Free Bead Challenge Reveal...

At the beginning of November Lesley Watt of Thea Too posted a giveaway for a free bead. She also included the opportunity for additional participants to pay shipping only and receive a free bead. It could be any of the beads pictured above or one of several others. Of course I am unable to pass up any opportunities to challenge myself these days so I of course signed up and was delighted to be selected to participate. I sent my payment for shipping and waited for my bead to arrive.

My wonderful bead arrived...while I was sick, preparing for a show and trying to finish my 7000 bracelets donation. Completely out of character for me, I set the bead aside and told myself to wait...there's plenty of creating time, don't push. My show ended December 2...the next day I realized I had just over a week and nothing created...not even a hint of design idea!

At that point I began rummaging my stash. As you can see the bead I received is very colorful which was perfect for me...it is a bit larger than I usually work with but I decided it would be great with just a few beads in just the right coordinating colors. After looking at silver, copper and brass I decided on brass since it gave the orange a warm tone.

A couple of bead dangles along the chain and a tassel under the bead gives the necklace movement while keeping the design simple. I am really pleased with the way it all came together.

Thanks so much to Lesley for offering this bead challenge. Be sure to visit the other participants below and check out all their great creations too!

Lesley Watt - www.thegossipinggoddess.blogspot.com
Cory Tompkins - http://tealwaterdesigns.blogspot.co.uk/
Rebecca Anderson - http://songbeads.blogspot.co.uk/
Marie Cramp - http://skyejewels.blogspot.co.uk/
Claire Braunbarth - http://smittenbeads.blogspot.co.uk/
Heidi Post - http://expostfactojewelry.blogspot.co.uk/
Tiffany Smith - http://southerngalsdesign.blogspot.co.uk/
Sharyl Macmillan-Nelson - http://sharylsjewelry.blogspot.co.uk/
Ailsa Cordner - http://www.bramalfiebeadsetc.co.uk/
Linda Landig - http://lindalandig.wordpress.com/
Caroline Dewison - http://blueberribeads.co.uk/
Renetha - http://www.lamplightcrafts.blogspot.co.uk
Kari Asbury - http://hippiechickdesign.blogspot.co.uk/

Niky Sayers - http://silverniknats.blogspot.com
Purple Cobwebs - http://www.purplecobwebs.blogspot.co.uk/
Cilla Watkins - http://www.tellyourgirlfriends.com/
Therese Frank - www.theresestreasures.blogspot.com
Claire Ennis - http://clairescrystalclassics.blogspot.co.uk/
Emma - http://apolymerpenchant.blogspot.co.uk/
Kathy Lindemer - http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.co.uk/
Alicia - http://www.allprettythings.ca/
Sandy Sewin - http://keepsakecrafts.net/blog/
Lori Bowring Michaud - http://artfullyornamental.blogspot.co.uk/
Amy - http://copperdiem.blogspot.co.uk/

Katherine Gale - http://terrabeadworks.blogspot.co.uk/

New Creations...

I've been working on lots of new projects the last few days...hoping to have a shop update this weekend. During my show I wrapped alot of beads to prepare them for designs in the works. I've always found it's a great way to get things done and grab the attention of passers by and shoppers, excellent way to start a conversation!

This is one of my favorites...I am really starting to get the hang of working with sari silk. It adds a really beautiful element to my designs.

This is one of my favorites...I am really starting to get the hand of working with sari silk. It adds a really beautiful element to my designs.

 

And earrings... now I just have to get some listings done...and I have so many more designs planned out and in the works...  So I'm off for now to work on my growing to do list. I hope you enjoyed a little sneak peak of things to come!

7000 Bracelets of Hope...Reveal Time!

A picture of the first bracelet I donated...I missed the blog hop last time but so moved by the sentiment I created and sent a bracelet on my own. This time I was so excited when I saw Sue's post that I just knew I had to participate!

 

A brief background note in case you are not familiar with the campaign...This was the blog post from Sue asking us to join in this round for donations...

