A Very Merry Christmas to all!

Merry Christmas from Florida!

picture courtesy of http://beachcomber26.blogspot.com/2011/11/beach-christmas.html

Yes, I am still around! It has been such a long time since I blogged. Why? Not quite sure, many reasons, all excuses ... but once you  loose the thread it is sure hard to get back in. But I promised myself that I will be a regular beader, blogger and blog hopper in 2013. So till then.... 

Have a Wonderful Christmas, a Happy Holiday season and I will be visiting you in 2013!

Books, Books and Books... Giveaway

Lori Anderson of Pretty Things and Bead Soup fame, is giving away some great jewelry making/technique books. She has reviewed three of these books today and will be giving them away to some lucky beaders.

So hop on over and comment to enter in this generous giveaway!

Challenge of Travel Blog Hop

Welcome to the Challenge of Travel Blog Hop!

Please make sure your seat belts are securely fastened, your trays are in an upright position and your luggage is securely stored away under your seat or in an overhead bin.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the flight!

I chose the Republic of Seychelles, known as one of the most beautiful places on earth. This island nation is made up of an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, some 1000 miles east of the African continent and north east of Madagascar. Many of these islands are volcanic in origin and are uninhabited, while others are coral islands. The islands of Seychelles are blessed with gorgeous beaches. The travel site 'Lonely Planet' describes the beaches as "exquisite ribbons of white sand lapped by topaz waters and backed by lush hills and big glacis boulders. And nary a crowd in sight".

I was drawn to this the smallest African state by the bright colors of their flag... look at it... a beader's delight!

The flag is made of five bands of color widening from the lower left to the right. The Blue color symbolises the clear skies and seas; Yellow, the bright shining tropical sun; Red, the harmony of the multicultural populations of the Islands; White stands for justice; and Green for the lush vegetation in the land.

Seychelles

This bracelet is inspired by the flag of the Republic. The interwoven strands of luscious green freshwater Pearls; the white carved beads are of Mother-of Pearl; red Coral, and yellow Fossil Coral; and deep blue Lapis Lazuli, all meant to capture the vibrant colors of the flag.

Read all about this Island nation here and if you make travel plans, check out their official travel site.
Learn more about these exotic islands at the official website, it is a fascinating place!

Tropical Beaches

Tropical Beach!

This Tropical Beach inspired necklace is made with Turquoise and Wood Jasper with copper findings.


See all the other participants in this travel challenge and visit some exotic places this long labor day weekend. Thank you for visiting and enjoy your holiday!

The Winner of my Pink Soup is...

First a very big thank you to all of you who visited me during the 2nd blog reveal and for all your nice comments. I have yet to finish making my Bead Soup rounds. But what a wonderful blog hop it was. Great numbers, great talent and great people. Thank you Lori, for a job wonderfully done!

Now to announce the winner of this Pink Soup, in honor of our lovely host...

The winner is Lupe Meter of Gem's PC Corner. Hello Lupe, Please send me an email with your address and I will get your package of Bead Soup ingredients out to you.

Bead Soup is Served!

Hello everyone,
My Bead Soup partner for this 6th Bead Soup Party is Sandra, and these are the lovely beads, focal (handmade by Sandra), and the out of the ordinary hook and eye clasp that I received from her. The clasp and focal presented no problem at all, I could think of so many ways to use them both. The selection of beads she sent me got me intrigued... I am usually drawn to bright and bold, larger and more dramatic beads, usually it is nothing small and subtle for me...

So I decided to challenge myself further and use most all of these beads she sent me.

I added in a variety of white freshwater pearls, some green Agate rondelles and I present to you Misty Meadows!

I did not use the two beautiful silver rondelle beads she sent me. I am saving it for the suitable partner beads to come along. Nothing I had in my stash seemed right for these beauties, so that will be for another time and day.

Please visit my partner Sandra and see what she has made with the bead soup I sent her.

Now to say thank you to all you blog hopping bead soup loving beaders, I have some Pink Soup ingrediants to giveaway in honor of our lovely pink-haired host Lori Anderson of Pretty Things.

