Reveal Day---8th Bead Soup Blog Party

First of all.....thanks to Lori Anderson of Pretty Things for hosting another Bead Soup Blog Party (BSBP).  She's been under the weather, to put in mildly and trying to keep us all organized and bead-happy.

Second of all....thanks to Kay Mallery, my BSBP partner, for sending me a lot of awesomeness.
  

That's only part of the awesomeness that Kay sent to me.  

Third of all.....this has gotten me back to my jewelry.  I had left it for quite awhile, totally unmotivated to create anything.  

And lastly.....here's what came from me being motivated again...Enjoy!

The Rhinestone Bow with Rhinestone Dangles
was the perfedt centerpiece

I fell in love with the opaque crystals

The Vintaj etched metal piece was the perfect
backdrop for my cross

The Sardonyx and Rutilated Quartz
said ooh la la to me

Two earring components were added.....
one for interest and one as a connector

Rutilated Quartz looks great
with the Sardonyx

Look at those white pearls and black
onyx together....and they arrived
already on headpins ready to be dangles

If you haven't already been there.....hop on over to Kay's blog at kaymreflections!


Until then.......Happy Bead Soup Blog Hopping!!!

This Brooch does Double Duty!!!

 They're both pretty awesome brooches (well at least I think so), but the brooch on the right was more awesome than I thought it was when I purchased it at a local antique shop. When you turn it over you can see that the pin part of the brooch is also a frame for what becomes two shoe clips. Pretty kewl, huh? I've not seen anything like this before but maybe it's more common than I'm aware of.  Not sure what I will do with it but it was an interesting find.

Until then.....keep shopping for the unusual!! 

The Third Reveal -- It's Here, It's Here!!!!

I saw the mailman and I thought one of those has just GOT to be for me!  And I was so excited when one of those boxes had my name on it from my partner, Kay Mallery. There it was....a box all taped up just waiting for me to tear into it.

I've been given some really kewl bead soup........

Vintage Findings, Beads, Czech Glass, MOP

 But I had to take another pic to show off the awesome vintage rhinestone pin that Kay sent along with that very French box it's laying on.

Vintage Rhinestone Pin, Sardonyx chunky beads and Tourmalated Quartz

But WAIT......there's more more more~~~~~lampwork beads that Kay has made herself.  And look at all those colors. Green's that represent the lushness of Oregon's Willamette Valley, shades of Blue off Oregon's rocky Pacific coast, and the Amber's that are all the shades of sand the ocean splashes up on.

Kay's Lampwork Beads

Well, I better get busy thinking about what I'm going to do with all this bead soup goodness I've been given.....time to get creative!  Thanks, Kay, for your beautiful bead soup.

Until then........let the creative juices flow!!!

The Second Reveal...It gave me a Challenge!

It's taken me a few days but I think I got it......Kay's Bead Soup, that is.....I put a few extra little touches to her Soup that I hope Kay will enjoy.....

and here it is 

You didn't really think I was going to show you, did you?  But I just left a small hint.....

Until then......relax and enjoy!

The First Reveal of the 8th Bead Soup Blog Party

The first reveal of the 8th BSBP has arrived.....that being my partner for this Party.

Kay Mallery of Kay Mallery-Reflections and I will be exchanging our stashes and ramping up our creativity.  Kay enjoys using a variety of techniques and mediums in creating her jewelry. This gives me a lot to consider when putting Kay's Bead Soup together.

Stay tuned for three more reveals......

• my Bead Soup to Kay
• my Bead Soup from Kay, and
• what I did with my Bead Soup on May 3.

Until then.....Happy Creating!

I Almost Hit the DELETE Button!!!

When I saw the announcement that sign-ups were going to  take place for the 8th  Bead Soup Blog Party (BSBP) I was ready to hit the delete button.....I'm sorry Lori!!!!

My motivation to make jewelry has been long gone and I knew I needed to get it back.  How had I drifted away for so long?

 I really enjoyed myself in  past BSBPs and it was just what the jewelry-doc ordered to get myself back in the jewelry game again! 

So, look for the big reveal to come when I receive my stash from my partner (who hasn't been determined yet).

Here's a couple of posts from the last BSPB......

The Stash Arrived
The Big Reveal

Until then.......Stay Motivated!!

Jewelry Affaire Magazine, Autumn 2012 and Winter 2013......REALLY???

Once again, I was thrilled  
(I just can't come up with another word....
anyone have a suggestion?) to be published in  the Autumn 2012 and Winter 2013 Jewelry Affaire magazines.


I wonder what their process is for selecting jewelry pieces for publication. 
I can't imagine it being an easy task. 



If you are so inclined, purchase  a copy of Jewelry Affaire magazine and become inspired by creative artists such as Kathy Menasco, and her Tattered Dream Cuffs (Winter 2013 issue);  Brooke VanDerzee,and her very French necklace "Magestically" (Autumn 2012); and Tina Shiefer,  and her Vintage Drift necklace (Winter 2013).

Until then......Happy Creating!!!

More of the Same.....but Much More!

Event 58 was started in 2011 by 5 gals who called themselves Artistic Link 5.  They had a vision to bring high caliber artists together to share our love of art and, frankly, to sell our art!!!

Last year, Artistic Link 5 presented it's first art show called, Event 58.  It was a small show with about 18 artists participating.  Because it was a successful show in terms of the number of people who attended and the caliber of art displayed, Artistic Link 5 is presenting it's second Event 58.

This year there will be over 30 wonderful local artists along with music, complimentary wine and a raffle.  I hope that if you live in or around central Oregon, you will save the date of November 10 to come and enjoy all there is to offer at Event 58.

Please visit our blog, Artistic Link 5, to experience a sampling of what you will see at our show.

 

Until then......Happy Beading!

 



How Long do I want to Keep Doing This?

That's the question mon husband keeps asking me about submitting my jewelry to Jewelry Affaire magazine.

I was thrilled, once again, to have some of my jewelry published in the Summer 2012 issue of Jewelry Affaire magazine.

Answer:  As long as it gives me a challenge.  It will always be gratifying....no doubt about it.  If some of my designs to not make it to the pages of Jewelry Affaire, it will become an even greater challenge for me.

Please enjoy all the beautiful designs in the Summer 2012 issue that so many artists have chosen to share with you!

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

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

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!

5 Gals and a Guy

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!

Mystified....A Bead Soup Blog Party Teaser

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!

Lonely No More

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!

7000 Bracelets of Hope-Blog Hop

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



Awesomeness Giveaway

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!

Bead Soup Blog Party....the Aftermath

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

Dream Assistant

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

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

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

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