ArtBeads ‘What’s Old is New Again!’ Blogger Challenge

Hey, remember this?



BS-0038 6x8mm Dark Amber and Opaque Sky Blue with Picasso Roundel Bead Strand *

SW-BD245 Stoneware Brown with Light Blue Daisies Tube Bead *

LMP-0146 Yellow and Orange Roundel Beads (7 pcs) *

CR-RL131 5x4mm Opaline Yellow Roundelle Strand *

I got a great selection of fun items from ArtBeads for their 'What's Old is New Again' challenge. I got the new beads from Artbeads and am using an blue glass necklace of my mom's as the old.

I found these earrings that I had picked up last year when I was in St. Louis visiting my daughter from a thrift store and added them to the mix last minute.


I was really aprehensive about popping that necklace apart, but I finally did it! Here is the 'mess' of inspiration!



Let me tell you how much fun I had with this challenge. All of these colors are so bright and cheery, I didn't want to stop this morning!

Are these adorable or what!!!!! I can't help but smile when I see them.



Fun and bright, simply knotted hemp necklace. This is casual, but with an attitude :) It flirts with a tshirt and says "I dare you" with a plunged neck sundress - can you wear it?


and to complete the perfect summer ensemble, a bold and chunky bracelet.



I am not done!! I have more coming tomorrow!


What would you have made?


Want to see more creations inspired by the What's Old is New Again challenge? Check out ArtBeads Facebook page!!

*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Art Beads were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blogging for Beaders Program. These items are for review or design purposes.

ArtBeads Make It For Mom Challenge!!!

I got this email from ArtBeads and had to share it with you!

The Make it for Mom Challenge is all about creating that perfect design for Mom and having some fun too. The winner of this jewelry design contest will receive a $250 Artbeads.com Gift Card and their winning design will also be featured in the Artbeads Learning Center. All design submissions must contain at least 50% products available at the Artbeads.com website. Contestants must be 18 or older to enter and this contest is open to entrants worldwide. The winner will be determined by a public vote on Facebook starting at midnight (Pacific Time) on Mother’s Day. Make sure to submit a design yourself and tell all your beading friends, family and blog readers to enter this fun design challenge!

Make it for Mom Challenge




ArtBeads is also are running a great store wide sale to coincide with the design contest. You can save 15% on your order of $45 or more in our Make it for Mom Sale going on right now. Just enter coupon code ZZ-MOM15 at checkout to take advantage of these fantastic savings. Hurry, this sale ends on Saturday, April 23, 2011





Put your thinking caps on and get your creative fingers going and make something beautiful for Mothers Day!

Good Luck!

Art Beads Winter Enchantment Design Partner Challenge

Looks like winter doesn't ? That last snow right before spring - with new grass poking up thru the snow.

I had some fun this morning with the beads I received from Art Beads for the Winter Design Partner Challenge. I put all the beads in a bowl, with no direction, no rules, just let them lead me where they wanted to go.
This is what is in the bowl:

R-RQTZ-NUG11 - 5x11mm Irradiated Quartz Modulars *
TBRD6-288 - TOHO Bead Round 6/0 Colonial Grey-Line *
CR-RL137 - 5x4mm Opaline Picasso Roundel Bead Strand *
SW-BD173 - Stoneware Round Spacer - White Smooth *
DRUKS-LS-TUR6 - Druk Bead 6mm Turquoise Luster *
R-WHAG-SQ12 - 12mm White Agate Square Bead Strand shipped *
DRUKS-LS-LBL6 - Druk Bead 6mm Light Blue Luster *

I wanted something a bit more sophisticated. Something a bit dressier. I strung (is that a word?) three patterns and braided them together.


Then I took some inspiration from my friend Jana over at Bejeweled by Jana. She does wire crocheted jewely - Just beautiful!! I am such a huge fan of her work. I wanted to try and incorporate the wire into the design, as opposed to wire wrapping links. I secured the strands and wrapped the whole lot with a complimentary blue wire. It throws a nice contrast and texture to the look of the necklace.

And let me tell you- that glass toggle is just SEXY!
GTOG-023 - 20mm Bluino Boro Glass Toggle Clasp *

Jo says it reminds her of something you would wear to a gallery opening and then out for beers afterwards - I like her way of thinking :)
And of course I had to make earrings to go with them. I used 24 ga silver plated wire, and tried to make uniform wraps ( you can see on the right earring) The wire was just too thin. So on the left earring, I got more artsy (nice way to say sloppy) and it made a whole different look.



Can you see the difference in the wraps - which do you like better?

*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Art Beads were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blogging for Beaders Program. These items are for review or design purposes.