The giveaway soup consists of:

Pink silk cord
Pink Mother of Pearl cross-shaped beads
Cloissonne bead with pink flower
Large carved pink agate bead
Vaiour shapes and sizes of Rose Quartz
Pink Magnesite butterfly
Neon pink Swarovski baroque pearls
Pink Swarovski crystal elements
Pink Swarovski round pearls
Cultured freshwater pearls in shades of pink.

All you got to do is...
Become a follower, if are not one already.
Leave a comment and that is all there is to it.
You will be entered in the draw to randomly pick a winner.
Winner will be picked and announced on August 31, 2012.

Thank you for stopping by... enjoy the bead soup party.

Here are the rest of the bead chefs serving their soups today...

Hostess, Lori Anderson, Pretty Things

Adlinah Kamsir, Dream Struck Designs

Adrienn Lukacs, Raszputyin Designs

Agata Grygiel, Cytherea Bijoux 

Alenka Obid, Pepita Handmade 

Amy Dickerson, Damyjo Designs 

Amy Schmidt, Amy's Treasure 

Amy Severino, Amy Beads 

Ana Krepel, Cat's Pajamas, Dog's Tuxedos

Andra Weber, Andra's Joyful Journey

Andrea Trank, Heaven Lane Creations

Anke Humpert, Anart Island Studios

Ann Rishell, My Critical Eye

April Grinaway, Brooklyn Bead Goddess 

Ashley Bunting, Miss Ashely Kate 

Astrid Boyce, Astrid Boyce Beads 

B.R. Kuhlman, Mixed Mayhem Studios 

Barb Fernald, Barbara S. Fernald Jewelry 

Barbe Saint John, Saints and Sinners

Beata Benkone Meggyesi, Beahobbi

Brandy McNair, Bella Vita Handmade Jewelry 

 Bryna Lumb, Bryna's Bead Box

Carmen Lau, Little Maketto

Cate van Alphen, Fulgorine

Cathie Carroll, Cathie Carroll's Studio

Cathy Khoury, Touch Jewelry 

Christina Stofmeel, Feng Beads 

 Collette Collins, Fire Fly Myst Artisan Jewelry

Courtney Breul, Beads by Breul 

Crystal Thain, Here Bead Dragons

Cynthia Abner, Created Treasures

Deana Hager, Just Deez'Art & Life

Debbie Davis, Natural Treasures by Deb

Debbie Phenes, Deb Joy Sing

Debbie Rasmussen, A Little of This, A Little of That

Dhea Powers, Java Bead

Diana Welte, Lilyweeds

Dita Basu, alankarshilpa

Dorota Zeranska, gdymamczas 

Dot Lewallwn, Speedie Beadie

Eleanor Snare, The Magic Square Foundation

Elisabeth Auld, Beads For Busy Gals

Ema Kilroy, Ema K Designs

Emma Todd, A Polymer Penchant

Eva Sherman, Eva Sherman Designs

Evie and Beth McCord, EB Bead and Metal Works

Francy Inman, Francy's Studio

Ginger Bishop, lilmummy likes...

Giorgia Rossini, Jo in Wonderland

Ine Vande Cappelle, Jewels by Ine 

Iveth Caruso, Creative Atelier 

JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions

Jackie Ryan, Kydo Jewellery

Jeannie Dukic, Jeannie's Blog

Jelveh Jaferian, Jelveh Designs

Jenna Tomalka, Twin Birch Studio

Jenni Connolly, Jenni's Beads

Jennifer Van Horn, Jennifers Jewels and Junk

Jo-Ann Woolverton, It's a Beadiful Creation

Johanna Rhodes-Nash, Fire Phoenix Creations 

 Joyce Blair, Bent Wire West Coast

JuLee Wolfe, The Polymer Penguin

Karen Vincent, Swallow Tail Jewellery

Karin Slaton, Backstory Beads

Kayla Potega, The Eclectic Element 

Kim Dworak, CianciBlue

Krafty Max, Krafty Max Originals

Kris Lanae Binsfeld, Cherish Designs by Kris Lanae

Kristen Latimer, MJM Jewelry Designs

Kumi Fisher, Malie Kai Designs

Kym Hunter, Kym Hunter Designs

Lennis Carrier, Windbent

Leslie Wayment, AA Beads & More

Linda Florian, Lilys of the Valley Jewelry Creations

Linda Murphy, Bonita Bead

Lisa Johnson, Whimsey Wonders

Lisa Lodge, Pine Ridge Treasures

Lisa Sittniewski, Love, Yesterdays

Lois Moon, Que Onda, Q'Town?

