Choosy Chicks Choose Chicklets...REVEAL TIME!

So when the lovely Rita of Toltec Jewels tempted us with a chicklet bead and a blog hop I could not pass up the opportunity. I love Sue Kennedy's beads and her chicklets are simply divine! So many wonderful colors, when she first started offering them I had to add them to my collection...a lot of them! ;) But enough about that...

Rita offered sign ups and I believe was limiting to 20 sign ups...at final count I think she let just over 40 of us in on the fun! Thank you for being such a generous hostess! After sign ups I patiently...well mostly...waited for the arrival of my chicklet... 

Here it is fresh out of the envelope...colors selected at random but how perfect is it that I got a lilac, purplish one? If you don't know me, I'll just say it's PERFECT! Now in the meantime I had managed to snag a couple of Shine On Collaboration Kits from Staci Louise Originals and Genea Beads. These two lovely ladies have created some awesome collaborations and the Shine On kits were no exception. I rarely make jewelry for myself but I specifically purchased the kit to design something for me...but rebel that I am...I wasn't going to just follow the kit design/instructions. Anyway, I tell you all this because the kit was on my table when the chicklet arrived and as they say...the rest is history!

I decided on a charm style design and selected several special personal charms to add. So the picture above was a sneak peak in progress I shared on Facebook a while ago...

Aren't Genea's beads delicious? Deep, gorgeous colors!

and a close up of the charms which include a sterling silver pentacle, a goddess offering, blackened brass wing...yes from Fallen Angel Brass...and a lampwork headpin from the kit. The small dangles on the pentacle are faceted moonstone and crystals. Also, a peek of the beautiful coloring in polymer clay star focal made by Staci.

and of course my gorgeous chicklet...so perfect with this palette :)

one more up close of the charms, focal and beads all together...and finally...

Here is the entire necklace. I've worn it several times...both my daughter and mother have tried to steal it right off my neck! But this beauty is all MINE! 

THANK YOU again to Rita for her generosity! Thank you Sue, your beautiful beads have brought me much joy and inspiration!

This is a blog hop so I hope you will visit the links below to see what other choosy chicks made with their chicklets! Have a great week! ~Kari

Guest of Honor & Featured Artist:  Susan Kennedy

Sue Kennedy's blogs:                               SueBeads...A Beady Girl's blog

                                                              Art Jewelry Elements

Sue Kennedy's website                            SueBeads

SueBeads Art Beads                                SueBeads

Hostess: 

Toltec Jewels                                           http://www.JewelSchoolFriends.com

Artists:

Linda Anderson                                       http://fromthebeadboard.blogspot.com/ 

Jennifer Reno                                           http://jenrenjewelry.blogspot.com/ 

Shirley Moore                                          http://beadsandbread.blogspot.com/ 

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

Marybeth Rich                                         http://forestofjewels.blogspot.com 

Jael Thorp                                                 http://jaelsjewels.blogspot.com/ 

Melissa Trudinger                                   http://Beadrecipes.wordpress.com 

Andrea Glick                                            http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/ 

Nan Smith                                                 http://wirednan.blogspot.com 

Blanca Medina                                         www.peru-medesigns.com 

Shai Williams                                            http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com 

Carolyn Lawson                                       http://Carolynscreationswa.blogspot.com 

Rana Wilson                                             http://Ranaleadesigns.blogspot.com 

Robin Reed                                               http://willowdragon.blogspot.com 

Robin Showstack                                     http://heartsdesiresjewelryforyou.blogspot.com/ 

Sheila Prosterman                                     http://catswithbeads.blogspot.com 

Karla Morgan                                            http://Texaspepperjams.blogspot.com 

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

Kelly Rodgers                                           https://www.facebook.com/BeadinBlackBlue 

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

Mischelle Andrade Fanucchi                 https://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com/ 

Heather Richter                                         http://desertjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com 

Chris Eisenberg                                         www.wanderware.blogspot.com 

Kathleen Breeding                                    http://www.zibbet.com/99BottlesofBeadsontheWall 

Linda Landig                                              http://lindalandig.wordpress.com 

Crystal Thain                                             http://beaddragons.blogspot.com/ 

