I signed up for the Earring Swap Blog Hop hosted by Jessica Murray of Whimsical Monkey Artisan Jewelry several weeks ago. We were paired up and tasked with making a pair of earrings to swap with our partner. My partner was the lovely and talented Mimi Gardner of Other Curiosities. I love the concept of this swap--to make something fun to share with our partner. And since I LOVE earrings, I was hooked from the get go! Mimi was a delight to work with and I hope we are able to work together again in the future :)
Blog Participants:
Jessica Murray: http://whimsicalweavings.blogspot.com/2013/05/earring-swap-blog-hop.html Inge von Roos: ingetraud.wordpress.com Nancy Smith: wirednan.blogspot.ca Marianne Baxter: http://www.simplyseablimejewelry.blogspot.com/ Leah Tees: mybeadylittleeyes.blogspot.ca Andrea Trank: www.heavenlanecreations.com Miranda Ackerley: http://blog.mirandack.com/ Cheri Mitchell-Reed: http://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com/ Susan Kennedy: www.suebeads.blogspot.com Michele Dotson: http://star-jewels.blogspot.com/ Deanna Cox: www.deannaaki.WordPress.com Shelley Graham Turner: www.shelleygrahamturner.blogspot.com Ingrid McCue: www.wrappedinsilver.com Lennis Carrier: http://windbent.wordpress.com Ginger Davis Allman: http://thebluebottletree.com/ Mary Anne Flesch: www.handcraftedserenity.blogspot.com Nicole Valentine Rimmer: www.nvalentine.blogspot.com Stephanie Weiss: uniquelymebwd.blogspot.com/ Silvia Sernicola: http://pipa-the-latest.blogspot.it/ Karla Morgan: www.TexasPepperJams.blogspot.com Kay Thomerson: http://KayzKreationz.blogspot.com Paula Hisel: http://simplybeadiful.weebly.com/simply-stated.html Carol Dillman: http://dillmansdallies.blogspot.com/ Spun Sugar Beadworks: Spunsugarbeadworks.blogspot.com Tara Plote: http://newbiebeader.blogspot.com/ Rachel Baron: http://rbarondesigns.blogspot.com/ Laurie Keefe: http://treeofliferootedinmysoul.blogspot.com/ Kashmira Patel: http://sadafulee.blogspot.com Gina Hockett: http://www.freestyleelements.blogspot.com Shellie Grindy: http://www.creativeeclectica.com/ Shai Williams: http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com/ Dyanne Cantrell: http://deelitefuljewelrycreations.blogspot.com Mimi Gardner: www.OtherCuriosities.blogspot.com Jessica McMullen: http://pheonixgatedesigns.blogspot.com/ Jennifer LaVite: www.drygulchbeadsandjewelry.blogspot.com Laura Medeiros: http://zoeowyn.blogspot.com/ Alenka Obid: www.pepita-handmade.blogspot.com Elsie Fonseca: http://www.ladelizchica.blogspot.com/ Cheryl Dunham: www.renaissance-jewelry.blogspot.com Sandra McGriff: http://skyescreativechaos.blogspot.ca Tania Spivey: http://moobiegrace.blogspot.com/ Mowse Doyle: http://mowsemadethis.blogspot.com Facebook: Beccy Peterson: Beccy's Baubles Mischelle Fanucchi: www.facebook.com/micheladasmusings Marde Lowe: FanciMar Designs
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My happy place, that magical place I go to in my mind when life has me down, is from my childhood. When I close my eyes, I go back to all of those wonderful vacations we took as a family to Table Rock Lake. in Southwestern Missouri. If you have never been there, you should go...its wonderful.
We would spend our time on the water enjoying all that the lake had to offer--boating, swimming, tubing, fishing. It was a time of family togetherness, laughter and sheer happiness. I loved it so much that when it was time to get married, it seemed only right to have the wedding at the lake :) With this in mind, my challenge is to make something inspired by your favorite summer vacation. Whether it be a trip around the world, camping in the backyard, or going to the lake, I am challenging you to make a piece (or two) inspired by your memories from that trip. If you don't have a favorite summer vacation memory, that's ok. I'm including a few favorite pictures from my trips to the lake you can use as inspiration. If you would like to participate, please send me an email at [email protected] with your name, shop/business name (if you have one) and your blog address. Sign-ups will be open through May 15th, 2013. Our big reveal date will be June 26th, 2013. That gives you about 6 weeks to find your inspiration and create your piece(s). And if you have pictures of your vacation to share--please do!! We would love to see what exactly inspired you to create your piece(s). A week before the reveal date, I will send out an email and/or blog post with the full list of participants so that we can each include all of the participants in our reveal. I'm looking forward to seeing what memories you share through your work! 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:
Growing up, I seemed to be an irresistible target for bullies. From elementary school on, it always seemed like I had a string of kids lining up to pick on me. Some were subtle, some more cruel. But it always seemed to play out the same. They would find something irresistible to make fun of, and then the "fun" would begin. It was a painful game of trying to outlast the tormenting, to not let them know just how much they were hurting me.
