Spring Beading with Elizabeth

On Saturday my niece, Elizabeth, and I spent the day together. Our first project was an idea that I found on Pinterest. Jelly Bean bracelets would be a great snack to have for the movie later with her mom, Sandra.

I made a change to the instructions by doubling the elastic thread. This ensured that the needle did not come unthreaded. This was a fun, yummy but sticky project. Elizabeth enjoyed taste testing all of the jelly beans as we worked.

Elizabeth's Rainbow Bracelet

Sandra's Fall with a splash of Root Beer Bracelet

Elizabeth's Fall Medley Bracelet

Jo-Ann's Valentine Bracelet

The complete collection

Elizabeth did have difficulty piercing some of the jelly beans (white seemed the hardest).

After making these very sticky bracelets we decided to work with something more traditional. Using some of the blue crystals leftover from last year's bead soup challenge and coordinating crystals from my stash she made a Ladder stitch bracelet.

Lemon Blueberry Bracelet

After lunch I made matching earrings for her.

Lemon Blueberry Earrings

After Sandra finished work she picked us up and we went to see Cinderella and have dinner. The movie was great.

Happy Beading!

Clay and Metal Blog Hop

 

It is time again for another of Lisa Lodge's blog hops. I signed up for this one at the end of the summer. The kits contained either clay or metal artisan made components by Sharyl McMillian-Nelson aka Metapolies.

My kit contained these brightly coloured clay birds.

This was challenge for me as this is not a colour palette or style that I normally work with.  I played with a few ideas but nothing was coming together is a way that I liked. 

So I fell back to the easiest and simplest idea for a pair of matching components, I made earrings. 

Sorry I did not create something more elaborate for this challenge. 

Take some time to hop around and see what the other beaders, listed below, created with their kit.

Your hostess:  Lisa Lodge, A Grateful Artist

Melissa Trudinger, Bead Recipes

Jo-Ann Woolverton, It's a Beadiful Creation

Carolyn Lawson, Carolyn's Creations

Shaiha Williams,   Shaiha's Ramblings

Toltec  Jewels, Jewel School Friends

Heather Richter, Desert Jewelry Designs

Marybeth Rich, A Few Words from within the Pines

Kim Dworak, Cianci Blue

Karen Grosset Grange, Ginkgo et Coquelicot

Ann Schroeder, Bead Love

Lisa Prewitt Knappenberger, LiRaysa Designs

Carol Briody, A Beads Life

Miranda Ackerley, MirandAck

Kari Asbury, Hippie Chick Design

Susan Anderson, La Main Tresor

LeAnne Loftus, First Impression Design

Leithleach Seodra, Alainn Jewelry

Happy Beading!

Super Duo Flowers

Earlier in the year my mom pinned on Pinterest a Youtube video for instructions to make beautiful sunflower earrings. It was a subtle hint to me that she would like a pair.

The only problem is that it was in Italian. I watched it a number of times but was not able to figure out how to get it to work.

Luckily the October 2104 issue of Bead & Button had a wonderful bracelet project called "Mums in bloom", designed by Susan Schwartzenberger. Kits are available here.

I decided to do it with all yellow flowers. To get the length I wanted I changed the connecting of the flowers.

Bracelet in progress

 The instructions use a snap as the closure but I changed it to a lovely flower shaped toggle.

 After finishing the bracelet I decided to make single flower earrings.

Now I will pack it all up and sent out to my mom. I hope that she will love it.

Happy Beading!

Octoberfest Blog Hop

Sorry that this post is late got busy playing with beads I purchased at CreativFestival.

Fall is a great inspiration with the many colours in nature and wonderful holiday decorations.

As part of another challenge I created this amazing pirate necklace. The Halloween challenge hosted by Lisa Lodge started with this kit of beads.

Here is the finished Pirate Queen of the Seven Seas necklace. I am looking forward to wear it for Halloween.

Detail of dangles

Detail of strung portion

I have also been preparing for an upcoming craft sale making a variety of earrings and snowflakes. I loved these wonderful lucite leaves. They turned in this beautiful fall coloured earrings.