Lola Surwillo, Bead Lola Bead

Lorelei Eurto, Lorelei's Blog

Lori Bowring Michaud, Artfully Ornamental

Lori Callahan, Dancing Wire and Beads by Lori

Lori Finney, Using My Beads

Marcia Dunne, The Alternative Foundry

Margareta Saari, Mags-koruja

Maria Horvath, Horimarika Beads

Marian Hertzog, M's Place

 Mary Ellen Parker, BeeTree by m.e.

Mary K McGraw, MK's Creative Musings

MaryLou Holvenstot, time2cre8 

Martha Aleo, Ornamento

 Maybeline Tay, The Jewelry Larder

Megan Collins, Churchy & Her Sailor

Melissa Meman, Art. Life. Love.

Melissa Mesara, One-Eared Pig Beads

Melissa Muir, Kelsi's Closet Jewelbox

Paige Maxim, Paige Maxim Designs

Pam DeBoer, Purple Notes from the Studio

Pam Farren, re-maker

Pam Hurst, Pam Hurst Designs

Patricia Handschuh, The Color of Dreams

Patty Miller, CabariBeads

Penney Klapoth, Faerie Acres

Regina Santerre, Regina's Writings

Rhea Freitag, starrgazer creates

Rochelle Brisson, A Creative Chelle

Sabine Dittrich, PerlenDschungel

Sandra McGriff, Creative Chaos

Sandra Neights, Petalo Azul

Sandra Young, It's a Bead Life!

Sara Oehler, SoftFlex Girl

Saturday Sequins, Saturday Sequins

Shanti Johnson, Sunshine Bliss

Shari Replogle, Plays With Paper

Sonya Stille, Dreamin' of Beads

Stefanie Teufel, Stefanies Sammelsurium

Tammie Everly, TTE Designs

Tania Spivey, Moobie Grace Designs

Tanya Wiles, Tenebrous Hollow Studio

Therese Frank, Therese's Treasures

Tina Holden, Polymer Clay Bytes!

Toltec Jewels, Jewel School Friends 

Tracey Nanstad, A Beadiful Mess

Tracy Choy, BumbleBeads Designs

Valerie Norton, Hot Art

You have heard Ringo Starr's Octopus's Garden, now see mine...

I'd like to be under the sea
In an octopus' garden in the shade   

My Octopus's Garden...

A Clematoons cartoon featuring Mr Starr's song!

He'd let us in, knows where we've been
In his octopus' garden in the shade

I'd ask my friends to come and see
An octopus' garden with me
I'd like to be under the sea
In an octopus' garden in the shade.

We would be warm below the storm
In our little hideaway beneath the waves
Resting our head on the sea bed
In an octopus' garden near a cave

We would sing and dance around
Because we know we can't be found
I'd like to be under the sea
In an octopus' garden in the shade

We would shout and swim about
The coral that lies beneath the waves
(Lies beneath the ocean waves)
Oh what joy for every girl and boy
Knowing they're happy and they're safe
(Happy and they're safe)

We would be so happy you and me
No one there to tell us what to do
I'd like to be under the sea
In an octopus' garden with you.

Octopus's Garden by Ringo Starr (Richard Starkey), 1969 (Lyrics from Lyrics007)

Did you know that July 7th 2012 was his 72nd birthday?
Makes me feel old! Not the songs but the fact that he is 72 years old!
Have a great week!

It's August and would you love to win some awesome beads?

It's August and it's hot!
But if I could win some of these awesome clay beads...

You could too...
Hop on over to the Beads of Clay blog and enter to win this collection of lovingly made clay beads.

6th Bead Soup Party - First Reveal Today - Meet my Bead Soup Partner.

Today July 28th is the day that the first group of Bead Soupers reveal their wonderful designs made from the mystery packages of beads that criss-crossed the world in the last month. Lori Anderson, our tireless hostess, reveals the first batch of her three soups and also has the list of all the beaders participating today.

