Perles and Life

I'M SO EXCITED!!!! It's Jewelry Affaire Magazine

2011-10-05T21:07:00.000-07:00

What am I so excited about????

The new issue of Jewelry Affaire magazine is out and my submission, Jazzymyn's Secret was selected for publication! When I received an e-mail from Managing Editor, Beth Livesay that my necklace had been chosen, I wanted to jump up and down but I also had a feeling of accomplishment....that a goal had been attained. Seeing your work and name in print in a premiere magazine was definitely an exciting event for me. But don't get me wrong....I still have more goals to accomplish.

For those of us that create jewelry (and there's so many mediums), any goal you set for yourself will help you grow and keep your creative spirit exciting!

Until then..........Happy Beading!

Il est Temps OR It's Time to Reveal!!!

2011-09-16T23:55:00.000-07:00

Finding out who my Partner was............

Cynthia Tucker from Sea of Glass

(Please visit her blog)

The excitement of receiving my Bead Soup......

My Bead Soup from Cynthia Tucker
from Sea of Glass

Then..................

The creative results.............

Ocean View

The ocean colors of Cynthia's Lampwork Beads are breathtaking. She knew I have a love affaire with the ocean and beach. The turquoise shell-shaped beads add to this perfect ocean theme. I don't usually work with ribbon and the gorgeous hand-dyed silk ribbon created a challenge for me but it was oh so right for this necklace!

A piece of 14 gauge copper wire was loosely wrapped with 16 gauge copper wire.
I attached some hand-stamped metal word charms and some beachy charms along with some czech glass daggers.
Two links from a chain were used to dangle more beachy charms and czech glass daggers.

BUT.............there's more
Beachy Goodness
(because Cynthia was so generous)

Lampwork beads with beachy charms and czech glass faceted rounds dangle from
links of copper tubing and 14 gauge wire that are attached to single links of copper chain.
Very Beachy!!!

The pièce de résistance.......
Two gorgeous seashell beads reflecting ocean waves

Holes going through the middle of the ocean created a challenge...I didn't want my ocean twirling so I fed 20 gauge copper wire through the holes twice.
Links from antiqued brass chain with small brass bead dangles complete these lovelies.

Please go to Pretty Things
the official Bead Soup Blog Party Site
for links to each participants blog.......
you won't want to miss a single one!!!!

Until then............Happy Beading!

About Life: 9/11 -- Never Forget

2011-09-11T11:29:00.000-07:00

No words can fully describe that day 10 years ago......

So we are always grateful

On the path to healing

5 Gals and a Guy

2011-08-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

I'm one of the 5 Gals.....all of us beading friends. The Guy is mon husband.

The 5 Gals did a very fun show in Bend Oregon....the Pomegranate French Flea Market. When the show started, a surprise visitor arrived....mon husband. So, while we participated in the Flea Market, he took a walk and explored Bend, had lunch, and walked some more!

After the show, we planned dinner at the Pine Tavern and mon husband was now going to be joining us 5 Gals. It was so nice of them to include him!

After dinner, mon husband could not find the car.....lost in Bend, Oregon? How could that have happened? Are you sure you can't remember? What if it was stolen?

2 Gals had an idea.....take my key fob. So, while mon husband and I walked through Bend in what he thought was the direction of the car, the 2 Gals started driving through Bend pressing the key fob in hopes of seeing some flashing lights and possibly a trunk opening!

The 2 Gals found the car and mon husband said, "I was going in the right direction!" Of course all 5 Gals had fun with the whole incident for the rest of the evening!!!

It was great of him to show up at the French Flea Market and show his support but getting lost in Bend was more excitement than we expected.

Until then...............Happy Beading!

La Boîte. Il est arrivé!!!!! OR The Box....It Arrived!!!!!

2011-08-21T22:09:00.000-07:00

In this case, pictures will tell more than a thousand words...well I did use some of my own words along with the pictures but not a thousand!! Cynthia, thank you so much for such an awesome Bead Soup!

Enjoy!

Until then..........Happy Bead Soup Beading!

Mystified....A Bead Soup Blog Party Teaser

2011-08-18T11:52:00.000-07:00

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words....but in this case, it doesn't say a whole heck of a lot. What does it look like to you? Could there really be bead soup in that swirling tornado of color?

I not only had fun putting Cynthia's bead soup together, I also had fun packaging it. Hope Cynthia likes it all.

Coming up next.....Lost in Bend, Oregon or 5 gals and a guy!

Until then..............Happy Beading!

Is it Really Bead Soup Blog Party Time Again?

2011-08-09T08:39:00.000-07:00

It's fun, it's challenging, it invites friendship, it provides a medium to promote your blog, and you get a really kewl surprise from your partner!

To find out more about the BSBP, go to Pretty Things.

My partner is Cynthia Tucker and she is a glass beadmaker and instructor. Check out Cynthia's blog, Sea of Glass and her Etsy shop, Sea of Glass Lampwork. You will find some amazing beads there. Cynthia has many interests from quilting to vintage tea cups to egg coddlers....really!

It's time to put my bead soup ingredients together so I can simmer it awhile...

Until then.....Happy Beading!

Let's Talk Pearls.......

2011-07-28T14:20:00.000-07:00

Pearls....they've been on my mind lately and I'm not sure why other than the fact that I love pearls and how fun they are to incorporate into my jewelry making. I like to add a single pearl dangle onto my bracelets no matter what the style is.

I'm in no way a pearl expert and knowing a little bit about them would really be to my advantage. Do you buy certain pearls because you like their shape, their color, their size, or how they're drilled? I thought I'd do a little reading-up on them and also share that information with you. OK, there's a lot of information there....maybe more than you want or have time to read....pick one thing about pearls that you want to know more about and read on.

Coco and her Pearls

So Versatile

Pearls have evolved with Time

I love the way pearls go with just about everything.....dress them up or dress them down. They look good with a sequined dress or a pair of jeans and a t-shirt! Pearls have an elegance about them and in turn make the wearer very elegant!

Until then...........Happy Beading!

Vintage Costume Jewelry.....Is it Right or Wrong?

2011-07-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

You've seen it....vintage costume jewelry and it's in absolutely perfect condition. No stones missing, no scratches in the metal, the clasp is intact....that kind of stuff.

A lot of jewelry artists are incorporating these pieces in their creations, just as I'm attempting to do.

So, my question is......do these vintage pieces have to be in perfect condition in order to sell your jewelry creation if they are only a part of the total design package? Is part of the beauty of these pieces the fact that maybe they aren't so perfect? Does it allow us to embellish these pieces in other ways that we might not have done if they were in perfect condition?

Maybe this topic isn't THAT important as not everyone that creates jewelry wants to incorporate vintage costume jewelry as part of their piece.

Picture Courtesy of
Morning Glory Antiques and Jewelry

So, what do you think?

Until then........Happy Beading!

A Handy Man

2011-07-05T11:52:00.000-07:00

Watching an emtpy room transform into a beautiful new workspace was possible because of A Handy Man. They say that a picture is worth a thousand words....or something like that. So I think I'll let the pictures tell the story...

Until then............Happy Beading!!

Lonely No More

2011-05-25T12:51:00.000-07:00

OK, I was feeling a little guilty about Margot not only having to fill the role as my Dream Assistant but not having a friend! Displaying jewelry, travelling to shows, always having to look your best is a big responsibility. Sometimes you just need someone you can lean on a little bit........

When I spotted Babette (she's on the left), I knew she'd be the perfect friend for Margot!! I was a little nervous when I introduced her to Margot but they hit it off immediately! Now Margot doesn't have to travel to shows or be on display by herself.

They're both the perfect props for my jewelry and find that they both add interest to my display table at shows.

It was a match made in mannequin heaven!

Until then..................Happy Beading!

Coming Up............

2011-05-06T19:22:00.000-07:00

Can Margot really be happy by herself? Did she really look her best in her debut appearance?

This and more about my Dream Assistant will be coming in a post very soon!

Until then...........Happy Beading!

What do you Wear? Is Anyone Looking?

