Kym Hunter Designs

I Heart Macro 02/03/2012

2012-02-05T10:21:00.000-06:00

My husband and I recently took a trip to South Texas to visit our daughter and her boyfriend. On the second day of our visit, they took us to a state park that is close to their home. The trees were all bare and there were no winter flowers, so there wasn't that much to choose from for up close photos. I can't wait to go back in the spring and see the park leafed out and in bloom.

I did get an close up shot of a sign that was at the beginning of the trail that we walked that day.

From which I extracted this word

Despite the bareness, I found some evidence of life

Snagged an up close shot of a rock wall, for my love of texture

And something for Valentine's Day

Joining Lori Plyler for for "I Heart Macro" slash "I Heart Close Ups: Up Close Photography for Macro Makers and the Camerologically Challenged"

Enjoy your week!

January Art Bead Scene Monthly Challenge

2012-01-29T14:02:00.000-06:00

Trellis by William Morris, 1862

I really like the art piece chosen for this months Art Bead Scene Monthly Challenge. I adore trellises, whether they are covered with roses, wisteria, pyracantha or ivy. To me, the trellis itself is beautiful, be it a simple design or one more ornate, but when covered with foliage, it becomes living art.

For my challenge piece, I included a beautiful bluegreen glass spiral made by Cindy Gimbrone, a lovely ceramic woodland leaf made by Karen Totten and a gorgeous ceramic clasp made by Mary Harding. Also included are a Vintaj brass bird connector, brass colored chain, coral and blue colored rivershell rounds and some wonderful teal silk ribbon (my picture does not do it justice).

Please visit the Art Bead Scene Flickr group to check out all of the entries this month and don't forget to visit Art Bead Scene for the blog tour on January 31st!

I Heart Macro 01/29/2012

2012-01-29T11:47:00.000-06:00

I have been busy, busy, busy this month and I miss participating with the I Heart Macro group. I work in payroll and this is a very hectic period for us, what with closing out the previous year, processing W-2's and year end taxes and at the same time, making sure the new years benefits changes are processed timely (whew!).

I finally snagged some time this weekend to finish my Art Bead Scene January Challenge piece (post to follow this one) and squeezed in time this morning to shoot some pictures for IHM. Not much verity, but these were the best of the bunch.

I don't think you can see it in the collage, but when I zoomed in to edit, each little seedling had little dew drops on them.

I'm linking up with Lori Plyler of Studio Waterstone for "I Heart Macro" slash "I Heart Close Ups: Up Close Photography for Macro Makers and the Camerologically Challenged"

Come and join in the fun!

I Heart Macro 01/01/2012

2012-01-01T13:20:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!

I have come to dislike making resolutions each year. I usually make the same ones (lose weight, eat healthier, exercise more) and do well the first month, but then I stumble, which causes me to feel down for the rest of the year.

My only resolution for 2012 is to not have any resolutions. I will, however, strive to create, inspire, wish, imagine and believe.

I'm also going to step outside my comfort zone more and try some new creative techniques, such as

working with the new texturing hammer that my wonderful kido's gave me for Christmas.

Linking up with Lori Plyler of Studio Waterstone for I Heart Macro. Click on the button below to check out the other I Heart Macro submissions for this week.

Have a wonderful week!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T18:42:00.001-06:00

Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas

and a Happy New Year!

Melinda Orr Metal & Clay Jewelry Designs: Virtual Craft Show is Here! Enter to win ~70Artis...

2011-11-26T07:38:00.001-06:00

Melinda Orr Metal & Clay Jewelry Designs: Virtual Craft Show is Here! Enter to win ~70Artis...: I will be giving away this awesome necklace to one lucky winner that shares my blog post on facebook, blog, twitter and any other socia...

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T07:22:00.000-06:00

Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving day!

Visit Google for some Thanksgiving fun!

Blessings to you and enjoy your day!

I ❤ Macro November 13, 2011

2011-11-13T11:48:00.000-06:00

Linking up with Lori Plyler of Studio Waterstone for I Heart Macro. Click on the button above to check out the other I Heart Macro submissions for this week.

I've been feeling rather blue lately. Not sure if it's because it's so unseasonably warm here,

or because this year is flying by and. there. are. only. forty. one. days. till. Christmas.(!!!!)

Our family has decided to make handmade gifts for Christmas this year, which I am very excited about. I have so much to do, in a short amount of time and it's been very hard to get motivated.

I took a bit of a stroll this morning trying to find some pretty fall color. It's been so warm here that most everything is still green, or has turned brown from lack of rain. I did find this weed that has some pretty reds and yellows

and a few yellow leaves that I collected, along with some interesting rocks, a snail shell and an awesome wasp nest. Now. I'm going to put on my happy face and get to work.

