tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54777785404167754832024-03-14T02:36:27.389-05:00Life in the Bead LaneLife and times of a bead junkie and other things I do with my time.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652030221444100995noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477778540416775483.post-92196390574480681082012-02-24T21:57:00.000-06:002012-02-24T21:57:57.766-06:00A Little Bitty Donald<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eAKqEOdKYKg/T0hbKxR1tfI/AAAAAAAAAQk/rjqRpLhbelk/s1600/Donald+Duck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eAKqEOdKYKg/T0hbKxR1tfI/AAAAAAAAAQk/rjqRpLhbelk/s320/Donald+Duck.JPG" width="215" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made this little guy for my boss (at the job that pays me...not the bead shop, since that would be me) for his birthday since he is a huge fan of Donald Duck. The pattern came from a Japanese book that I don't know the title to--not sure if I got the beak quite right, but he's so sweet. About 3" tall. The Boss loved him and was so excited that he actually received something that I made. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hope you enjoy. I have a customer who's requested a Minnie Mouse...I have a book coming and hope that I can create her as well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoy and Bead Happy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Michelle</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652030221444100995noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477778540416775483.post-25923175810846516972011-09-17T00:05:00.008-05:002011-09-17T00:05:00.233-05:00The Cooking is Finally done<div style="text-align: center;">I have to say that except for a few parts, my necklace was finished almost a week ago. The earrings earlier this week (except for the ear wires which I just made). I did just finish the bracelet last night. I'm normally a silver, sparkly girl, but I've been really getting into MATTE gold. I love the softness of the finish. And then pair that with watery blues and rich browns? You had me at matte. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you to our hostess with the most-est...the lovely <a href="http://lorianderson-beadsoupblogparty.blogspot.com/">Lori Anderson</a>. She's set out to host this GINORMOUS blog hop party with 362 participants. Thank you for all the work, Lori! I was paired with the lovely <a href="http://www.christalscreations.blogspot.com/">Fiona</a> from England. I opened the package and was so excited to see all the possibilities...there was so much to work with. Thank you Fiona! Your goodies made me sit down and PLAY--normally I work, work, work--so this was a lovely treat!</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">The big reveal.....</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sH9L_xTykH4/TnQSIq0WArI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/1OJFJsPI7cw/s1600/Bead+Soup+2011+All.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" rba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sH9L_xTykH4/TnQSIq0WArI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/1OJFJsPI7cw/s400/Bead+Soup+2011+All.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made 4 pieces of jewelry and still have many beads left over. I usually don't work with crosses...but this one will now have special meaning. More on that a bit later in the post. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y7vMVjebmbQ/TnQSg1YijmI/AAAAAAAAAQU/oheDQPNqsCQ/s1600/Bead+Soup+2011+Pendant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" rba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y7vMVjebmbQ/TnQSg1YijmI/AAAAAAAAAQU/oheDQPNqsCQ/s320/Bead+Soup+2011+Pendant.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There was a LOT of little tiny links to make. I used red brass, steel wire and bronze wires. Of course I had to use bits of my lovely matte gold chain. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SzcYTZJY3F0/TnQSitAGCTI/AAAAAAAAAQY/xBQf_2P0Oxc/s1600/Bead+Soup+2011+Bracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SzcYTZJY3F0/TnQSitAGCTI/AAAAAAAAAQY/xBQf_2P0Oxc/s1600/Bead+Soup+2011+Bracelet.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I whipped this bracelet up using .5mm gold leather. It makes a very light weight but sturdy base to the bracelet. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_pKgtXdJaBg/TnQSl2gJgwI/AAAAAAAAAQc/wdjNkvl97b8/s1600/Bead+Soup+2011+Earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_pKgtXdJaBg/TnQSl2gJgwI/AAAAAAAAAQc/wdjNkvl97b8/s400/Bead+Soup+2011+Earrings.jpg" width="368" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had to make earrings. I'm such an earring girl and with my short hair, I love to show off big earrings. Can't wait to wear these. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">OK..why the cross and the necklace will have a special place in my heart....Tuesday I went in for my biopsy. It's the 1st surgery that I've had since I had my wisdom teeth removed as a teenager. I received my results on Friday, the 1st day I wore the necklace. Great news! No cancer! I will still have to have a full hysterectomy in a short while, but at least no cancer was found. I'm thankful that after all the time of talking to doctors, that someone finally listened to me. I found that I'm in the 4th stage of hyperplasia--which has a 30% chance of turning to cancer. So the big surgery is a preventative measure. I'm OK with that. I don't have children (I have the shop and a four-legged kid) and if I do, one day feel that I need to be a mother, I can adopt. Thanks for reading all that...but that necklace will hold a special place for me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Please visit all the other bloggers who are participating in the Bead Soup Party!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Please Click on the link to visit our hostess's website to view the full list. Click on each participants name to view their completed projects. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lorianderson-beadsoupblogparty.blogspot.com/">http://lorianderson-beadsoupblogparty.blogspot.com/</a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Many hugs and much joy....</div><div style="text-align: center;">Michelle</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652030221444100995noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477778540416775483.post-84484363955489275522011-09-09T21:24:00.001-05:002011-09-09T21:59:51.230-05:00Beady Soup GoodnessI've been a bad bead soup party partner! I received my lovely beads from <a href="http://christalscreations.blogspot.com/">Fiona</a> of Christals Creations and took my pictures but didn't send out a post. I did work on my finished piece over Labor Day weekend--yes, I did play instead of work which is what I do every weekend. Those beads were just calling out to me. I haven't worked on it since then, but it is almost complete! I will finish it on Sunday. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YI9EQsitscA/TmrGcFvO3hI/AAAAAAAAAQM/C7ViwL_m1rA/s1600/Bead+Soup+2011+Fiona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YI9EQsitscA/TmrGcFvO3hI/AAAAAAAAAQM/C7ViwL_m1rA/s400/Bead+Soup+2011+Fiona.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Miss Fiona sent me a lovely stash from England. I love the watery blues that she send me and started to formulate my plan.....I'm please with the pieces...yes, I did say pieces--that I've created so far. I've got 5 pieces in the works and will still have lots of beads left over from this bundle of goodness.<br />
<br />
On Tuesday, I'd appreciate some good vibes sent my way. I'll be having a minor surgery...my 1st surgery since I had my wisdom teeth removed when I was 15. This will then be followed up by the big surgery sometime in October. I will be out of commission for about 2-6 weeks. My surgery will help me, but will throw me into instant menopause. I guess if I'm going to get hot flashes, I'll start getting them when it's cold outside...LOL. I'm in good spirits, but if you think of me on the 13th, send me lots of positive thoughts and light.<br />
<br />
Bead Happy,<br />
MichelleMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652030221444100995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477778540416775483.post-40131906871522593512011-08-16T20:47:00.000-05:002011-08-16T20:47:42.138-05:00Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog Party<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CKSYp1-u9NQ/TksdvLVsM9I/AAAAAAAAAQI/ZBZOk0XrUZo/s1600/BSP%2BAugust%2B2011-1.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CKSYp1-u9NQ/TksdvLVsM9I/AAAAAAAAAQI/ZBZOk0XrUZo/s320/BSP%2BAugust%2B2011-1.jpg" /></a> </div>
<br />I'm late (almost late) for a very important DATE! My partner, <a href="http://www.christalscreations.blogspot.com/">Fiona Christie</a>, is getting her package shipped out tomorrow. The lovely <a href="http://www.prettythingsblog.com/">Lori Anderson</a> is hosting another Bead Soup Blog Party. There are a whopping 362 participants this go round. Hope you visit as many of us as you can when the big reveal date rolls around on September 17.