Cheri Reed                                                 http://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com 

Heather d-Entremont                                http://frugalmacdougall.wordpress.com/ 

Dini Bruinsma                                            http://angazabychanges.blogspot.com/ 

Lori Schneider                                           http://www.beadaddicted.blogspot.com/

Tammy Adams                                          http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog.html 

Melinda Orr                                               http://bandanagirl.indiemade.com/blog 

Lennis Carrier                                            http://windbent.wordpress.com/ 

Cynthia Machata                                      http://antiquitytravelers.blogspot.com 

Elizabeth Hodges                                     http://thewhisperingseas.blogspot.com 

Debbie Rasmussen                                  http://kepirasmussen.blogspot.com/ 

Tanya McGuire                                        http://tanyamcguire.blogspot.com/ 

Charlie Jacka                                             http://clay-space.com/blog/ 

Ev Shelby                                                  http://raindropcreationsbyevelyn.blogspot.com/ 

Sharyl McMillian-Nelson                       http://sharylsjewelry.blogspot.com/

 Jasvanti Patel                                          http://jewelrybyjasvanti.blogspot.com

AJE May Component of the Month...Reveal Time!

I was so excited when I got the email from Sue Kennedy of Sue Beads inviting me to participate in Art Jewelry Elements May Component giveaway and blog hop! If you are not familiar with the AJE blog or the Component of the Month giveaways...click on the link above for more info and have a look around at this fantastic blog!

Sue kindly offered up a choice of beads or cabachons...I of course chose beads...I know, go figure! Above are pictures of the bead sets and individual cabachons...it was a surprise what colors we would receive. I received the second to last set on the right side...beautiful blues and although it looks light blue in the picture, it was actually more of a mint green color...very pretty.

So before I show my final designs I will say...I had a false start or two but didn't snap pictures as I was frantically tearing things apart at the last minute! Also, I took lots of pictures since I am still working on a new set up in the new studio space and since they all turned out good...I'm sharing them all!

I love how this necklace turned out. I used two of the three chicklets, one of my ephemera tiles, a large brass butterfly, and some beaded glass chain.

A close up of the chicklets, tile and glass chain...isn't that image gorgeous? My friend and digital collage artist, Ella of Calico Collage, designed a lovely sheet of gypsy, boho style images including this one. I will be adding tiles from these images to my supply shop soon...I've used the few I created in projects lately so I need to create a few more before they will be available. All of the brass elements are from Vintaj Brass Co.

Isn't this butterfly gorgeous! I really felt like the style complimented this design without distracting from all the art bead goodness. :)

and another close up of the gorgeous tile and chicklets...

and just one more of the whole necklace...did I mention I'm experimenting with my photo set up? If you would like to purchase this necklace...click here. I bet you are wondering about that last chicklet too...asking yourself...did she stash it away? add it to the secret collection?

Nope! No stashing...so now I'll mention my original design idea had all three chicklets, the tiles from each necklace and Irish waxed linen in a bracelet design...the colors just weren't working for me!

But this works for me. I love purples and greens and this gypsy soul image combines them beautifully! If you saw my post on the waxed linen blog hop last week...I told you there would be more coming!

Here's a close up of the beads at the top of the tile...deep purple crystals and beautiful green and purple matte lampwork squared rings from Outwest. Chain and finding are from Vintaj Brass Co.

One last picture...I might have to keep this one for myself... I decided to offer it in my shop after all. If you would like to purchase this necklace...click here.

Thank you Sue for the opportunity to join in fun! Please visit the rest of the participants by clicking on their links below...and remember we all love to read your comments!

Guests

Shai Williams

Erin Prais-Hintz

Kari Asbury

Carolyn Lawson

Merja Sundstrom

AJE Members

Susan Kennedy

Diana Ptaszynski

Linda Landig

Lesley Watt

Melissa Meman

Caroline Dewison

Francesca Watson

Jenny Davies-Reazor

Rebekah Payne

Keirsten Giles

Kristen Stevens

We're All Ears April Challenge...