Are you familiar with the 7,000 Bracelets for Hope campaign? Many of us bead makers and jewelry designers are. It's a bracelet program for people or families who suffer rare genetic diseases. Here's a bit of information directly from their donation page:


"Cause bracelets have been available for breast cancer and heart disease but there has never been a unifying symbol, color or bracelet that represents the rare and genetic disease community. That’s why we started the 7,000 Bracelets for Hope™ campaign.
Since launching the campaign in 2010, Global Genes has received thousands of unique blue themed bracelet designs made from everything from cut strips of recycled denim to vintage blue glass to turquoise stones. The creativity from our volunteers is truly inspiring!
The number 7,000 represents the 7,000 different rare diseases that impact 1 in 10 people, 30 million Americans and 350 million globally. Each individual blue bracelet design we receive represents the uniqueness of one of the 7,000 rare diseases and many of our volunteers send in multiple copies of a single design.
Our goal is to continue to collect unique bracelets made by jewelry designers, artists, crafters, church groups, girl scout troops and other volunteers and distribute them to our families fighting rare and genetic diseases. Adults receive handcrafted bracelets made by our jewelry designers while children receive love friendship bracelets filled with hope."

I was just contacted by Lisa James (Manager of Community Development for Global Genes/Rare) and asked if I would host a blog hop, as they are in need of at least 40 bracelets right now! I said YES! While I'd love to get more than 40 participants, or 40 bracelets, let's just do our best to get close to that number!

40 bracelets...wouldn't it be wonderful if we could meet their current needs and a few extra... I began to look through my bead stashes, art beads...I discovered in my hoarding I actually had LOTS of blue artisan charms, links and beads. I decided from this stash I could easily create 20 bracelets so I set my time accordingly...with Thanksgiving and a show coming and my full time day job it would really just be about good time management. I can do that...then I got sick...

Really??? Sick now...I don't have time for this! So I found myself slowly moving ahead as I could but still feeling like this was so important and wanting to create as much as I could. Also, medicine head does nothing for the creative flow! So many beads were groped in this process while trying to formulate unique designs through a medicinal haze...BLAH!

I always try for this project to make adjustable bracelets...since we don't get measurements on our recipients...but I did discover one or two beautiful blue bracelets in my already made stock so I decided to include them even though they are not adjustable.

This blue fairy image from Calico Collage is one of my very favorites and I love the way this bracelet turned out. In the end I was very please with the selection of bracelets I sent and I hope the recipients are as delighted to wear and enjoy them as I was to create and share them.

When I got 6 bracelets done, considering all that was happening, I felt pretty sucessful. Granted this was not the 20 I was aiming for but sick, a show and holidays coming...and all the bracelets were very different in style so I was ready to call it well done and get my bracelets shipped. But wait...a little second wind, a break in medicine head to relieve my creative blahs...and that package of new Menagerie Studio charms in denim blue...maybe just a couple more creations before I seal the box!

TEN bracelets was the final count when the box closed and shipped on November 13! I was very happy with the results and hope that each recipient knows they were made with love, care and support for them and their families!

and now a bunch of THANK YOU'S, including the artist beads or components used to create my designs:
Sue Kennedy, our hostess
Global Genes Project
Gaea Cannaday
BoHulley Beads
BeadFreaky
Pink Beach
Sea Shore Glass
Havana Beads
Menagerie Studio
Asbury Avenue Designs (my supply shop for the ephemera wood charms)

I appologize for not having a list of the other blogs participating in this hop...I had to pre-schedule my post because I will be at America's Largest Christmas Bazaar in Portland, Oregon today and when I pre-scheduled the list wasn't available yet.

If you visit Sue's blog by clicking the link above I am certain she will have a list of all participants. Also, I will not be able to hop today but I will get around to everyone in the next few days and get a look at what I'm sure will be wonderful bracelets since you are all such very talented ladies! Thanks so much for stopping by...I love to read all your comments.

Pay It Forward...Design 2

I've been busy, sick, preparing for shows and as always continuing to sign up for blog hops, challenges, etc, etc, etc...

Needless to say I'm a bit late getting this post up but wanted to do a quick reveal on the second design I did for the Pay It Forward post from September. I am currently working on my third and final 'gift' which I hope to have on it's way by Thanksgiving...in the meantime here is my second design in the series which went to Zoe Marcin.

I read a blog post by Zoe a while back and she was talking steampunk designs. She was wishing there was more color to them. So when I received these colorful gears as an "extra" in one of my Mismatch Earring Swap packages...they seemed perfect...now what to do with them? In my email query she also mentioned liking mint green...enter Bubby & McGurk polka dots!

Thanks to Karin Slaton for gifting me these wonderful gears! Check back after Thanksgiving for the 3 and final reveal.

MisMatch Monday...Halloween Style!

Many of you know Diana of Suburban Girl Studio (Beads, Jewelry) and of her love of mismatch earrings. In fact she guest posts on Art Jewelry Elements about her mismatch love.