<br />
<br />I hope Fiona likes her ingredients. I had fun picking them out! Have you visited the other blogs yet to get a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">sneak</span> peek of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">what</span> they've sent to their partners.
<br />
<br />Many Hugs!
<br />Michelle<div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652030221444100995noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477778540416775483.post-29935707823517801952011-07-05T20:38:00.000-05:002011-07-05T20:38:49.187-05:00Drumroll Please......Whew! It's been a VERY long time since my last post. I won't make the excuse that I've been busy because everyone is busy. I haven't been up to snuff so between running the shop and working my other job I've just been plain old exhausted after 5 years of 70 to 90 hour work weeks. I have some more medical tests going on this upcoming week and I'm hoping that what they find may help solve some of my physical problems and get me creating again. <br />
<br />
Ok, enough about me personally and on to the BEADS! I do have some very exciting news to share and if you have a subscription to <em><a href="http://www.beadandbutton.com/">Bead and Button</a></em> magazine, you will have already seen my project. I made the cover (just a small corner, but the cover) after submitting my very 1st stitching piece to the publication. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EPDW5sixJTg/ThO5fp6px7I/AAAAAAAAAQA/ZLODnaXDe2U/s1600/Cover+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EPDW5sixJTg/ThO5fp6px7I/AAAAAAAAAQA/ZLODnaXDe2U/s640/Cover+2011.jpg" width="488" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yep, that's me up there on the left. I have totally fallen in love with Tilas and this idea just popped into my head at the paying job. I'm fortunate that I have a boss who is accepting of the few minutes it takes me to sketch out my ideas on sticky notes! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope that all has been well in Blogland. I have lots to catch up on in the blogosphere and it may take me awhile!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have a wonderful week!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Michelle</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652030221444100995noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477778540416775483.post-75626412055542142772011-01-11T06:50:00.000-06:002011-01-11T06:50:00.434-06:00I'm so EXCITED!It's that time of year....Lori Anderson of <a href="http://lorianderson.blogspot.com/2011/01/bead-soup-sign-ups-begin-today-jan-7-14.html">Pretty Things</a> is hosting her wonderful Bead Soup Blog Part! Yippee! I'm so Excited...and I just can't hide it.... (can you tell I'm channelling the Pointer Sisters?)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TSxRPri-nEI/AAAAAAAAAPs/wxzn5onoTuA/s1600/BeadSoupPartySaveDate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TSxRPri-nEI/AAAAAAAAAPs/wxzn5onoTuA/s320/BeadSoupPartySaveDate.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>The countdown begins.... Check out Lori's <a href="http://lorianderson.blogspot.com/2011/01/bead-soup-sign-ups-begin-today-jan-7-14.html">blog post</a> to see the list to date! It's a HUGE list! <br />
Bead Happy!<br />
MichelleMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652030221444100995noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477778540416775483.post-29212218629167802412010-10-18T21:27:00.000-05:002010-10-18T21:27:06.761-05:00She's Copying Me......Holy jumping jelly beans! It's been such a long time since my last post....I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. August was a busy month preparing to do our annual inventory at the shop--can you imagine????--4 days of counting every last bag and bead. Only with the crystals did we get antsy...we have about 600-700 containers of crystals that were counted since we sell our crystals by the piece. Ok..maybe the jump rings were a pain too!<br />
<br />
September saw us doing a lot of yard work--ripping out the vegetable garden and starting to cut back all of the flower beds. The end of the month we started with the LEAVES...and we're still working on those.<br />
<br />
This month has seen us working on making our own Pumpkins, Acorns and Candy Corns and Pumpkin Pie slices out of polymer clay.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TLz4mqdMVMI/AAAAAAAAAPM/ILHPBnS9Vkw/s1600/Fall+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TLz4mqdMVMI/AAAAAAAAAPM/ILHPBnS9Vkw/s400/Fall+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now on to the main feature..... A few weeks ago Gaea had a post about copying projects. She randomly picked 5 people to send out 3 of her lovely beads to "copy" a project she made.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TLz5PVI1vKI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/eA0OC56RksM/s1600/GaeaDreamsBracelet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TLz5PVI1vKI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/eA0OC56RksM/s1600/GaeaDreamsBracelet.JPG" /></a></div><br />
This is her project which the five of us were to copy. I have to say...that this is the 1st time that I've seen <a href="http://gaeabeads.blogspot.com/">Gaea's</a> beads in person...and photographs do not do her beads justice! They're so luscious! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TL0Am8sE1hI/AAAAAAAAAPk/nbN1s9DsRGI/s1600/Dream+Necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TL0Am8sE1hI/AAAAAAAAAPk/nbN1s9DsRGI/s640/Dream+Necklace.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Ok...here it is. My version of <a href="http://gaeabeads.blogspot.com/">Gaea's</a> bracelet. I made a necklace and wanted to make it long enough to wear with cowl-neck sweaters this winter. I made the pendant using 24g sheet copper and ran it through the Cuddlebug. The folder has an art nouveau swirl pattern. I hammered out part of the design. I then dabbed on white acrylic paint and then dabbed on alcohol inks and got the perfect color to match with Gaea's beads. I then sanded off some of the ink to let the copper show through. I stamped in the word "Dream" and then filled in a bit with Enamel Gel pens. The neck strap is copper chain, Czech glass, bone beads and dyed red quartz rondelles. These are all knotted onto an aqua cord on one side with a smattering of the red on the opposite side. I love this triangle chain...it's light yet chunky. The little drop on the bottom incorporates the little red rondelles and a dyed crackled quartz briolette. All of the beads are from my personal stash while the chain is from the shop.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TLz__Ec30UI/AAAAAAAAAPc/mMjDyeXVjJ0/s1600/Dream+Necklace+Closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TLz__Ec30UI/AAAAAAAAAPc/mMjDyeXVjJ0/s640/Dream+Necklace+Closeup.jpg" width="534" /></a></div><br />
I loved doing this challenge since it's something that I try to teach my customers...use your imagination--you do not have to have the exact beads or components to make something that is in a magazine or a book...it is all about inspiration.<br />
<br />
I hope that everyone had fun creating their pieces. <br />
Please visit Gaea's blog for the list of the other participants and their creations!<br />
<br />
Bead Happy!<br />
MichelleMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652030221444100995noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477778540416775483.post-1111903170061319002010-07-28T18:35:00.001-05:002010-07-28T18:35:32.434-05:00It's So Sweet<div style="text-align: center;">It's been a hectic month so I haven't been creating a bunch of new stuff to show. We had a really nice article written up on the shop in our local newspaper and that has increased a bunch of custom orders for us. Yipee! <a href="http://www.fdlreporter.com/ic/issuu/downtown.shtml">Experience Downtown Fond du Lac</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I did manage to capture a really fun picture earlier this month. I heard a noise, looked up....and saw this!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I ran inside to grab the camera to see if I could capture this fun writing.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TFC-GdzABDI/AAAAAAAAAO8/FA7KXfl-Eg0/s1600/Heart+in+the+Sky+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TFC-GdzABDI/AAAAAAAAAO8/FA7KXfl-Eg0/s400/Heart+in+the+Sky+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The only thing I did to the picture above was to enhance the color a bit since the sky was such a pale blue. In just the few minutes it took me to grab my camera, the sky writing was already starting to dissipate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bead Happy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Michelle</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652030221444100995noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477778540416775483.post-16350591831099215132010-06-30T06:39:00.001-05:002010-06-30T06:39:55.741-05:00The Best Give Away Ever!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Look at this Smorgasborg!</span></strong> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TCsrsyUOlGI/AAAAAAAAAO0/dRtR9KaE6tU/s1600/IMG_2665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" ru="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TCsrsyUOlGI/AAAAAAAAAO0/dRtR9KaE6tU/s400/IMG_2665.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Can you believe that this is a give-away?!? It it the mother load! Who needs gold when you've got beads. <a href="http://deniseyezbakmoore.blogspot.com/2010/06/best-bead-give-way-ever.html">Denise Yezbak Moore</a> is giving this away...it's 7.5 pounds of beady goodness worth $350!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hurry Quick! Head on over to her blog to sign up for this treasure trove. I'm a bit late in posting this....but you have a few days left if you haven't done it already!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652030221444100995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477778540416775483.post-40518044690811599452010-06-21T21:44:00.001-05:002010-06-21T22:18:44.515-05:00Bead Soup Party Reveal!The big day is here! The big reveal has arrived for the Bead Soup Part being put on by <a href="http://lorianderson.blogspot.com/">Lori Anderson</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TCAdSEwAu9I/AAAAAAAAAOM/vy5rfDtEVII/s1600/Bead_Soup_Mix_from_Susan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TCAdSEwAu9I/AAAAAAAAAOM/vy5rfDtEVII/s320/Bead_Soup_Mix_from_Susan.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are my ingredients from <a href="http://nightbeaderatlarge.blogspot.com/">Susan</a> who will reveal--on the 25th--what she made from the ingredients I sent her.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Are you ready???????</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TCAefZtU_cI/AAAAAAAAAOU/Wdbv2gz5rVs/s1600/Bead+Soup+Party+Necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ru="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TCAefZtU_cI/AAAAAAAAAOU/Wdbv2gz5rVs/s640/Bead+Soup+Party+Necklace.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Copper Beach)</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've never done any work before with cord and decided to give it a try with this piece. I used a variety of Czech glass beads, Japanese seed beads, some freshwater pearls, wavy copper spacers (love these), kyanite,some stone briolettes (I don't remember the stone) and some lovely spacer beads from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/kerribeads">Keri Fuhr</a> which I picked up from her at the Bead & Button show. All of this was knotted using a rusty orange S-Lon cord.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TCAejhruRWI/AAAAAAAAAOc/Dy4XiPvJiJw/s1600/BSP+Focal+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ru="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TCAejhruRWI/AAAAAAAAAOc/Dy4XiPvJiJw/s400/BSP+Focal+2.jpg" width="372" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is a close-up of the pendant....I also used some enameled copper jump rings from <a href="http://www.bluebuddhaboutique.com/">Blue Buddha</a> which I picked up last year at Bead & Button. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TCAenIBcYcI/AAAAAAAAAOk/jSGHEMRi5XI/s1600/BSP+Handmade+Clasp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" ru="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TCAenIBcYcI/AAAAAAAAAOk/jSGHEMRi5XI/s400/BSP+Handmade+Clasp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made the S-hook (I still have to hammer it a bit but the studio is in shambles since last week when we got a ton of rain that also went into the basement where the studio is). I used 16 gauge copper wire and accented it with a finer gauge of gold-tone craft wire.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TCAepnMudMI/AAAAAAAAAOs/laV_GkWOVqg/s1600/BSP+Earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ru="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TCAepnMudMI/AAAAAAAAAOs/laV_GkWOVqg/s320/BSP+Earrings.jpg" width="293" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are earrings that I also made....I was on a roll and just loved the ivory spacers from Keri.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's not done yet, but using the toggle from Susan, I'm making a bracelet with 8 strands of the same technique as in the neckstrap. I was on a roll....but duty calls...I must start working on the newsletter for the shop!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hope you enjoyed the entree and the side. I hope to post a picture later this week of the bracelet. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bead Happy!</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652030221444100995noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477778540416775483.post-51027998371097414412010-06-15T21:30:00.000-05:002010-06-15T21:30:59.239-05:00The Big Reveal Countdown.....<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Bead Soup Party blog hop that </span><a href="http://lorianderson.blogspot.com/2010/06/bead-soup-blog-party-sneak-peek.html"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Lori Anderson</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> is hosting is counting down....The BIG reveals happen over the week from June 19 to June 26. I'm number 45 so my reveal will happen on June 22! I'm so excited to see what everyone has made.</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Lori has the full list of all the participants.</span><br />
<br />