2011-05-06T18:57:00.000-07:00

Do you participate in shows, events or fairs to sell your jewelry or other related items? If so, do you think about what you're going to wear, what image you want to portray, or just really never thought about it? I'm one of those people who kinda hopes that someone pays to attention to what I'm wearing when I'm out there trying to promote myself and my jewelry. What do my clothes say about me? I hope it says that I'm a fun gal that does FABULOUS jewelry. This is a time when I can go outside of the day-job-fashion-attire box.

So, I'm thinking about what I want to wear for several of the upcoming Pomegranate French Flea Market events that I will be participatnig in this summer in Bend Oregon . One evening while in Etsy I saw what I thought was a really kewl skirt.....after that first thought, I then immediately went to the next thought of "you're too old to wear something like that....what ARE you thinking? The second thought didn't last too long as I went to CreoleSha and browsed through the shop. I found the top of one dress that I liked and thought that I'd like that attached to the kewl skirt that I first saw. Thus a dress was born just for me.

romantic Funky Eco Cream Tattered Pixie Mini Dress

Yep, this could really be outside the box for a few of you but it was love at first sight for me. Throw on a pair of capri tights and it's an outfit....well, almost.

Now I've got the bright idea that I want to wear cowgirl boots with this dress. I have a good friend (who is an excellent second-hand store shopper) on the prowl for some used cowgirl boots. Do you think she'll be successful in making this outfit what I envisioned it to be?

Well, whether you like my funky dress or not, maybe you'll think about what YOU'LL be wearing at your next jewelry show event. After all....it kinda is about the GLAM of it all!

Until then.............Happy Beading!

Off to the Beach

2011-04-22T09:22:00.000-07:00

I'm off to the Beach for a few days......of course, I'll be beading. Got the Primrose Lane Spring Show to get ready for. Aaaaah, just being close to the ocean makes me feel good!

Until then...........Happy Beading!

Should You take it for a Test Drive?

2011-04-20T19:35:00.000-07:00

Can you really be sure that your jewelry is really going to look and feel the way you think it should look and feel when someone's purchased it and actually wearing it out in the real world?

I mean, really, do yo think those pearls are going to actually hang down her back all evening without wanting to......slip off her shoulder, hang down in the front?

Some of what-I-think-are-great-ideas for jewelry turn out to be "what was I thinking?"

I could let Margot wear them for a bit....and don't get me wrong, she's my Dream Assistant, but she's got her limitations!!!!

So, with all that said.....I take my jewelry for a test drive by actually wearing it (and I could also be secretly looking for compliments). On many occasions after wearing my jewelry, I have to go back to the drawing board so that the "what was I thinking" can turn into "that's more like it"!

I think it's a good idea and it's always worked for me! I want someone who wears my jewelry to really enjoy wearing it....they won't if it hangs lopsided, or an edge is too sharp, or basically doesn't look as good wearing it as it did on the bead board (if you use one....maybe that's my problem!)

I want to thank my Dream Assistant, Margot, for her always excellent assistance and my "pearl" model for her patience and her ability to be absolutely still during the shoot.

Until then.............Happy Beading! (and test-driving)

7000 Bracelets of Hope-Blog Hop

2011-04-16T07:25:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all who visit in support of the Global Genes Project and 7000 Bracelets of Hope project. The bracelet I made for this project has a beautiful lampwork glass bead made by Alana from Flameboyance Glass. Supporting this focal bead are czech glass beads of varying shades of blue along with a dangle chain with tiny glass dangles of blue. The heart charm and chain symbolizes the love I send to the recipient of this bracelet and that it will give them strength.

Please support this important project by visiting the blogs of the other contributors to 7000 Bracelets of Hope and thank you to Lori Anderson of Pretty Things for inviting us to participate.

1. Lori Anderson, Pretty Things

2. Jayne Capps, Mama's Got To Doodle

3. Kym Hunter, Creatively Kym

4. Mandy Duffy, Beads for Brains: 365

5. Charlene Sevier, The Bead Dreamer

6. Lisa Boucher, Lisa's Clay Happenings

7. Mary Harding, Mary Harding Jewelry

8. Barbara Lewis, Painting With Fire

9. Amy Severino, Amy's Beads

10. Jennifer Pride, Jewelry by Jennifer Pride

11. Jenny Cameron, Glass Addictions

12. Susan Ferguson, Windrock Studio

13. Mortira vanPelt, Inspirational Beading

14. Brandi Hussey, Brandi Girl

15. Jenny Vidberg, Shyme Design

16. Angela Barribou, Re: Angela Rae

17. Stefanie Teufel, Stefanie's Sammelsurium

18. Sue Hodgkinson, Hello Gorgeous

19. Jean Yates, Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading To Be Done!

20. Nicki Keller, Nicki's Reef

21. JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions

22. Stacey Curry, Star Hitched Wagon

23. Carrie Tahquechi, Carrie T

24. Deci Worland, Gem Trails

25. Debbie Goering, Prairie Emporium

26. Staci Smith, Staci Louise Originals

27. Francy Inman, 8 Second Studio

28. Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings

29. Cherin Poovey, Lanyard Lady

30. Deb Price, Green Shoot Jewellery Designs

31. Suzette Bentley, Ellies Bijoux

32. Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads

33. Shirley Moore, Beads and Bread

34. Kate Gardenghi, The Tropical Blonde

35. Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre

36. Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me

37. Linda Djokic, Lutka and Co.

38. Cory Celaya, Art With Moxie

39. CJ Baushka, 4 His Glory Creations

40. Tracy Bell, Copper, Glass, and Recycled Trash

41. Sandra Richardson, Sandy's Coloring Box

42. Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe Designs

43. Kim Roberts, Bahama Dawn

44. Hilary Frye, FryeStyle

45. Emanda Johnson, Artemisia's Studio

46. Lisa Kavanaugh, Beading Bliss

47. Sue Kennedy, Sue Beads

48. Raquel Amaral, Raquel Amaral

49. Robyn Hawk, Daily Jewel

50. Linda Inhelder, Must-Haves Jewelry

52. Krista French, French Elegant Jewelry

53. Andrea Robinson, Madame Magpie's Shiny Things

54. John Rasmussen, Rasmussen Gems and Jewelry

55. Breana Fry, Vault 31

56. Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found

57. Cyndi Lavin, Beading Arts

58. Dot Lewallen, Speedie Beadie

59. Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope

60. Heather Pyle, Aquariart

61. Adrienne Campbell, Adrienne Designs

62. Dee Gordon, Runako Designs

63. Judy Glende, Judith B. Designs

64. Susie Hibdon, Vintage Susie & Wings

65. Tania Spivey, Moobie Grace Designs

66. Norma Agron, Norma's Clay

67. Ana Novak, Cat's Pajamas, Dog's Tuxedos

68. Johanna Rhodes, Fire Phoenix Creations

69. Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads

70. Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman

71. Holly Westfall, Silver Rose Designs

72. Catherine Pruitt, Boo Beads

73. Deana Hager, Just Deez' Art & Life

74. Lupe Meter, Gem's PC Corner

75. Valerie Norton, Hot Fused Glass

76. Janet Bocciardi, Honey From the Bee

77. Kitty Durmaj, Perles and Life

78. Rose Noble, Lady Noble Design

79. Sally Russick, WireWorked

80. Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter

81. KJ, KJ's Beadacious Beads

82. Lana Kinney, Something Unique by Lana

83. Melissa Meman, Melissa Meman ... Art, Life, Love

84. Karen Bien, Everyday Gypsy

85. Rebecca Anderson, Songbeads

86. Cyn Gagen, Creative Edventures

87. Niky Sayer, Silver Nik Nats

88. Deb Beechy, Beetique

89. Marian Hertzog, M's Place

90. Kerry Bogert, Kab's Creative Concepts

91. Judy Riley, Three Red Beads

92. Charlene Gray, Gray Girl Studio

93. Erin Fickert-Rowland, Elysian Fields

94. Sharon Palac, Sharon's Jewelry Garden

95. Maryse Thillens, Glass Bead Art

96. Christine Altmiller, One Kiss Creations

97. Eileen Bergen, The Artful Crafter

98. Bobbie Rafferty, Beadsong Jewelry

99. Rebekah Payne, Tree Wings Studio

100. Mari Aparicio, Mis Amores

101. Tracy Statler, Make Bracelets

102. Marcy Lamberson, Studio Marcy

103. Kim Stevens, Picking Poppies

104. Karyn White, Releases by Rufydoof

105. Elisabeth Auld, Beads for Busy Gals

106. Lisa Hamilton, Simply Irresistible Jewelry

107. Serena Trent, All Things Made Jewelry

108. Sharon Driscoll, Right Turn Artwerks

109. Debbie La Rue, For the Love of Beading

110. Maggie Towne, Maggie's Bead Towne

111. Cassandra Watsham, Designs by Cassandra

112. Mary Ellen Parker, BeeTree by m.e.

If you are just learning about this and would like to make a bracelet to send in, send your bracelet, including a business card and a note to the family receiving your bracelet to:

7000 Bracelets of Hope/Global Genes Project

24701 La Plaza

Suite 201

Dana Point, CA 92629

I Must Have Gotten Busy........

