Introducing my BSBP partner.....

I would like to introduce you all to my BSBP partner for this year. She is the talented  ands really cool....Sherri Levinton of Cutter Gazette.  She is extremely versatile and I can not even begin to imagine how she finds the time to do all the things she does.  We do seem to  have a great deal in common from our initials to the fact that we both have boys the same age, and we are both red headed. One of the things Sherri does that I just love is the Baby Planner.  How exciting it must be to work with a couple on making everything ready for a new baby....I love it! She graduated from the NY Institute of Art and Design, and can also help you design the rest of your house not just the nursery.
She is a great jewelry designer and also seems to be an expert in paper crafting and scrap booking.
She has made some fabulous wire crochet necklaces.

Look at these beautiful tag she made to put on her Christmas gifts.  She would probably just die if she were to see my Christmas gift wrapping.....I just write their names on the paper with a sharpie... LOL!
 

 

 

 

She wrote me the nicest letter on her blog,  when I read it I felt an immediate connection to her.  That is one of the things I just love about participating in Lori Anderson's BSBP. 

This is my fourth time participating in the Bead Soup Blog Party. And what a party it is.... there are over 500 participants this year. How Lori and her Husband do this I have not a clue.  I personally want to thank them for taking on this monumental task.  I love meeting like minded people and making new Internet friends, that perhaps I one day may meet in person. 

Please check back often as I will be posting the soup I receive from Sherri, which is already on its way to me!!! Yea!

I am still working on Sherri's soup but plan on having it in the mail Monday/Tuesday so I will also post about what I sent her....I am hoping she loves it.

 

Talk to ya soon!

 

 

 

 

 

In the Pink

I belong to an  amazing FB group called  Bead Soup Café that was started by Lori Anderson approximately 7 months ago.
 Lori is the creator of the very fun and now extremely popular bead soup blog party.  I have made some really wonderful beady friends.  I call us all friends because even though we have not met face to face we all cheer each other on and encourage our growth and success as artists. Two of the ladies that also belong to the Bead Soup Cafe  group, Shelly Graham Turner and Sandra McGriff created a very secret and closed group on FB called In the Pink.  This group was for those of us in the bead world that wanted to thank and show Lori a little love for organizing the blog parties, the  face book group, and so many amazing and fun bead swaps. 

Lori has some beautiful pink in her hair.

  Shelley and Sandra thought it would a fun and cool idea for us to go a little pink for Lori!   

  

Sorry my picture is just photo shopped but I just could not get a decent picture of myself with the pink I put in my hair….I am going to keep trying, I know....vanity is a horrible thing.....but I really do hate to have my picture taken, I am sure some of you can relate, and I do like this picture of myself.  I love the hot pink too!  I do really like the pink in my hair and I think I am going to  do it often during the month of October in support of breast cancer awareness month. 

So I really want to take a minute to just tell Lori THANKS!  I have participated in BSBP #5 (this was my first) and BSBP #6  with 2 reveal dates.  During BSBP 5 I was paired with a wonderful lady from Canada.  We both sent our soups to each other on the same day but it was taking sooooo much longer for the soup to get to me from Canada.  We were quickly approaching reveal day and perhaps my soup was out there lost....well the very sweet and generous Lori sent me another soup.  This is what I created with the soup Lori sent me.  I just LOVE that amazing focal.  The only thing I added was the wire and a few round Czech glass beads, the rest was from Lori.  Thanks!  She. did not have to send me anything, and I am sure mine was not the first soup she sent or even the last.  This to me just shows her kind and generous heart.

 

By participating in these challenges I have really grown as a designer.  I have created things I would probably never done with great beads that I would not have bought for myself, I love it!  I have since really jumped on the blog hop bandwagon and I am having the best time.  I love the FB chat group and have learned and been inspired by all the amazing ladies.  So Lori keep up the hard work, I really do not know how you do it but there are so many of us that do appreciate it!

Look at this amazing bead the extremely talented  Lea Avroch created for Lori!  How sweet.

Please visit all the others and see them  In the Pink!