I've just discovered that each month the Earrings Everyday blog does a little inspiration challenge...I really need to pay attention sometimes! Anyway, I happen to catch the post for April's inspiration when I was catching up on the recent posts and decided (at the last minute) it would be fun to whip up some cute earrings and play along.

Seeing the picture I actually had an immediate idea...just had to find the beads in my current disorganization/reorganization...hopefully I'll have a post on that later. You can click here to see the original post including the inspiration for April's design.

Apologies for the somewhat crummy picture...I was experimenting...since my photo cube is unavailable during the re-organziation. Lampwork beads from Pinocean. Enamel leaves from Sue Beads. Ceramic birds from Gaea. They don't have a name yet...I'm not so great at naming my jewelry...so if you have any ideas feel free to help a girl out and post suggestions in comments! :)

And my adventure into wholesale begins...

I'll begin with a little back story... about this time last year I decided to do my first wholesale trade show. It was a last minute decision but by the end of the experience I had gained a wonderful mentor, lots of potential leads and a wealth of experience...I even made enough cash and carry sales to cover my show expenses and make a small profit. All in all, it was a success in my book. Of course, it's been a long year since that show...but I always believe everything happens when it's supposed to and how it's meant to be...

So now here we are in February, just after losing my day job, I received a call inviting me back to that wholesale trade show. This time I had even less time to prepare (just 2 weeks) but so much more knowledge and over the last year, I had made some changes, done some things to move toward this goal. Turns out this time was even better! While the show was a bit slow this time, I did manage to put my networking skills to use and came away with tons of connections, a lead for another trade show done bi-annually and my first wholesale order!

My jewelry is now available in Skamania Lodge gift shop...below is an excerpt from their website...

"Welcome to Skamania Lodge...

Skamania Lodge, a magnificent Washington State 

mountain resort nestled on 175 wooded acres, is located in the 

spectacular Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. 

The rustic yet elegant, grand mountain Lodge is located 

just 45 miles east of Portland, Oregon, on the Washington side of the Columbia River."

I love the variety of items selected for the first order...a selection of Petite Tulip Earrings in spring colors, several pairs of earrings from our Mini Gypsy Collection, Ephemera Pendant necklaces and a beautiful variety of one of a kind Earrings.

A gorgeous selection of one of a kind necklaces...including my design published in the April, 2013 Bead Trends...and the special request to create coordinating earrings and a bracelet so these could be sold as sets.

and last, but certainly not least, a specially created selection of ribbon wrap bracelets! I love the way these turn out...a few were selected from my stock on hand but the majority were created just for this order and I think they turned out beautifully. 

Now onto a few design challenges, blog hops, shop updates and putting together my marketing plan...busy, busy, busy!

Sneak Peak Collaboration with Calico Collage!

About a week ago my lovely friend, Ella from Calico Collage offered me the opportunity to have a sneak peak of a new collage sheet she was preparing. I was even more honored when she asked if I'd like to make a few items before it was listed in her shop. This sheet is extra special since it features artwork from Ella's personal creations. Now that I've had a few days to create with it, she will be listing it in her shop sometime this week.

The images are fantastic! The tiles above will be listed in my supply shop, Asbury Avenue Designs. I only have a limited selection of these beautiful images so if you see something you like grab it before someone else does!

 

 

 I also made a few pendants to use in my own designs. I loved this image, so reminiscent of my inner flower child. I kept the design simple with Lucite flowers clustered into dangles and Vintaj brass chain.

I like the striking colors in this image...hot pink meets rocker chick! I really love how well the ribbon colors matched the image and again wanted to keep overall style simple so the image remains the center of attention. Hand dyed silk ribbon and wire wraps seemed perfect. I finished it all off with one of my handmade clasps. The wire used for the wraps and clasp are from Fallen Angel Brass, it's a beautiful darkened, almost black brass again perfect with this image.