ArtBeads Winter Enchantment Fun

More fun with the ArtBeads Design Partner group!

This challenge is Winter Enchantment. These two words alone bring up so many ideas for me. Just for fun I did a Google image search for the words "Winter Enchantment". Stunning landscapes covered in snow, cozy cottages tucked away on a snowy blanketed mountain sides, fairies, Christmas and this:



Winter Enchantment: Love by Wild Rain 73 at Deviant Art - I love it!

I thought what would she wear as she strolled through the forest. Is she looking for her love? Did her love give her a token of their affection, and if they did, what would it look like?

That was the inspiration behind my choices.

Starting at 12 o'clock:

R-RQTZ-NUG11 - 5x11mm Irradiated Quartz Modulars *
GTOG-023 - 20mm Bluino Boro Glass Toggle Clasp * ( I LOVE THIS!!!!)
TBRD6-288 - TOHO Bead Round 6/0 Colonial Grey-Line *
CR-RL137 - 5x4mm Opaline Picasso Roundel Bead Strand *
SW-BD173 - Stoneware Round Spacer - White Smooth *
DRUKS-LS-TUR6 - Druk Bead 6mm Turquoise Luster *
R-WHAG-SQ12 - 12mm White Agate Square Bead Strand shipped *
DRUKS-LS-LBL6 - Druk Bead 6mm Light Blue Luster *

I had to try one of those glass toggles. They are some of the neatest things I have seen. I have some concern of them breaking, but then again, I would not put them in a piece that would be a 'constant worn' piece. The Picasso roundels, are one of my favorite choices from ArtBeads. They come in so many colors, and are the perfect compliment to any piece.

ArtBeads had so many choices for so many projects. What would you choose to make a Winter Enchantment themed piece?


What else is going on at ArtBeads?? Follow them on Facebook for fun promotions, tips, tutorials, coupon codes, and inspirations!!


Enter for a trip to Tucson!!!


*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Art Beads were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blogging for Beaders Program. These items are for review or design purposes.

Vendor wish list

Can't always make the bead shows, can't always buy what I want, but I can always wish!!

What is on my wish list for this week??

From Rings & Things
Ring/Connector, 14mm (Antiqued Copper Plated) Chain,







From ArtBeads

TierraCast Antique Copper Mirage Bead Cap















From Beadin Path

Sea Glass Style, Matte Transparent Emerald Tumbled Nuggets 15-23mm 4'' strand




















Sea Glass Style, Matte Mint Green Tumbled Nugget Beads 15-23mm 4'' strand



















Sea Glass Style, Matte White Opal Tumbled Nugget Beads 15-23mm 4'' strand

















What is on your wish list!?

Odds and Ends - earrings, charity update

Didn't know what to title this entry, so I called it exactly what it is - odds and ends.

I love making jewelry, love looking at jewelry, love learning how to do new techniques, love love love! I was encouraged by everyone to take the next step. Go on out there and sell it. When you do something you love, it is tuff to put it out for sale. It is a harsh way to be judged. If it isn't bought, it isn't liked, or that is how it can feel sometimes.

I took that step and now I am in several local stores. I recently stopped by one of the retailers that sells my jewelry and she needs more earrings. How exciting!! I made a few pair last nite, here is an example of what I am taking to her -

Resin, seed beads and silver plated wire.

Stamped brass peace signs with ruby in zoisite and fresh water pearls. Ruby in Zoisite is an energy amplification stone and pearls attune the wearer to ebb and flow of life. They are calming and centering. They give purity and promote faith, charity, and integrity, truth and loyalty. I thought they were the perfect stones to put with the peace symbol.



Fun, simple little copper spirals with fire opal swarovski crystals. These are a staple to most collections, mine included. It is one of the first wire wrap designs I learned. This is an easy design and very versatile.

I have had so much encouragement and so much support from so many people, I feel I need to give back. To me, it is so exciting to me to be able to give. That being said, I began to choose a charity a month that proceeds from all sales would go to. I have had some really lean months, so I changed it to reflect quarterly sales. My 4Q charity for 2009 was NEADS.org. NEADS (Dogs For Deaf and Disabled Americans), of Princeton, MA, is a non-profit organization, organized under section 501c (3) of the IRS code. NEADS was established in 1976 to train and provide independence to people who are deaf or physically disabled through the use of canine assistance. These assistance dogs become an extension of their owners and bring security, freedom, independence and relief from social isolation to their human partners. I am happy to announce that my 4Q charity, NEADS.org will be getting a check for $150!!