Gail Vanderster-Zwang http://angelmoose.blogspot.com/
Lea Avroch http://lajewelrydesign.blogspot.com/
Leslie Wayment  http://www.aabeadsonline.com/blog
Kelley Katherine Hagerty-Fogle  http://www.mylifeonebeadatatime.blogspot.com/
Sheila Davis http://www.stonedesignsbysheila.blogspot.com/
Amanda Effron http://craft-o-licious.blogspot.com/ 
‎Solange Collin  http://www.blog.ahowinjewelry.com/
Jennifer Chasalow VanBenschoten   http://www.vanbeads.blogspot.com/
Isolina Perez  http://IsolinaPerez.blogspot.com
Toltec Jewels www.JewelSchoolFriends.com
Sherri Stokey  http://www.knotjustmacrame.com
Mary Howell Govaars  http://mlhjewelrydesigns.com/
Bee Kuhlman http://mixedmayhemstudios.blogspot.com
Lynnea Perry Bennett   http://designsbylynnea.blogspot.com
Alicia Marinache  http://www.allprettythings.ca
Heather Otto http://www.thecrafthopper.com/
Kimberly Flood  http://www.goddessesandbeads.blogspot.com/
Courtney White Breul http://beadsbybreul.blogspot.com
Lisa Liddy  http://lisaliddy.wordpress.com
Marlene Cupo http://amazingdesigns-marlene.blogspot.com/
Marianne Baxter  http://www.simplyseablimejewelry.blogspot.com/
Mária Horváth   http://horimarikabeads.blogspot.hu/
Andrea Beth Trank www.heavenlanecreations.com
Heidi Mansfield Kingman  http://mybeadtherapy.blogspot.com/
Emoke Schmidt  http://emoke1.blogspot.com/ 
Sandra MrtzDiaz http://www.petaloazuljewelry.blogspot.com/
Lupe Meter  http://gesmpccorner.blogspot.com/
Tanya Boden http://fusionmusebangkok.blogspot.com/
Ambra Chicandfrog http://chicandfrog.wordpress.com/
Kumi Fisher http://maliekaidesigns.blogspot.com/
Sandra Young  http://blog.gypsyroadbeads.ca/
Sandi Marinaro Volpe  http://www.sandivolpe.com/
Gretchen Nation  http://www.artfoodlodging.blogspot.com/
Mimi Gardner  http://www.othercuriosities.blogspot.com/
Marian Hertzog http://mhertzog-msplace.blogspot.com/
Sonya Ingersoll-Stille http://dreaminofbeads.blogspot.com/
Terry Matuszyk   http://pinkchapeau.wordpress.com
Audrey Belangér  http://esperianterra.blogspot.com/
Sandra McGriff http://skyescreativechaos.blogspot.com/
Shelley Graham Turner http://www.shelleygrahamturner.blogspot.com/
Sally Bohner Anderson

Mowse Doyle

Judy Daly Reganti

Brenda Lee Sigafoos 

BSBP 6- Reveal # 3!

This is the third and final reveal of the 6^th BSBP.  I was in reveal # 2 and I am in this one too!  I just love getting and giving beads.  For this reveal date my partner is Michelle Escano-Cabellero of http://cabbycraft.blogspot.com/

Michelle is a mixed media and polymer clay artist.  She also makes amazing cards. 

Let me show you the really cool soup mix I received from Michelle.  She made the polymer clay focal. 

Picture borrowed from Michelle's blog.

This is what I designed with the beads she sent.   I did a cubic right angle weave.  This was my first time doing this bead stitch, I seem to be doing that a lot lately.  J  I did the bead  weaving for the front of the necklace and attached the focal using a peyote bail.  I then made beaded links using the beautiful crystal beads Michelle sent me, I added some onyx and tigers eye.  One of the things I really enjoy about these challenges is the challenge and the opportunity to push myself. I was able to use the clasp and the focal in one piece and really love the end result.  This necklace is going to be a gift to my Mother, I know she will really love it. 

Thanks Michelle, it was great being your partner.  Please visit her blog and see what she made with the bead soup I sent her, I am sure it is amazing!