2011-04-15T18:47:00.000-07:00

because I totally forgot to tell you when the Primrose Lane Spring Show is going to take place. Mark your calendars for April 28, 29, 30 in Coburg Oregon (just north of Eugene). It's quite the Spring Affaire!

So grab a friend.................

Until then...............Happy Beading!

I tell Myself to Stay Calm

2011-04-12T19:05:00.000-07:00

I may appear calm on the outside but.........

.......there's a show to get ready for. What have I been doing? Anything? I'm running out of time!!!

So no matter how much I tell myself to be calm, it just isn't working....

But, it always seems to work out in the end....there's nothing like a deadline to get those creative juices really flowing.

I always have such great fun at the upcoming Primrose Lane Spring Show as I get to hang out with three wonderful gals that all love creating beautiful jewelry. Most importantly, we support each other and have learned so much from each other.

Until then..........Happy Beading! (and stay calm!)

7000 Bracelets

2011-04-09T18:35:00.000-07:00

Me and 110 other creative types are participating in
The Global Genes Project, 7000 Bracelets for Hope.

A call went out for participation from Lori Anderson of Pretty Things. Please show your support by letting others know through your blog or your website about this community of millions that have a rare disease.....awareness is just the beginning.

Off the Beading Path...........

2011-04-05T21:56:00.000-07:00

It's late but I wanted to post....nothing involved, nothing elaborate, but a reminder, not only to myself, but to everyone because...........

It really does!

So, try a.....

Everyday!

Until then.............Happy Beading!

Before the Awesomeness Giveaway Winner is Announced.....just a few words

2011-03-31T08:54:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of you for visiting and commenting on what you've shared lately. I'm not sure if you took the opportunity to read the comments of the other participants that commented about how they've shared but it was in a variety of ways...ways that can make a difference to someone.

So I put all your comments together and thought I would take a picture for posterity.

My husband kept saying that the cat could pick the winner but I'm thinking that's not really going to work.....she'd start playing with all those pieces of paper and they'd be all over the place and she'd never be able to pick just one piece of paper. And I really didn't think it would be very exciting for me to look at those pieces of paper, shut my eyes, and pick a winner. So, my next logical choice? My husband. He's wanted to be on my blog, so this was his opportunity to make an appearance. Fortunately, he wasn't asleep yet!!!

Ok, it was the night before, (and it's almost midnight) but I'm not revealing the winner until today!

And the winner of the

Awesomeness Giveaway

the Fabulous Leslie

from

Mad Maggie Designs!!!

Please e-mail me at

suite7bijouxdesigns@comcast.net

so I can get your Awesomeness in the mail!

Until then................Happy Beading!

It's Packaged and Ready

2011-03-28T23:02:00.000-07:00

The Awesomeness Giveaway is packaged and ready to go.........I've been holding onto this box because I love it so but want someone else to enjoy it now.....maybe it can be passed on again to someone else.

Thank you to Chris from Ferry Tales Gifts for sending my purchase from her etsy shop in this beautiful box. Now I'm passing it on.......remember, it's about Making it Special.

So, if you're just reading this a wondering what's going on......please read my post on my Awesomeness Giveaway.

Until then...........Happy Beading!

The Very Best Part........

2011-03-28T13:33:00.000-07:00

The Altered Book workshop was totally fun and went way too fast. We learned some basic techniques as that's about all time allowed. But they were techniques that you can build on. Much to my surprise the instructor provided each of us with a book for our class. So the dilema of which book to alter and should I really cut up such a beautiful book was suddenly gone.

I hope I'm not getting hooked, but if you can go by some of the supplies I purchased after class, I don't think I can deny that I'm hooked.

My book was called Heart and Soul

These are just a few of the techniques we learned

Making a pocket

Embellishing a page by sewing on a button and attaching a domino with wire

Make a niche and a compartment for a drawer

I still have the front and back of the book to work on, gluing more pages together, and adding embellishments.

But the Very Best Part was meeting some wonderful people in the workshop whom I hope I will see again! For me, that's what it's about.

Until then.............Happy Beading! (Am I going to have to start adding.....Happy Altered Bookmaking?)

Altered Books.....Can I Do It?

2011-03-25T13:47:00.000-07:00

Do I really need to get involved with another medium? Come on, I'm having a hard enough time keeping up with what I'm doing now. So even though my inner voice was telling me, don't go there, my brain decided that I should sign up for an Altered Book workshop at my local scrapbooking shop, Rosie's Art Carnival.

So then I went in search of an old book....should it be a really good old book or an old book that had seen better days? Off to St. Vincent DePaul's in search of a book. I think I found a couple of real treasures..........look at these books? Do I really want to cut up A Sherburne Inheritance or The Hilltop Girl. These are covers that you don't see too much of these days. I know I definitely wouldn't consider cutting up French Lyrics of the Nineteenth Century. I'll admit, I probably won't read them and unless I become fluent in French I won't be able to read French Lyrics. I have one more back-up book just in case I can't take the knife to one of these.

This book was just too good to pass up....who knows when I'm going to have to look up a French word....although I'm sure there a lot of new French words since this book was published. I thought it would be great as a back-drop for some of my jewelry photos.

I'm off to the beach to take on a new interest....maybe I'll have something to show and tell when I return.

Until then...........Happy Beading!

The "New" Moi

2011-03-23T16:08:00.000-07:00

The feeling came over me that I just needed a certain, ooh la la for my blog. But how was I going to satisfy that feeling? The thought of me attempting to re-design my blog didn't give me that ooh la la feeling.

I was so very happy with the banner and avatar for my shop Suite7 Bijoux Designs designed by Jeanne at Earlybird Graphics, it was a natural decision to ask Jeanne to do her magic again for my blog.....she was great to work with and totally enjoyed the experience.

What do you think? I love it....it's my ooh la la feeling! C'est magnifique!

Until then..........Happy Beading and Enjoy!

Awesomeness Giveaway

2011-03-22T08:48:00.000-07:00

I know, everyone is doing some kind of Giveaway, right? My reason is twofold......to have someone enjoy some awesomeness and to hopefully be able to share my thoughts about "beads, life in general, and French stuff" to more of you.

I'm not asking for just a comment but a special kind of comment.......tell me about sharing and how you felt when you shared.

What have your shared recently...

was it something you learned?
was it something you gave to someone?
was it as simple as sharing a moment of your time?

briefly comment about sharing and become a follower of Perles and Life and you could be the recipient of this awesomeness.......

Awesomeness

Lampwork Heart from Flameboyance Glass

Thai Silver Flower Pendant

Thai Silver Charms

Thai Silver Beads

Silver Ring from Green Girl Studios

Vintage Lucite Pendant

Strand of Blister Pearls

Strand of Iolite Chips

Strands of Czech Glass

Amber Nuggets

Vintage Resin Beads

Vintage Glass Bell-Shaped Beads

Pear Shaped Faceted Glass Beads

Czech Rondelles

Vintage Buttons

Button from Gita Maria

Rhinestone Button

Lucite Flowers

Mother of Pearl Pendant

Photo Pendant

Vintage Key

Collage Gift Tag (made by moi)

The winner of this Awesomeness Giveaway will be announced on Thursday, March 31.

*****I'm sorry that I cannot ship internationally due to weight****

Until then..........Happy Beading!