<div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TBg20kPeWjI/AAAAAAAAAOE/QOD8NVJBtAk/s1600/BeadSoupParty2%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qu="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TBg20kPeWjI/AAAAAAAAAOE/QOD8NVJBtAk/s400/BeadSoupParty2%5B1%5D.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Saturday, June 19th -- blogs 1-13</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sunday, June 20th -- blogs 14-26</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Monday, June 21st -- blogs 27-36</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Tuesday, June 22nd -- blogs 37-47</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Wednesday, June 23rd -- blogs 48-59</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Thursday, June 24th -- blogs 60-71</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Friday, June 25th -- blogs 72-84</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Saturday, June 26th -- blogs 85-97</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Will you blog hop to the party?</span></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652030221444100995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477778540416775483.post-75537002690918669502010-06-01T09:00:00.002-05:002010-06-01T09:00:03.449-05:00May Challenge from Aussie Threads & FibersOk. I know that I've been a bit quiet this month....quieter than usual because I've been obsessed with the May Challenge from Pat at Aussie Threads & Fibers! This was a wonderful challenge that really made me go outside of my box! I had to match all of the colors in the Swarovski components and I tried to capture all of the wonderful vibrant colors in the rivoli, cosmic squares and the rectangular stone. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TARsg0FBNxI/AAAAAAAAANs/-0wURH8Ph2U/s1600/Cirque+Necklace+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TARsg0FBNxI/AAAAAAAAANs/-0wURH8Ph2U/s640/Cirque+Necklace+2.jpg" width="420" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The neckstrap was made from some lovely sari silk that I won from the talented <a href="http://deniseyezbakmoore.blogspot.com/">Denise Yezbak Moore </a>. This is the 1st time that I've added fiber to a piece that I've done. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TARuHE5EWbI/AAAAAAAAAN8/Vxb_vxTvfnc/s1600/Cirque+Necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TARuHE5EWbI/AAAAAAAAAN8/Vxb_vxTvfnc/s400/Cirque+Necklace.jpg" width="337" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The clasp is a simple <a href="http://www.vintaj.com/wpblog/">Vintaj</a> hook & eye and a few links from the 10mm chain. I'm undecided, I may decide to add a bit more chain to make the necklace a bit longer. This is the largest piece I've done. The centerpiece is about 3" x 3".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Speaking of Vintaj, my Metal Art Book was featured on the <a href="http://vintaj.com/wpblog/?p=6237">Vintaj Blog</a>! Yipee! What an honor to have my work noticed!</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652030221444100995noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477778540416775483.post-77615432306858370392010-05-31T21:05:00.000-05:002010-05-31T21:05:04.422-05:00Bead Soup Party IngredientsWow! I can't believe that May has gotten away from me and that Bead & Button is right around the corner! <br />
<br />
The swap has been made. This is a picture of my soup that I sent to <a href="http://nightbeaderatlarge.blogspot.com/">Susan</a> in AZ. She is a bead embroidery whiz and won the <a href="http://www.thebeadersmuse.com/">Use the Muse III</a> contest. So I knew that I needed to send her a cabochon and some extra goodies to use for stitching. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TARpwZfSZfI/AAAAAAAAANc/ILiBO1sCM5I/s1600/Bead+Soup+Party+Mix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TARpwZfSZfI/AAAAAAAAANc/ILiBO1sCM5I/s400/Bead+Soup+Party+Mix.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I knew I had to include some seed beads in the mix as well as some purple (one of Susan's Favorites) even though the cabochon didn't have purple, it's a nice complement to the shades of green.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TARp2PwMQjI/AAAAAAAAANk/bCrGmD-kGno/s1600/Bead+Soup+Mix+from+Susan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/TARp2PwMQjI/AAAAAAAAANk/bCrGmD-kGno/s400/Bead+Soup+Mix+from+Susan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My lovely mix from Susan....now to decide to what to do...bead embroidery? Wirework? Decisions, decisions! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What do you think?</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652030221444100995noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477778540416775483.post-43537771169134200672010-05-27T10:44:00.000-05:002010-05-27T10:44:30.117-05:00Follow the Give-Away....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S_6TArd07dI/AAAAAAAAANU/U5tFx0_61T8/s1600/ThursdayGiveaway%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S_6TArd07dI/AAAAAAAAANU/U5tFx0_61T8/s400/ThursdayGiveaway%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Head on over to <a href="http://andrew-thornton.blogspot.com/">Andrew Thornton's</a> blog to enter for a give-away of the lovely batch of beads above. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What would you create with them?</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652030221444100995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477778540416775483.post-15113919367566470312010-04-30T06:57:00.000-05:002010-04-30T06:57:50.663-05:00It's a Tasty Bead Soup Party<div style="text-align: center;">Ok...I've done it...I've joined Lori's Bead Soup Party. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S9rDvZUiu4I/AAAAAAAAANM/99iH3RSzvJY/s1600/BeadSoupParty3x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S9rDvZUiu4I/AAAAAAAAANM/99iH3RSzvJY/s200/BeadSoupParty3x.jpg" tt="true" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This one will sure to be a tasty Treat! Be sure to bop on over to <a href="http://lorianderson.blogspot.com/">Lori's Blog</a> to get the scoop about this fun and lo-cal cuisine! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I can't wait to see what everyone makes!</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652030221444100995noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477778540416775483.post-65913306087250246092010-04-30T06:00:00.002-05:002010-04-30T06:00:10.460-05:00New DesignsI've been working on a few new designs...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S9j1HzOo6xI/AAAAAAAAAMs/rrF9BxaJkWk/s1600/Jeweled+Cuff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S9j1HzOo6xI/AAAAAAAAAMs/rrF9BxaJkWk/s400/Jeweled+Cuff.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jeweled Bracelet made with over 100 Swarovski 4mm Jet 2AB bicones, 6mm Amethyst Rounds, 6mm Amethyst Cubes, Rondelles, Squaredells and custom coated 4mm rounds. All of this was strung onto oval memory wire with 2 TierraCast 5-strand spacers. A 3 Strand filigree silver plated box clasp was added to keep this tight to the wrist.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S9j1OaGgrKI/AAAAAAAAAM0/TmqEgd-jWvI/s1600/Jeweled+Earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S9j1OaGgrKI/AAAAAAAAAM0/TmqEgd-jWvI/s400/Jeweled+Earrings.jpg" tt="true" width="237" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The earrings to match the Jeweled Bracelet. Custom coated very large Swarovski Teardop Pendants, Jet 2AB bicones and 12mm Cosmic beads in Amethyst. BIG AND SPARKLY!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S9j1SfSxfyI/AAAAAAAAAM8/EvC3WwVNnmY/s1600/Peekaboo+Bracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S9j1SfSxfyI/AAAAAAAAAM8/EvC3WwVNnmY/s400/Peekaboo+Bracelet.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another color combo for the African Polygon Stitch using matte S/L Teal, Gunmetal seed beads (8/0) and Magenta Lined Amethyst 8/0 Triangles. Accented with 6mm Swarovski Rounds and 3mm green iris Firepolish.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S9j1WrPqAJI/AAAAAAAAANE/ujOXkN-FSSM/s1600/Roman+Medallion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S9j1WrPqAJI/AAAAAAAAANE/ujOXkN-FSSM/s400/Roman+Medallion.jpg" tt="true" width="317" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Roman Medallion Necklace was stitched using 13/0 pewter colored charlottes, Miyuki's new Duracoat 11/0 in Champagne, Swarovski 4mm gold pearls, several other Swarovski specialties. The technique used is Bead Embroidery. This was a simple stitching project--the colors seemed a bit odd at first but I really liked them--Gold and Platinum pearls, Champagne and Pewter and a touch of Lt Colorado Topaz and Black Diamond.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoy and remember.....Bead Happy!</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652030221444100995noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477778540416775483.post-69912950605768858032010-04-28T21:53:00.001-05:002010-04-30T06:27:02.584-05:00All that Bead-y Goodness...We've gotten in some good new bead-ies...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S9jxgGqSFOI/AAAAAAAAAL0/SK8ZnjwQi8M/s1600/SL+Swarovski.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S9jxgGqSFOI/AAAAAAAAAL0/SK8ZnjwQi8M/s400/SL+Swarovski.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Limited quantities of Silver Lined Swarovski 4mm bicones in Lt Rose, Peridot and Lt Sapphire. TASTY! These are a rare find.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S9jxiCWbT0I/AAAAAAAAAL8/kt1nOBktyPg/s1600/Sticks+and+Pearls+Earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="357" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S9jxiCWbT0I/AAAAAAAAAL8/kt1nOBktyPg/s400/Sticks+and+Pearls+Earrings.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Katiedid Sticks (small size) above make cute little earrings. Swarovski 4mm bicones in Lt Colorado Topaz and 4mm Gold Pearls (plus a size 8 seed bead) fill them nicely.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Katiedid Curves below look like a little smile with 3mm Swarovski bicones in Fuchsia make a simple quick necklace with the addition of some sterling silver chain.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S9jxrnauyBI/AAAAAAAAAME/Ow-SJzSwAZU/s1600/Simply+Pink+Necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S9jxrnauyBI/AAAAAAAAAME/Ow-SJzSwAZU/s400/Simply+Pink+Necklace.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We've also added some YUMMY 4mm and 3mm Firepolish beads...you can never have too many for your weaving or stringing...they are always great for fillers! We've also added TierraCast's lovely little sugar skull charms--soooo sweet!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are just some of my designs with these great new items...what can you come with?</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652030221444100995noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477778540416775483.post-5849947672630639492010-04-26T17:06:00.000-05:002010-04-26T17:06:31.966-05:00Sneak PeekJust a little sneak peek into a project I've been working on....I think that I might try to see if there might be an interest in getting this one published....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S8_Bs_tiUPI/AAAAAAAAALs/5QHTAgwo1Zc/s1600/Its+a+Chain+Thing_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S8_Bs_tiUPI/AAAAAAAAALs/5QHTAgwo1Zc/s400/Its+a+Chain+Thing_edited-2.jpg" width="320" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've been trying out some new stuff...it's been kinda fun to go outside of my box.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Do you go outside of your box? Whether it's color, technique or something brand new? I think I am most critical of my new endeavors...but it makes me think about the overall look. </div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652030221444100995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477778540416775483.post-30108618047019511402010-04-21T22:24:00.000-05:002010-04-21T22:24:05.626-05:00Can I Live in My Shop?I've been thinking that my shop would make a perfect place to live--of course, with a few modifications. When I'm at my shop I am always so inspired to create (although I do have moments of creativity at my paying job so I have bits of scrap paper all over), but when I go home (even though I have the studio) I lose my forward motion! So I figure, if I could turn the kid's room (8x8ft) (the play room for the kids to hang out while Mom shops) into my bedroom and the office (6x8ft) into the kitchen and the stock room(6x8ft) into a bathroom I could just about live in my shop. Of course I would have to be able to put in ventilation and LOTS of windows! I would be creating non-stop. OK, so maybe it wouldn't be good to live there...I'd never sleep.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S8-_ORJhb0I/AAAAAAAAALE/ITo4TBklhHE/s1600/2010+shop+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S8-_ORJhb0I/AAAAAAAAALE/ITo4TBklhHE/s400/2010+shop+photo.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is what you see when you first walk in the shop. This--and one of us waving at you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S8-_WawmvyI/AAAAAAAAALM/ALeZuGQUtJQ/s1600/2010+Shop+Photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S8-_WawmvyI/AAAAAAAAALM/ALeZuGQUtJQ/s400/2010+Shop+Photo+1.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some of the Czech pressed glass, seed beads, USA made metal--TierraCast and misc products. Look! The tables are tall enough so that your back doesn't hurt while looking!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S8-_dIYA2ZI/AAAAAAAAALU/-WSKFyZO6WQ/s1600/2010+shop+photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S8-_dIYA2ZI/AAAAAAAAALU/-WSKFyZO6WQ/s400/2010+shop+photo+2.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Sparkly Wall! Everyone loves this corner. More USA metal--Vintaj!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S8-_lqNf8lI/AAAAAAAAALc/yRCx3U-KBGI/s1600/2010+Shop+Photo+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S8-_lqNf8lI/AAAAAAAAALc/yRCx3U-KBGI/s400/2010+Shop+Photo+3.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More Czech pressed glass and the Sterling/Gold-fill goodies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S8-_uopcCSI/AAAAAAAAALk/QIxcDE0lQAQ/s1600/2010+Shop+Photo+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S8-_uopcCSI/AAAAAAAAALk/QIxcDE0lQAQ/s400/2010+Shop+Photo+4.