Sisterhood of the Traveling Bead Box Information

WOW! For anyone who is interested in beads, you should check out the story of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Bead Box HERE on Cindys blog. I cannot believe how beautiful the contents of the box are. You can read the story as well as get some sneak peeks on some of the contents of the box there too. Anyone who works with beads would be lucky to get a chance to snag some of the beauties in there for themselves. What a great Christmas gift that would be. I know I would have to curl up for hours (maybe days) and just drool over the contents...lol. Wet beads wouldnt ship well would they? Check it out for yourself and prepare to be amazed. While you are there, look at Cindys creations, she is a lovely, talented woman!

July is done!

Whew! I was hoping this one wouldn't take the whole month, and it didn't. I was able to get it done in 19 days! This has to be a record for me. Anyway, for the month of July, Ruby is the birthstone. I found this color to be extremely difficult to capture with my camera. On my screen, it looks almost fuchsia, but trust me, it is all red! I used a ruby Swarovski Rivoli, 5 shades of red size 11 and size 15 seed beads in matte, transparent and silver-lined finishes. I used my usual 6mm hearts and half-moon beads. I am sad to say that Artbeads has clearanced the half-moon beads out. I think the are a great bead and I have enjoyed their versatility in my project. I am happy to say that I do have all I need to finish my piece though! Luckily I ordered them all in the very beginning. I can see using the flower motif pictured here with black in the center to make a poppy. I continued on with my meandering bugle bead path as I continue my journey, as well as using some pretty red peacock beads in this one. I have all my colors of Peridot picked out for the next wedge in my Birthstone Wheel. On to August! Wish me luck, I have to finish this one before the end of the year to be able to have my pieces featured on the Bead Journal Homepage Gallery. Gotta get beading! Thanks for looking!

PS. ARTBEADS is offering a 20% off coupon to myself and any of my blog followers or blog readers! Here is the message I received: This sneak peek "After Thanksgiving Day Sale" coupon can be used now to get a jump start on great savings before your favorite items sell out. This coupon expires on Sunday, November 28, 2010 at 11:59pm PT. Use coupon Code: ZZ-THANKSGIVING-SALE at checkout. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

2011 BJP

It is that time of year again, when registration for the 2011 Bead Journal Project is underway. It is set to begin January 1, 2011. Registration runs from November 8 - December 8. If you want to know more, or want to register, you can find the form HERE. Look for the registration button at the bottom of the page. I am doing registrations this year, so I look forward to seeing your information coming through! Happy Beading!

June BJP finished!

I said in my last BJP update, that I hoped it wouldn't take me a month to complete the next segment. Well, it did indeed take me a month, but here it is finished! This is the month of June on my Birthstone Wheel. The June Birthstone is Alexandrite. For this piece I used various colors of light purple seed beads in matte and shiny finishes, in both size 15 and size 11. I used the usual Rivoli and half moon beads as well as 6mm heart beads and 1 lonely little peacock bead. I really am happy with this color combination, and will be glad to move on to July, which is the Ruby! I am so happy to be able to find more time for working on my project with the cooler weather and more at home time. I hope the next time will take me less than a month. My goal is to finish 2 more segments before Christmas! Wish me luck. I will need it....

And the winner is....

I numbered the entries I received for the Ghostly Halloween Pin drawing. The entries are:

1. Marty S.

2. Carol

3. Robbie

4. Barbara

5. Heather

6. Robin

I had Kileigh do the drawing and she pulled out #3! Congratulations Robbie, please send me your snail mail address and I will send it right out! Thanks for entering!