 

Now for the sexy red baby doll image... Something about this image just says create with me! I had some boro beads from Firelily that matched the shades of red and the holes were big enough to go over the bronze chain. Originally I wanted to do a wire wrap or coil around the chain to hold the bead in place but that proved to be too much of a challenge...in the end I decided on a trio of red stone dangles to create a "stopper" so the bead will slide up the chain but stop at the bead cluster. I think it works :)

And the beautiful fan lady...this was actually the first piece I finished. I think this one is a favorite for several reasons...most of all because I'm not really a pink person but I love the way all these shades of pink came together to show off this gorgeous image. I also don't make a lot of symmetrical designs, so this one was out of my design comfort in several ways. I used a hand dyed silk ribbon called "sweet tart", along with ceramic beads from Gaea and some pink enamel flowered bead caps I've been hoarding from Sue Beads. The chain, filigree and wire are darkened brass from Fallen Angel Brass.

Last but not least...these are the creations I am still working on. I am thinking to branch out on my wire working skills but feel I still have a ways to go...

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

IT'S REVEAL TIME! Finally today we get to reveal our wonderful goodies from the Art Bead Earring Swap...Big thanks to Diana for putting it all together! Now on to the good stuff...

From Dee Elgie all the way from the UK came gorgeous, long, black and silver earrings...featuring beautiful frosted lampwork beads from Alchemy Lampwork, Dee made the black spacers and earwires, added silver hearts and Swarovski crystals...sparkly gorgeous!

Next up are the earrings I received from Linda Landig from right here in my lovely Pacific Northwest! These earrings feature adorable ladybug ceramic beads from Golem Studio and handmade earwires from Fresh String Beads. Did I mention...so cute, perfect for summer!

Thanks Dee and Linda, you each managed to catch bits of my favorite things (without even knowing it!) and create fantastic earrings that I will enjoy wearing and will compliment my wardrobe and personality!

Lastly, the earrings I sent to Dee and Linda...along with a shameless plug or two for the artists who made the beads and components I used...

On the left, the earrings I sent Linda feature copper dragonfly charms from Kristi Bowman Design. I have only had a chance to order a couple of things (so far) from Kristi but they have been fabulous and I will be shopping with her again...hopefully soon! The lampwork beads are from Pink Beach Studios, a favorite of mine...lots of selection and Stacy is always great with special requests.
On the right, the earrings I sent Dee...she said she likes bright and colorful! Enameled filigree from Sue Beads, another favorite for lampwork beads and enameled goodies. Lampwork headpins from Havana Beads, lots of wonderful goodies. And last but certainly not least lampwork beads from Bubby & McGurk, be sure to check them out on facebook where they run some fantastic sale events!

That's it for me but be sure to check out all the other fantastic creations from these lovely ladies...

Diana Ptaszynski     http://www.suburbangirlstudio.com

Jan Onipenco    http://moltenmayhem.typepad.com/

Patti Vanderbloemen        http://myaddictionshandcrafted.blogspot.com/

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

Diane Hawkey    http://dianehawkey.blogspot.com/

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

Jenny Davies Reazor      http://www.jdaviesreazor.com/blog

Melinda Orr      http://www.orrtec.blogspot.com

Cilla Watkins      http://www.tellyourgirlfriends.com

Stephanie Haussler       http://www.pixybugdesigns.blogspot.com

Sally Russick     http://www.thestudiosublime.com

Susan Kennedy       http://www.suebeads.blogspot.com

Amy Freeland  http://www.copperdiem.blogspot.com/

Marla James     http://marlasmudmoments.blogspot.com/

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

Tania Spivey http://www.moobiegracedesigns.blogspot.com/

Kathleen Lange Klik http://www.modernnaturestudio.blogspot.com/

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

Erin Prais-Hintz  http://www.treasures-found.blogspot.com/

Gail Barnett http://www.atlastanewyearsresolution.blogspot.com/

Linda Landig  http://www.lindasbeadblog.com/

Sharleen Newland http://www.shaterraclaystudio.blogspot.com/

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

Mary Shannon Hicks  http://uptwnsh-fallingintothesky.blogspot.com/

Lisa Johnson  http://whimsyswonders.blogspot.com/

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

Keri Lee Sereika  http://www.pinklemonade.typepad.com/

Cheryl Brown    www.dragonflybeads.ca

Linda Younkman http://www.lindysdesigns.blogspot.com/

Kari Asbury http://hippiechickdesign.blogspot.com/

Fay Wolfenden http://www.torchfairy.blogspot.com/