Making it Special....It's in the Packaging

2011-03-14T19:24:00.000-07:00

When I opened my Etsy shop, Suite7 Bijoux Designs I hadn't really given too much thought as to how I was going package someone's purchase of my jewelry.....am I the only one that didn't think about that? And maybe I should also include that occasional swap.....how do you present those goodies?

I thought about it when I received an etsy purchase from Patti at Altered State of Tin and it was wrapped in beautiful paper with ribbon. Patti was definitely thinking about it. I purchased a custom altered tin from ferrytalesgifts and it was in a collaged box...just as kewl as the altered tin.

That gal was thinking!!!!

This is how I packaged a purchase when I shipped it off to the buyer. It's not elaborate but it's a start and I've discovered RUBBER STAMPS. I'm having fun making the tags and it makes it special when the package arrives.

This is a tag that I made this weekend when I was with friend of mine and we decided to have some creativity fun together. We used rubber stamps with clear embossing ink, Stasz On Ink, pigment paint, glue, distress ink stamp pads, stickers, and buttons.

It seems like one fun thing leads to another!!!
Until then...........Happy Beading!!!!

Bead Soup Blog Party....the Aftermath

2011-03-02T21:26:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a party we had last weekend, huh? In fact, it's still going on. I'm one of those that is still blog hopping.

What about all those comments you received? Pour moi, it has been heartwarming, inspiring, encouraging, exciting, and, by some of the same-themed comments, given me the confidence that I am going in the direction I wanted to be headed in relationship to creating my jewelry pieces.

I don't know about you, but I was not only curious about what my bead soup partner, Leslie from Mad Maggie Designs, had created, but also about the comments that she would receive regarding her creation with my Bead Soup. Some of the comments Leslie received also confirmed the direction I was going in. They also made me glad that I had stopped hoarding some of my beads so they could see the light of day!

The question is.........WHAT DO YOU DO WITH ALL THOSE COMMENTS?

First, I will learn a lot about myself from not only the comments I received at Perles and Life but also the comments that Leslie received on her blog, Mad Maggie Designs. Then, I'm going to respond to those comments.... I really want to connect with my fellow Bead Soup Blog Partiers and that is through continuing the dialogue. I hope the Partiers will be patient with me as it will take time to do this.

Until then.....................Happy Beading AND Happy Commenting!!!

Kitty

Just in Case you Missed IT....Bead Soup Blog Party

2011-02-28T07:54:00.000-08:00

Here's the list of all the BSBP Participants for February 2011. It's really worthwhile visiting these blogs and enjoying all the lovely creations that we were challenged to make with Bead Soup we received from our partner.'

Please go to Pretty Things

Until then............Happy Beading!

Kitty

The Short and Sweet of It--Bead Soup Blog Party Reveal Day

2011-02-26T09:50:00.000-08:00

The day has finally arrived.....all 210 of us Bead Soup Blog Partiers have put on our finest and are ready to Party-Blog-Hop down!

Here's the short and sweet because we all want to visit as many blogs as we can...it may take me a week to do that...so here's my creation! Thanks to Leslie from Mad Maggie Designs for her bead soup selections....love that clasp!!! And kudos to Loris Anderson from Pretty Things for organizing this event, encouraging all of us, and for providing this wonderful opportunity for all of us to come together.

You will find a list of all the Bead Soup Blog Partiers at the bottom of this post.

Happy Blog Hopping!!!! Kitty

Participants

Lori Anderson, Pretty Things

(You Are Here) 2. Kitty Durmaj, Perles and Life
3. Michelle Heim, Life In the Bead Lane

4. Lisa Petrillo, Lucid Moon Studio

5. Anitra Gordy, Leelu Creations
6. Paige Maxim, Paige Maxim Designs

7. Marianna Boylan, Pretty Shiny Things

8. Cheryl Roe, BeadRoe

9. Heidi Post, Ex Post Facto

10. Cindy Wimmer, Sweet Bead Studio

11. Terri Gauthier, Blooming Ideas

12. Rachel Walsh, Balanced Crafts

13. Marian Hertzog, M's Place

14. Mary McGraw, MK's Musings

15. Sarabeth Burke, Chronicles of Sarita

16. Deci Worland, Gem Trails
17. Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Foundtick Lizard Designs

19. Kristin Latimer, MJM Jewelry Designs

20. Cathryn Brooks-Williams, Chile Cats

21. Holly Westfall, Silver Rose Designs

22. Janna Harttgen, Palima-Lim

23. Libby Leuchtman, Libby Leu

24. Rebecca Anderson, Songbeads

25. Deb Hunter, Living On Air

26. Diana Ptaszynski, Suburban Girl Studio
27. Jennifer VanBenschoten, VanBeads

28. Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter

29. Cyndi Lavin, Beading Arts

30. Courtney Breul, Beads by Breul

31. Stefanie Teufel, Stefanie's Sammelsurium
32. Patricia Gasparino, My Life Under the Bus

33. Tari Khars, Pearl and Pebble

34. Kristi Bowman-Gruel, Kristi Bowman Design

35. Jayne Capps, Mama's Got to Doodle

36. Becky Fairclough, Chameleons Designs

37. Evie and Beth McCord, EB Bead & Metal Works

38. Lynne Bowland, Islandgirl's Insights

39. Barbara Lewis, Painting With Fire

40. Lorelei Eurto, Inside the Studio

41. Stacy Hartis, Sissy & Jack's

42. Jennifer Cameron, Glass Addictions

43. Marcie Abney, La Bella Joya

44. Johanna Rhodes, Fire Phoenix Creations

45. Nan Emmett, Spirit Rattles

46. Melissa Mesara, One Eared Pig

47. Amanda Davie, Articulations

48. Cherin Poovey, Lanyard Lady

49. Virginia Joste, ViviBijoux

50. Andrew Thornton, The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton

51. Lori Dorrington, Lori's Glassworks

52. Melanie Brooks, Earthenwood Studio Chronicles

53. Kate Gardenghi, Tropical Blonde

54. Serena Trent, PinkIce Jewel's Blog

55. Malin de Koning, Beading by Malin de Koning

56. Shai Williams, Shaiha's Ramblings

57. Francy Inman, 8 Second Studio

58. Amy Freeland, Copper Diem

59. Lisa Liddy, Joolz By Lisa

60. Sandi Lee James, Do Be Do Bead Do

61. Mary Harding, Mary Harding Bead Blog

62. Stacey Curry, Star Hitched Wagon

(My BSBP Partner) 63. Leslie Gidden, Mad Maggie Designs

64. Elisabeth Auld, Beads For Busy Gals

65. Niky Sayers, Silver Nik Nats

66. Linda Djokic, Lutka and Co.

67. Tracy Bell, Copper, Glass, and Recycled Trash

68. Laurel Steven, Rue's Daftique

69. Ingrid McCue, Wrapped In Silver

70. Birgitta Lejonklou, Create With Spirit

71. Diana Hawkey, Diana Hawkey

72. Norma Turvey, Moonlit Fantaseas

73. Jeanette Ryan, Jeanette Blix
74. Jackie Ryan, Silver Lodge Gems

75. Jean Yates, Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading to Be Done!

76. Debbie Goering, Prairie Emporium

77. Valerie Norton, Hot Art

78. Jana Trupovniece, Stories of the Secret Garden

79. Amy Severino, Amy Beads

80. Emma Thomas, Fred Beans Nook

81. Karen Zanco, Everyday Gypsy

82. Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Beadphoria

83. Janet McDonald, Singing Woods

84. Dana James, Dana's Jewelry Designs

85. Kristina Johansson, Wild Roses and Blackberries

86. CJ Bauschka, CJ Bauschka
87. Angela Barribea, Re: Angela Rae

88. Marcy Lamberson, Studio Marcy

89. Tanya Floyd, Glass Migrations

90. Lisa Kavanaugh, Beading Bliss

91. Sue Hodgkinson, Hello Gorgeous

92. Jenni Connolly, Jenni's Bead

93. Nally Parfyonova, Nally's Creations

94. Karyn White, Releases By Rufydoof

95. Emanda Johnson, Artemisia Studio

96. Sandy Richardson, Sandy's Coloring Box

97. Cindy Dolezal, Cindy Dolezal Designs

98. Stacie Stamper, Park Avenue

99. Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads
100. Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings

101. Nicole Valentine-Rimmer, N. Valentine Studio

102. Jacinta Meyers, Jamberrysong's Creations

103. Charlene Gary, Gray Girl Studios

104. Rubiee Hayes, Glitter and Keys Galore

105. Marge Beebe, Rock Creek Creations

106. Elizabeth Freeman, Turquoise Sky

107. Shelby Foxwell, Sundown Bead Designs Rhetoric

108. Lynda Moseley, Diva Designs

109. Grace Danel, Grace Beading

110. Lois Moon, Que Onda Quitman

111. Agnes Shapiro, Beader Bubbe

112. Terry Carter, Tapping Flamingo

113. Judy Glende, Judith B. Designs

114. Mary Ellen Parker, Bee Tree By Me

115. Barbara Bechtel, Second Surf

116. Charlene Sevier, The Bead Dreamer

117. Alice Craddick, Alice's Beads and Baubles

118. Cory Celaya, Art With Moxie

119. Ronda Adams, The Ravished Heart

120. Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe Designs

121. Anna Lear, The Laughing Raven

122. Susie Hibdon, Vintagesusie & Wings

123. Amanda Austin, Sea Shore Glass

124. Jennifer Velasquez, Jen Judd Rocks

125. Hazel Ward, All Those Things
126. Brenda Salzano, Salzanos

127. Dee Gordon, Runako Designs by Dee

128. Anna Denisova, Anita-M

129. Margaret Saari, Mags-Jewelry

130. Genea Crivello-Knable, Genea Beads

131. Penny Neville, Copper Penny

132. Angela Blasingame, Hopemore

133. Helena Fritz, Beadwork by H's Blog

134. Stephanie LaRose, Confessions of a Bead Hoarder

135. Stephanie Haussler, PixyBug Designs

136. Diane Cook, Rosa & Josies

137. Maryse Thillens, Glass Bead Art

138. Jennifer Pride, Jewelry by J.P.
139. Shannon Chomanczuk, For My Sweet Daughter

140. Lisa Godfrey, Bead Happy

141. Heather Pyle, Welcome to My Muse
142. Regina Santerre, Regina's Writings

143. Liz DeLuca, Creative Arty Facts

144. Sig Wynne-Evans, Beaded Bear's Nonsense

145. Loretta Carstensen, Loretta's Boutique

146. Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads

147. Amber Dawn, Inventive Soul

148. Shelly Graves, Stars Dance With Me

149. Jess Italia Lincoln, Vintaj Blog

150. JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions

151. Carrie Tahquechi, Carrie T

152. Staci Smith, Staci Louise Originals
153. Katarzyna Kwiatkowska, Quiet Area

154. Ema Kilroy, Ema K Designs

155. Magdalena Sikora, Poranna Gazeta
156. Nicole Keller, Nicki's Reef

157. Ann Rishell, My Critical Eye

158. Noemi Baena, Fire, Metal, and Color

159. Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman

160. Barbara Blaszczyk, Labotorium Flory

161. Collette Collins, Firefly Myst

162. Carola Greiser, Polymer Clay Shed

163. Joanna Kopijczuk, Bizuteria z Filcu

164. LeAnn Weih, Summers Studio

165. Cassandra Watsham, Design by Cassandra

166. Anna Motz, Stunning

167. Shea Zukowski, Gr8findings

168. Susan Kennedy, Sue Beads

169. Lisa Boucher, Lisa's Clay Happenings

170. Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope

171. Alison Crenshaw, Beads by Earth Tones

172. Dorcas Midkiff, Wondrous Strange Designs

173. Melissa Rediger, Sea of Glass

174. Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre

175. Julie Nordine, Julie Nordine

176. Menka Gupta, Menka's Blog

177. Patsy Evins, Patsy Evins Studio

178. Cherrie Fick, En La Lumie're
179. Suzette Bentley, Ellie's Bijoux

180. Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me
181. Lyn Foley, Lyn Foley Wearable Art

182. Tara Plote, The Newbie Beader's Blog

183. Natalie Schuetz, Natalie S Perlen

184. Kim Hutchinson, Running on Ink

185. Haley Frank, Wide Eyed Smilin

186. Grace Caputo, Suddenly Last Summer

187. Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp, Skye Jewels

188. Erin Siegel, Erin Siegel Jewelry

189. Janea McDonald, Organized Chaos

190. Kristi Evenson, Colie Bug & Co.

191. Linda Inhelder, Must Haves Jewelry

192. Hilary Frye, FryeStyle

193. Whitney Lassini, Whitney Lassini

194. Nancy Schindler, The Rabbit Muse

195. Pam Brisse, The Blue Between

196. Beth Bricker, Vintage Sweets

197. Ruthie Stickney, Rose Works Jewelry and Gifts

198. Rose Noble, Lady Noble Designs

199. Karen Williams, Baublicious

200. Claire Maunsell, The Next Bend

201. Christine Damm, Stories They Tell

202. Kerry Bogert, Kab's Creative Concepts

203. Wendy Blum, Sand & Sea Designs

204. Juli Cannon, Julsbeads

205. Jenny Robledo, La Dona Boutique
206. Krista French, French Elegant Jewelry

207. Pam Krinski, Ewa Beads

208. Melissa Meman, Melissa Meman, Art, Life, Love

209. Dana Jones, Dana's Jewelry

210. Shirley Moore, Beads and Bread

If for some awful reason you cannot click on the links and get to the next blog you want to go to, please go here:

Bead Soup Blog Party Participants

and scroll down.

Dream Assistant

2011-02-24T08:35:00.000-08:00

Knowing myself as well as I do, I finally admitted to myself that I needed help......help in relationship to my "props" when attempting to photograph my jewelry.

Well, meet Margot, my Mannequin Assistant. Isn't she a dream! So French! She came to me by way of Selina Beads 'n Bits. Now i'm not saying she's going to solve all my photography issues but Margot is a good start! I will continue to experiment with different staging mediums in order to present my jewelry in the very best way.

That little tin at Margot's base is the unique work of Patti at Altered State of Tin.

Until then.......Happy Beading!

Kitty

Bead Soup Blog PaRtY Sneek Peek

2011-02-23T08:27:00.000-08:00

It's almost time to serve our Soup. I hope everyone enjoys it because it's been simmering for quite awhile! I'm not QUITE ready to have you all sit down at the table and enjoy but I'm sure the aroma is enticing you.

OK, my soup isn't edible, but it's in the aroma stage.....so here's a Sneek Peek of what's to come on Saturday, February 26, 2011 when all is revealed at the Bead Soup Blog Party.

On Saturday, I will post a list of all the Bead Soup Blog Partiers so you can join in the Blog Hop Party.

Until then.......Happy Beading!

Kitty

Soup's On

2011-02-16T08:04:00.000-08:00

My Soup is on the stove and simmering right now. The veggies add color to the broth and the meat will give it just the right flavor. Just the right combination of spices and this Soup should be very yummy!

Well, I'm not really making Soup in the traditional sense but Soup with ingredients that include a beautiful hand-made toggle clasp and a very kewl pendant made by my partner, Leslie Giddens of Mad Maggie Designs. Add some pearls, crystals, and metal components and this Soup is just waiting to be made into something.....could it be a bracelet, necklace, earrings, pin.......well, you'll just have to wait and see what my creative juices will be designing.

Find out on February 26, 2011 when my creation and the creations of the other 209 Bead Soup Blog Party participants will be revealed.

The list of all the Bead Soup Blog Partiers will also be listed on my blog, Perles and Life.

Until then.............Happy Beading!

Kitty

Bead Soup Blog Party Mess and Hoarding

2011-01-24T21:00:00.000-08:00

Havoc abounds in my bead room in preparation of putting together a stash of various sundry items for Leslie, my BSPB partner. I had to soften up this picture so that it doesn't look as bad as it really is. How does "stuff" seem to accumulate all over.... a saw, chain nose pliers, hammer, .........oops, don't want to give to much away. Well, it felt good when I was done and hope Leslie likes what I put together for her. It will be in the mail probably tomorrow.

