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!