Also borrowed from Michelle's blog---her pics are so much better!

Michelle also has a FB page and you can follow her on pinterest. Go show her some love :)

Please either visit Lori Anderson’s blog or you can use the links below.  Have fun and enjoy all the amazing designs, I know I will!

Hostess, Lori Anderson, Pretty Things

Agi Kiss, Moonsafari Beads 
Alice Peterson, Alice Dreaming

Alison Sachs, Beads by Earthtones

Amanda Dittloff, Passion Smashin'

Andra Marasteanu, Bijoux de Monanage

Angie Szlovak, SweetBeads

Anitra Gordy, Leelu Creations

Ann Sherwood, Ann's Blog

Arlene Dean, A Glass Bash

Audrey Belanger, Dreams of an Absolution

Barb Solem, Vivi Magoo Presents

Barbara Blaszczyk, laboratorim Flory

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

Bianca Odenthal, Zydies Glasperlen

Birgit Klughardt, GitesBeads
Bobbie Rafferty, Beadsong Jewelry
Bonnie Coursolle,  Jasper Gems
Cece Cormier, The Beading Yogini
Charlene Jacka, Clay Space
Cherrie Fick, En La Lumie're
Cheryl Foiles, Get Your Bead On
Christie Murrow, Charis Designs Jewelry

Christina Miles, Wings n Scales
Christina Stofmeel, Feng Beads
Christine Stonefield, Sweet Girl Design
Cindy Cima Edwards, Live to Design
CJ Bauschka, 4 His Glory Creations
Claire Smith, Embergrass Jewelry
Cynthia Riggs, Cynth's Blog
Dana Fowler, Trunk Full of Treasure
Dawn Pierro, Turtle Moon Designs
Dee Elgie, Cherry Obsidia
Donetta Farrington, Simply Gorgeous

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

Hannah Annear, Squintessential
Hajer Waheed, My Beaded World
Heather Goldsmith, As I Bead It
Heather Otto, The Craft Hopper
Heidi Kingman, My Bead Therapy
Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
Isolina Perez, Isolina Perez
Jacqueline Keller, CreARTelier
Jane Haag, Did You Make Something Today?
Janeen Sorensen, Wild Vanilla Designs
Jean Peter, Jean P. Designs

Jennifer Judd, Jen Judd Rocks
Jennifer L Justman, Soul's Fire Designs
Joanna Matuszczyk, Bizuteria z filcu
Joanne Brown, Jo's Jewels
Joanne Lockwood, Jo Bunkum
Joyce Becker, Joyce's Joyful Gems
Judy Riley, Three Red Beads
Karen Mitchell, Over the Moon Design
Karen Williams, Baublicious
Karin von Hoeren, Creative Ideen

Karla Morgan, Texas Pepper Jams
Kashmira Patel, Sadafule .. always in bloom!
Kate Richbourg, We Can Make That at Home

Katrin Lembke, AllesPerle
Kathy Combs, Torched in Texas
Kathy Lindemer, Bay Moon Design
Kay Thomerson, Kayz Kreationz
Kelley Fogle, My Life, One Bead at at Time
Kelly Hosford Patterson, Traveling Side Show

Klaudette Koon, Only Road
Lara Lutrick, Lampwork Beads by Lara
Laura Guenther, Blue Antiquities

Laurie Lalonde, Simply Mod Jewelry
Lilik Kristiani, Soul of My Embodiment
Linda Younkman, Lindy's Designs
Lisa Chapman, Beach Cat Beads
Lisa Lodge, Pine Ridge Treasures
Loretta Carstensen, Designs by Loretta
Lori Bergmann, Lori Bergmann Design
Lori Dorrington, Lori's Adventures in Etsy Land
Lupe Meter, Gem's PC Corner
Lynn Davis, LLYYNN

Malin de Koning, Beading by Malin
Mandi Effron, Craft-o-licious
Mandy Williamson, Mimi's Beading
Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter
Maria Rosa Sharrow, Willow Street Shops
Marianne Baxter, Simply Seablime Jewelry
Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre
Marjolein Trewavas, Room for Change
Marelene Cupo, Amazing Designs
Marsha Neal, Marsha Neal Studio