Artbeads Colors of Fall

When I was contacted by Artbeads about their blogging program using the colors of Fall, I knew exactly what I wanted to make! This was unusual for me, as each time I have participated in this program, I have had a challenge to figure out not only what to make, but in choosing my supplies. For awhile now, I have been tossing around an idea in my head about using a gemstone donut as a focal piece in a necklace. That was my jumping off point in choosing this beautiful 35mm Leopard Skin Jasper Donut. I wasn't sure what the colors would be so I wanted 2 so I would be able to pick the one with the best fall coloring. I was not disappointed in either of the donuts I received. One was the one pictured here in deep hues of chocolate, rust tones and cream colors. I love it! I then made a selection of several different colors and sizes of Swarovski crystals. I chose 8mm crystals in Xillion Bicone Crystal Golden Shadow and Indian Red. If you haven't seen these colors up close, let me tell you they are gorgeous. I wasn't sure what to expect with the Indian Red, but it is one of the prettiest colors I have ever seen. I also chose several 4mm bicones in colors Indian red, Crystal Golden Shadow, Fire Opal, Sun, Crystal Copper. I was in love with each and every one of them! I want to accent with antique copper to compliment the donut, so I picked out 3mm Antiqued Copper Rounds, Antique Copper crimps and the most beautiful Antique Copper- Plated Pewter leaf clasp. I love the detail of this toggle clasp and thought it was perfect for an Autumn design. I also chose a lovely 3.5-4mm Potato Pearl mix called "Nostalgia" There were lots of cream, gold, copper, steel gray and light gray toned pearls in this mix. They are potato pearls, but each pearl was very nicely shaped and they are very uniform in size. I was very impressed by this mix. Next I bezeled the donut since it wasn't an actual bead. I glued it to some Lacy's stiff stuff and bezeled it using Delica #0015, bronze size 15 seed beads, size 11 seed beads in cream. After I cut out the pendant, I sewed on some Antique Copper split rings and attached the floating necklace I made using Beadalon stringing wire in a color called Satin Copper, as well as the swarovski crystals, potato pearls, antique copper rounds and some seed beads. I made the necklace a 22" length so I can wear it over a sweater or turtleneck this fall/winter. I found I liked the Beadalon wire, it was easy to work with and has a nice drape to it. All in all, I am thrilled with each and every component I chose in this necklace. I think it represents the theme "Colors of Fall" what do you think?

*Please note: I have received the Swarovski Crystals, Antique Copper clasp, beads, split rings, Beadalon Wire, Potato pearls and gemstone donut free of charge from Artbeads for my honest opinion of these products. I have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to these products.

Freebie Friday?

Lets just pretend its Friday! I had good intentions on posting this yesterday, but that is as far as it went! Anyhoo, here is what should have been posted yesterday! This is a little pin to get you in the mood for Halloween! It is my own pattern, stitched by myself. All you have to do is leave a comment to get an entry. I will pull a name out of the hat (more likely a bowl) next Friday October 15th. Thats it! Good luck....

Can you believe it?

A post finally! I have been busy, been sick, Maddux has been sick, and my Son Aaron and his girlfriend came for a visit from Texas. All in all, its been a super busy time for me. Unfortunately, my beadwork had to wait until I had time to do it! I am hoping things will settle down now. I have lots of catching up to do, not only on my Bead Journaling, but on blog hopping too. I must say, I miss everyone!

At long last, here is my completed May BJP. Yikes! I did say May. That only puts me almost 4 behind. I have a little bit done on June too, so maybe that one wont take me almost 2 months to complete. For my May piece, Emerald is the Birthstone color. I used my usual half moon beads in both matte and shiny emerald. Size 15 transparent emerald color, gold size 15's, 6mm emerald hearts, an emerald 14mm Swarovski rivoli, emerald AB size 11's, as well as 2 un-marked shades of emerald size 11's. If anyone remembers, I will be using the half-moon and 6mm heart beads in each piece. I like the colors for this month. I think the deep green color added some life to my piece. Next month is Alexandrite! I like that I am being forced to work out of my color comfort zone and also that I dont even have to think what colors to use since it is all dictated by the Swarovski Birthstone chart! I hope it wont be another 6 weeks before I can post again. I am planning on doing a Freebie Friday in the near future, so please watch for that! Sorry I have neglected both my blog, and my blogging friends!