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The tool, wire and stringing material wall. See that door back there? That's the class room (my would be work studio if I lived in the shop).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hope you enjoyed a quick tour of the shop! If you are in the Fond du Lac area (about an hour northwest of Milwaukee) come in to say "hi".</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652030221444100995noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477778540416775483.post-70407175922754647612010-03-30T21:53:00.000-05:002010-03-30T21:53:32.641-05:00It's Sparkle-tastic!I've been a wee bit quiet on the blog this month...between getting my class instructions done for the new classes that we had this month and all of the other lovely paperwork that comes along with running your own business, I haven't had a lot of time. I did eek out some time to participate in a challenge through one of my vendors. Ok... really got sucked into this one. I haven't done any bead embroidery projects for awhile, so my mom said to give it a try for this. The creative challenge was to use Swarovski cupchain. Cup-a-wha? Cupchain is chain which is made up of settings then set with chantons (usually round chantons). My brilliant idea was to cut the chain apart and create beaded bezels for the components. Now cupchain is usually about 4mm--this cupchain is about 6-8mm. So my fingers got a bit antsy! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S7K2rm-g5KI/AAAAAAAAAK0/szOk_Di8-Ek/s1600/Antoinette+Start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" nt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S7K2rm-g5KI/AAAAAAAAAK0/szOk_Di8-Ek/s400/Antoinette+Start.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was my initail design. I was just winging this project as I went along. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S7K2B_8zH-I/AAAAAAAAAKU/SRYGbs7gwWo/s1600/Antoinette+Start+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S7K2B_8zH-I/AAAAAAAAAKU/SRYGbs7gwWo/s400/Antoinette+Start+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All my cupchain has been bezeled. I then bezeled a 16mm rivoli and attached it via stitching to the backing material. The cupchain components were all glued into place.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S7K2aFA9y6I/AAAAAAAAAKs/bDChwBgSTyo/s1600/Antoinette+Close+UP+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S7K2aFA9y6I/AAAAAAAAAKs/bDChwBgSTyo/s400/Antoinette+Close+UP+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My finished project. Since I've taken my pictures at night and without two photo lamps (still have to replace the bulb that the doggie popped), the picture came out a bit darker than I wanted.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S7K22pSI27I/AAAAAAAAAK8/xivyNlWu2JY/s1600/Padparasha+Bangle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" nt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S7K22pSI27I/AAAAAAAAAK8/xivyNlWu2JY/s400/Padparasha+Bangle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also created a bangle using a <a href="http://www.vintaj.com/">Vintaj</a> Creative hoop as my base. I wired the cupchain to the hoop with steel wire. I made a very basic hook & eye closure from the wire as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've worked on a few other items as well, but I'll save those for <strong>another</strong> post.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My spring resolution is to post more frequently...I hope I can stick to this! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652030221444100995noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477778540416775483.post-14252829953838121892010-03-11T22:16:00.000-06:002010-03-11T22:16:19.451-06:00Aren't I Pretty??<div style="text-align: center;">I just had to share a current picture of our "baby". She was getting a make-over this weekend! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S5m_E7rcybI/AAAAAAAAAKE/bSggfK295zw/s1600-h/Zoe+getting+beautified.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S5m_E7rcybI/AAAAAAAAAKE/bSggfK295zw/s400/Zoe+getting+beautified.jpg" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I need a little more blush please!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S5m_JBUfkjI/AAAAAAAAAKM/O60zekskYv4/s1600-h/Zoe+getting+beautified+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S5m_JBUfkjI/AAAAAAAAAKM/O60zekskYv4/s400/Zoe+getting+beautified+2.jpg" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Iz I bootiful? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I just had to share...Zoe was being really needy on Saturday and while I was getting ready to go into the shop, she figured she needed a bit of attention!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hope this gives you a giggle!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652030221444100995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477778540416775483.post-49946986440605919842010-02-19T22:19:00.000-06:002010-02-19T22:19:16.881-06:00Want to Win.....<div style="text-align: center;">Would you like to score some hot beads by a cool artist? </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S39hGpABLBI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/WcPiHyCMMN0/s1600-h/Bead+Grouping+-+Mandarin+Orange%5B2%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S39hGpABLBI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/WcPiHyCMMN0/s320/Bead+Grouping+-+Mandarin+Orange%5B2%5D.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Head on over to visit Barbara Lewis at her new blog home at <a href="http://paintingwithfireartwear.blogspot.com/">Painting With Fire</a>. Become a follower and get a chance to win one of three lovely sets of enameled beads. Click on the link above to find out the details!</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652030221444100995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477778540416775483.post-61663129258517801042010-02-11T22:16:00.001-06:002010-02-11T22:19:49.169-06:00More Goodies Please.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I promised some more goodies! Some of my pictures are a bit on the dark side...while I was taking pictures the puppy knocked over one of my lights and blew the bulb! It may be a bit before I can get some nice bright pics... :-(</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S3TM5BzX6vI/AAAAAAAAAJs/tBouHRKpqHc/s1600-h/Sunset+Necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S3TM5BzX6vI/AAAAAAAAAJs/tBouHRKpqHc/s320/Sunset+Necklace.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><div align="center">Here is a better pic of the pendant from a previous post. This is really the 1st poly clay pendant/beads that I've made (except for the bazillion candy heart charms). The necklace has Swarovski crystals in Indian Red and Violet satin, red jasper pebbles, Cape Amethyst rondelles and TierraCast antique copper bead caps. </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S3TMHRpX5CI/AAAAAAAAAIc/RnAl5PmO4pM/s1600-h/Compass+Beach+Pendant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S3TMHRpX5CI/AAAAAAAAAIc/RnAl5PmO4pM/s320/Compass+Beach+Pendant.jpg" width="198" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the most recent Bead Embroidered pendant that I've made. This one was the most simple one I've made to date. The lovely cabachon is from <a href="http://earthenwood-beads.blogspot.com/">Earthenwood Studio</a>. Melanie makes a variety of ceramic links and pendants and beads. I've used Miyuki Delicas, 11/0 and 15/0. I've also used some faceted Czech faceted rounds in jadite and topaz ab. The maize colored seed beads are Toho 11/0. The dangle is a gold colored coin pearl. This didn't take that long to make...maybe about 3-4 hours total.