Marta Kaczerowska, uhuhu
Mary Govaars, MLH Jewelry Designs
Melissa Trudinger, Bead Recipes
Menka Gupta, Menka's Jewelry Blog
Michelle Burnett, Reverie and Revival
Michelle Escano-Caballero, The Cabby Crafter
Miko Wiropati, Uniquely Yunikua
Milla Hope,  LB Creative Arts and Crafts
Mimi Gardner, Other Curiosities
Miranda Ackerley, MirandackArts
Natalie McKenna, grubbi

Noemi Baena, fuego, metal, y color
Pam Ferrari, Ferrari Originals
Pam Sears, Crazy Creative Corner
Penny Neville, Copper Penny
Rachel Baron, R. Baron Designs
Rachel Myers, Rockabead Jewelry
Rana Wilson, Definitive Designs by R. Wilson
Rebecca Anderson, Song Beads
Rebecca Sirevaag, Becca's Place
Riki Schumacher, Riki Jewelry

Rose Binoya, Ahtee's Blog
Rossana De Gaspari, Rdegas Blog

Sandi James, Do Be Do Bead Do
Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe
Sandra Wollberg, City of Brass Stories
Sarah Goode, Pookledo

Sarah Small, blog by salla
Shai Williams, Shaiha's Ramblings
Shawn Mills, Shawn Marie Designs with Bent Wire
Sheila Davis, Stone Designs by Sheila

Sheryl Stephens, Babble Bead
Shiraz Biggie, Secret Song Designs


Solange Collin,  Ahowin Handcrafted Jewelry
Sonya Stille, Dreamin' of Beads
Stephanie Dixon, The Dixon Chick
Susan Kennedy, Sue Beads
Susan Sheehan, Strands of Thought
Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Beadphoria
Sweet Freedom, Sweet Freedom Designs
Tabatha Dinger, Modernly Created
Tania Hagen, Pelima Jewellery Design

Tanya Boden, Fusion Muse
Terri Gauthier, Blooming Ideas
Terry Carter, Tapping Flamingo
Tracy Stillman, Tracy Stillman Designs

Bead Soup Blog Party 6 Reveal 2!

The time has finally come for me to reveal my creation for the BSBP 6 reveal #2.  My partner is Sara Oehler of Soft Flex.  She sent me a really great soup mix.  Although I loved the lovely Andy Ray focal the smaller size was challenging. I wanted to do something else to really bring it into center focus.  I also wanted to use the Soft Flex beading wire she sent me since I normally do not use this material.  The challenge of these parties is one of the best parts for me.

As a reminder here is what Sara sent me.

The first piece I made utilized the focal.  I used the purple beading wire to attach the focal to the fan that I enameled.  I could not just stop there so I used the really cute dangles that Sara sent me on the bottom of the fan, I am very pleased with the final result of the focal.  I then added some of my purple and black enameled bead and used some black artistic wire mesh.  This was the first time I have used it and I LOVE it.  The mesh was fun to use and really very forgiving.  You can stretch it and then pull it back if you do not like the look.  I am really pleased with how this necklace turned out.  I was able to use several new materials and came up with a necklace that I love!  Fun, fun, fun!

Since I was having such a good time I wanted to continue on that path.  For this design I used the other required element, the wonderful toggle clasp.  I also used the beautiful Czech beads I received and made one of my favorite style bracelets, one with lots of dangles and sparkle.  In addition to the beads I received from Sara I added Swarovski crystal and some other Czech crystal and flower beads.

This is the soup I sent Sara, please visit her blog and see what she designed. Sara will be on the television program  Jewel School on August 15th and 16th between 10am and 12pm (EST).  If you can please tune in and watch. She said that since this is so close to our reveal date she might even bring her finished design to show on air.  How exciting!

I hope you have enjoyed my creations  and please feel free to leave any comments, I really appreciate them all.

I would also like for you to visit the other participants in this BSBP, you can link to them from here or you may visit our Hostess Lori Anderson's blog.