Are any fellow beaders out there "hoarders"? When it comes to my beads and bead related items (otherwise known as "my stash") that I have, there are definitely things that I put in a special place and think, I'll use that, don't know when, but I know I'll make something from it or with it some day. Just knowing it's there gives me comfort. I can go look at those things when I want, think of things to do with it when I wake up during the night, go through my things and have that discovery moment when you're going through your stash and you see things that you forgot you had but know you had to keep them because you knew you'd make something with it some day!!!! Well, you get what I'm saying.

The Bead Soup Blog Party provided me with a challenge to go through "my stash" and try to become an un-hoarder. Now, things in "my stash" may not seem that special to someone else, but we each have our own special "stashes" that make us be hoarders. So, I can thank Lori Anderson and her BSBP for helping me to become an un-hoarder!!! Thank you, Lori.

Well, my bead room has been cleaned up and I feel so much better!!! What has the BSBP done for you???

Until then....Happy Beading!!!

Kitty

Introducing........My Bead Soup Blog Party Partner

2011-01-18T19:51:00.000-08:00

I'd like to introduce you to Leslie, my Bead Soup Blog Party partner. We are both BSBP newbies and I think she's as excited as I am to be a part of this remarkable event. Leslie was the Art Bead Scene's Designer of the Week....check out her beautiful and creative design. She's currently a busy working MOM and her etsy shop is in the works.

Keep tabs on Leslie's blog for interesting posts....I especially like the interview she had with her daughter, Madelyn.

Well, I better skee-daddle, as I already know I'm behind in getting my goodies ready to swap with Leslie.....the ideas are in my head...now, I need to make it happen!

Until then...........Happy Beading!!!

Kitty

Re-Inventing Myself

2011-01-17T11:18:00.000-08:00

In November, 2010, I decided that I needed to do something different in relationship to my jewelry. My work has evolved, trying different methods and mediums. Taking workshops has helped build my techniques and skills. It has also shown me what I do and do not enjoy doing...and given me an appreciation of the work that goes into a creative process.

From my "Oui" Series

My interest lies in working with metal, wire, vintage elements, and cold connections. I enjoy working with all kinds of beads and incorporating them in my designs. My thoughts went to my etsy shop and how I had ignored it for so long. With a new determination, I decided to re-invent myself by giving my business a new name and become focused on creating a style of jewelry using the methods and mediums that I enjoy the most. I do not want to limit myself and know that I will continue to grow and learn while still

maintaining a "style"!

Thus, Suite7 Bijoux Designs was born. It has a French theme which some of my pieces reflect. It was definitely time for a makeover. Many jewelry artists have a definite style to their creations that with one look at a piece of jewelry you know who the artist is...designers such as Stephanie Lee, Susan Lenart Kazmer, Ruth Rae, and Denise Yezbak Moore. They are and will continue to be an inspiration to me.

Until then........Happy Beading!

Bead Soup Blog Party---Just Around the Corner

2011-01-03T16:50:00.000-08:00

There's a party going on....well, not right now, but starting January 7, 2011 you can sign up to participate in the Bead Soup Blog Party by visiting Lori Anderson at Pretty Things. This will be my first Party and looking forward to being able to put some beautiful beads and findings together for someone and then waiting with anticipation to see what is created with those beads.

Come Join in the Fun. Mark January 7 on your calendar!!

Until then.....HAPPY BEADING! Oh, and HAPPY 2011!

Kitty

A Good Thing--Journaling

2010-09-29T17:10:00.000-07:00

For the past couple of years I have been fascinated with the aspect of journaling....I'm not sure why as I'm not a great writer or communicator for that matter.

I've read several excerpts of journals that people have shared in magazines and on-line articles....some very visual using paper, paint, and images. I like to write but I'm not a writer. I'm not artistic in the sense of drawing or painting.

My contemplating over starting a journal came to an end when a friend of mine was featured in a local paper about her travel journal. Her journal was descriptive in two ways....through her writing and through her drawings. We talked about journaling and she wanted to start another journal on a specific topic. I expressed my desire to start but how I'd never done anything about that desire. It didn't take her long to present me with a beautiful book for me to use to start my journaling.

This journal has Kitty written all over it.....

.....Very French!

I've started my journaling....given it a name, a purpose, and decided that pictures, paper, stickers and glue will give me the visual interest I'd like to add!!

But most importantly, it will offer me an outlet to express myself and give that feel-good emotion inside and out!

Until then......Happy Beading, Journaling, and whatever makes you smile!

Kitty

Man-Bracelet

2010-08-03T17:24:00.000-07:00

I wanted to make a piece of jewelry for my husband (ya know....something that he might actually wear!). He's not one to wear jewelry but he liked the ID-type of bracelet.

I cut a piece of sterling silver sheet into a rectangle, filed the edges, texturized and then let him pick whatever he wanted stamped on the rectangle. He chose the word tonnerre which is French for thunder. Why? I haven't a clue! I was struggling with what kind of links or chain I should make or use. Then it came to me.....from Stephanie Lee's book Semi-Precious Salvage "Lives-Entwined Bracelet". Stephanie used flattened shell casings as a charm. I just took it in a different direction and made links from the casings. I attached each casing with jump rings and used a magnet clasp.

He's actually wearing it and I've been encouraged to start making more jewelry with men-in-mind.

Until then.........HAPPY BEADING!

Kitty

Thrilled and Disappointed

2010-06-15T13:18:00.000-07:00

I would like to thank all of you that voted for my necklace in the Hearts category of the 2010 Bead Star contest.

Although I did not make the top three in that category, I am so thrilled to have been one of the 20 finalists chosen by the judges involved with the Bead Star contest.

I wish all those chosen in the 2010 Bead Star contest good wishes and continued success with all of their future endeavors in the world of creative jewelry making.

UNTIL THEN......Happy Beading!

Kitty

2010 Bead Star Contest Finalist

2010-06-09T18:37:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled and honored to be a finalist in the Hearts category for the 2010 Bead Star contest. Although my creations or my name are not well-known in the beading world, I think it speaks volumes to the judges selection process.....that everyone truly has a chance to be selected.

Although the voting is coming to a close, I hope you will take the time to look through all the categories at some of the beautiful creations. I would deeply appreciate your support in this endeavor in the Hearts Category, No. 6.

Until then.....HAPPY BEADING!

Some Favorite Etsy Shops

2010-04-06T13:24:00.000-07:00

I thought I would like to share with you some of my favorite Etsy shops. If you haven't heard of Etsy.com before, this will be a good introduction for you. If you are familiar and shop on Etsy, maybe these are some shops you haven't visited yet.....

Etsy is a wonderful outlet for those who love to create and for those who love to shop for things handmade and not mass produced.

Please take a few minutes to check out the following shops.....also, please share some of your favorite shops on Etsy.

Emerald Window
Peppermint Charms
The Ugly Dog Ranch
Rock On Jewelry
Beady Monkey
Just Wire

My next post will be about a collaborative effort that I would like to propose. In the meantime you may like to take a look at A Charming Exchange by Ruth Rae and Kelly Snelling. Their book details how several creative women met through forums and eventually collaborated on projects. The reason for their success was due to their dedication to a project and the bonds that grew between them because of it.

Until then......HAPPY BEADING!

KittyD

It Really Came True.....Paris!!!!

2010-01-10T09:15:00.000-08:00

A trip of a lifetime....Two Weeks In Paris!

My husband and I decided in August 2009 to take a long-dreamed about trip to Paris in October 2009. Planning and preparing for the trip was fun and exciting....where to stay, what to wear (I was more into that than my husband), tours to go on, what sights did we want to see.

We chose a small hotel in the 7th Arrondissement at Hotel Duquesne near the Ecole Militaire and the Eiffel Tower. Through Google Earth we could actually see what our hotel looked like from the street. Our view from our 2nd floor room through the French windows was of the top third of the Eiffel Tower. I was thrilled.

We took the Metropolitan (subway) almost everywhere we went in Paris and got quite good at finding which routes we needed to take. We would end each evening at the Cafe Bar Le Tourville with a glass of wine. We knew the staff quite well by the end of our trip and enjoyed talking with them.

