Today is the day that many of us have been looking forward to for quite sometime. Its the first reveal date for the 7th annual Bead Soup Blog Party. Hip Hip Hooray If you aren't familiar with the concept, its where two designers swap a bead soup (a nice mix of beads, a focal piece and a clasp) with one another and then make something gorgeous out of their soup. I love it because its a good chance to step out of my comfort zone and do things I might not normally do. I had the pleasure of being paired up with the talented Peggy Gabrielson of Georgia Mountain Arts. She handmade the gorgeous purple flower pendant (bottom left) and the enamel beads (bottom right). While I love all of the beads Peggy sent me, I was absolutely obsessed with the enamel beads. Each one has a few spots of red on them that are in completely unique shapes. And the colors are just gorgeous. I have always tried to use my beads to make just one piece, but this time around I decided to split them up and make two separate, yet related, pieces. All of the goodies Peggy sent to me have so much personality that I wanted my designs to be simple as possible so that it would highlight her work. The first piece I made was a bracelet. I used the purple crystals along with some round lavender mother of pearl beads and tiny iridescent crystals I had to make a single strand bracelet. I wanted the colors of the beads to embody the spirit of the flower and hummingbird clasp. For my second piece, I wanted to make a necklace. The focal piece is a very intricately beaded flower. I didn't want to take away from its beauty by making an overly designed piece. I also really wanted to find a way to use the gorgeous enamel beads. I used some iridescent pewter pvc cord and knotted it around the flower's base. I added an enamel bead on either side of the flower and knotted it. After one more enamel bead and another knot, I decided that it was perfect. It is a very simple design, but I love LOVE how it turned out. I can't wait to see what designs Peggy came up with! Make sure you check out her blog at http://georgiamountainarts.blogspot.com You can also check out the designs of the other participants by visiting the following blogs:
Alicia Marinache http://www.allprettythings.ca/ Amber Dawn Goldish www.InventiveSoul.blogspot.com Barb Solem http://www.vivimagoopresents.com Bev Breisinger http://countryfrogcreations.blogspot.com Birgitta Lejonklou www.lejonklou.blogspot.se Breana Fry www.vault31.blogspot.com Brenda Sue Lansdowne http://www.bsueboutiques.typepad.com/ Bridget Torres www.Shears58.com Carol Dee Myers http://caroldeezigns.blogspot.com/ Carolyn Chenault www.carolynchenault.wordpress.com Cassi Paslick http://cassisbeads.blogspot.com/ Cece Cormier Http://www.thebeadingyogini.com Cheryl McCloud www.cherylmccloud.blogspot.com Cindy Wilson www.itsmyseaofdreams.blogspot.com Crystal Thain http://beaddragons.blogspot.com/ Cynthia Riggs http://cynthsblog.blogspot.com/ Dana Hickey http://magpieapproved.blogspot.com/ Dana James http://danasjewelrydesign.blogspot.com Darlene Fortier www.darliciousrejuvenations.blogspot.com Deana Hager http://justdeesarts.blogspot.com/ Deanna Cox www.deannaaki.wordpress.com Deb Brooks http://www.fromtheheartcreations.blogspot.com/ Debra Behrends http://www.hopefuljourneys.blogspot.com/ Denielle Hagerman http://www.somebeadsandotherthings.blogspot.com/ Denise McCabe www.cabewoman.blogspot.com Diana Frey www.dianafrey.blogspot.com Diana Welte