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S3TM7zCs7nI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/eHtorQYlAK0/s1600-h/Teal+Foiled+Pendant+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S3TM7zCs7nI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/eHtorQYlAK0/s320/Teal+Foiled+Pendant+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This teal pendant is made from poly clay and has some silver foil applied and then run through the pasta machine. Since I can't really sketch/draw for diddly, I used rub-ons. I then sealed the pendant with a satin glaze. This is just calling for the beach!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S3TMM3HAxcI/AAAAAAAAAIk/zZqLniWpQxM/s1600-h/Heaven+Book+Cove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="312" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S3TMM3HAxcI/AAAAAAAAAIk/zZqLniWpQxM/s320/Heaven+Book+Cove.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is a new metal book. I used <a href="http://vintaj.com/">Vintaj</a> 34mm blanks and one of the embossed circle blanks. I've become addicted to making these little books! I've also used a gold foil pen to highlight and edge. And...something that I found at my local scrapbook store...Enamel Gel Pens...it's what I used to line my letters.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S3TMT7tvWBI/AAAAAAAAAIs/Ps0HWqNpvkg/s1600-h/Heaven+Book+Pg+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="301" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S3TMT7tvWBI/AAAAAAAAAIs/Ps0HWqNpvkg/s320/Heaven+Book+Pg+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Page 2 of the Heaven book.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S3TMZqHj0hI/AAAAAAAAAI0/UyaKtnJgjb0/s1600-h/Heaven+Book+Pg+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="294" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S3TMZqHj0hI/AAAAAAAAAI0/UyaKtnJgjb0/s320/Heaven+Book+Pg+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Page 3 of the Heaven book</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S3TMgNaKlfI/AAAAAAAAAI8/rKkClAyrWrA/s1600-h/Heaven+Book+Pg+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="282" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S3TMgNaKlfI/AAAAAAAAAI8/rKkClAyrWrA/s320/Heaven+Book+Pg+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Page 4 of the Heaven book...and my little version of an angel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S3TMj0b6GJI/AAAAAAAAAJE/YmLgyTSnJ0s/s1600-h/Hope+Book+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S3TMj0b6GJI/AAAAAAAAAJE/YmLgyTSnJ0s/s320/Hope+Book+Cover.jpg" width="229" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another metal book. This time using a rectangle embossed daisy blank for the cover. The Ranger Adirondak inks also include a silver, copper, gold and pearl...I really love the way the silver & copper look (i'm waiting for the gold).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S3TMoCMkiCI/AAAAAAAAAJM/AltgaZZsgqQ/s1600-h/Hope+Book+Pg+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S3TMoCMkiCI/AAAAAAAAAJM/AltgaZZsgqQ/s320/Hope+Book+Pg+2.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Page 2 of the Hope book--this one I've embellished with metal stamps. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S3TMrn0nXvI/AAAAAAAAAJU/GuBMVUZ9tFs/s1600-h/Hope+Book+Pg+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S3TMrn0nXvI/AAAAAAAAAJU/GuBMVUZ9tFs/s320/Hope+Book+Pg+3.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Page 3 of the hope book</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S3TMvK1MQDI/AAAAAAAAAJc/i9A3wd0uyJs/s1600-h/Hope+Book+Pg+4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S3TMvK1MQDI/AAAAAAAAAJc/i9A3wd0uyJs/s320/Hope+Book+Pg+4a.jpg" width="226" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Page 4 of the Hope Book</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S3TM0-SKvkI/AAAAAAAAAJk/CsWt7MA78A8/s1600-h/Hope+book+full+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S3TM0-SKvkI/AAAAAAAAAJk/CsWt7MA78A8/s320/Hope+book+full+shot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I just thought the overall picture of the book came out great! The oranges and pinks are just so summery! Can you tell that I'm ready for some warmth???</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have to say that one of my most favorite things occured today....and I think that it's the 1st time that it's happend this winter. Of course in Wisconsin, our winters are very grey and gloomy. The last 2 days have been beautifully sunny! I stopped off to do some shopping between the paying job and going into the shop. I parked my car facing the sun. When I got into my car...it was that lovely warm heat! I have leather seats in my car and they just absorbed that heat. So even though it was cold...that lovely warmth just radiated out of my seat and into my body. I think I could've stayed there all day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Do you have a small pleasure like this? That when it happens, it is such an unexpected yet treasured joy???</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have a great one and remember to Bead Happy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652030221444100995noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477778540416775483.post-17371782227097134162010-02-05T21:09:00.001-06:002010-02-05T21:16:55.534-06:00It's been way too long.........Since my last post. I wasn't feeling well for most of December and January so I didn't work on a bunch of new stuff. So now I've been working like mad, but still have to take MORE pictures. I've been trying out some new stuff so hope you enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S2zUTLbWNNI/AAAAAAAAAHM/DOIinlIgl84/s1600-h/Art+Book+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" kt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S2zUTLbWNNI/AAAAAAAAAHM/DOIinlIgl84/s400/Art+Book+Cover.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made a little "book" from Vintaj Blanks, Alcohol Inks and some texturing. I came home from the shop one Saturday and did the whole book in one sitting...although I did add some copper ink and re-worked the neckstrap.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S2zUYsBWrOI/AAAAAAAAAHU/ESKU_1jsonE/s1600-h/Art+Book+Pg+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="323" kt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S2zUYsBWrOI/AAAAAAAAAHU/ESKU_1jsonE/s400/Art+Book+Pg+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Page 2 of the Metal Book--this one is my favorite page...the colors just worked out perfectly!