Doing the fall display at work is always fun. This year I decided to create a tree with falling book/leaves.

full display (image captured with iphone pano function)

Detail of tree

Take sometime to hop around and see what some of these other amazing artisans have created this fall!
 

Octoberfest ARTISTS

Toltec Jewels                            Jewel School Friends (hostess)

Dini Bruinsma                           http://www.angazabychanges.blogspot.nl/

Marybeth Rich                          http:/forestofjewels.blogspot.com/

Mary Govaars                           http://www.mlhjewelrydesigns.com/

Mischelle Andrade-Fanucchi     http://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com

Karin Grosset Grange               http://ginkgoetcoquelicot.blogspot.fr

Andrea Zenith Glick                  http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/

Nan Smith                                http://wirednan.blogspot.com

Linda Anderson                        http://CherryOnTopDesign.Co

Becky Pancake                        http://beckypancakebeaddesigns.blogspot.com

Melissa Trudinger                     http://beadrecipes.wordpress.com/

Lennis Carrier                          http://windbent.wordpress.com/

Sue Kennedy                           http://suebeads.blogspot.com/

Kim Dworak                            http://www.cianciblue.blogspot.com/

Jo-Ann Woolverton                  http://itsabeadifulcreation.blogspot.ca

Jennifer Reno                           http://jenrenjewelry.blogspot.com/

Veralynne Malone                    http://veradesigns.blogspot.com 

Lori Schneider                          http://beadaddicted.blogspot.com/

Shaiha Williams                        http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com/

Alisa Siceloff                            http://armoredmermaid.blogspot.com

Pam Traub                               http://www.klassyjoolz.blogspot.com/

Cryss Thain                              http://beaddragons.blogspot.com/

Maria Lourdes Rios                 http://mlourdes24.blogspot.com

Kathy Lindemer                       http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/

Carolyn Lawson                      http://Carolynscreationswa.blogspot.com

Blanca Medina                        http://www.peru-medesigns.com/

Debbie Rasmussen                  www.Kepirasmussen.blogspot.ca

Heather Richter                       http://desertjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/

Kathleen Breeding                   http://99bobotw.blogspot.com/

Carol Dillman                          http://dillmansdallies.blogspot.com/

Chris Eisenberg                       www.wanderware.blogspot.com

Rebecca Sirevaag                    www.godsartistinresidence.blogspot.com

Sam Waghorn                          http://palemooncreation.blogspot.co.uk

Sherri Stokey                           www.KnotJustMacrame.com

Gina Hockett                           www.freestyleelements.blogspot.com

Michelle McCarthy                  http://fireflydesignstudio.blogspot.com

Michelle Buettner                     http://www.MiShelDesigns.blogspot.com

Dana Hickey                            http://magpieapproved.blogspot.com

Claire Fabian                            http://saraccino.blogspot.com 

Cynthia Abner                          http://createdtreasures.blogspot.com

Renetha Stanziano                    http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com

Jami Shipp                               http://CelebratingLifewithDaMamaShipp.blogspot.com

Charlie                                     http://505indiechic.blogspot.com

Gloria Allen                             http://www.wingsandbeads.blogspot.com/

Lisa Johnson                             http://spudandmrsbutters.blogspot.com

Marde Lowe                            http://fancimardesigns.blogspot.com

Jill Bradley                                http://chat2jill.blogspot.com

Toni Gifford                              https://plus.google.com/+ToniG28

Shawnda D'Arcy                      https://www.facebook.com/JewelryByShawnda

RaMona Woolson                    http://jerseygirlsbeadwork.blogspot.com

Esterina Jagiella                        http://ekleijar.blogspot.com

Sandra McGriff                        http://skyescreativechaos.blogspot.com

Mary McGraw                         http://mkaymac.blogspot.com

Alenka Obid                            http://pepita-handmade.blogspot.com

Marianne Baxter                      http://simplyseablimejewelry.blogspot.com

Ann Schroeder                        www.beadlove.wordpress.com

Inge von Roos                          http://ingetraud.wordpress.com

Robin Reed                              http://willowdragon.blogspot.com

Suzanne Berk                           https://www.facebook.com/IRescueJewelryDesign

Mowse Doyle                          http://mowsemadethis.blogspot.com

Diana Miglionico Shiraishi         http://jasmineteadesigns.blogspot.com

RanaLea                                  http://ranaleadesigns.blogspot.com

Andrea Rivers                          http://turtlesoupcreative.blogspot.com

Janine Lucas                            http://esfera.me/travel/blog/travel-stories

Tanya McGuire                        http://tanyamcguire.blogspot.com

Anindita Basu                          http://alankarshilpa.blogspot.com

Mitzie Crider                           http://needfulluxuries.blogspot.com

Deb Fortin                               http://studiok24.blogspot.ca

Cynthia Kent Machata             http://antiquitytravelers.blogspot.com

Cheri Reed                              http://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com

Laurel Hanson                         http://stonewingdesigns.com/blogs/stonewingdesignsblog

Ingrid Anderson                      http://lilisgems.wordpress.com/

Karla Morgan                          http://Texaspepperjams.blogspot.com

Lori Anderson                         www.PrettyThings.com

Louise Mccormick-Glazier       http://lilyandjasmine.blogspot.com/

Jasvanti Patel                          http://jewelrybyjasvanti.blogspot.com

Susan Kelly                            http://midlifegreaterexpectations.blogspot.com/

Lee Koopman                        http://stregajewellry.wordpress.com/

Carol Briody                          http://cbriody.blogspot.com/

Kathy Lindemer                    http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/

Renetha Stanziano                http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com/

Divya N                               http://www.jewelsofsayuri.com/

Happy Beading!

Bead Soup Blog Party #8 - It is Reveal Day!

One week later than originally scheduled ... it is finally Reveal Day!

I have had my pieces finished for awhile. I have even worn them to work and a family gathering. I am pleased with my designs, but might tweak them for weariblity.

Here is what I was sent by my wonderful partner and fellow Canadian Deborah Read.

Wire, cubes and crystals

Two colour palettes

Blue, teal and copper

Ocher, cream, copper and silver

I used the cubes, teal lampwork beads, copper cresent, mixed metal beads, copper rings and toggle. I added copper seed beads, wavy discs, end cones, toggle and Conso thread.

I wanted to see if I could continue my recent fascination with Kumihimo using the cube beads. I knew that I would need to test the workablity of the cubes. I did a quick test using the cubes and size 8 seed beads.

Test of kumihimo with cubes

This worked well, but it needed a large seed bead. I was able to find some amazing copper metal seed beads in size 6.

Detail of kumihimo braiding

With two lengths of braiding done with cubes and copper beads I connected them together with the etched copper crescent (from the soup), copper seed beads, wavy discs and some of the teal lampwork beads (also from the soup).

Detail of focal arrangement

I used a basic copper toggle to finish this necklace. I have worn it a few times. I like the drape of the focal but it might look better if it was perfectly straight. Will have to look for a harden piece of copper to use.

Overall finished necklace

I decided to use the uncoloured etched toggle that was included in the soup along with most of the remaining teal lampwork and an assortment of the various metal beads included to make a co-ordinating bracelet.

Bracelet

That was everything that I had finished in time for the original reveal day of May 3. With the postponement I was able to do this one other design.

I use a few of the ocher and frosted white lampwork beads with this new earring findings I was sent from John Bead. These findings are interchangeable. You can change out the beads. For now they have the lampwork and a couple of crystals each.

Interchangeable Earrings

Thanks once again to my partner Deborah Read for the amazing soup. I know that I will make other projects with the soup leftovers.

Thanks also to our amazing host, Lori Anderson. I know that being part of this creative adventure helps me to work outside of my usual comfort zone. It is fun, creative and amazing.

I have been lucky to participate twice before. The first time Jelveh Jaferian was my partner and here is what I created and what she created.

