BSBP Reveal

Hi everyone, sorry I'm a little late to the party ... had some technical glitches.

My partner for this years BSBP is the lovely Sarah Strover of Beaupepys who sent me a beautiful bead soup. Unfortunately in my eagerness to play with beads I forgot to take a picture of it in its entirety lol.

I have to apologize in advance for the somewhat crappy pictures - we've had a lot of rain here and my indoor lighting is terrible ... actually you can see the raindrops on the display bust in the pics lol.

I only got a chance to make the necklace out of the set that I had planned - sadly allergy season hit me hard this year and the new meds keep sending me to sleep, but hopefully when I figure out a decent routine on these things I can finish up the rest of my ideas  =)

I love the focal Sarah sent - the bead weaver in me sort of wanted to bezel it but I do that all the time and wanted to use the BSBP to try new stuff so I went with an illusion cord necklace (never done one in my life before). I only added some little O bead spacers to the lovely selection of vintage glass and gemstone beads Sarah sent.

Here you can see the gold pearl accented box clasp and the vintage glass coffee bean beads also from the soup ... and the raindrops that made photographing anything a pain lol  ;)


Sarah also sent some lovely pairs of lampwork glass beads, carved bone beads and lampworked chillies that I planned (still do) to make into earrings ... sorry I'll have to come back and add some pics of those since the rain was coming down too heavy - the poor things would have been swimming lol.

Thanks to Sarah for the great bead soup and to our fantastic hostess Lori Anderson  =)
Head over to Pretty Things for a list of all the participants and links to their bead soup reveals.

Design Challenge

Hey everyone sorry I've been AWOL - went back to film school for a couple of short courses to brush up on some stuff (it's my dream job) but I'm back and signed up for this years BSBP  =)

Also check out this great design challenge hosted by the gossiping goddess, blueberri beads and smitten beads: http://thegossipinggoddess.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/spring-fever-design-challenge.html

Blog Hops Update

Hi everyone .... sorry I've been AWOL - gave myself food poisoning ... the curse of my crappy cooking strikes again lol ... and now I'm waaayyyy behind on everything.

I'll be posting the Octoberfest reveal on Monday (one day late) and the Sequintastic September reveal Wednesday (very late).

Sorry for the delays - I just have to catch up on the paid work first (yeah ughhh I know)  =(

Lo  xx

Giveaways & Updates

Morning all, The Gossiping Goddess is having a giveaway to celebrate breaking the 2000 sales mark  =)

So be sure to stop by and enter - some great prizes up for grabs!


 ... Also I've signed up for the Halloween/Day of the Dead Blog hop hosted by the very talented Suburban Girl Studio, with the big reveal on October 28th.

Happy beading - Lo  =)

Creating with cabochons Reveal

Hi, sorry for being a little late posting the reveal for The Studio Sublime's Creating with Cabochons blog hop - we had a nice big powercut in my neighbourhood and I can honestly say attempting to bead by torch light is HARD lol ... and then Blogger decided to be awkward about posting pics and rain made it hard to get outside in the good light to take any.

I originally planned to make a polymer clay cab to work with but none of my clay attempts came out any good so I started working on a freeform bead embroidery piece but when the powercut hit that had to go out the window - I couldn't see the needle in the felt backing and kept stabbing myself, so I put it aside while I could still feel my fingers  ;)

On the upside the powercut led to a very interesting effect when I decided to bezel up some little crystal cabs instead - I miscounted seedies while I was beading and ended up with a really nice flower pattern on the back.

I ended up liking the bezelled crystal bits so I decided to carry on working with them instead and wound up with a bracelet  =)
Although I'm not sure about the lilac bicone/pearl connector bits - I had no matching stash to work with (I know right - no gold shade pearls?! ... must fix that very soon).

Here's a close-up of the tiny crystal butterfly I added to each one (thought they went well with the whole flower theme)  =)

Hopefully I'll get a chance to finish the bead embroidery piece I started, especially as I was working with a rectangular cab - a shape I've never attempted before ... for now I'm still associating it with needle stabs and a lot of cursing lol  ;)

Big thanks to our great host Sally Russick  =)

And here's the list of the participants for the hop:
Your Host:  Sally Russick
D Lynne  Bowland
Alicia Marinache           
Lynn  Jobber           

Jenny Davies-Reazor           

 

Jo-Ann  Woolverton           

Marde Lowe           
Dawn Doucette           
Mary K McGraw           
Gloria Allen           

Cheri  Reed           
Sonya Stille           
Elizabeth Owens Dwy           
Veralynne   Malone           
Tania Hagen           
Lynsey  Brooks           
Christina Miles           
Holly  Westfall           
Kathy  Lindemer           
Patti Vanderbloemen           

Therese Frank           
Adrienne Berry           
Liz   E 
Tanty  Sri Hartanti           
Ginger Bishop
Renetha Stanziano           
Marlene  Cupo           
Sandi Volpe           
Sharyl McMillian-Nelson           
Niky  Sayers

Mischelle Fanucchi           
Tracy  Stillman           
Skylar Bre'z           
Ann Schroeder           
Paula Kramer
Jess Green           
Susan Kennedy           
Stacie  Florer           
Cathie  Carroll           
Susan F.  