We spent three days in Avignon and loved strolling through all the narrow streets. We stayed at the Hotel D'Europe which was very old but had been updated and was beautiful. We took a private day tour with a wonderful guide and saw the ancient Roman Aqueduct, walked through Arles and saw the collesium that is still be used today for bullfights and sipped coffee at the Van Gogh Cafe that is depicted in his painting, Cafe Terrace. Lastly we went to winery located in a cave called Sancerre.

A day trip to Normandy was one day I will not forget. Seeing Gold Beach, Omaha Beach and the American Cemetary with rows upon rows of crosses representing those that fought and died during WWII, was a day of reflection.

I think the beliefe that the French are not friendly is false...we found people to be friendly and always helpful. I could go on and on about our trip but these were some of the highlights.

We're already thinking of returning in 2010 and hopefully it will be another dream come true for us.

Until then......enjoy life!!!

A Trip to the White House?

2009-05-28T16:19:00.000-07:00

Imagine my surprise when I found out that the wife of a Congressman wore a bracelet she had purchased from me to a reception at the White House given by President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

The bracelet is sterling silver with Thai silver flower beads and pearls.

It's based on a design by Janice Berkebile>

Until then...Happy Beading!!!

Kitty

The Suspense is Over

2009-02-24T22:12:00.000-08:00

Those pieces of wire and tubing have finally become something... a Little bit of This and a Little bit of That....it was so much fun to create this piece. Can you identify where those pieces of wire and tubing ended up?

I used an old earring I bought at a second hand shop and a charm from a necklace that was wondering why I hadn't worn it for a while. I hope you're not disappointed. It looks great on my blue jean jacket.

Until then...Happy Beading!

Kitty

What Will They Become?

2009-02-19T07:58:00.000-08:00

It's just some wire....copper, sterling silver and brass tubing. Wonder what it will become. Sometimes what we picture in our minds doesn't always mean that's what you're going to end up with.

So far, I've made a headpin on one end of each of the copper wires, flattened it with a hammer and drilled a hole in each of the flattened headpins. I'm thinking of doing some riveting. I'm thinking of using the brass tubing between the two flattened headpins. I'm thinking........

Well, until then.....Happy Beading!

Tools on the Run

2009-02-14T14:25:00.001-08:00

Never would I have believed that I could be thrilled by receivng a Mighty Bag. "Wow," I said to my husband as I gave him a big huge hug!!! "What a great Valentine's gift!!!"

I've got visions of carrying my tools to a workshop, to a friend's house to bead, or just making it my tool storage container on my workbench....what every workbench should be sporting! And look at all those pockets on the outside.....

Until then....Happy Beading

Woman's Day-Shopping 1966 Style

2009-02-09T07:44:00.000-08:00

In a recent post I showed you the cover of the February 1966 Woman's Day Magazine....now let's take a peek inside.

Shopping....by mail. From wigs to fiberglass bedspreads, from cake decorating to personalized kitchen labels. The concept of mail order shopping has evolved to shopping on the internet. But whether it was ordered in 1966 or in 2009, the products still arrive via USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc.

This is just one page of mail order shopping and I'll be sharing other mail order shopping pages in future posts.

Forgotten Treasure

2009-02-01T11:00:00.000-08:00

It's like getting a present.....finding something that you had forgotten you had!

Hanging amongst my jewelry was a bracelet that I had purchased several years ago. Obviously I hadn't worn it for a long time and had never thought about being able to do anything with the locket. It made me realize how much I have changed (and grown) in my creative process over the last few years.

Stopping to take a look at it, I re-discovered the wonderful locket and small key charm which was used as part of the toggle clasp. My mind started racing as to what I wanted to do with it...still haven't quite decided but will not let it sit around too long on my workbench.

Do you have any forgotten treasures? You could make a discovery that will stir your imagination.

I would love to see your forgotten treasure so please share. ...and let me know what you think I should do with my forgotten treasure.

Until then.....Happy Beading

Why Was It Kept?

2009-01-23T18:06:00.000-08:00

Found amongst my mother's things was the February 1966 issue of Woman's Day Magazine. What articles in the magazine prompted my Mother to purchase this magazine for 15 cents? From the cover I think it was An International Collection of New Knitted Sweaters and the Spring Fashions in Knit Fabrics that probably caught her attention as she loved to knit and sew. Of course there's the Pork Cook Book....even that caught my attention.

The Magazine is in relatively good condition for being 43 years old. No ripped, torn or missing pages. Does being 43 years old qualify as being Vintage...now, I'm only talking in terms of the Magazine?

Since finding the Magazine, I've only glanced through it briefly. I thought, if you're interested, we could spend some time looking through the Magazine and reading the articles, check out the recipes, read a story, and look at those ads. Sure, things have changed since this Magazine was published but maybe we'll also find things that really haven't changed that much. So, I'll be perusing the Magazine and we'll look inside in future posts.

Museum Debut?

2008-09-24T18:46:00.001-07:00

No, my jewelry is not being displayed in a famous museum....but I can dream, can't I. It's my Crystal Viking Knit Weave with a vintage crystal, glass disk made by Alana from Flameboyance Glass and a Thai bead. Swarovski Crystals are added to the Viking Weave. To view some wonderful work from some talented people, please visit Year of Jewelry.

To get your work in a museum go to Dumpr.

Enjoy and HAPPY BEADING!

Kitty

Art Museum by dumpr.net

Caught my Breath....now Catching Up

2008-07-09T17:54:00.000-07:00

It's been a long while since I've contributed anything to Perles and Life. Summer is in full swing here in the Pacific Northwest as it's a very warm here today. The cat is an indicator of how warm it is....totally stretched out and laying by the fan.

To catch up on all the happenings let me begin back in March. I was so very lucky to attend the Portland Bead Expo. I attended with three other gals and we not only had beading in common but we also enjoyed experiencing some of Portland's cuisine and some fine wines, too! We all had signed up to attend classes during the four days of the Expo in which there was a wide variety to choose from. We all seemed to pick different classes so between the four of us there's lots we can learn from each other. "Meet the instructor" evening was a great opportunity to meet people that you've read about or seen their works in magazines. There were vendors attending that I had never had seen at other bead shows and fairs.

I attended Tracy Stanley's Viking Knit class. She loves what she does and shows it through her enthusiasm to teach her students. This was a very fun technique to learn and I was able to incorporate a beautiful lampwork bead made by a friend of mine, Alana, from Flameboyance Glass.

My second class was also taught by Tracy and it was Riveted Earrings. Having 20 students with hammers in their hands and pounding on copper sheeting was too much fun. I learned several different techniques for texturizing sheet and was able to purchase some beautiful texturizing hammers. I knew coming to the Expo that I wanted to concentrate on wire arts and also in obtaining some quality tools.

My last class was Freeform Wirework taught by CR Radding. The techniques were taught and practiced and then our creativity took over from there allowing us to go in our own direction to create a wirework piece.

As I left Portland it was such a gorgeous spring day, I felt that a little side trip to the coast was in order....visited with the owner of a LBS and caught up with her and then had a wonderful lunch at a place with a gorgeous view of the ocean. What an ending to an unforgettable few days! Beading and the Ocean.....they go great together!

In April, I was part of a show called Primrose Lane. There were 11 jewelry artists who participated. The absolute best part of the show was that we all knew and encouraged each other. We all do different kind of work so we weren't competing with each other. I was thrilled to have sold several pieces of my jewelry. There will be another Primrose Lane show this fall in which we are all hoping to participate again.

In May another Day of Creativity was held. There was a lot of serious business going on with our quilter's this get-together as they were creating a quilt for someone who was retiring at work and the deadline was fast approaching. The beader's were more laid back and it seemed like each of us were trying to finish projects that we had started and put aside except for two gals in which one was teaching the other some form of freeform stitching with seed beads. We had 13 in attendance which was a wonderful. While planning the May get together, I announced that I would not be hosting another Day of Creativity for awhile....that I needed to take a break. Unfortunately, we will be hard-pressed to find another venue in town that only charges a small fee to use. We are looking at paying a substantial amount of money to rent space somewhere. One gal volunteered to check with her church to see if we would be able to have our Day of Creativity there. I will be checking in with her towards the end of summer to see if that will be a possibility. It's a wonderful group and a wonderful time and I would hate to see it end. Our Day of Creativity group has grown over the last two years mainly by word of mouth. If anyone in the Eugene/Springfield OR area is interested in becoming part of the group, just contact me and we'll get you on the distribution list to notify you when the next one will be taking place (I just know someone in the group is going to step up and keep our Day of Creativity alive!!!)

