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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!