Michelle Caballero       
Sabine Dittrich           
Kristina Johansson           
Kimberly Sturrup-Roberts           
Melissa  Meman           
Cheryl McCloud         
Michelle  Timms           
Cindy  Pack           
Lynda  Carson
Cynthia  Machata           
Julia  Harris           
Karin  Slaton
Ingrid  Anderson           
Karin Grosset Grange
Jasvanti  Patel  
Inge  von Roos
Molly Alexander

Toltec Jewels  

BeadFest Pity Party

Evening all  =)

HumbleBeads is hosting a BeadFest Pity Party for those of us who unfortunately can't attend the real thing - I live in the UK so sadly it's out of bounds for me.

Today's pity party theme was about going out and finding inspiration which as a keen albeit amateur photographer, I was really looking forward to - but wouldn't you know it after a lovely week of pretty decent weather it decides to absolutely pour with rain all day long! LOL

Now I'm not one to shy away from a little rain - I actually like an occasional amble in a light shower but this was bordering on torrential. I did venture out into the garden late this afternoon hoping I could catch something but I got just one shot of my hydrangeas before accepting I was getting soaked and beating a hasty retreat to the kitchen where the dogs looked at me like I was mad for even trying  ;)

Oh well at least the rain's good for the plants I guess  =)

So I thought I'd post some of my favourite pictures taken in my own garden from earlier in the summer instead ..... who knows maybe someone will find some inspiration right here on my little blog  ;)

A Great Giveaway

Ooooh check out this great giveaway going on over at The Beading Gems Journal - a $75 gift certificate for Shaktipaj wirework tutorials!!   =D

I just LOVE these designs so I'm keeping everything crossed  ;)

The Gossiping Goddess & Blueberribeads Blog Hop Sign Up

Ooooh just came across this great blog hop hosted by the very talented duo of The Gossiping Goddess and Blueberribeads - they're currently accepting sign up for a 20 person draw, if selected you get a gorgeous string of Blueberribeads ceramic beadies and a couple of THEA Elements bronze beauties for just £10 ... then on October 2nd you reveal what you made with them.

I just love both these artists stuff so I'm keeping my fingers crossed I get through  =)

Bits & Bobs

Hi everyone, just stopping by to post some news and updates ... but first a great giveaway from Sharyl's Jewelry & Reflections - a $20 gift certificate to spend on her fab jewellery and components! So be sure to stop by and get your entry in  =)

As I mentioned last update I'm in on the the Bead, Book and Bounce challenge over at Operation Tackle That Bead Stash, even though I don't have the book ... already have a design idea  ;) the reveal for which is the 6th of Sept, as well as the Creating With Cabochons Challenge over at the Studio Sublime (almost finished my cab) the reveal for that one is the 18th September and I've added to the month's challenges with the Sequintastic September Blog Hop hosted by Saturday Sequins with the big reveal for that one coming up on the 28th September ... so a very busy blogging month  ;)
And then there's the second annual Octoberfest hosted by Toltec Jewels which will be revealed on the 27th October.

Also I hope to be able to show you all the pics of my pieces for this year's FMG Swarovski contest real soon .... speaking of which I just received a very nice email informing me that my Golden Rays piece will be featured in one of their adverts in the Fall 2013 issue of Stringing Magazine - yay technically my first ever published bit  =D

Anyway that's all from me for now ... happy beading!

Summer Updates

Hi everyone, hope you're all having a great summer

Sorry for being AWOL so much lately but I haven't made much jewellery - my tv finally gave up the ghost and forced me to go out and buy a new one and then my vacuum went kaput so all my funds for beady bits went right out the window ... or should I say in the electrical stores till lol  ;)

Just signed up for a blog challenge though - the Creating With Cabochons Challenge over at the Studio Sublime - perfect timing as I've just been playing with polymer clay cabs this week ... granted none came out any good but still it gives me an incentive to keep trying  ;)

I'm also probably going to join in with the Bead, Book and Bounce challenge over at Operation Tackle That Bead Stash, even though I don't have the book (the fantastic Beaded Colourways by Beverly Ash Gilbert - sorry the Brit in me cannot bring myself to take the 'U' out of colour lol) and can't really justify buying it right now - I think my fridge may be dying too ... I appear to be the angel of death to household electricals this month - the washing machine's cowering in fear  =P

Hopefully I'll have something good to show you all soon

Lo  -x-

Not So Revealing Bead Soup

Hi everyone, sorry I won't be revealing anything for the BSBP after all - the mail has not been kind to Lana and I ... we think my soup may still be stuck in UK customs.