After participating in the mismatch swap and blog hop last week I also am hooked! Then I find that in her last Monday MisMatch post Diana threw out a new challenge to include Halloween...I LOVE Halloween! To see Diana's orignal post click on the link above...she posted some really beautiful fall inspired earrings using some of her awesome stone wear designs.

But enough about all that! Let's have some reveal you say!

I am completely in love with my earrings! I decided I wanted to use one of the tiles I made from the latest Halloween images from Ella of Calico Collage. Similar tiles are available in my supply shop, Asbury Avenue Designs. Then I discovered the little pink skull bead from Gaea and the skeleton key image was perfect! The same day I saw Diana's post and started putting ideas together, my polymer rounds came in the mail from Martha of Menagerie Studio. I'm linking you to her webshop because these are a special order item and she provides detail on her wesite how to contact and order. She has lots of yummy colors! I had of course ordered purple...along with several other colors! They were perfect with the coloring in the tile and a wonderful shade of what I call witch purple...my favorite! I brought the designs together with darkened brass wire, chain and a filigree hoop from Fallen Angel Brass. The earwires are handmade by me from darkened brass wire.

I hope you enjoyed today's mismatch post...Stop by again soon!

Show Us Your Hooters! Artisan Whimsy Challenge

I am part of an awesome group called Artisan Whimsy and I have decided to enter this necklace in the Show Us Your Hooters Owl Challenge.

My necklace features a woodland owl ephemera tile made by me. Similar tiles are available in my supply shop Asbury Avenue Designs. Beautiful ceramic beads in shades of green, chocolate and cream from Gaea. And a beautiful lampwork bead from Bubby & McGurk.

I hope you will stop by Artisan Whimsy, take a look around and join our fantastic group! Also, don't forget to cast your vote for your favorite Hooters!

This lovely OOAK Woodland Owls Necklace is available in my finished jewelry shop, along with many other wonderful designs! Stop by and have a look around, Hippie Chick Jewelry & Design.

Pay It Forward First Design Reveal...

You may remember at the beginning of September I had a Pay It Forward post. The idea was after I was one of 3 people to comment on Patti Vanderbloemen's post to receive a surprise, I would 'Pay It Forward' by offering the same opportunity on my blog. The only set rule was you have to mail out your surprises sometime in the next 365 days...at the beginning of October I mailed the first of my 3 creations to Lisa Chapman, Beach Cat Beads.

If you visited my blog on Tuesday for the MisMatch Earring Swap reveal you probably recognize these beautiful metal disks. They were an extra goodie from Lisa Liddy of Metal Me This. I've paired them with some blue glass rings and kaleidescope lampwork headpins from Raida Disbrow of Havana Beads. I really love how these turned out and I hope Lisa is enjoying wearing them as much as I did making them.

This design uses 2 of the 4 disks Lisa Liddy sent me...I'm hoarding the other 2 for now! :) Thanks again so much Lisa, for these goodies! They are fantastic and it was a wonderful inspiration for me on this design!

It's Reveal Time!

Mismatched earrings anyone?

I must admit when I first saw Diana's invitation to participate in a mismatch earring swap I almost passed it by...I love all the designs I see (especially the ones she posts). I just wasn't sure it was for me...but then of course lately I have difficulty passing up any opportunity, especially one that challenges me.

Of course once I decided to sign up a million ideas began but I had to wait for partners to be assigned so I could narrow down my design...then Diana teased me with "you'll be really happy with your partner, but I'm not telling until later"...MEANIE!

In the end I was delighted with my pairing and when the opportunity came to take on a second partner for the swap...I said of course! Did I mention I have this problem with taking on too much sometimes...anyway...it all worked out great and my partners were fantastic!

Now don't you wish I'd quit all the blah, blah, blah and get to the pictures already...

My first partner was Lisa Liddy of Metal Me This ...very happy indeed! Here is what I received from Lisa...

Green beads are from Second Surf ...her beads always look so beautiful and vibrant it was wonderful to see them in person. Purple disks and copper ear wires are from Lisa's shop Metal Me This ...and she sent me extra disks so I could try them out in a design of my own! Check back soon to see what I designed with some of them...I'm hoarding the others for future design goodness!

My second partner was Karin Slaton ...looks like she is in process of starting a shop but it's not up yet so I linked you to her lovely blog...be sure to stop by and check out all the beautiful designs she has posted through out her blog. Here is what I received from Karin...

