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/

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: