8th Bead Soup Blog Party

via Google Images

It is finally here - the reveal date for the 8th Annual Bead Soup Blog Party.  This is our sixth time participating in the party and each time just seems to get better and better.  To see past challenges you can see them here.

For this Bead Soup Party our partner is Genny Smith.  Below you can see the goodies we received from Genny.

 

We have some handmade components in there
you can see more at Genny's website and Etsy store.

If you have never heard of the Bead Soup Party here you go:  It is a wonderful party hosted by the brilliant Lori, Pretty Things.  Lori had the bright idea to host a party where she partners up jewelry artists from around the world.  You and your partner swap jewelry components: any beads, findings and elements of the partners choice but there must be a mandatory focal and art clasp.  You must use the focal and clasp in a piece and the rest is up to you on how you want to use.   Then we, as a group, post our images of our pieces on those reveal date and then get to hopping to see all the wonderful creations.  Lori, with her husband and others, work their tushies off to put this wonderful party on.  This would simply not happen without all of her hard work!!!!

via Google images

Okay - now to show off the creations:

Wildflowers

This piece we are calling Wildflowers.  We used the jasper, purple Czech, small tan Czech, lampwork beads and toggle clasp that Genny sent.  We added the copper spacers and the enameled copper pendant.

A close up of the pendant. One of the versions mom and I worked on this necklace didn't have a pendant - then last week, during our show, I re-worked the necklace and decided to add this pendant to the necklace.  I think it finished off the piece nicely!

A better view of the beads we used - it was actually sunny day and it gives the beads a sparkle that I really like.

Another view of the necklace.

This is the second piece we created - what is great about this piece is that you can actually wear four different ways - which both mom and I love!!!

Tribal - Style 1

This first picture is style one - we have the whole piece together.  The pendant is the one Genny sent us - mom wired wrapped the bail and the chain is something Genny created that the pendant is on.  The top of the necklace is the ivory beads Genny sent, chainmaille she made and the copper spacers she provided.  The lampwork beads are from Juls - that I have been hoarding and mom was correct - they were perfect for this piece!!!!

A close up view of the copper chain.

This is the second style for Tribal - we have the chain hanging as one piece instead of two.

Above is the third style for Tribal.  It is just the chain with the pendant.

And finally the fourth version of Tribal.

Here is a close up view of the beads that Juls made.

A close up view of the chainmaille.

So, that is it - mom and I had a blast with the components Genny sent us!  Please take a moment to head on over to Genny's blog and check out what she created with the goodies we sent.  In case you don't know what we sent her to play with - here you go:

Two of our enameled copper pendants, lampwork glass beads and a jade
toggle clasp

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you take the time to see all the other wonderful creations.  To see a list of those who are participating please head on over to the Pretty Things - Bead Soup Blog Party.

All Things Change

via Google

Well, thirteen years ago today is when I started terminal leave from the Army.  Wow - I still can't believe it has been that long, it just seems like it was yesterday.  So many things have happened in the last thirteen years.  I still don't regret getting out of the Army, I miss my military friends and the friends I could have made but I am happy with where I am at!

Mom and I had a show this past Saturday.  We actually planned ahead and set the tables up on Friday so all we had to do on Saturday was lay out the inventory.  As you can see we had a lot of space.

Mom fiddling with the inventory - I help set it up and then I stand back and let mom fiddle until she is happy.  It is safer that way for the both of us :)

Here is one side of the table - as you can see we are still low on inventory - need to get our butts into gear!!!

The other side of the table.  I like being able to have this much space to lay everything out - plus we are inside with no wind!!!  I like our indoor shows!

The show was very slow so mom and I had brought the BSBP pieces to re-work (again).  Mom and I have been going back and forth about what each of us like.  I think this time I nailed it with one of the pieces - mom and I were still arguing about the other piece during the show.

Of course I can't share with you the piece until next weekend.  You will have to come back and check out what we created with the goodies we got from Genny.

On Sunday mom and I unloaded the car, from the show, and setup the tables to lay out all the things we need to work on.  Maybe with everything laid out it will motivate us to work - I guess it worked too because as you can see mom is working away :)

The other piece for the BSBP next weekend.  I can't wait to share because it is definitely not something we do on a regular basis - which is great because it got us out of our comfort zone - the reason that Lori created Bead Soup Blog Party.

Tonight is taking pictures of the pieces and start writing up the blog post for Saturday.  Also, mom and I need to discuss what pendants we want to saw out - need to get cracking - I know I keep saying that and nothing happens but need to start working!!! 

Maybe this is the change we need - a new day and a new month - plus it is warming up outside and we can start working in the studio more!

May Brings More Flowers

This past weekend mom and I went to Lowe's a total of four times and one of our local flower stores to pick out flowers for mom's yard.  I thought I would share some more flower pictures with you.

I hope that you enjoy the prettiness of spring!!!!

Mom and I have a show this weekend.  I hope that motivates us to start creating again - we are still in a funk -but I think mom is feeling better after we started to work in her yard.  I think mom is going to call a lawn person to see about ripping up the rest of the yard and laying down sod.  Cross your fingers for us.  That still means we have four yards of dirt we need to get off her driveway - though mom says she has a plan for that.

I hope to get out of this funk and start blogging more - I know it has been really quiet here!

I hope your first day of May is going awesome!!!