Hostess, Lori Anderson, Pretty Things

Adlinah Kamsir, Dream Struck Designs

Adrienn Lukacs, Raszputyin Designs

Agata Grygiel, Cytherea Bijoux 

Alenka Obid, Pepita Handmade 

Amy Dickerson, Damyjo Designs 

Amy Schmidt, Amy's Treasure 

Amy Severino, Amy Beads 

Ana Krepel, Cat's Pajamas, Dog's Tuxedos

Andra Weber, Andra's Joyful Journey

Andrea Trank, Heaven Lane Creations

Anke Humpert, Anart Island Studios

Ann Rishell, My Critical Eye

April Grinaway, Brooklyn Bead Goddess 

Ashley Bunting, Miss Ashely Kate 

Astrid Boyce, Astrid Boyce Beads 

B.R. Kuhlman, Mixed Mayhem Studios 

Barb Fernald, Barbara S. Fernald Jewelry 

Barbe Saint John, Saints and Sinners

Beata Benkone Meggyesi, Beahobbi

Brandy McNair, Bella Vita Handmade Jewelry 

 Bryna Lumb, Bryna's Bead Box

Carmen Lau, Little Maketto

Cate van Alphen, Fulgorine

Cathie Carroll, Cathie Carroll's Studio

Cathy Khoury, Touch Jewelry 

Christina Stofmeel, Feng Beads 

 Collette Collins, Fire Fly Myst Artisan Jewelry

Courtney Breul, Beads by Breul 

Crystal Thain, Here Bead Dragons

Cynthia Abner, Created Treasures

Deana Hager, Just Deez'Art & Life

Debbie Davis, Natural Treasures by Deb

Debbie Phenes, Deb Joy Sing

Debbie Rasmussen, A Little of This, A Little of That

Dhea Powers, Java Bead

Diana Welte, Lilyweeds

Dita Basu, alankarshilpa

Dorota Zeranska, gdymamczas 

Dot Lewallwn, Speedie Beadie

Eleanor Snare, The Magic Square Foundation

Elisabeth Auld, Beads For Busy Gals

Ema Kilroy, Ema K Designs

Emma Todd, A Polymer Penchant

Eva Sherman, Eva Sherman Designs

Evie and Beth McCord, EB Bead and Metal Works

Francy Inman, Francy's Studio

Ginger Bishop, lilmummy likes...

Giorgia Rossini, Jo in Wonderland

Ine Vande Cappelle, Jewels by Ine 

Iveth Caruso, Creative Atelier 

JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions

Jackie Ryan, Kydo Jewellery

Jeannie Dukic, Jeannie's Blog

Jelveh Jaferian, Jelveh Designs

Jenna Tomalka, Twin Birch Studio

Jenni Connolly, Jenni's Beads

Jennifer Van Horn, Jennifers Jewels and Junk

Jo-Ann Woolverton, It's a Beadiful Creation

Johanna Rhodes-Nash, Fire Phoenix Creations 

 Joyce Blair, Bent Wire West Coast

JuLee Wolfe, The Polymer Penguin

Karen Vincent, Swallow Tail Jewellery

Karin Slaton, Backstory Beads

Kayla Potega, The Eclectic Element 

Kim Dworak, CianciBlue

Krafty Max, Krafty Max Originals

Kris Lanae Binsfeld, Cherish Designs by Kris Lanae

Kristen Latimer, MJM Jewelry Designs

Kumi Fisher, Malie Kai Designs

Kym Hunter, Kym Hunter Designs

Lennis Carrier, Windbent

Leslie Wayment, AA Beads & More

Linda Florian, Lilys of the Valley Jewelry Creations

Linda Murphy, Bonita Bead

Lisa Johnson, Whimsey Wonders

Lisa Lodge, Pine Ridge Treasures

Lisa Sittniewski, Love, Yesterdays

Lois Moon, Que Onda, Q'Town?