http://lilyweeds.blogspot.com Dini Bruinsma http://angazabychanges.blogspot.nl DiYana Alcalde http://agapecreationsjewelry.blogspot.com/ Dolores Raml http://craftydscreations.wordpress.com/ Donna Millard http://fyrebeadz.blogspot.com/ Dot Lewallwn http://speediebeadie.blogspot.com/ Duane Clark http://biz-e-bead.blogspot.com/ Dyanne Cantrell http://deelitefuljewelrycreations.blogspot.com/ Eleanor Burian-Mohr http://cornerstoregoddessjewelry.blogspot.com/ Elisabeth Auld www.beadsforbusygals.com Elizabeth Owens Dwy www.1996shabbylane.blogspot.com Emily Greer http://www.gaiacopia.com/blog-2/ Enikö Fabian http://perleni.blogspot.co.at/ Erin Grant http://ErinsJewelryCreations.blogspot.com Eva Kovacs http://ewagyongyosvilaga.blogspot.hu/ Eva Sherman http://evashermandesigns.blogspot.com/ Gina Hockett www.freestyleelements.blogspot.com Grace Rotenberg http://rivkasmomcom.blogspot.com/ Gretchen Nation www.artfoodlodging.blogspot.com Hannah Rosner http://goodrivergallery.wordpress.com Heather Davis http://www.blissfulgardenbeads.com/ Heather Marston http://www.cswdesignsbyhehe.blogspot.com/ Heather Powers http://www.humblebeads.blogspot.com Ingrid McCue www.wrappedinsilver.com Jacqueline Marchant http://jaacquelinesjewels.blogspot.com/ Jan Petek www.janpetek.com Janeen Sorensen http://wildvanilladesigns.com/ Jane-Michael Stallings http://www.craftvacuum.blogspot.com Jasvanti Patel www.Jewelrybyjasvanti.blogspot.com Jayashree Paramesh www.nchantme.com Jayne Capps http://mamasgottodoodle.blogspot.com Jean Yates http://prettykittydogmoonjewelry.blogspot.com/ Jennifer Cameron http://glassaddictions.com Jennifer LaVite http://www.drygulchbeadsandjewelry.blogspot.com Joan Williams www.lilrubyjewelry.com Jodie Marshall www.Marshalljodie.blogspot.com Judy Riggs www.rigglettes.blogspot.com Julie Anne Leggett www.thepeacefulbead.com Kat Barron Miller http://mkpbeadart.blogspot.com/ Kathy Lindemer http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/ Kim Hora www.kimmykats.com Kim Houston http://thepinkmartiniboutique.blogspot.com Kim Sparks http://beadabunch.blogspot.com Krafty Max http://kraftymax.blogspot.com Kris Lanae Binsfeld www.cherishdesigns.wordpress.com Krista French http://expressyourfaith.webs.com/apps/blog/ Kristen Stevens http://kristen-beadjourney.blogspot.com/ Kristi Harrison http://kristibasket-itsanewday.blogspot.com Kumi Fisher http://maliekaidesigns.blogspot.com Laren Dee Barton www.larendeedesigns.blogspot.com Laura Bracken http://laurabrackenblog.blogspot.com/ Laura Demoya www.Thebeadtherapist.blogspot.com Laurie Hanna http://jewelrybylh.blogspot.com/ Laurie Keefe-Cecere http://treeofliferootedinmysoul.blogspot.com/ Lea Avroch http://www.LAJewelryDesign.blogspot.com Leanne Loftus Http://firstimpressiondesign.blogspot.com Lee Anne Messerschmidt http://wiredhammerednworn.wordpress.com Leslie Schenkel http://twistedchicken.wordpress.com/ Linda Anderson http://fromthebeadboard.blogspot.com/ Linda Djokic www.lutkaandco.com Linda Murphy www.bonitabead.blogspot.com Linda Sadler http://idalouisejewelry.blogspot.com/ Lisa Liddy http://lisaliddy.wordpress.com/ Lisa Suver http://fanceethat.blogspot.com/ Liz DeLuca http://www.creativeartyfacts.blogspot.com/ Liz Engriser http://www.beadcontagion.blogspot.com/ Lola Surwillo http://www.beadlolabead.blogspot.com Loretta Carstensen www.designsbyloretta.blogspot.com Lori Anderson www.PrettyThingsBlog.com Lori Bergmann www.LoriBergmann.blogspot.com Lori Bowring Michaud