Diamonds in the Rough...

ZNet Shows Wholesale Beads put out a challenge to their Design Team to create pieces utilizing product we could select from a list they provided, as well as a few surprises they would add in.  I could hardly believe all the beautiful items I received to work with!  Of course I was so excited to dig in and start playing, I didn't take a "before" shot.  You would think I would know better, wouldn't you?  I have been able to create 4 pieces so far, and hope to add another few within the coming weeks.  Ready to take a look??

DG303-07    Bone Pendant

CB9-02B   Red Bamboo Coral Beads

The bone pendant just seemed to scream bracelet to me.  I used Vintaj Natural Brass filigree for the main structure of the bracelet, and topped off the pendant with a brass flower and enamel flower.  Both sides of the bracelet are double chains, and one side of the toggle has a cute butterfly and Coral Bead dangles.

BDS371-08 Mother of Pearl Beads 

PDG243-06 Abalone Shell Pendant

Along with gorgeous Shell Beads thrown in for good measure!

This was one of my favorite pieces to work on!  The Abalone Shell donut seemed a perfect fit for a dragonfly, both for it's colors as well as the water it loves so much.  One side of the design is the Shell Beads ZNet Shows included in my packet, and the other is large chain links with Mother of Pearl Bead dangles down it.  It feels so good on...I just may have to keep this one for myself!

BDS371-08 Mother of Pearl Beads 

I was originally going to use two of the other sets of beads I chose from the list to make wrap bracelets.  When I saw the gorgeous Mother of Pearl, I knew it had to be the star of it's own piece.  I used a Czech glass button from my collection as the clasp, and have a small purple rivet attached for a little bling.

PDG290-01  Mauve Shell Flower Pendant

With an added Shell Heart and 2 Rose Cabochons!

I fell in love with the shell heart that showed up at my door step, and the Shell Flower Pendant was just so sweet.  Shell looks so lovely with Vintaj Natural brass, and the filigree addition to the heart really shows off it's natural color.  The Rose Cabochons were wrapped in small filigree and the green added another natural touch of color.

Thank you again to ZNet Shows Wholesale Beads for their generosity and letting me "play" with their products.  I'll definitely let you know when my additional pieces are completed so you can see the other items I had so much fun creating with!

ZNet Shows is having a Blog Hop Reveal with all the designers, as well as a Top 20 Design Contest beginning at midnight.  You can find all the details on their page:  facebook.com/ZNetShows.

Fingers crossed one of my designs makes the cut!

Soup's On!

I cannot express how much I enjoy participating in the Bead Soup Blog Party!  It's a chance to make new beady friends, work with a surprise mix of beads and findings, and possibly even work outside my comfort zone.  This year I was lucky enough to be partnered with Susan Nelson Bowie of Stones and Bones Jewelry Design.  Susan sent a wonderful "Organic Soup Mix" for me to work with - how creative!!

And to top it off?  She was even sweet enough to send DESSERT!

Some of the ingredients Susan sent I had never worked with before:  Bone, Horn, Shells, Petrified Wood, Nuts, & Seeds...with a sprinkling of vintage quartz, copper, & vintage black onyx.  She was so generous with her ingredients that I was able to complete quite a few pieces...I couldn't stop!  I will definitely be incorporating these new found friends in future pieces, and loved working with everything she sent.

Ready??  Here we go!

My first set used the fun Tagua Nut focal, some bone and horn, with a bit of Vintaj Arte Metal thrown in for good measure:

The second set featured the Cowrie shells, Afgani Date Seeds, bone, and lots of Vintaj Natural Brass:

My third piece was a bracelet using the beautiful copper beads, toggle, and vintage quartz:

I also started 3 different focals with some of the "leftovers":

LOVE the copper color with those!

I can see some of those vintage quartz beads dangling from the top of the leaf,

won't this be perfect in a piece with those gorgeous black onyx beads??

The copper flower was a gift from a special friend...

and now it's part of a piece from my new friend.

Still some embellishing to do on these 3 with dangles and bits of sparkle, and then of course incorporating them into pieces of their own.  I told you I couldn't stop!!  :)

I want to thank the incredible Lori Anderson for being the "Hostess with the Mostest".  This year there were over 500 people participating, and she had to coordinate 3 separate reveal dates to fit us all in.  I feel so blessed she introduced me to Susan, and feel I have definitely met a kindred spirit.  Susan, you totally rock and I couldn't have hoped for a better partner!  Please make sure to stop by Susan's blog to see the ingredients I sent her and what she came up with!

Click on the picture below for a list of the other hopping left to be done on our 2nd reveal...I guarantee you will see incredible designs by some very special people!

ENJOY YOUR SOUP!

Bead Soup Blog Hop

Over 500 people signed up for the 7th Bead Soup Blog Hop this year!  Holy Cow!  I am so impressed by Lori Anderson, the founder/organizer of the Hop, and all the hard work she puts into this for everyone.  Lori has a new book out about Bead Soup as well, and I will be lucky enough to receive a copy when I attend the Bead Soup event at the Bead & Button Show this year.

How does it work?  Lori pairs up participants, then we raid our bead stashes and send each other ingredients for soup that includes a focal bead, a clasp, and accent beads.  I have been partnered with Susan Nelson Bowie of Stones and Bones Jewelry Design.  Susan creates beautiful pieces showcasing her love of nature, and are filled with her beautiful spirit.  Her free-style peyote necklace is truly amazing, and one of my favorites:

My ingredients for Susan to work with are on the way to her, but I can't share what I sent until she receives them.  Here is a little tease I made for her before mailing it off:

And here is the tease of the ingredients she sent to me:

I cannot wait to receive it, and start the soup simmering!!  Stay tuned for the un-disguised photos after we each receive them, and the reveal date to see our creations is April 6th!

Too exciting!  New beads, new challenge, and new friends...