Me and my partner Sandra will reveal our creations on August 11, 2012.

So let me now introduce you to my partner for the 6th Bead Soup Party and take a look at what I received from her...

Sandra works with beads, metal and metal-clay and has two Etsy shops. She is getting back to beading after taking a break from it, and taking part in the Bead Soup Swap and Challenge would be great way to get her creative juices flowing.

Sandra makes some great jewelry, I love these elegant earrings.

You can find more of her gorgeous earrings at http://www.etsy.com/shop/ColibriDesigns.

She is also a very talented silversmith and in metal clay work, and some fine examples of her work are for sale at her silver shop. Take a look at this great pair of earrings.

Now let me share with you the bead soup ingredients that I received from her...

A lovely fine silver round focal fabricated by Sandra... has such a great feel and look to it!
A sterling silver clasp from Star's Clasps.
Two sterling silver spacers.
Round faceted green Aventurine.
Tiny round rainbow Moonstone.
Hand faceted nuggets of Jade in oh so subtle shades of green.

Please hop back on the 11th of August to see what I make from these mouth-watering beads. And don't forget to visit all the ladies revealing their soups today.

Sea Glass Giveaway

Suzette, of Ellie's Bijoux has some colorful sea glass beads that she is giving away to one lucky commenter. This is her first ever giveaway so hop on over and check it out.

What glorious colors!

Suzette was my partner for the third bead soup party and I had lots of fun with the beads she sent me. She is a talented designer and has been widely published. Stop by soon, the giveaway ends on July 22.

From the Rings & Things Bead Show

When the Rings & Things travelling Bead Show came to Tampa in June, i took an afternoon off from work and went bead shopping. This is one of the results of the purchases made that afternoon...

Red Wine and Green Opals

I think it is a great color combination, would love to hear what you think.

You still have time...

... to enter the big giveaway by Lori Anderson of Pretty Things.

She is giving away five great goodies, check it out at her blog.

Look and drool, for who knows I might be the lucky one...

There is more cool stuff, including a copy (signed by her I am sure) of her soon to be released book!

The contest ends on Friday the 13th, so you got to get over there now.

Winner of my Fish Bead Giveaway

The winner of my Fish Bead giveaway from the previous post is...

Kym Hunter of KymHunterDesigns. Congratulations Kym. Please email me your address and I will get your brass Fish Bead out to you.
Thank you to all you visited me and had nice things to say about my necklace. See you again soon.
Enjoy your weekend and have a Happy Independance Day!

Hot Summers and Fish Beads and a Giveaway!

Mortira of Inspirational Beading has posted today about her wish list for fish beads. Check out her blog post for a variety of fun fish beads for your summer beading. Reading her post reminded me of a fish bead necklace that I strung together not too long ago.

I purchased a necklace made by Tibetan artisans from Nepal. Unfortunately, I did not take a picture of the original design. I decided to take it apart and re-string it... and here is my design. I used only the beads that were part of the original necklace, stabilized turquoise beads, red coral discs, tiny brass spacer beads and a brass hook and eye clasp.

Don't you love the vivid detail on the reversible fish bead, It is made of brass, and has a turquoise cabochon for eyes (on both sides). I call this 'Hot Summers in Florida!' The heat, the beach and the fishing...

The original necklace had two such fish beads, but as you can see I only used one of them. So I will gladly give away the other fish bead (Note: only the fish bead) to one randomly chosen commenter, so that you can design your own fun summer necklace. The fish bead I am giving away looks quite like the one pictured above. To be entered in my giveaway, please leave a comment, telling me what you would like to make with such a fish bead. Spreading the word about this giveway would be appreciated too. I will pick a winner on June 30.

Have a fun summer!

Do Not Forget to Sign Up!

It's Lori Anderson's 6th Bead Soup Blog Party and this is the weekend to sign up.

I have, and so have many other beaders.

To sign up, its simple, just fill out the entry form.

Happy Friday!

Ear Earrings for your Ears

Does that sound like a tongue-twister? But is is more than that.
Check out the earrings made by artisan Percy Lau of London, England.