http://artfullyornamental.blogspot.com Lori Poppe http://lorillijeanscreativecorner.blogspot.com/ Lori Schneider www.Beadaddicted.blogspot.com Lyn Foley www.lynfoleyblog.com Maddison Langford http://maddy-moo.blogspot.com Magdalena Sikora http://porannagazeta.blogspot.com/ Mallory Hoffman http://rosebud101-fortheloveofbeads.blogspot.com/ Marcella Austenfeld www.goodtogojewelry.blogspot.com Marcy Lamberson http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com Maria Clark http://sweetwillowdesigns.blogspot.com/ Maria Rosa Sharrow www.willowstreetshops.blogspot.com Marianna Boylan www.stargirlshop.blogspot.com Marie Covert http://thistledown-and-swaddlings.blogspot.com/ Marti Conrad www.marticsclay.blogspot.com Mary Ellen Merrigan http://www.MaryEllenBeads.com Mary Harding www.maryhardingjewelrybeadblog.blogspot.com Molly Alexander http://beautifullybrokenme.blogspot.com Nan Emmett http://spiritrattles.blogspot.com/ Niky Sayers http://silverniknats.blogspot.co.uk Pam Chesbro http://afortunatesoul.blogspot.com/ Pam Farren http://www.re-maker.blogspot.com Pam Sandy http://pamseclecticstuff.blogspot.com/ Pam Traub http://www.klassyjoolz.blogspot.com Pamela Gangler http://shealwayslovedpink.blogspot.com/ Patricia Buchanan http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/blog/braceletstoo Patricia Johnson http://patricialjohnsonglassart.blogspot.com Patty Miller http://cabaribeads.blogspot.com/ YOU ARE HERE --->Paula Hisel http://simplybeadiful.weebly.com/simply-stated.html Peggy Gabrielson http://georgiamountainarts.blogspot.com Perri Jackson http://shaktipajdesigns.com/blog/ Rachel Baron http://www.rbarondesigns.blogspot.com Rachel Stanley http://2catchahummingbird.blogspot.com Rain Hannah http://honeyandollie.com Rana Wilson http://ranaleadesigns.blogspot.com/ Renetha Stanziano www.lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com Robin Reed www.willowdragon.blogspot.com Rochelle Brisson http://www.acreativechelle.blogspot.com Rose Rushbrooke www.roserushbrooke.com/blog/ Ruth Szapa www.trudicrufus.blogspot.com Sally Russick http://thestudiosublime.com Sandi Volpe www.sandivolpe.com Sandra Pendragon http://sandrapendragon.blogspot.com/ Sandy Richardson www.SandyColoringBox.blogspot.com Sarah Small http://bysalla.blogspot.com Shannon Hicks http://uptwnsh-fallingintothesky.blogspot.com/ Shari Replogle www.playswithpaper.blogspot.com Sheila Daniels http://www.cheekymagpie.com Sheila Davis http://www.stonedesignsbysheila.blogspot.com/ Shiraz Biggie www.secretsongdesigns.blogspot.com Shirley Moore www.beadsandbread.blogspot.com Skylar Bre'z http://brisingbeads.blogspot.com/ Staci Smith www.stacilouiseoriginals.com Stacie Florer http://www.soultosubstance.com Stacy Pomerleau www.craftenvilleblog.com Stephanie Weiss www.uniquelymebwd.blogspot.com Sumi Rani www.HundredColors.blogspot.com Susan Sheehan http://susanasheehan.blogspot.com/ Suzette Bentley http://elliesbijoux.blogspot.com Tamera Norris www.beadsinspireme.com Tracy Choy www.bumblebeadsdesigns.Blogspot.com Tracy Stillman www.tracystillmandesigns.com Valerie Norton www.hot-fused-glass.com Vicki Holliday http://flopcatdesign.blogspot.com/
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Image borrowed from thedailybacon.com Ok, I know I'm a little late to be making my New Year's Resolutions. But in my defense, it takes me awhile to think about it and to come up with one that I think is not only doable, but will benefit myself in the long run.