Enjoy your day and I hope you have a wonderful week!

November Art Bead Scene Monthly Challenge

2011-11-12T17:59:00.000-06:00

Madonna Pietra degli Scrovigni

by Marie Spartali Stillman (1844-1927)

Watercolour, gouache and gum arabic, 30.9in × 24.1 in.

The art chosen for the ABS November Monthly Challenge is so lovely and romantic! The earthy color pallet is definitely right up my alley and my mind was immediately flooded with design ideas.

About a year ago I had won a beautiful bronze Art Nouveau Stile Floreal Sunflower Connector, made by the talented Cindy Gimbrone, and I knew it would be perfect for this piece.

The necklace I made also includes a wire wrapped focal of yellow leopardskin jasper, wire wrapped topaz colored glass rounds, antique brass colored chain, seed beads and a Vintaj clasp.

Since my necklace was leaning more towards the browns of the color pallet, to add a bit of color, I incorporated some silk ribbon in shades of green and red, an oval piece of moonstone and peridot.

Visit the Art Bead Scene flickr group to see the other wonderful entries submitted for this months challenge.

Have a wonderful day!

I ❤ Macro October 30, 2011

2011-10-30T14:35:00.001-05:00

Joining Lori Plyler, of Studio Waterstone, for "I Heart Macro" slash "I Heart Close Ups: Up Close Photography for Macro Makers and the Camerologically Challenged".

This weeks macro shots, featuring weeds from my yard.

Carolina Snailseed. The name refers to the seed, which supposedly resembles a snail shell. The birds really love these bright, red berries.

And the lovely Rag Weed. We try to eliminate these before they bloom, but missed this one.

I also wanted to share a picture of this little guy. It's one of the many Battle Beasts that my eldest son collected when he was a boy. About twenty years ago my son accidentally pulled one of the arms off and for the life of me, I could not get it to snap back into the darn, little hole. I sat it on a shelf to fix "later" and over the years would try again, to no avail. This morning I gave it a try and after wrestling with it for 15 minutes, the arm finally snapped into the hole! Proof that mom's can fix anything, even if it takes twenty years.

Please click on the button below to view all of the wonderful macro submissions for this week.

Enjoy your week!

I Heart Macro October 16, 2011

2011-10-16T00:01:00.001-05:00

One of our neighboring towns has a wonderfully large community of artists. Every type of artist you can think of are represented in this town. These talented artists have banned together and organized an artist tour and for one weekend in October, their studios are open to the public. We have been going for several years now, and that's where I'll be spending my time today.

My "I Heart Macro" picture today is of a piece of pottery that I bought at an artist tour a couple of years ago.

I pretty much love all forms of art, but I'm a sucker for pottery!

This piece was made by Marty Ray, who also teaches ceramic and sculptor at the local community college that I attended. Marty is a very talented potter and most of her pieces are incised with wonderful drawings from her day to day life.

I'm linking up with Lori, of Studio Waterstone for "I Heart Macro" slash "I Heart Close Ups: Up Close Photography for Macro Makers and the Camerologically Challenged".

Come join the fun!

Enjoy your week!

Gaea Ceramic Bead and Art Studio Blog: Win A Bead Bundle!

2011-10-15T11:24:00.000-05:00

Gaea is celebrating with a giveaway!

Visit her blog to find out how you can win one of her beautiful bead bundles!

The Pretty Bee: Fabulous Fall Jewelry Giveaway!

2011-10-15T10:44:00.002-05:00

Win a collection of colorful, fall jewelry on the pretty bee's blog:

http://theprettybee.blogspot.com/2011/10/fabulous-fall-jewelry-giveaway.html

I ❤ Macro October 09, 2011

2011-10-08T19:56:00.000-05:00

Good Sunday morning! It's time for "I Heart Macro", hosted by Lori Plyler of Studio Waterstone.

While rearranging my work space, I ran across some old keys that I've had for a couple of years. I decided to leave them out and I have a couple of ideas on how to work them into a necklace.

I think these three are my favorites.

And I really like the design work on this one.

Click on the button below to check out all of the up close/macro pictures for this week.

Have a wonderful week!

I Heart Macro October 2, 2011

2011-10-02T00:01:00.003-05:00

Over the years I have collected various plants, shrubs, trees and bulbs from family and friends. My mother in-law gave me the bulbs that produced the flowers below. Blooming in the fall, I usually forget about them until this time of year, when I see the spear like stems emerging from the ground and then the beautiful flowers that follow a few weeks later.

I have always simply called them Spider Lilies and until now, never thought to research them. Per Wikipedia, they are called Lycoris radiata (red spider lily) and are in the amaryllis family. Wikipedia has some very interesting information regarding the origin of the flower and some legends about the flower, some being quite sad.