I've seen pics (drools - oh so much pretties) and have my fingers crossed it will still arrive eventually *send lots of possitive vibes everyone lol*

I have it on pretty good authority that the UK customs has recently axed two thirds of its staff and is extremely backlogged so if you're ordering anything from overseas fellow UK'ers I suggest opting for express or courier service instead, just incase.

Anyways I hope you'll considered popping back in a few days - Ill be giving a sneaky peek of my big Swarovski Glam 2013 contest piece  ;)

Until then, happy hopping!

Lo  =)

BSBP update

Hi everyone, it's only just come to my attention that Lana and I are listed as being in this second reveal - we've had a few problems with the mail and so we've been pushed back to the third reveal - hope you'll come back then ...

Thanks

Lo  =)

Bead Soup Teaser

Hi everyone, thought I'd drop in and post a quick little teaser pic of the soup I've sent my BSBP partner - Lana Kinney of Something Unique by Lana

Lo  ;)

A great giveaway by THEAtoo

Hi everyone, THEAtoo is doing a fantastic giveaway to celebrate her etsy shops 1st birthday over at her blog, The Gossiping Goddess so be sure to go check it out ... I just love her stuff so I've got my finger's crossed  ;)

Lo 

A Great Giveaway

Hi guys - just came across this great giveaway over on Jeannie's Blog ... some amazing handmade charms/focals  =)

I'll be shopping for some of those paisley charms soon  ;)

BSBP & Other Updates

Yay!! I got my BSBP match up yesterday - the very talented Lana Kinney at somethinguniquebylana... so be sure to stop by and check out her blog  =)

This is my first ever Bead Soup Blog Party ... hope I get all the technical stuff right lol  ;)


In other news, I hope to have my etsy shop up and running by the end of next week ... if I can figure out all the technical side of that ... better go see if amazon has an "etsy for idiots" guide book!

Also check out one of my fave jewellery artisans - she's having a great giveaway over at Crystal Art on fb.

... And now I'm off to make jewellery for a while  ;)

Lo  =)

Updates

Hi everyone, sorry I've been AWOL - the holidays were nuts and I didn't have a chance to really do anything jewellery making wise ... well I did finish two necklaces I was comissioned to make for christmas pressies but everything else went out the window lol.

I'm also through to the finals of the Fire Mountain Gems Swarovski design contest again with both of my pieces so that was a really nice surprise.
They also sent me a preview pic of my last competition piece as it will appear in any adverts ... my mother wants to frame it lol.

And the big news: I'm in the Bead Soup Blog Party this year!! I've already started trawling the bead shops and websites for my ingredients  ;)

The not-so-revealing Octoberfest and Solar Flare Blog hops

A big HI to everyone hopping through my little blog from the Octoberfest and Solar Flare Blog Hops ... I'm so sorry I haven't posted my reveals yet - I seem to be having one of those weeks. I've been working on both pieces - I went polymer clay for both and just had to bake the pieces to finish - then suddenly one of my dogs fell ill and I had an unexpected visit to the vets at the beginning of the week (she's fine - it turned out to be the lesser of the two things that could have been wrong ... phew on that front) and I thought 'no worries, I can get the pieces baked up the next day' ... yup fat chance on that one! My poor old mother's been hugging the bog and I've had to play nurse and run errands (just don't tell her I said 'old' lol) but I still foolishly thought I could get them baked up today and only be a day late to the party .... well the oven that's been trying to kill me consistently for the past couple of years has finally decided to give up the ghost this morning, so I am now sans oven until the end of this week. On the upside I get a new oven that doesn't nearly blow up half the block every time I try to light it - still won't improve my cooking but at least I get to keep my eyebrows intact  ;)

So please be sure to stop by again on Sunday when I'll have both reveals posted up ... once again I'm so sorry for being late.

But here's the hop participant list for the Octoberfest Blog Hop:
Our lovely host:  Toltec Jewels            http://www.JewelSchoolFriends.com
Heather Otto                     http://www.thecrafthopper.com
Mischelle Fanucchi               http://www.micheladasmusings.blogspot.com
Marlene Cupo                   http://amazingdesigns-marlene.blogspot.com
Shaiha Williams                http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com
Shelly Graham Turner          http://shelleygrahamturner.blogspot.com/
Shelly Joyce                         http://www.aujourlejour-shelly.blogspot.com/
Charlie Jacka                    http://clay-space.com/blog/
Pam Sears                        http://crazycreativecorner.blogspot.com/
Margareta Saari                  http://magsinhelmet.blogspot.com/
Marita Suominen                 http://momentofjewelry.blogspot.fi/
Lisa Posthumus                   https://www.facebook.com/lisa.posthumusharper
Jeannie Dukic                      http://site.jkdjewelry.com/blog
Cheri Reed                          http://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com/
Arlene Dean                        http://aglassbash.blogspot.com/
Duffy Blevins                       http://bubbasjewels1.blogspot.com/
Susan Kennedy                   http://suebeads.blogspot.com/
Dita Basu                           http://www.alankarshilpa.blogspot.com/
Sonya Ann Stille                 http://dreaminofbeads.blogspot.com/
Audrey Allen                      https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wrapped-Up-In-Magic/145456948869148
Kashmira Patel                   http://sadafulee.blogspot.com/
Kathy Lindemer                 http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/
Kris Mattingly                    https://www.facebook.com/kris.h.mattingly
Lennis Carrier                    http://www.windbent.net/
Shannon Hicks                   http://uptwnsh-fallingintothesky.blogspot.com/
Paula Hisel                         http://simplybeadiful.weebly.com/simply-stated.html
Karin Slaton                       http://backstorybeads.blogspot.com/
Shirley Moore                    http://www.beadsandbread.blogspot.com/
Alicia Marinache                http://www.allprettythings.ca/
Valeria G. Rome                http://fancysphynxdesigns.blogspot.com/
Lo                                     http://thecreativeklutz.blogspot.com/
Zoe Marcin                       http://beadsteaandsweets.blogspot.com/
Carolyn Lawson                http://carolynscreationswa.blogspot.com
Kimberly Booth                 http://thepinkmartiniboutique.blogspot.com/
Sherri Stokey                    http://www.knotjustmacrame.com
Tanya McGuire                  http://www.tanyamcguire.blogspot.com/ 
Debbie Rasmussen             http://kepirasmussen.blogspot.com/
Christine Stonefield             http://sweetgirldesign.blogspot.com/
Tanty Sri Hartani                http://tjewellicious.blogspot.com/
Sandra McGriff                  http://skyescreativechaos.blogspot.com/
Renetha Stanziano              http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com/
Evelyn Shelby                     http://raindropcreationsbyevelyn.blogspot.com/
Colene Waltermire              https://www.facebook.com/groups/426147797447039/?fref=ts
Lee Nova                           https://www.facebook.com/groups/426147797447039/?fref=ts

And the hop participant list for the Solar Flare Blog Hop:
Our lovely host on this one:  http://usupplies.blogspot.co.uk/
Gloria Allen:http://innovativedreamsjewelry.blogspot.com
Shawn Marie Mills: http://shawnmariedesignsatbentwire.blogspot.com/
Karin King: http://maverickbeads.blogspot.com/
Alicia Marinache: http://www.allprettythings.ca
Pam "The Crazier Sister Blog: http://crazycreativecorner.blogspot.com/?m=1 
Kelly Hosford Patterson: http://travelingsideshow.blogspot.com/
Delia Marsellos-Traister: www.phoenixmagyk.com
Dana Lang: http://tumblestonehandmakery.blogspot.ca
Mischelle Fanucchi: http://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com
Jessica Murray: http://whimsicalweavings.blogspot.com/
Cynthia Abner: http://createdtreasures.blogspot.com/
Charlie Jacka: http://clay-space.com/blog
Shannon Hicks: http://uptwnsh-fallingintothesky.blogspot.com/
Zoe Marcin: http://beadsteaandsweets.blogspot.com/
Rebecca Sirevaag: http://godsartistinresidence.blogspot.com/ 
Miranda C. Ackerley: http://mirandack.com
Paula Winchester Hisel: http://simplybeadiful.weebly.com/simply-stated.html
Alenka Obid: http://pepita-handmade.blogspot.com/   

Holiday Bling Blog Hop Swap Reveal

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

A Little Random Update

Hi, I haven't blogged much lately as I haven't had much to blog about ... just finishing up my FMG Swarovski entries (I like to skim the deadlines lol) - promise sneak peeks here in a few days  ;)

I'm also jumping in on the Jewel School Friends October Fest blog hop since I love Halloween  =)

(sorry I don't know how to make these things link *blushes*)

Looking forward to the Holiday Bling Blog Hop Swap reveal in about a week - my partner is the very talented Dee Elgie at Cherry Obsidia - be sure to check out her blog  =)

And don't forget I'm doing the Pay It Forward Handmade as well  

Lo  xx