She specializes in miniature body part jewelry.

A little third ear?

Can you imagine freaking people out by wearing something so realistic?

An earring for your little third ear?

My husband read about this 'genetic disorder' on gizmodo and brought it to my attention.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Summer Grilling, with gemstones?

Shish Kebabs make a perfect Summer meal, satisfying both meat lovers, just keep the veggies out; and the veggie lovers, just skewer more veggies, alike. For some history about the dish and for delicious variations check out Kathy Master's How to Shish Kebabs on Startcooking.com. 

pic courtesy of startcooking.com

But I am thinking of Shish Kebabs of a different kind.
What about us gemstone lovers? So this is my receipe for ...

Gemstone Shish Kebabs

• A pair of metal headpins, 2 " or longer, choice of metal depending on your personal preference.
• Select suitably sized gemstone beads, again there is plenty of other types of beads to choose from as well... pearls, crystals, and so on. Sizing is important to keep the kebab lightweight. You can use a single variety of bead, or mix it up to suit your palate. 
• Metal spacers increase the flavor, again you have a choice of metals. Mix a variety of metals on the same kebab, sure why not? That could be quite a treat.
• Skewer the beads one by one, alternate with metal spacers as desired.
• Top it off with a round bead, metal or even a crystal for some sparkle.
• Hang on an ear wire of your choice, again style and metal of your choice.

As you can see there are endless combinations... So enjoy your Summer with some delicious gemstone Shish Kebabs. 

Here is a look at some I made...

Turquoise Shish Kebabs

Aquamarine Shish Kebabs

Carnelian Shish Kebabs

Enjoy your Summer!

Happiness is..... BEADS, BeAdS and more beads...

It really does not take too much to make me happy. Take this past Saturday for instance... Sitting down with my coffee mug for some blog hopping and hopped along to A Bead a Day and I could not believe my eyes! Rings&Things is bringing their travelling bead show to Tampa FL.  Wow! Only draw back is that the show is on for one afternoon only and on a working day no less!

Necklace made with donut pendant I won from Rings & Things

Not a problem.... still very excited, still very happy, sent some emails to some beading friends, checked out the Rings&Things web site, took the virtual tour, made my mouth water... got myself an invitation, and now to sit back and plan if I can take half day off from work to attend the show.

Have you been to a Ring&Things bead show? Please tell me about it? Worth taking half-a-day off from work? No, don't tell me, I know the answer to that question. If you want to find out if the travelling bead show is coming to a location near you, check out their 2012 show calendar.

Turquoise and Copper, A great combination.

Pairing Turquoise with Copper never fails, the warm glow of copper and the cool embrace of blue is always a winning combination.
Take a look at this pair of earrings... natural Turquoise coins, with a pair of Copper charms from Melinda Orr of Orrtec, love them! They are light-weight, playful and eye-catching, a perfect pair of earrings for Summer!

Red Tag Sale

All day today, all shop owners on Ruby Lane are participating in a site wide Red Tag Sale.
Each shop owner is asked to participate by marking down up to 15% of their shop inventory. Mark downs are 30%, 40%, 50% and 60% off the original pricing.

I too, am participating in the sale, please stop by.

 Baroque Pearls and Tiger Eye

The sale does draw lots of shoppers to the site, and helps reduce inventory.
Stop by and check it out! If you are interested in Antiques and Collectibles, here is the chance to pick up some great bargains.
Have a great weekend!

Happy Mothers' Day!

To all beader Moms, to Moms of beaders and to all Moms-to-be beaders!
Have a wonderful day!

Imperial Jasper Bracelet for the Special Mom 

This bracelet is made from perfectly round smooth beads of Imperial Jasper ranging in shades from forest green to brick red to creamy pink are alternated with  faceted sterling silver beads for a hint of sparkle. The bracelet is completed with a sturdy and easy to handle heart shaped toggle, a very special charm and a single Imperial Jasper bead. Imperial Jasper is a 'Fine' jasper and is found only in Guadalajara, Mexico. It is named a fine jasper due to the presence of definite patterns laid down during the formation process. Imperial Jasper is known for its unusual patterns and contrasting colors of green, red and pink. Truly fit for a queen.

Enjoy!