 

So many wonderful things...where do I begin...elongated oval woven by Karin (from Diane Fitzgerald's Shaped Beadwork). I am always in aww of bead weaving...I've tried it only to my frustration! Enamel leaves and lampwork bead (inside weaving) from Sue Kennedy of Sue Beads. A raku ceramic bead, pressed glass oval and sterling silver posts...love the shape of the posts it really accents the earring designs beautifully! Karin also included an extra goodie..enameled pink gears also from Sue Kennedy. I already have a design for them so look for a post soon to see what I did!

I hope you enjoyed your stop here today and that I gave proper credit to all the wonderful artists who participated, whether it was through their beads or designs.

Thank you to my to wonderful partners! It was great getting to know you both and having this opportunity to challenge myself in the mismatch earring world...I think I'll be creating a few pairs for an upcoming show...wish me luck with that!

Please be sure to follow the links below to visit the other participants in this swap and enjoy more mismatch fun!

Diana Ptaszynski http://www.suburbangirlstudio.com 

Lisa Liddy http://www.lisaliddy.wordpress.com

Kari Asbury http://www.hippiechickdesign.blogspot.com (you are here)

Jayne Capps http://mamasgottodoodle.blogspot.com/

Rebecca Anderson http://www.songbeads.blogspot.com

Lesley Watt http://www.thegossipinggoddess.blogspot.com

Lori Bowring Michaud http://www.artfullyornamental.blogspot.com

Renetha Stanziano http://www.lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com

Holly Westfall http://www.silverrosedesigns.blogspot.com/

Theresa Fosdick http://www.thoughtful-notions.blogspot.com/

Ali McCarthy http://www.northwoodscreativestudio.blogspot.com

Shai Williams http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com/
Iveth Caruso  http://www.creativeatelier.net/blog.html

Carolyn Collins http://www.sparklingwaterstudio.com

Elaine Ray http://www.elaineray.blogspot.com

Kristen Stevens http://kristen-beadjourney.blogspot.com/

Charlene Jacka http://www.clay-space.com

Jan Onipenco http://www.MoltenMayhem.typepad.com

Stephanie Woods http://www.rainydaysdesigns.com

Eleanor Burian-Mohr http://www.cornerstoregoddessjewelry.blogspot.com

Shelby Foxwell http://www.sundownbeaddesigns.blogspot.com

Pam Sears http://www.crazycreativecorner.blogspot.com

Mary Harding http://www.maryhardingjewelrybeadblog.blogspot.com

Lisa Johnson http://www.Whimsyswonders.blogspot.com

Kashmira Patel http://www.sadafulee.blogspot.com

Penny Neville http://www.copperpennydesigns.blogspot.com

Dee Elgie http://www.cherryobsidia.blogspot.co.uk

Sarah Small http://www.bysalla.blogspot.com

Carolyn Lawson http://www.Carolynscreationswa.blogspot.com

Karin Slaton http://www.backstorybeads.blogspot.com

Ashleigh Becker http://www.seladesignsjewelry.blogspot.com

Kay Hand http://www.creativetangent.blogspot.com

Rana L. Wilson  http://ranaleadesigns.blogspot.com/

Sandra McGriff http://www.skyescreativechaos.blogspot.com

Dawn Pierro http://www.turtlemoondesigns.me

Shelley Graham Turner http://www.shelleygrahamturner.blogspot.com

Karen Mitchell http://www.overthemoon-design.com

Melissa Trudinger http://www.beadrecipes.wordpress.com

Surprise! My Pay It Forward Gift Arrived!

You may remember at the beginning of September I had a Pay It Forward post. The idea was after I was one of 3 people to comment on Patti Vanderbloemen's post to receive a surprise, I would 'Pay It Forward' by offering the same  opportunity on my blog. The only set rule was you have to mail out your surprises sometime in the next 365 days...fortunately Patti did not make me wait!

I gave a little information about myself...a few colors I like, wrist size, but otherwise I tried to leave it open to her creativity. I can't begin to tell you how great she did! Sizing is fantastic, colors...yum and beads from several of my favorite artists! As I work on my surprises to send I hope my recipents are as pleased as I am with their surprises!

So I'll just quit babbling and say here it is...

Lampwork beads from Sue Kennedy, Glass Bead Art and Sheila Davis. Here's a link to Patti's shop so you can pay her a visit and a get a piece of her beautiful jewelry for yourself!

Have a great evening!
~Kari

Bead of Clay Design Team Reveal!

Several months ago the opportunity came to be part of a wonderful design team through Bead of Clay. So many of us wanted to participate that we've been split into teams...each waiting our opportunity to participate in a design series. I was so excited to hear at the end of July that I would be part of the August/September round of designers.