Lola Surwillo, Bead Lola Bead

Lorelei Eurto, Lorelei's Blog

Lori Bowring Michaud, Artfully Ornamental

Lori Callahan, Dancing Wire and Beads by Lori

Lori Finney, Using My Beads

Marcia Dunne, The Alternative Foundry

Margareta Saari, Mags-koruja

Maria Horvath, Horimarika Beads

Marian Hertzog, M's Place

 Mary Ellen Parker, BeeTree by m.e.

Mary K McGraw, MK's Creative Musings

MaryLou Holvenstot, time2cre8 

Martha Aleo, Ornamento

 Maybeline Tay, The Jewelry Larder

Megan Collins, Churchy & Her Sailor

Melissa Meman, Art. Life. Love.

Melissa Mesara, One-Eared Pig Beads

Melissa Muir, Kelsi's Closet Jewelbox

Paige Maxim, Paige Maxim Designs

Pam DeBoer, Purple Notes from the Studio

Pam Farren, re-maker

Pam Hurst, Pam Hurst Designs

Patricia Handschuh, The Color of Dreams

Patty Miller, CabariBeads

Penney Klapoth, Faerie Acres

Regina Santerre, Regina's Writings

Rhea Freitag, starrgazer creates

Rochelle Brisson, A Creative Chelle

Sabine Dittrich, PerlenDschungel

Sandra McGriff, Creative Chaos

Sandra Neights, Petalo Azul

Sandra Young, It's a Bead Life!

Sara Oehler, SoftFlex Girl

Saturday Sequins, Saturday Sequins

Shanti Johnson, Sunshine Bliss

Shari Replogle, Plays With Paper

Sonya Stille, Dreamin' of Beads

Stefanie Teufel, Stefanies Sammelsurium

Tammie Everly, TTE Designs

Tania Spivey, Moobie Grace Designs

Tanya Wiles, Tenebrous Hollow Studio

Therese Frank, Therese's Treasures

Tina Holden, Polymer Clay Bytes!

Toltec Jewels, Jewel School Friends 

Tracey Nanstad, A Beadiful Mess

Tracy Choy, BumbleBeads Designs

Valerie Norton, Hot Art

 

BSBP Partner #2

I told you all a few days ago that I was again in BSBP#6.   I have two partners this time and you can read about my first partner Sara Oehler here. 

My second partner is Michelle Escano-Cabellero. Our reveal date is the final and third reveal on August 25th.  You can find her blog at http://cabbycraft.blogspot.com/.  She is an extremely talented mixed media artist and she mainly works with polymer clay.  Her creations are beautiful! 



These are stunning flowers made by Michelle.  Picture from her blog.

  

She sent me a really cool polymer clay focal that I just love.  I have several ideas rolling abound in my head and believe that I will be giving the finished design to my Mother.  I know she would also really love Michelle’s focal. 

 She also sent me a great mix to go with the gorgeous focal.



She made me the card....she is an very talented woman.



Here is a picture of the soup I got from Michelle's blog.  Her pictures are so much better than mine.

I hope that Michelle does not mind that I got several of the pictures I am using from her blog but they are so much better than mine and I really want you all to appreciate the focal and soup mix.

Michelle also sent me a heart that she made for me as a gift. I LOVE it! 

Just like my previous partners I feel like if I were to meet Michelle in person we could just sit and chat like old friends.  This is one of the best things about participating in these blog hops, meeting and making new friends.  Of course I also LOVE  the challenges. 

Michelle really seems like a very giving and loving person.  She is a member of the Houston Polymer Clay Guild which participates in a project started by Diane Gregoire, in 1999.  Dianne is a cancer survivor and polymer clay artist.  Bottles of Hope are created to cheer up and encourage cancer patients.  Michelle recently made her first bottle of hope and it is really a beautiful work of art.



This is just wonderful.  Picture from Michelle's blog.

  

Michelle also has a FB page and you can follow her on pinterest.  She has an etsy shop but has told me it is currently empty.

Here is the soup that I sent Michelle.



Pic from Michelle's blog :)

The made the copper fold formed leaf and the enamel beads.  The toggle clasp and chain are copper and the other items are a mix of gemstones, czech glass, and crystal.  I can't wait to see what Michelle makes with this soup.