6th Bead Soup Blog Party Creations

The second time my partner was, fellow Canadian, Cheryl Brown and here is what I created and what she created.

7th Bead Soup Blog Party Creations

Take some time to look at some of the amazing designs create by my fellow 8th Bead Soup Blog Party participants.

Thanks to all who stop by and Happy Beading!

At Mom's Request

Yesterday I received a couple of emails from my mom. First requesting a bracelet to wear to a wedding in June. The next included a photo of the top she would be wearing.

I called her later in the evening to get a better idea of what her would like. I offered to make something in a bright, bold colour as anything would go with this bold black and white graphic print. She prefered either black or white.

I had just gotten some large white glass beads from Lisa Lodge, so I decided to use them.

I added small black Swarovski pearls and Heliotrope crystals. The circular toggle is inset with hemitite.

I had also told my mom that I would make matching earrings. Here I have made simple dangle earrings.

I just have to pack them up and get them in the mail.I will include a Mother's Day card!

Thanks for the request Mom!

Happy Beading!

Lampwork & Clay Blog Hop Reveal Day

Wow, the day has finally arrived. I signed up for this blog hop back at the beginning of June. Hosted by Lisa Lodge of Pine Ridge Treasure the challenge was to make something with the clay or lampwork beads that Lisa sent to you.

Here are the beads that I received back in mid-June. Here is my post about the arrival of the beads. These lovely lampwork beads are by Marcia Seever of ShaZazzGlass. I love the various shades of purple in the swirls. There is also a hint of green in the centre beads.

I had the beads pulled together for Julia Pretl's Springtime box. With a little tweaking of the colours I was able to work the centre lampwork bead into the design.

I used a headpin, Swarovski crystal and the lampwork bead to make the finial. A plastic earring stopper holds it in place.

Next challenge, what to do with the remaining 6 beads. Tried a few layouts for a bracelet with beads in my stash, but I didn't like any of them. I decided to play with some chain loops to make earrings. I like how the sizes work in the design.

Here are the earrings with their one of a kind box.

Once again I have worked both within my comfort zone and beyond when doing a challenge.

Here are all the other wonderful artisans participating in the hop.

Our hostess:  Lisa Lodge, A Grateful Artist

Mary Govaars, MLH Jewelry Designs

Melissa Trudinger, Bead Recipes

Kathy Zeigler Lindemer, Bay Moon Design

Laurie Vyselaar, Lefthand Jewelry

Annette Rivers, MamaOwl's Mess

Karin King, The Sparkle Things Blog

Shaiha Williams,   Shaiha's Ramblings

Mimi Gardner, Baubles, Beads and Other Curiosities

Dee Alcalde, Agape Creations Jewelry

Kay Thomerson, Kayz Kreationz

Karla Morgan, Texas Pepper Jams

Lori Jean Poppe, Lorillijean Creative Corner

Eleanor Burian Moore, The Charmed Life

Leah Mifflin Tees, My Beady Little Eyes

Terri Wlaschin, Dances in Fog

Sharyl McMillian-Nelson, Sharyl's Jewelry

Jo-Ann Woolverton, It's a Beadiful Creation  < you are here

Veralynne Malone, Designed by Vera

Linda Aspenson Bergstrom, TBD

Toltec  Jewels, Jewel School Friends

Judy Turner, Silver Rains

Gloria Allen, Gloria Allen Designs

Kathleen Douglas, Washoe Kat's

Connie Tipton, TBD

Christie Searle Murrow, Charis Designs Jewelry

Andrea Glick-Zenith, ZenithJade Creations

Michele Dotson, Star Jewels

Chris Eisenberg, Wanderware

Jennifer Clifford, TBD

Kathleen Breeding, 99 Bottles of Beads on the Wall

Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me

Loretta, Loretta's Boutique

Carolyn Lawson, Carolyns Creations

Shirley Moore, Beads and Bread

Bonnie Coursolle, Jasper's Gems

Alice Craddick, Alice's Beads and Baubles

Thanks Lisa for hosting this wonderful Blog Hop.