I’m really sorry I’m so vacant in the blog world….With Facebook and Instagram and being one who is not so great with words, I prefer the former things for their short toothy commentary….
I have a couple things on the front though, that I thought you might want to know about! Let’s do it by numbers, since I’m all trying to keep my life organized these days…..
1) I’ve taken on a new role as a co-producer for the Stawberry Swing Indie Craft Parade in Kansas City. I juried the jewelry category last year and this was not on my roster or goals for this year, but it came up as an opportunity and I’m finding out I’m actually really good at this type of thing. I have qualities I lost when I became a full time artist…and this brings them back! Plus, I’ll get to meet and hug one of my oldest online craft friends in person…..win/win…..and if you’re in KC, there’s just about 10 days left to apply! I’m pretty sure we’re going to totally rock it this year!
2) I’ll be on the road traveling for much of this summer! I’ll be teaching polymer clay classes at 32 Flavors Boutique in Charlotte and aim to get to BeadFest in Philly in August to do some shopping and socializing with some of my bead babes. I’m also hoping to vend at the new BeadFest in Charlotte late in the fall…that’s a matter of logistics and money right now, but you know I’ll let you know!
3) I’m soooo close to 1000 sales in my Etsy Shop…so I’m having a sale and a giveaway to celebrate! EVERY sale between now and 4/12/2013 will receive 25% off with code: sale1000 and if you like my page and comment here, you’ll be entered to win a $150 credit to my shop. 1000 sales feels like a huge milestone in my book…..and I probably could’ve reached it sooner had I not been sooooo….besides myself these last 8 months…but anyway…..!!!!!
Thank you all for coming here and for reading my ramblings! I love each and every one of you! Yes, even YOU!…xoxo.
Good Morning friends! I’m here ready with my goodies! A big thank you to Lori Anderson for putting this big party together! It is always such a joy and fun thing to swap for and after sitting the last one out, I was so glad I could participate in this one!
Just to catch you up if you’re new here and missed out, my partner was Kate Richbourg and she sent me some stunning goodies!
Kate sent me several beautiful sterling clasps with what I believe are gorgeous cut glass settings. I’m not used to working with such beautiful clasps so these were first on the priority list to include.
Many of the beads that Kate included were HUGE gemstones,large enough to be there own focals really, but what’s that saying? “Go big or go home?” Yes, I just decided I was going to use my favorites all in one necklace. I had the inspiration for a very large, heavy multistrand necklace that would be a summertime staple for me since I wear a lot of plain shifts and dresses living here in Florida. I felt like this type of piece would be great to throw on over something very plain and make a bold opulent statement. Here, you can see I some seed beads and crackle acai beads combined with the luscious gemstone ovals, darker rondelles, and the coral sticks added around those large oblong lovelies….
Also those lovely coral colored barrel shaped lovelies (anyone know what those are??? I must have more of those!!!!)
Here it is on my model….
And here is the whole she-bang! LOVE!
This is the other clasp….I knew right away this was going to be a bracelet! The clasp almost looks like coal with aqua and gold highlights so I used the silver cut seeds that Kate sent me along with some brass square and did some knotting……
added some amazonite rounds along with that hollow silver and two gorgeous turquoise beads that Kate included….
and VOILA!!!
I’ve been wearing this baby nonstop since I made it! It’s my favorite! Also, you can see I’ve been learning Mehandi (Henna) with a friend and we’ve been using each other as canvas……
Hope you enjoyed! Since Kate and I are both posting late we’re not on the list for the 3rd reveal so go here to see all the others who are posting today…and be sure to stop by Kate’s blog to see what I sent her and what she made!
Also, to comment on my post you want to click here! I’d love to hear from you!
Hi There! I’ll be joining my partner, Kate Richbourg and showing off my pieces in the final reveal, next week! She’s off teaching and I’m away all weekend at a record show with my man! If you want to see what Kate sent me, check out this post!
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
~Dylan Thomas
So TODAY is the kickoff of Lori Anderson’s Bead Soup Blog Party!!!! WOOHOO! We’re doing three reveals this time and I’ll be posting my reveal on our second date next Saturday, April 6th…but I’ve been a bit remiss on introducing you to my partner, Kate Richbourg…..
Kate Richbourg is my partner, and she done spoiled me good..She sent me a flippin’ tackle box full of goodies….plus, some of her swag and her newly published book! It’s a gooood book, y’all should check it out. I did a review here. I’m not just saying that since she is my partner…I had actually poured over this book months ago at Barnes and Noble with a coffee and was like, “WOW! this is a great book!” Craft books on soldering can be tricky and Kate has really nailed it.
SO, on to the pictures……
Here’s the soup….lots of possibilities in here:
These are my favorites so far….that I’ve selected from the pack…..
Durrr…plus there’s these left in the box….I’m still digging on those pyrites…..
See you back here next April 6th for the next reveal!!!!
I am an ally.
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Follow the Art Bead Love Tour
Proud Participant:
I Effin’ LOVE SOUP!
