My Bead Soup From Hungary

I felt so spoilt when the package arrived the other day containing the bead soup from my lovely partner in Hungary. I adore the colour combination and haven't been able to stop thinking about what I want to do with these beads. Anyway, below there is also the unedited version of what I sent to Eva, but you can also view it at her World of Pearls.

Heather

Michelle Mach's Suddenly Spring Blog Hop

It's always so much fun to push yourself with challenges. This one, another by Michelle Mach, was a reasonably simple challenge. Take this bracelet (pictured below):

and create something with it. The idea is that it could be anything. I had the urge to put copper with the aqua coloured beads and decided to keep things classic after letting go a few of my wilder ideas. The photo below shows the finished necklace and matching earrings. I used herringbone weave in graduating seed beads, some hex ones thrown in for a bit of texture and feel the finished product is pleasing on the eye. The design can be worn with the toggle at front or back, for a different look.

And the other blog participants are listed below. Please visit them and leave comments to join in the fun.

Michelle - Beads and Books [Hostess]

Andrew - The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton

Christa - Adventures of One Beady Woman

Dita - Alankarshilpa

Donetta - Simply Gorgeous

Erin - Erin Siegel Jewelry

Heather - As I Bead It (You are here)

Jean - Snap Out of It Jean - There's Beading to Be Done!

Karen - Over the Moon Design

Kate - We Can Make That At Home

Kay - Palm Coast Art

Kim - CianciBlue

Kristina - Wild Roses and Blackberries

Linda - Lindy's Designs

Lisa - Pine Ridge Treasures

Marlene - Amazing Designs by Marlene

Michelle - Reverie & Revival

Pam - The Crazy Creative Corner

Renetha - Lamplight Crafts

Sharyl - Catchenthesun

Terry - Pink Chapeau Vintage Jewelry

Therese  - Therese's Treasures

Pamela - Someday Beads

Heather

December/January Andrew Thornton Reader Challenge

I've been terribly busy over this last month. Having mum spring a surprise trip for my family to come over and stay for almost two weeks kind of threw any creative plans I had for challenges and jewellery making. Not that I minded. I think I really needed a holiday. But when I realised Andrew Thornton was going to do his reveal soon I pulled out my jonquil kit and worked like a mad thing. I couldn't do any on it last night, but took photos of what I had done, in three nights of work, mind you, and I think it's come together pretty well. I'm not currently on his list of bloggers, but will contact him to add me, or just leave a message in the comments for those who want to see this piece, too. I'm eager to go see what everyone else did with their kit, too.

I hope you can envisage what this piece will be. I've yet to add the beads to the other side and sew in the loose ends. I'm going to attach the chain with jump rings on one side and a toggle to the other. I am not a huge fan of this colour, yet I love the earthy feel the beads gave, so felt a free form peyote base was what they needed. I hope you agree.

The unfinished necklace:


Close up detail:


And here are the other bloggers:

Kate Richbourg

Christina Porter

Kim Dworak

Tara Linda

Jessie Nelson

Dawn from Morning Glory Beading

Michelle Burnett

Pine Ridge Treasures

Rebecca Anderson

Karin Slaton

Cynthia Riggs

Therese Frank

Alice Bavaud will have pieces on Andrew Thornton's blog

Heather

Christmas Jewellery

Sorry I've been so very quiet. Things are ok with hubby. He had a bit of a scare, but is a lot better now. I've had my hands full with caring for him, rehearsals for our church Christmas choir, which was part of the Christmas play the kids put on. Last night we finally had our performance and all went very well.

Here's a photo of the jewellery I made for the night and a photo of me wearing it, with my youngest son, who was an angel in the play, though he's not in costume in the photo. Made using Swarovski crystal elements and beads, and sterling silver findings. If I don't get a chance to say so before Christmas I hope you all have a lovely time with family and friends.





Heather

Better Late ...

I have to apologise for posting this so late. On Monday I took hubby to the emergency department of the hospital. They took him in immediately, no waiting around. It was serious stuff. So, with my gorgeous pack of beads arriving only that day, sometime while I was sitting waiting for them to work out what to do with my man, it was quite an effort to work up something in such a short time and with so much to distract me. I've spent every day since in the hospital for some part if not all of it. They still don't know what is exactly up with him. They use the word investigating a lot.