Giveaway!

Nancy Peterson is doing a beautiful Giveaway to celebrate one of her designs being published in Beadwork Magazine. She is giving away a gorgeous cranberry necklace which is one of the designs featured in the magazine article! You can see the Giveaway HERE!

No Updates yet!

It has been a difficult couple of weeks here at home. As many of my older followers know, my furbaby Maddux has had some severe health issues. We thought we had them figured out, but in the last 4 weeks he has relapsed. He had been running quite high fevers(106+) and having complications with his fevers over a year ago. It was suggested to me that I put him on a low dose antibiotic, which I did. This prevented him from having any more fevers for 18 months! Well, about a month ago, the fevers started up again and he has since fevered at least once a week. I don't know why, but the antibiotics have stopped working. Now what? I don't know but I am trying to figure out. I will do anything to try to save this beautiful boy. Meantime, I haven't had much time to bead, since I am either doing research, cooking for Maddy or taking care of him. He is worth it though! Stay tuned....

Who says.....

That jewelry has to be worn on your body? Why cant you wear it on your purse, a beach bag, your beltloop on your pants, or on a keychain? I don't know about you, but I hate wearing a watch in the summer. Your arm is sweaty under the watchband, they leave ugly tan lines and with all the water activities in summer, you can ruin a watch easily. That's why I came up with this handy little piece of jewelry. I don't have a fancy name for it, I just call it a time clip! In my last post, I described the items I chose for my Summertime themed glass beads, charms and glass pearls from Artbeads design partner program. I decided to make a summer time clip. I used sterling headpins and a chain maille base to attach the glass pearls, crystals and charms to the clip and to the geneva watchface. I also like to use my clip as a zipper pull. Its always within reach and easy to read. Thanks for looking! Your comments always make me smile!

*Please note: I have received the Charms, Pendant Beads, Swarovski Crystals and glass pearls free of charge from Artbeads for my honest opinion of these products. I have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to these products.

Artbeads Summertime Blogging Fun!

I was so excited to be able to pick from Artbeads vast selection of Glass beads, charms and pendants for their Artbeads Design Partner program! I kept the theme "Summertime" in mind for my choices and below are pictures of what I chose. I wanted a focal pendant and had the hardest time narrowing down my choice to only one! My choice was this gorgeous 24X32 Porcelain Shell Pendant. I love the blue-green tones, it is completely smooth and the shine of this pendant is so pretty. I think it is flawless! My next choices were 4 Sterling silver charms in the sea theme. I chose an embossed sand dollar and seashell, the cutest sea turtle charm and a conch shell charm. The detail of each charm is incredible! I am very happy with them. Next I chose 3 different colors of Swarovski 8mm round beads in Turquoise, Mocha and Crystal Golden Shadow. The Mocha color is a deep rich brown and is complimented beautifully by the turquoise and a new color for me, Crystal Golden Shadow. I dont think you can go wrong with Swarovski in general, but these beads are especially lovely with all their sparkling facets and striking colors. I then chose something different for me, Asymmetrical Glass Pearls in a softPowder Almond color. I am usually a very symmetrical person, but these lovely glass pearls spoke to me! I cant wait to use them. You will have to wait and see my creation next week! I hope you check back then. Meanwhile, if you are looking for Glass beads, Pendants, Swarovski or Charms and much more, check out Artbeads. Here is a 10% off discount code for you to use on your next order! SCF10P-ARTBEADS-0125

* Please note: I have received The charms, pendant bead and Swarovski crystals and pearls free of charge from Artbeads for my honest opinion of these products. I have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to these products.

Where did the whole month go??

I seriously cant believe it has been a month since my last post! It isn't that I haven't been beading, because I have. I guess if I have to choose between posting on my blog and beading, beading will win! I am keeping busy with my kids and grand babies, hubby and the dogs. I have had some time to bead, but not a lot. Here are my results! This months piece was my April (yikes!) Bead Journal Project. The birthstone for the month of April is the diamond. I chose to represent diamonds with whites. silvers and Swarovski crystals. I used a 14mm Swarovski Rivoli as well as 6mm Swarovski Margarita beads in Crystal AB. They aren't really noticeable, but they are there! I also used my 13mm X 5mm half-moon beads. I love these. I am challenging myself to see how many ways I can use these beads. I think this way is my favorite so far. I really like how this piece turned out, it is much prettier in person. I have found whites and crystals don't show well in pictures. I hope you can get the idea from this posting. Now on to May and the beautiful Emerald!

March BJP is finished!

I know, I know! I never even posted a "work in progress" photo of my March Bead Journal Project! I have just been way to busy to take the time to do so. I am happy with the finished section of my Year of Birthstones circle. This particular piece was for March, the Birthstone is Aquamarine. This is a color I haven't worked with much in the past. I found that I really liked it. The color was very soothing and made me feel peaceful while I worked. I used the half moon beads I have used in the other 2 sections, as well as some 6mm Aquamarine hearts and some really pretty aqua peacock beads along with several different finishes of seed beads in both size 11 and size 15. I am not sure I like the gold with this color, but I am committed to using gold in each section to tie the gold in that I have used in the center medallion as well as the border around the whole piece when its finished. Maybe it will grow on me with each section I finish. Maybe not!

Now, for next months piece. I will be working on April, and Diamond is the Birthstone for that month. Wouldn't it be wonderful if I could actually bead a section in Diamonds? That would be one expensive piece of art, wouldn't it? A girl can dream, but then again Swarovski crystals can shine like diamonds too.... See you soon!

Doing the Happy Dance!

I might still be behind, but I finally got February's piece done! I am quite pleased with the end result. It's hard to tell in the pictures, but I added matte as well as shiny half-moon beads from Artbeads to the circle around the Rivoli. I think you may be seeing these beads crop up in future pages. I really like them and there are so many colors. Who knew? I thought it needed something extra, so that is the extra! Now I am off to my local Bead store to find some seed beads in aquamarine, which as you probably know is the March Birthstone color. Its not one of the colors I have used a lot in other pieces. I love adding new colors to my bead stash. So exciting!

I had a wonderful weekend. As some of my followers know, my oldest daughter Jess likes to spoil me and cook me wonderful meals! This past weekend, she made a fantastic dish called Shrimp Orzo skillet. It was one of my favorite meals ever! We also had a large salad and lemon bars for dessert! Yummy! Isn't it so pretty? It tastes as good as it looks too. I love spending time with my kids and grand kids and having good food only makes it better. Love you Jess. Thanks for all you do for me and with me!

On a Lighter note.....

The 2 sections together!

Close-up of the Amethyst section.

Happy Easter a little late! I hope you had a great time with friends and/or family! I know our baskets here are over-flowing! Kileigh loved the egg hunt we had for her. Did you see the updated pictures of my 2 grandbabies on my sidebar? -------------------------------------->

I have made some progress on my February BJP. It shouldn't take me too much longer since I have the skinny part left to bead! I really like working with these purple shades. I don't usually do purple. Maybe I will now!

The weather has been beautiful, sunny skies and around 70! I wish it could stay like this all the time. I don't look forward to 90s though, I don't take the heat well.

I want to say a sincere thank-you for all the kind words upon Tyson's death. We are doing okay, missing him but coming to terms with what happened. I have such great friends out there in cyber space. Hugs to each and every one of you! Get beading!!

R.I.P. Tyson

"A Heart of gold stopped beating,

two shining eyes at rest.

God broke our hearts to prove,

He only takes the best."

~Author Unknown

Good Morning!

I am continuing the bugle bead path from last months piece.

I like the affect of the circle around the Rivoli, It makes it much more dramatic!