I've been challenged by a few things I've seen and heard lately, and when I was in my office (aka bathtub) tonight, it all came together and I knew what I wanted to do. If you know me, or have ever had breakfast with me, you know that I LOVE bacon. LOVE it. As in I have a separate plate just for bacon. I also really love puns, word plays and any chance I can take to make things more memorable to myself and others. So when I realized that there were three things I wanted to work on this year, I thought, "why not make it something fun I can remember?!" I have decided to try and have at least one BLT a day. While I wish I was talking about the delicious sandwich, my cholesterol and family history strongly request I limit them to special occasions! So here is my version of the BLT: Blessin' Lesson and InTercessin' *yes, I am aware that intercession does not start with a "t," but you try to find an adequate word that rhymes. Blessin' One of the things I have been studying, thinking, and praying about this year is how to be a blessing to God. Its something I want to know more about, and to do more often. He has given me so much to be thankful for, and I want to bless Him in return. Lesson When I was in college, my Grandpa Winchester told me that one of the best things I could do for myself was to try to learn something new every day. Its not always something from an encylopedia (oh how I loved World Book Encyclopedias), but I am trying to make a conscious effort to learn something new every day. InTercessin' I have been fascinated with the new Pope Francis. Although I am not Catholic, I have been completely intrigued by this man with such humility. I love that one of the first things he asked, was that the church pray for him. While I'm not technically part of "his church," I am behind anyone who is doing what he is attempting to do for the people (specifically the poor people) of the world. So I want to pray for him. And not just him, but our leaders, my family, my husband, co-workers, friends, etc. Those are my goals, and I am going to attempt to write them down so that at the end of the year I can look back on what I've seen God do. I hope you will follow on this journey with me. Last month, I entered my name into a drawing by Sandra McGriff of Skye Creative Chaos (http://skyescreativechaos.blogspot.ca/). I was the lucky winner and she sent me a gorgeous mix of blue beads with the following instructions: The last day of February is World Rare Disease Day (http://globalgenes.org/world-rare-disease-day/) As such, I thought we'd try a little something different with this goodie bundle. Most of you have heard of the Global Genes Project & their 7000 Bracelets for Hope campaign. Each year, thousands of blue bracelets are made and donated to this group, who then gifts them to the mothers and caregivers of children with rare diseases. So this round there's a condition … you can only enter if you're willing to do something in exchange for winning ;) The goodie bundle this month is primarily blues... and whoever wins it, must make and donate one bracelet to the Global Genes Project. They don't have to use all of their prize, they don't even have to use ANY of it... they can use beads from their own stash instead. They just have to make sure their bracelet complies with the groups requirements ( http://globalgenes.org/7000-bracelets-for-hope/ ) I love the challenge that comes from beads chosen by someone else. And I LOVE blue beads. So, I decided to dip into my stash of blue beads and added a few to the pot. I also really love the idea that the bracelets I'm making will go to such a great cause (http://globalgenes.org/7000-bracelets-for-hope/). So I got to work and came up with four bracelets I'm really excited to send to the "7000 Bracelets for Hope" project. Light blues and teals. Various blues with light blue pearls. Lots of gorgeous blues. Cobalt blues. I hope you will check out the 7000 Bracelets for Hope project and consider donating one to them as well.
http://globalgenes.org/7000-bracelets-for-hope/ My bead soup swap package arrived and I am thrilled with what the dear Peggy Gabrielson of Georgia Mountain Arts sent me! She handmade the gorgeous purple flower pendant (bottom left) and the enamel beads (bottom right) and I am dying to use them to create something fun. Stay tuned...the finished piece(s) will be coming soon. And I hope you will go over to her blog / website and check out her fabulous work as well. http://georgiamountainarts.blogspot.com/ Below is the package of goodies I sent to her:
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