With recent events, I have chosen my 1Q charity to be going to the relief fund for Haiti. 15% of all sales for 1Q of 2010 will go to the relief fund benefiting the population of Haiti devastated by the earthquake. There are so many ways to be involved in offering help to the people of Haiti. ArtBeads posted this on their FaceBook page -

Artbeads.com Etsy Shop Owners Unite! Join "Hearts for Haiti' and "Craft Hope' and help the people of Haiti by donating a piece of jewelry or craft to raise money for Doctors Without Borders.
Hearts for Haiti: http://www.etsy.com/shop/heartsforhaiti
Craft Hope: http://www.etsy.com/shop/crafthope
Doctors Without Borders: http://doctorswithoutborders.org/

I am touched and have had my faith in humanity restored with the outpouring of help going from so many people to this tiny island nation.

So heres to you and your support, you are helping to shape me into the artist I am. Thank you!

Break Time!

Yesterday was my last show for the year. Now it is time to kick back for a few weeks and not feel so pressured.

I am going to use this time to seriously organize my work room. The goal (which will be reached!) is to have it done by the end of the year, focusing on starting out the year fresh, organized and getting some good energy flowing. I have my sights set on a prosperous 2010. Sales are really picking up in all of the retail locations my pieces are in, and will be focusing on adding more stores this coming year.

I am excited about a new year of blogger challenges with Rings & Things, Art Beads and Beadin Path. They are all so much fun to work with, supportive, and best of all, I feel I have made some new friends.

The organization began with tubs of 'homeless' beads. These are the beads that are scattered across my work table or in a central tub because I am too lazy to put them back into their baggies.


Here is a mess in a tub


Here is the mess separated out into: beads, findings, partially strung pieces, salvageable wire (this is my boredom killer at work)



From here I will separate it out even further till everything has it place. I got a lot ahead of me!

Cubic Zirconias from ArtBeads

I got a beautiful selection of cubic zirconia beads from Art Beads over the weekend. Rich and warm in color, these are truly amazing.













CZ-BOR-OV9 - 7x9mm Burnt Orange CZ Oval *
CZ-BOR-REC10 - 8x10mm Burnt Orange CZ Rectangle *
CZ-CRY-CN6 - 6mm Crystal CZ Coin *
CZ-YEL6 - 6mm Yellow CZ Round Bead *



I had never worked with CZ's before and did a bit of research on them to share with you.

What is a cubic zirconia? Cubic zirconia is a man-made, synthetic stone used as an inexpensive alternative to a diamond or other colored gemstone.

Is a CZ the same as Zircon? No. Zircon is not to be confused with cubic zirconia. Zircon is a natural occurring gem, not man made. It is a zirconium silicate (ZrSiO4) and cubic zirconia (or CZ) is the cubic crystalline form of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2).

Cubic zirconia beads are delicate, and it is advise the utmost care be taken when working with them. To keep their polish at an optimum, it is best to treat them gently taking care of possible wear and tear when a piece is being worn by teaming it with non abrasive beads to prevent scratching. I did notice there are a few small nicks on the beads that I have, and I am guessing it is from rolling about with the other beads in the packaging. A nice soft cotton cloth for polishing finished designs is a good way to bring up their shine and when possible the use of cotton gloves when working with them will also prevent dulling their finish.

When I think of a CZ, I immediately think of a diamond. I did not know they came in so many different colors. Metal oxides are added to the CZ manufacturing process to create the different colors. Here are a few examples of what metals are used to create different colors.

Cerium: yellow, orange. red
Chromium: green
Neodymium: purple
Erbium: pink
Titanium: golden brown

These beads are heavier than Swarovski or Czech glass beads, and more expensive. Depending on what you are wanting to make, you can use the CZ's as an accent or have an exquisite piece of just CZ's, the choices are endless!

Thank you Art Beads for giving me the chance to work with such beautiful beads!

*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Art Beads were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blogging for Beaders Program. These items are for review or design purposes.

My Matisse - Revisited Redux

One of last months blog posts - My Matisse - was the ArtBeads Blogger group entry. The blogger group was given a choice of hand painted pendants. Artist Masterpiece Pendants. A glorious selection of hand painted pendants by Russian artisan reflecting such greats as Mucha, Picasso and yes, Matisse.

Browsing this selection was a tough one. They are all beautiful, no, stunning. To know the work that goes into these mini masterpieces and then to see the quality, is breathtaking.

Saying that, when I received my pendant, I wanted to do it justice as well. I wanted to include my blue lady in a necklace that was as elegant and stunning as her.