"Red Spider Lilies are the alarm clock for the sleeping South." – Chris Wiesinger

Please click on the button below to see macro pictures posted by other talented photographers!

Enjoy your week!

Bead Table Wednesday

2011-09-28T16:08:00.000-05:00

I have the rest of the week off from work and had so many plans for creativity. It's almost evening and all I've done so far is lay out these beads and take a few pictures. Does this ever happen to you? I can't tell if it's because I'm expecting myself to get too much done in the five days I have off, or if I'm just not feeling creative today. And now I feel bummed because the day's almost over and wasted. Oh well, hopefully I'll have better luck tomorrow!

I ♡ Macro September 25, 2011

2011-09-25T08:14:00.000-05:00

Good Sunday morning! Today I'm linking up with Lori of Studio Waterstone for "I Heart Macro".

I am so in the mood for some fall weather! The temperature has dropped some, but still not as cool as I would like for this time of year. I've been working with warmer toned beads and metals this past week. I have these sweet, little pumpkin beads that I want to work with next. Hmm, maybe an autumn charm bracelet? I could probably get away with wearing it till Thanksgiving. I'll post pictures when it's finished!

Click on the button to join in the fun!

Have a great week!

2011 Talk Like a Pirate Day September 19th

2011-09-19T00:01:00.001-05:00

Ahoy Matey! Today is Talk Like a Pirate Day. I had actually never heard of Talk Like a Pirate Day until recently on the BSBP forum, when one of the participants suggested that we could also make a piratesque piece of jewelry in honor of TLPD. I though it sounded like fun and decided to give it a try.

Okay, not being an authority on pirate wear, I'm not sure if this is something a pirate would have chosen to wear, but, isn't the little pirate girl cute! Arrr!

I ❤ Macro September 18, 2011

2011-09-17T19:55:00.002-05:00

My son started to make a glass of chocolate milk and jumped when I shouted "Wait! Don't stir that yet! Let me get my camera!" For some reason, I really like the chocolate syrup pattern at the bottom of the glass of milk. My camera had a hard time focusing though and I was only able to get three shots before I could tell that my son was getting impatient and wanted to drink his milk.

I'm linking up with Lori at Studio Waterstone for "I Heart Macro". Click on the button and check out the other wonderful macro pictures.

Enjoy your Sunday and have a great week!

Bead Soup is Ready!

2011-09-17T00:01:00.002-05:00

This is my first Bead Soup Blog Party and I'm so glad that I signed up to participate! I have enjoyed meeting new people, reading everyone's blogs and seeing the wonderful beads that have been exchanged over the last month. Thank you Lori Anderson for working so hard to make this blog hop fun and successful!

My BSBP partner, Laura Sanger, sent me some beautiful beads in colors that are perfect for fall, which is fast approaching. Be sure to visit Laura's blog to see what she created with the beads that I sent her.

Laura sent me so many beads that I was able to make several pieces and still have beads left over!

I used the carved bone focal and the floral clasp in this necklace. The necklace also includes some large faux Amber beads, copper spacers and beautiful red fire-opal crystals beads, that Laura sent.

I made two pair of earrings, one pair with some Czech glass stars and multicolor crystal bicones.

The other pair are made with these lovely carved bone tube beads and crystal rondelle beads.

I used a mix of Goldstone rounds, tiger eye rounds, Carnelian chips and the seed beads and wire wrapped them over a wooden bangle that was wrapped in orange and red plaid silk ribbon.

Please visit all of the participants blogs by clicking on the links below.

These are the partner pairs.

The Hostess, Lori Anderson and her partner, Manuela Wutschke

1. Aimee Wheaton and Barbara York

2. Alice Craddick and Sandra Richardson

3. Alison Sachs and Amy Severino

4. Allison Scott and Cynthia Abner

5. Amanda Cargill Austin and Charlene Sevier

6. Amanda Davie and Patsy Evins

7. Amber Dawn and Kim Ballor

8. Ambra Gostoli and Christine Hansen

9. Amy Freeland and Christine Altmiller

10. Ana Krepel-Novak and Eleanor Snare

11. Andrea Morici and Hope Smitherman

12. Andrea Trank and Jayne Capps

13. Andrea Turini and Charlene Jacka

14. Angela May and Emanda Johnson

15. Anitra Gordy and Elizabeth Owens Dwy

16. Ann Rishell and Debbie Price

17. Ann Sherwood and Lynne Bowland

18. Anna Lear and Barbe Saint John

19. Anna Sabina and Erin Siegel

19. Nan Emmett and Erin Siegel

20. Astrid Boyce and Birgitta Lejonklou

21. B.R. Kuhlman and Deanna Chase

22. