we don't know the wrist measurements for out recipients I made an adjustable clasp by making wire wrapped figure 8s. I have worn it on 2 different occasions to test it's comfort and I was very pleased that it attracted several comments as well as proving comfortable and durable.

Check out the full list of participants here!

*~Thank you to the fantabulous Lori Anderson for hosting this event~*

The a-Ha earring moment

2011-04-14T15:47:00.000-07:00

Kathleen Dustin wrote a fantastic article in the latest issue of Art Jewelry. It was about using the ear wire (the part of your earring that actually goes into the piercing) to enhance your design. I loved the article because for quite a while I have struggled to make earrings that I consider to be "WOW" earrings as opposed to just "nice" earrings. Thus began my project to begin developing my earring design skills.

Here you see a pair that I have used regular prefab ear wires. I decided to leave them this way for 2 reasons. A) Contrast and comparison to other options and B) I think that the prefabs in this design kind of "disappear" as in they go unnoticed. This suits me in this instance because it leaves all the attention on the art bead that I created. Will I change it in the future? Very possibly. But not today.

Here we have ear wires that I designed to go with the art beads I made but without drawing too much of their own attention. Yet by making my own I could keep the total length of the earring shorter because a prefab would have required using a jump ring or other element that would have made it too long.

Finally, I used fuchsia artistic wire to be an integral and essential part of this design. Are you surprised these are my favorite? ;)

What are your thoughts?

**Click on photos to enlarge**

BTW

2011-04-13T08:54:00.006-07:00

I have been experimenting with taking photos this morning. So while this actual table is really the coffee table in my living room and not my "real" bead table, this is my latest cane that I plan to incorporate into my Pink Garden pieces (like this bangle or these beads). I have also finished several pieces from previous BTW posts as you can see here...

Be sure to check out more BTW on Flickr!

Also check out BTW mama Heather at Humblebeads.

Spring cleaning!

2011-04-11T09:29:00.001-07:00

Since it's warm enough to be outdoors we do everything we can on the porch or in the yard. Today the boys wanted to draw and pay with playdoh so while they create, Mom can clean. How's that for a change of pace?!

7000 Bracelets of Hope

2011-04-06T15:47:00.003-07:00

Lori Anderson is hosting a blog hop for 7000 Bracelets of Hope. We are raising awareness for people with rare diseases. We will each be making at least one blue bracelet (to coordinate with blue denim which everyone has something denim, right?).

We will have the reveal on April 16th. So far we have over 100 beady bloggers participating and you can see the full list here.

BTW

2011-04-06T07:38:00.002-07:00

I have been trying to come up with an efficient, effective method of making faux cinnabar and jade beads that have a carved and/or aged appearance. I think I am finally getting to a point where I have something I can be happy with! I will of course continue to hone my process and experiment with different patinas and finishes but these are what's taking up the focus of my Bead Table Wednesday. To see what's on everyone else's tables check out our Flickr group. And don't forget to drop in and say hi to Heather Powers who started BTW!

GRRR!

2011-04-05T08:26:00.003-07:00

Don't you just hate it when you are all organized and somehow it falls in a heap?! I had this bracelet made a MONTH in advance and somehow missed sending it in for the Design Challenge on the Vintaj blog. GRR! Oh well, there's always next month, right? I will share it with you guys anyway because I just LOVE it :) The theme is Woodland Blush. As soon as I saw that the vision of this bracelet popped into my head. I have been using my new stash of sari silk in lots of projects but this has got to be one of my top favorites so far. I envisioned vines and forest foliage all tangling together and being guided by filigree into a functional form (see the "vines" being shaped to form the hole of the clasp?). The carved rose quartz "blush" button closure did just what I wanted and bought that touch of color that starts to peek through the leaves in the early morning hours. And of course we must not forget the mistress of the forest. Woodlands wouldn't be complete without our little magical friends, right?!

Photics

2011-04-04T09:21:00.002-07:00

My husband Paul takes amazing photographs and he has just launched his new site Photics.org. Check out the few posts he's got up so far and leave him some comment love to let him know you visited! We all know what a boost that is, right? My current favorite shot is "Boarding in Style". Go see which one is your fav!

Who doesn't love compliments?!

2011-04-01T14:04:00.004-07:00

I was paid two compliments in the last week in the form of Treasury features on Etsy! Check out this one from EB Bead and Metalworks called No Rhyme or Reason and it's a gorgeous, eclectic collection and one of her items are my Pop of Pink Pillow beads.

The other one is called Welcome to Polymer Clay Island by MetaphysicalShop and includes my Tropical Jumbo beads.

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!