Both pieces together.

I hope everyone out there in Cyber Space is having a wonderful day! I am so happy to be able to update my blog once again. As you can see, I am doing my 2010 Bead Journal Page as one complete piece. I chose the pie shape because I thought it would be pretty framed! I also like that fact that the finished piece will have much more impact than several smaller pieces would have. I have completed January in lovely garnet shades, and am working on February in shades of Amethyst. I will be using a 14mm Swarovski Rivoli in the appropriate Birthstone color for each month. I think its going to be pretty! One thing I like about the choice I made, is that it is forcing me to use colors I wouldn't ordinarily use such as purple and reds! I have such a comfort zone with blacks, earthy tones and blues. I rarely stray from these colors! I also like that I am building my bead stash with many new shades to go along with each months colorway! So exciting!

January FINISHED!!

I love these Peacock Beads!

I dont understand why the color is funky in this picture.

All done, but I wish the picture did the color justice.

I am so happy I can finally say I have January DONE!! I was able to work on it quite a bit this past weekend and finished it up last night. I am excited to work with a different color palette for my February section. I am excited to bezel another Rivoli, I really like doing that for some reason! I guess because its something new. I cannot tell you how hard it was to find garnet colored bugle beads! I dug some out of a mighty old stash I came across of mixed colors of bugles. They aren't the best quality, but the color was right so on they went! I also used some 6mm garnet hearts and some 13mm half moon beads, both from Artbeads. This has quickly become my favorite place to beads shop. You wouldn't believe the amount of colors available in the half moon beads! I thought it was a neat shape so I bought several different colors. I bet you will be seeing them crop up in some of my other pages!

I hope every ones pieces are coming along nicely. It sure is fun to be able to look around at all the different blogs and see the beauty we are creating. Thanks for looking! I appreciate all the wonderful comments people are leaving.

An update finally!

Hi friends! I am sad to say, I am still not done with my January piece! I have had so much going on lately, I just haven't had the time to work on it as much as I would like!. I must apologize for this picture. It seems garnet is a really hard to capture color on my camera. I tried to darken it up some in my photo program and this is the best I could do! Tomorrow night I will get some more time to work on my page, so hopefully I will have another update before the week is done! Ethan is coming over tomorrow for a visit, so I will be in baby heaven while he is here! I hope that will give me some inspiration to finish January up! Hugs to you all! Thanks for stopping by and thanks for your delightful comments in advance. They always make my day a little brighter.

Something Different!

I was so excited to become a member of Artbeads Blogging Partners program! For this month Artbeads declred February as 'The Beauty of Spring"I was to choose products that represented Spring to me. I chose the most beautiful hand painted Porcelain oval Pendant called "Green Tree" I knew I loved it on the site, but I truly wasn't expecting the quality of this pendant. I had a hard time photographing it because of the shine on this pendant! To me this pendant represents spring in every way. Spring is about budding trees, everything is green and lush and fresh. I also chose the 6mm roundelle Swarovski beads in jet (I love swarovski pearls and crystals) and a "Grow" charm all of which I will be using to make a necklace that I will show you at a later date! I then decided to make a Spring charm bracelet! I used several of Artbeads Antique Silver charms and a darling TierraCast Antique Silver Paloma bead. I was happily surprised at the detail and quality of these charms. Spring brings back many of the birds that migrated, the butterflies, bees and flowers, so I thought these were perfect choices. I also used 6mm Swarovski Pearls in white, some lovely 5x4mm Olivine/Pink Opal mix beads from Artbeads and some sterling wire and a sterling toggle clasp I had on hand. I think it turned out darling and because of the springlike colors of pink and green and the pearls and charms, it will go with many of my outfits.

Fine Print: I have received the following items free of charge from Artbeads. I am giving my honest opinion of these products. I have not been paid for my opinion of the following products: Swarovski pearls and crystals, porcelain pendant, charms, glass beads.