Here is a list of the components to refresh your memory -

30x40mm Rectangle Black Onyx Matisse - Blue Nude - ArtBeads
White jade roundells - Sedona Stones
Faceted black crystal roundells - Firemountain Gems
Lapis roundells - O'Mega Gems
6mm blackstone - Firemountain Gems
Silver plated Oval Link Chain - ArtBeads
Silver plated 3 Strand + 3 Link Chain - ArtBeads

And here is the original:






I was thrilled with it..........for a while. I admit, I am fickle. I wore it once and hung it up. As much as I liked it, it just wasn't me. I don't know what I was thinking. I don't know why I didn't make it for me, for how I feel, make it to reflect my interpretation of the beautiful blue lady.

I needed to make it for me, because this is a piece I am planning on keeping. This isn't something I had planned on selling. Granted the cost of the pendant was given to me, it wasn't a cost that I would have to recoup, but in the same breath, if I did sell it, and got an order for another one, I more than likely would not make my money back on it. It isn't that the pendant is too much - it is beautifully hand painted and the quality is exquisite, I just feel it is something that I would work with more as a gift than as something for my inventory.

This morning I did just that - I reconstructed the piece for me. I kept the original layer of jade and lapis, and removed the rest. I made a strand of seed beads and blackstone, and a strand of lapis chips, citrine and snowflake obsidian, braided them all, put the clasp in the front and added the Matisse.

Here is the redux, and she is a keeper












*whew* That is so much more comfortable!

August - Peridot

August's birthstone is Peridot - say it with me - Pair-uh-doe.

Peridot is a beautiful stone, the best known gem variety of olivine. Some historians believe that some of the "emeralds" worn by Cleopatra were actually peridot. Peridot is worn not only for its beauty, but also for the belief it is supposed to bring the wearer success, peace, and good luck.

Here are some stunning examples of jewelry I have found online that use peridot, or use a classic peridot color in their designs.

Peridot Stacking Ring Set - BlackLotusDesign



Apple Tree of Life - wearmejewels


Spring Blooming Vine Necklace - SimplyAdorning



Peridot chainmaille Sterling Silver earrings - Cheli



Dramatic Dimensonal Filigree Medallion Necklace with Intaglio - Dawno



Life is But a Dream...Peridot Vesuvianite Green Tourmaline Vermeil Gold Filled Drama Filled Signature Original Draped Gemstone Scrolled Necklace - bellajewels




Now that you have seen these beautiful designs, I know you are itching to get your hands on some peridot, or some peridot colored glass/crystals. Where can you get them??

4-4.5mm Peridot Rounds - On Sale! - ArtBeads



Bead, Gemstone, Chips (Peridot) - Rings & Things



Swarovski Art 6007 Peridot 7x4mm 20 beads - BeadinPath



5 Strands Carmina Glass Pearls, Peridot (026), graduated 6 to 12mm 16 inch SedonaStones




Now I know you are itching to make your own desings using peridot - why not post a link when you are finished and share your work with everyone!

My Matisse

A couple of days ago I posted about the pendant I had received as part of the blogger group outreach from ArtBeads. I had been given several jewelry supply categories to choose from, and when I saw this bead, I knew what I had to do. The bead I had chosen was the 30x40mm Rectangle Black Onyx Matisse - Blue Nude from the Artist Masterpiece Pendants - Russian Pendant collection. When I got home from work last nite I sat down and got to work.

I already had the design in my head, all I needed to do was put it together.

Here is what I used.

30x40mm Rectangle Black Onyx Matisse - Blue Nude - ArtBeads
White jade roundells - Sedona Stones
Faceted black crystal roundells - Firemountain Gems
Lapis roundells - O'Mega Gems
6mm blackstone - Firemountain Gems
Silver plated Oval Link Chain - ArtBeads
Silver plated 3 Strand + 3 Link Chain - ArtBeads

The pendant is stunning, I can't stress enough how wonderful it is.

The 3 strand +3 Link chain however beautiful it is, will work your patience. The three small strands between the triple links has a tendency to bunch up and knot. I have now dubbed it the diva chain. It is beautiful and knows it, and will make you work for it.

The oval link chain, I have to admit, I am a bit disappointed in. It doesn't have that beautiful finish like on the diva chain. It is not as smooth and shiney as I had hoped. It almost has an 'orange peel' appearance to it. Will it stop me from buying it again? I doubt it.

And here she is kids - My Matisse!

I love working with multi-strands. I love the busy look. I think I captured a fun multilayer look w/o taking away from the focal.




I changed up the 3 link + 3 strand chain a bit at the focal. I snipped out the middle link and added a triple stack of the faceted crystals on a hand wound link.







I do love her!