So, last night I literately threw this necklace together. I'm not happy with it, but it will do for the sake of the challenge, though I'm certain I will pull this apart at some other time when my frame of mind is more together and come up with something I just love. The components are totally gorgeous. Loved this long awaited pack. I did begin a pair of earrings with the Swarovski crystals, but only one of those is complete. The mix of seedies and Czech beads, yum, is totally delicious and will at some time become a freeform peyote stitch bracelet. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the simple necklace I created with the pieces after only two nights to ponder. Please remember to check out the other participants in the September Reader's Challenge on The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton.









Heather

Very Vintage Challenge Necklace

As usual I've had a lot going on around here, so I ended up pulling another all nighter to get this piece finished. I'll probably make a pair of earrings with what's leftover, but my bed beckoned and by two this morning it was just about yelling at me. The ideas for this necklace went through several idea stages. One failed completely. I'd intended tying beads onto cord, but all the cord I had was too thick for several of the beads. I had a mad, messy idea, but that couldn't happen, in particular because of the cord thickness problem and no shops open in the middle of the night.

Anyway, this finished piece is completely wearable and chinks and tinkles as you walk. I kind of like that. I'm thinking just some cluster style earrings with the remaining beads and filigree pieces. I hope you enjoy my completed piece. Don't forget to take a look at the other entries below:

Andrew
The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton

Cat
Boo Beads

Chris
beadjewelry.net

Cilla
Tell Your Girlfriends

Cyndi
Beading Arts

Cynthia
Cynth's Blog

Dawn
Morning Glory Beading

Donetta
Simply Gorgeous

Heather
As I Bead It

Holly
SilverRose Designs

Kate
We Can Make That at Home

Kristina
Wild Roses and Blackberries

Lauren
Laurel Moon Jewelry & Beads

Linda
Lutka & Co

Lisa
Lucid Mood Studio

Lola
Bead Lola Bead

Mary
MLH Jewelry

Melinda
Melinda Orr Metal & Clay Jewelry Designs

Michelle H.
Firefly Visions

Michelle M.
Beads & Books

Salla
Blog by Salla

Shannon
Falling into the Sky

Shay
Shaiha's Ramblings

Shel
MiShel Designs

Shirley
Beads and Bread

Stephanie
Pixybug Designs

Tari
Pearl and Pebbles

Terry
Pink Chapeau Vintage Jewelry

Tracy
The Bead Junkie

Heather

The Bead Soup Blog Party - The Big Reveal

I've been having such a great time with my bead soup and checking out all the other blogs. Really, it's been a blast. Now has come the day when we reveal our finished pieces. I've been really looking forward to this day, so much that I made my blog post early and am publishing it now. Cool. This way I can work on the post and edit it over the next few days.

My piece is complete, except for a last minute edition, which I added a couple of nights ago. Here is my swap partner's blog to see what she created with the soup I sent her: Doralila Beads

There is a list of all the other blogs on Lori Anderson's Pretty Things blog so please visit them and join in the party:

Heather

Beading Books I'm Reading

I already mentioned one of the books I've been reading lately when I shared the earrings I made from Sharilyn Miller's book, pictured above. But I've also been devouring the images in The Jewelry Architect: Techniques and Projects for Mixed-Media Jewelry.Felt inspired by Weave, Wrap, Coil: Creating Artisan Wire Jewelry.And finally got my hands on my own copy of Sherry Serafini's Sensational Bead Embroidery: 25 Inspiring Jewelry Projects (Beadweaving Master Class Series). Another more practical book, which has finally pushed me to begin stocking the etsy.com store I made ages ago now, The Artisans, is The Handmade Marketplace: How to Sell Your Crafts Locally, Globally, and On-Line. I fully recommend these books as great resources and loaded with information and eye candy for any beader or wire worker. The Artisans so far only has a painting by my husband, but look for more shortly.