Marla was so wonderful to give a sneak peak of all the loot that would be coming our way...the ideas of course began swirling at first sight. So many fantastic beads, components and even fiberwire to work with...did I mention I was excited!

Then Marla presented us with a challenge... She asked that we make a pair of earrings and a necklace OR bracelet. The catch, we had to use EVERYTHING  sent to us in our designs...leave nothing out. Did I mention we were getting a TON of stuff? Here's a picture of the all the loot...

I have to take a moment to say I love the color pallette and they all did a fantastic job with coordinating colors to each others items. Now back to that use everything and only 1 pair of earrings and 1 necklace OR bracelet...yikes! Best to just dig in...and take a few progress pictures along the way!

 

I picked beads for the earrings first. I really liked the purple rounds..I know hard to believe, lol. At first I was undecided about the teal tubes or the green rounds (slightly mismatched). So at this point I set the earrings aside and decided to move on for the moment...

Links, dangles, and more links... It is at this point I will tell you I decided to cheat, just a little, in my design. I actually end up with 2 necklaces, which can be worn together or separately and a pair of earrings that can be worn with either necklace. I wanted to follow Marla's request but felt I also had to let the beads 'speak' to me. Besides I'm an artist, not good at following directions by nature...LOL!

So the first necklace is a 3 strand chain style linked together with one of my hubby's new handmade copper rings...coming soon to our supply shop Asbury Avenue Designs. I love the way this necklace turned out, I was able to use most of the loot in this necklace without having the piece be "too much". wrapped links are spaced out on each strand and I've made this one adjustable to it can be worn close to the neck up to about 18-19 inches.

 

The adjustable style of this one perfectly compliments the extra lenth in the second necklace. It took me a bit to get past only having one of Kristi's beautiful copper cones...oh what I could have done with two! But the one I decided was perfect to create a focal with a few of the larger beads that just didn't sit right as links for the first necklace.

This simple style also turned out to be a great place to use the fiberwire and not have it get 'lost' in the design.

Right about now you're thinking what happened to the earrings...

and now that I've shown you all these beautiful goodies, in wonderful pictures and collages...I wanted to show how both necklaces can be worn together and how the earrings compliment everything but of course...I couldn't get a good picture to save myself! So pardon this horrible picture but you can atleast see how it all goes together.

My extra long post is almost over...just a little business and thank you left to do...THANK YOU to all the wonderful artists from Beads of Clay...without you we would not have this wonderful design group! I hope you will visit the other designers who participated. Links to their blogs are below along with links to all the bead designers for your shopping pleasure. :)

Designers:

CillaWatkins
Lesley Watt
MaryLou Holvenstot
Shannon Chomanczuk

BOC Contributors:

Karen Totten Starry Road Studio
Julie Rowe Beads, Birds and Bones
JeraLuna Designs
Marla James Marla's Mud
Kristi Bowman KristiBowmanDesign
Yarn Sweet Yarn

Thanks to our CBC Admins!

Today I'd like to say a big THANK YOU to 5 fantastic ladies! They put in alot of work a administrators for our Facebook group...Creative Bead Chat. We are 1,000+ members and still growing.

Help me show these wonderful ladies how much we appreciate all they do to promote, advise and support all of us in this wonderful chat group. Below are links to each of their shops, so stop by and check out all of their great products...I bet you'll find at least one thing you just must have...

Marla James of Marla's Mud
Melinda Orr of Melinda Orr Designs
Karen Totten of Starry Road Studio
Marla Gibson of Spice Box Designs
Keirsten Giles of Lune Designs

This group is so great with it's friendships, advice, encouragement and support...thank you doesn't really seem like enough.

Pay it forward

 

Saw this on Patti's blog this morning...looks like fun!

Here’s How It Works

I’ll send a surprise gift to the first three commenters on this blog post. The gift will be a handmade surprise by me and will be sent to you some time in the next 365 days (yep, mystery gift at a mystery time).

Here’s what you need to do, leave me a comment and make sure you include your email address (if your profile doesn’t include it). I’ll email you for your snail mail address and a ask a few questions (likes/dislikes, favourite colours, sizes general stuff like that).

To complete signing up you MUST play along too. To do this you must blog a similar post and pledge to make a surprise gift for the first three people who comment on it.

So, do you want to play? Comment below and I’ll sent a thoughtful handmade gift to the first three people who do.

Let the fun and games begin!

Happy beading!