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S2zUdjRsFuI/AAAAAAAAAHc/kCEnuqwW0YM/s1600-h/Art+Book+Pg+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" kt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S2zUdjRsFuI/AAAAAAAAAHc/kCEnuqwW0YM/s400/Art+Book+Pg+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">Page 3--a great sentiment of what we should all try artistically</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S2zUiVIQdtI/AAAAAAAAAHk/5etGF7b29cs/s1600-h/Art+Book+Pg+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" kt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S2zUiVIQdtI/AAAAAAAAAHk/5etGF7b29cs/s400/Art+Book+Pg+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">Leap into experimenting with metal...my last page of my book pendant.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S2zXcF69L-I/AAAAAAAAAHs/_-FjwxlAWwg/s1600-h/Peyote+Shapes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" kt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S2zXcF69L-I/AAAAAAAAAHs/_-FjwxlAWwg/s400/Peyote+Shapes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks to Diane Fitzgerald's book <em>Shaped Beadwork</em> I've been playing with dimensional peyote. This is SOOO addictive to do. I'm going to eventually connect the Triangle, Rectangle & the Pentagon to make a pendant. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S2zXi7taJQI/AAAAAAAAAH0/ccGvDpW1E6A/s1600-h/Polymer+Clay+Pendant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" kt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S2zXi7taJQI/AAAAAAAAAH0/ccGvDpW1E6A/s400/Polymer+Clay+Pendant.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had to try my hand at polymer clay. I made the pendant and the barrel beads in the neckstrap. This was after making some candy heart charms. I really need to retake this photo with better lighting. The colors are a twilight purple that fades to copper. Then, after the pendant was baked, I added copper mica powder to the glaze to give it more shimmer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S2za1_Pu5gI/AAAAAAAAAIM/1Rw_q08xfso/s1600-h/Batch+1+Out+of+the+Oven1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" kt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S2za1_Pu5gI/AAAAAAAAAIM/1Rw_q08xfso/s400/Batch+1+Out+of+the+Oven1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is just a small portion of the polymer clay heart charms that Mom & I made---over a 110 of them in all (that's just the large charms!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S2zXqPYPb_I/AAAAAAAAAH8/NwPcM4kzfes/s1600-h/Spiralling+Out+of+Control+Bracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" kt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S2zXqPYPb_I/AAAAAAAAAH8/NwPcM4kzfes/s400/Spiralling+Out+of+Control+Bracelet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've been really hooked on making wire spirals. I called this <em>Spiralling Out of Control</em>---hmmm...maybe I can mix some wire spirals with the dimensional peyote.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S2zXs0eUDtI/AAAAAAAAAIE/Pa0vJ6y6Moo/s1600-h/Puffy+Heart+Pendant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/S2zXs0eUDtI/AAAAAAAAAIE/Pa0vJ6y6Moo/s400/Puffy+Heart+Pendant.jpg" width="353" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">I couldn't get this pendant to come out really clear no matter how many times I tried to photograph it! This design is by <a href="http://www.aroundthebeadingtable.com/">Deborah Roberti</a>. The crystals are Swarovski 4mm Ruby, Black 11/0, and Cream pearlized Fire Polish. I said that this was my <em>Twilight</em> inspired heart. I have since made a lovely Aqua Satin and Light Green Pearl heart.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">I guess that's all for now. I'll take some more pictures over the weekend (hopefully during the daylight hours instead of always at night) and post a few more finished pieces. </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Bead Creative and Bead Happy!</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652030221444100995noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477778540416775483.post-53498176384849885752009-11-17T21:17:00.001-06:002009-11-18T07:03:08.337-06:00Practice, Practice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ok...I've been practicing on my wiring. Both of the earring styles are from <em>Perfect Match: Earring Designsfor Every Occasion</em> by Sara Schwittek & Anita Lin. Below is a simple pair of earrings using sterling and 8mm Amazonite rounds. <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/SwNckyAyb9I/AAAAAAAAAFw/zHRubd9RTIU/s1600/Amazonite+Earrings+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/SwNckyAyb9I/AAAAAAAAAFw/zHRubd9RTIU/s400/Amazonite+Earrings+2.jpg" yr="true" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">This is another pair of earrings using sterling silver, lilac crystals, smokey quartz rounds and fluourite colored glass donuts. These were not as challenging as they look!<br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/SwNcrzTdlEI/AAAAAAAAAF4/dxzilPgtIdE/s1600/Amethyst+Earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/SwNcrzTdlEI/AAAAAAAAAF4/dxzilPgtIdE/s400/Amethyst+Earrings.jpg" yr="true" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">We had our It's Riveting Class on 11/14 and the students created pendants using Vintaj rivets and blanks. Not only did they rivet their pendants, but they also played with some texture. <br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">These are Catherine's pendants (thanks to Catherine for taking and emailing me the photos).<br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/SwNkBObnEeI/AAAAAAAAAGA/OWLuaZZZgYw/s1600/Catherine+Rivet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/SwNkBObnEeI/AAAAAAAAAGA/OWLuaZZZgYw/s400/Catherine+Rivet.jpg" yr="true" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Linda's Pendants.<br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/SwNkS1WR2JI/AAAAAAAAAGI/SVjoBXkBbAc/s1600/Linda+Rivet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/SwNkS1WR2JI/AAAAAAAAAGI/SVjoBXkBbAc/s400/Linda+Rivet.jpg" yr="true" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<div align="center">Lindsey's Pendants...Lindsey did make one more pendant...but we didn't get a picture of that one.<br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/SwNkk6jPbjI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/UB_Qpf3LJPs/s1600/Lindsey+Rivet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/SwNkk6jPbjI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/UB_Qpf3LJPs/s400/Lindsey+Rivet.jpg" yr="true" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pam's Pendants.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/SwNkyBLzLTI/AAAAAAAAAGY/PLTQLuu2MuM/s1600/Pam+Rivet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/SwNkyBLzLTI/AAAAAAAAAGY/PLTQLuu2MuM/s400/Pam+Rivet.jpg" yr="true" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Patty's Pendants.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/SwNk_8l6LlI/AAAAAAAAAGg/RLALj9x6m1g/s1600/Patty+Rivet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lmQJV6MdJqg/SwNk_8l6LlI/AAAAAAAAAGg/RLALj9x6m1g/s400/Patty+Rivet.jpg" yr="true" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">We didn't get a picture of Theresa's Pendants. She made 3 really nice ones as well. All of the ladies did a great job and had fun making just a "little" noise pounding on the metal.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hope you enjoyed the pics....let me know what you think!<br />
</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652030221444100995noreply@blogger.com2