Heather

Sharilyn Miller Earrings

I sat down last night to make a pair of earrings for a birthday for a friend. I'd been invited and told that Maria's birthday was today, so I made this pair of earrings with her in mind. Wire Art jewelry by Sharilyn Miller is just a gorgeous book to look at. I love how the first half is just how to make the various components. The next half is specific projects using those components. These are directly out of that book. I picked up a requested  copy from my local library just yesterday. But, when I got there it turns out the birthday girl was unwell and couldn't make it. Also, that I had the wrong Maria. I had to laugh. What gave it away was when I showed these earrings to the other girls. I described them as "really Maria." They all laughed and realised I had the wrong end of the stick. So, these earrings are called Maria, but I may still give them to the Maria in mind. I'll have to see how difficult it is to give them away.

I made the other pair just for fun.

Heather

My Bead Soup Arrives from Germany

Wow, I feel so blessed. This morning on my way out to work I checked the letter box and sitting there was a little box. Inside were these gorgeous beads. I am stunned at their beauty. I've yet to have a really good play with them, but plan on seeing what my mind comes up with tonight. Check out Doris, who these fabulous beads came from. And here is the entry where she shares the soup I sent her.

Heather

Bead Tease for Doris

Here is a teaser of the beads I sent off to my swap partner Doris  for the Bead Soup Blog Hop. With the international postage the two of us might be waiting a little longer than some of the other bead soupers. Should be fun, though. I'm really looking forward to playing.

Heather

My Steampunk Metal Necklace

Well, these aren't great photos of my necklace, but I'll update with a better photo once the sun is out. The main thing is that I'm done. I created something out of the kit sent to me for the Mostly Metal Challenge. The fun began when I somehow stumbled on the call to enter Michelle Mach's challenge. Something I always love is a challenge.

This time proved even more so as mum was here. The rough idea formed for this the moment I pulled everything out of the pack and began to push the pieces around my bead tray. But I didn't get to it until late Saturday night. I really wanted to use the ribbon, but time didn't permit me to do all I'd imagined. Instead I kept with the steampunk theme and used some Phileas Fogg  chain I had from an etsy purchase sometime last year. I wasn't struck on using the main focal, either, so I left that out. Instead I made my unique portion of the pack into part of the focal and I kind of like the funky streampunk look I created. I hope you do, too.

Make sure you check out the other entries in the Mostly Metal Blog Hop . . . and a Giveaway!

Heather

Mostly Metal Blog Hop . . . and a Giveaway!

Bead Soup Blog Party

So, it's been pretty crazy around here. I had my mother visiting, which was wonderful, but nothing much got done as far as beading goes. But, my part in the Bead Soup Blog Party was completed today in a bit of a rush. The wind is high outside, but I braved it for the 30 minute walk to the post office. My car is the workshop today.  The little sprinkle of rain didn't bother me, but the wind pushed me along and made my trip much quicker I think.

I've packaged up my little offering and have sent it off to Germany. I sure hope my swap partner is happy and inspired by her little package of beads. I'm eager to see what is heading my way, too. My partner, Doris, has a cool blog Doralila Beads that I had to use the translate option to read. But even if you can't translate her blog the pictures tell you enough. Doris creates gorgeous lampwork beads, definitely worth drooling over. So make sure you check out what she's up to over there. I'll post a teaser later of the beads & pieces I've sent to Doris.

Heather
Photo used with permission from http://www.sxc.hu/

Latest Designer Quest Entry

So, it's been a long while, I know. Sorry about that. But I have some beading to share, so I thought I'd better get to it. The beads were supplied by Third Rock Cabs & Beads and the competition is sponsored by Australian Beading Magazine  Here's my entry into the Australian Beading Forum Designer Quest #22 competition:

Heather

Another Contest

I've finally gotten around to not only creating something for a contest, but also making a blog entry to share about it. Yay! Since my husband went into hospital, at the end of September, I've only touched any beads that arrived in the mail. Otherwise I hadn't done any creating or even thought about making anything. I still have an unfinished mixed media piece sitting on a tray. It kind of makes me sad, though, if I'm honest. I think of all the pain hubby was in and that he is in fact still in hospital and not fully himself, just yet.

Anyway, this contest is one through a little online store for one of beading forum friends. Her store is called Clearly Chosen, and the challenge is a Clearly Creative Challenge. We were supplied with 12 each of the Swarovski 4mm crystals and pearls. The rest was up to us. I used 12g and 20g sterling silver to create a frame and then added the beads and sterling silver beads and spacers with 28g sterling silver wire. It was  fun and I made it in about an hour. Hope you like it, too.