I submitted a necklace to BeadingDaily.com and it was accepted for publication on their site as a free project. Once it was accepted, I was required to write detailed instructions. After I sent in my directions, a contract was signed, and I actually was paid for my work. It was pretty exciting for me. It's called Southwest Desert.

I am continuing to work on my wire working skills and have been able to discipline myself through Year of Jewelry 2008 (YOJ2008). You can sign up to particpate through the Creative Wire Jewerlry forum. We are currently in Week 28 and I have managed to submit a piece of jewelry each week. I've gotten some wonderful feedback on some of my pieces which I have appreciated. I love to go into YOJ and look at all the beautiful work everyone does. Take a trip to YOJ......you won't be disappointed! I've also gotten into Copper Tubing, thanks to Sharilyn Miller. I've made necklaces and bracelets with the tubing. They're fun and add a surprise element to your basic bangle. I'm also working on fine-tuning my wire weaving skills.

Here's a few examples of what I've been up to..................

Until then............HAPPY BEADING!!!! Kitty

Pictures of Dress for Success Jewelry

2008-03-24T07:57:00.000-07:00

The Dress for Success Project has been completed and is off to the organization. Just wanted to post pictures of all of our completed pieces. Thanks to Alana, Jan, Kathy, Lilli, and Lynn for their time and creativity in making our Dress for Success Project a success!!!

Until then.....

HAPPY BEADING!!!

Dress for Success and Year of Jewelry 2008

2008-03-10T16:46:00.000-07:00

I've completed my Dress for Success project and was able to incorporate some wire work in it. I added some additional parts and pieces that were not in my bag of goodies. Hopefully I'll be collecting jewelry from the other participants at this Saturday's upcoming Day of Creativity. Will take pictures before sending off to Dress for Success.

Please visit Year of Jewelry 2008 to view all the beautiful creations and meet some talented people. You can sign up to participate in Year of Jewelry by following the link on the YOJ2008 blog page.

Tonight I'm hosting a beading get-together with some gals from our LBS and should be lots of fun and sharing!

There's signs that spring is just around the corner here in the Pacific Northwest and just that much closer to attending this years Portland Bead Expo and the end of March. Looking forward to classes and spending some time with some talented gals I know!

Until then...HAPPY BEADING!!!

Fun at Day of Creativity

2008-01-27T12:39:00.000-08:00

There were 11 of us attending Day of Creativity and it was a wonderful time of sharing, laughter, and oohing and aahing over everyone's projects. There was lots of goodies to eat and a birthday was celebrated also with a chocolate obsession cake from a local bakery.

One attendee had brought beautiful, so life-like photographs that she had taken in her yard of all the different varieties of flowers she grows along with some of the local bug population that hangs out there. She was making note cards from them.

Our quilters were working on a special gift for someone and were able to put all the squares together. Beautiful shades and patterns of green. It will probably get sewn together and the quilting started at our next get together.

One of our beaders was working on a beaded macrame piece and another was working on finishing a beautiful garden bracelet in shades of sky blues and aquas.

There are seven of us participating in the Dress for Success project/challenge. Each of us put a bag of beads (of all sorts) together, placed them in a box and then we each picked a bag. From there, it's just let our imaginations take us to making a beautiful piece of jewelry.

I was very happy to be invited to join some of the gals that work at one of our LBS for an evening of beading and show and tell. Although a small group it was wonderful spending time with them outside of the store. There's lots of inspiration there and gave me an opportunity to get to know them better.

I hope you've had an opportunity to take a look at Year of Jewelry 2008.

Until then....Happy Beading!

Date set for Day of Creativity

2007-12-28T14:09:00.000-08:00

Our Day of Creativity has been set for January 26.

I've placed a challenge/project for those beaders that wish to participate....there is an organization called Dress for Success that

"promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life."

The project is for each of us to make a piece of jewelry to donate. The challenge is that another beader will supply the beads in order to make a piece of jewelry. It can be a necklace, bracelet, pin, pendant, earrings....just as long as it is professional looking. I'm excited that we have about 8 people particpating. Just so there's not a lot of pressure, the jewelry does not have to be completed during our Day of Creativity....but should be brought to our next get together which will probably be in March.

Our group is comprised of not only beaders, but quilters, stain glass makers, and painters. It's a diverse group and we all have an appreciation for what each other does.

Hopefully I'll be able to post pictures of our Dress for Success creations.

Until then....HAPPY BEADING!

WAS I AWAY THAT LONG?

2007-11-30T17:54:00.000-08:00

Ignoring my blog is what I've done! How can I expect anyone to read my blog if I'm not updating it on a somewhat regular basis!!! Beading just got in the way, I guess! A family visitor for a month this summer was great fun for the husband and myself...a time to enjoy sites and area activities that are taken for granted.

I've really gotten interested in wire as you may have read in an earlier post. Having a great time with it and hopefully I've gotten some other fellow beaders interested in working with wire, too! I've made lots of bangle bracelets and have arranged for several of them to be on display for sale in a very prominent shop in the area. Even if nothing is sold, maybe they will remember me and Circle of Beads.

Take a look......

A new acquaintance is a lampworker who loves to experiment with glass and manipulates the glass into some fantastically awesome colors, hues, and tones mostly on the earthy side. We're always talking beads and we have totally different interests when it comes to beads and beading but we connect....I love to make things with beads and she loves making beads. We're a match made in beading heaven!!!!

My personal Circle of Beads continues to grow. As a result of two quilters wanting to get together to quilt for a day, of them looking for a place to quilt, and me offering a perfect environment for that to happen, a Day of Creativity was started and continues to grow. Quilters, beaders, painters all come together to share, to be inspired, and just to enjoy each other. The Day of Creativity continues to grow and I am so fortunate to get to meet new people and have the opportunity to get to know them.

The Bead Expo is coming to our area early next year and am happy a small group of us are going together. We're already planning to take classes, shop, and enjoy being around other beaders.

Please check out my etsy shop: circleofbeads and let me know what you think. There are a lot of talented people on etsy and it's worth the time.

Mmmh, I bet Paris is beautiful at this time of year!

Until then.....HAPPY BEADING!

Nothing but Perles

2007-07-07T13:12:00.000-07:00

Perles, Perles and more Perles........beads, beads, and more beads. Who could ask for anything more in Life. How about a dream trip to France? Husband is planning, reading, practicing french (there's certain things you'll need to find...like a great bead shop). Who could resist southern France in the Spring or a great view (hopefully) from a Paris apartment?

Right now it's a dream but it could become reality....

What is a reality is an upcoming trip to the Puget Sound Bead Festival...classes, shopping, a stroll through Pike's Marketplace, and finding a quiet place to enjoy a beautiful glass of wine with husband.

A wonderful wire workshop given by Wil Petersen in June was an awesome experience for me.....being taught by such a talented soft-spoken artist was certainly a Perle in my life. The inspiration I took from Wil's talent will have me always striving to perfect the skills he demonstrated so patiently. Thanks, Wil.

Those beads are calling to me so I'm off to the beadroom to enjoy!

My Journey Into Beading

2007-06-10T16:03:00.000-07:00

It came upon me quite by surprise.....in fact, I didn't realize it was even happening. I was getting hooked on beads...anything and everything to do with beads.

Being invited to join in a UFO (unfinished objects) night at her house, my newly acquired friend got her stash of beads out. I sat just watching with fascination. I'd never thought about beads. The next thing I knew I was buying beads, tools....I was like a kid in a candy store! C'était merveilleux! You'll have to pardon my French! (no, I'm no expert at the French language).

I am fascinated with anything French, so you'll have to pardon me if I get side-tracked now and again!

Well, back to my beads. I certainly have so much more to learn but am having such a wonderful time doing it. I've made some wonderful acquaintances along the way and I feel like my life has turned 360 degrees. And the journey is just starting!

I hope you'll join in my journey through my journal, Perles and Life. Until then...HAPPY BEADING!