Over the years, my hair got less frizzy, I grew into my large front teeth, and out of my social awkwardness. Bullies still seemed to find me, but I slowly learned how to deal with it. Only on this side of it all can I say that facing a constant string of bullies has made me a stronger person. It made me dig deep down inside myself to find things about myself that I liked. I learned that my worth isn't found in the eyes of others, but in the Lord, and that He loves me with unconditional love. Check out Isaiah 43:4 if you don't believe me. Like many children and adolescents who were tormented, I was convinced that once I became an adult, the bullying would magically stop; that people would magically change and be nice. One of the most disappointing things about adulthood is that bullying still exists. The games just have higher stakes and crueler consequences. While I was at work today, I found myself once again on the receiving end of the bullying game. A co-worker made a horribly inappropriate comment to me, and it brought on a flood of emotions. After I got over my initial shock, I realized (for the first time) that the person saying it was miserable inside, and that their picking on me was a way to take the focus off of themselves. I don't have the answers on how to fix the problem. But I do have words of encouragement for those going through bullying situations. Keep your chin up. Know that the horrible things they are saying aren't personal -- they are coming from a very insecure and hurting person who just wants to make someone feel as bad as they do. Their words don't mean anything. Your worth is found in the Lord, and He loves you just the way you are. And I am always here if you need someone to listen. [email protected] Eighteen months ago, God started me on the most amazingly unexpected journey. I get to teach senior citizens (and other willing souls) the ins and outs of jewelry design. Some classes are beginners classes where we work to put beads on string. Others are more advanced. But in all classes, we have the most amazing time of fellowship.
I have learned a lot from my seniors over the past year and a half. I've learned that life isn't fair; that bodies don't always work the way we want them to; that we aren't always in control of our circumstances; that Alzheimer's and heart disease and cancer suck. But the most amazing thing I have learned from my senior students is how to love unconditionally. We've been through a lot together: fights, arguments, laughter, tears, stories of days gone by, sharing of recipes, sharing of secrets....but regardless of what has happened, every single class has ended in touching smiles, hugs and pleas for me to come back again. Each student has touched my soul in a way that is hard to describe to others. I have lost several students in the past few weeks. Each time I see the name in the paper, its like someone has kicked me in the stomach. I know that they have shed their earthly body for one whose legs work perfectly; whose eyes can see; whose mind is clear. I am happy for them. But I am selfish for me, because I will miss them dreadfully. I'll miss seeing what color Mrs. Ward's fingernails will be this week; or what amazing design Mrs. Maguire will come up with; or the way that Mr. Hacker tells me how he fell in love with Mrs. Hacker. I'll miss the laughter and smiles and hugs that follow. But I am eternally grateful that God has crossed our paths. I am thankful that for a brief moment that I got to be a part of their remarkable story. It was an honor and privilege to know them. And I cannot wait to see Mrs. Ward's fingernails again :) Recently my friend Jessica mentioned that she was looking for a craft she could use for her daughter's preschool class. They were doing Thanksgiving crafts and she needed ideas. I was so excited because I had just the perfect craft to share--popcicle stick turkeys!! My friend Audrey works in the kitchen at a local nursing home and knows how much I like to come up with random crafts. She has been saving me those little brown popcicle sticks (the ones that come with the little plastic cups of ice cream) for the past year, and I have been coming up with various ways to use them. I have found they make great hotdogs (stacked up), picture frames, ornaments, necklace pendants, and my favorite discovery--they make fabulous turkeys. So when Jessica mentioned that she needed a Thanksgiving craft, I couldn't wait to share my little turkeys with her and Miss Campbell. They were decorated with feathers and pompoms and I think they turned out fabulous. If you are interested in making these cute little birds, send me an email at [email protected] and I will email you the instructions. I think they would also make really cute little peacocks. |
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