Heather

Filling the Well

I have to admit just the last couple of weeks I haven't really been doing much beading. I've been filling up the well, as I like to say, instead. I find after doing heaps of creating, especially when I try to do as many of my own ideas as possible, I can run a little dry. So, I like to step back a bit, read some books, look at loads of things, do some bead shopping, think about possibilities and just let that creative moisture seep back into my life.

I have two projects sitting on trays where I can see them every day. One is almost complete. All it needs is a little more beading added and a clasp. The other isn't really done, except for the beads and a rough shape of what it will become. The supplies for another piece, for a contest, arrived yesterday, so that will need to be laid out on a tray. I have another bracelet that just needs a clasp added and it's complete, too.

Two of these pieces are gifts and two are for contests. So, there's going to be some furious beading happening, soon. It's ok, though. I'm confident I will get them done. I love the cycle of my creativity and have learnt to tune into it, submit myself to that ebb and flow. The tide is coming in and soon there will be loads of things happening.

So, here's a photo of one project and the bracelet without the clasp. Not a fab photo, but it's just sitting here on the coffee table, so I didn't bother moving it.



Heather

Made on the Left This Arvo

After being at church this morning, then feeding the family lunch, I headed down to the Made on the Left market at Morris Place, Innaloo. After the bitter cold of the day outside it was lovely to be inside a warm place, but I was a little disappointed the venue was actually in a pub. Still, the set up was good for the displays. Not so if you good if you needed wheelchair access, though, as there were three flights of stairs to climb.

Overall, the goods on display were lovely. I felt the quality reflected how creative and talented we are as West Australians. I particularly liked some gorgeous handmade bags created by one of the mums down at the school my little man goes to. The Ali B Creative bags, wall hangings, etc, were stunning in detail, design and the colours were delicious.

The Stuffaduck toys & things were playfully cute. Kashen Jewellery did interesting things with glass. Trinket Jewellery & Custom Design had mixed media & silver designs going on. I also liked the leather wallets & bags on display by B.H.O.

I'm just sorry I missed the market yesterday. Apparently, there were completely different stalls on display from today. Saturday was a busy one for me. I sure hope it was busy for the stallholders, too.

Heather
 
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

I'm a Rings 'n' Things Blog Partner

Ok, I think I may have finally worked out how to do this. I think I spent ages trying to remember how to link to an image. What the heck is the matter with me? I gather it had more to do with it being school holidays. Not only do I have hubby here chatting away to me, but the little guy also wanting to be with me. Which is all fine, but when it comes to concentrating I find it difficult to divide myself up like that.

On top of that my daughter has also been unwell and is home, too. It's a wonder anything gets done around here. I am certain I finally have it worked out, but will need to post this message first to test it out. Anyway, here's some more of my beading to look at, even if it isn't all that recent. It's still from this year, though.

I made this one from the December 2009 Bead & Button magazine. I loved the cover design, but was simply curious how it was done. I didn't want an entire piece done this way, so I just worked on five segments, and worked the rope in St Petersburg stitch.

So, it appears I am finally, a Rings 'n' Things blog partner. Here's hoping I get my hands on some goodies some time soon. You can join in the fun, too, by becoming a blog partner yourself.

Heather

Metalwork Firsts for Me

As I love a challenge, when I saw the metalwork challenge on the beading forum I knew I had to have a go at something. I've been reading a fabulous book at the moment by Beverly Ash Gilbert called Beaded Colorways. This is an excellent and inspiring book.

What really excited my mind was the really different ideas using metalwork and seed beads together. I'd never done any rivetting before, or even tried oxidising the metal, but I created bead soup and cut out some metal and created this:



And the back:


And in other news, you can win some cool cabs made by Karyn, an online friend of mine. Find details on her blog: Releases by Rufydorf.

Another Competition Entry

I love to enter contests, in particular beading contests. This piece was my entry into the Australian Beaders Bushranger's Bounty contest. The kit supplied the bird, some of the seed beads, the green cubes and the crystals. I supplied everything else. The idea came to me from laying all the pieces out and thinking about it for a few days. I hope you like it, too.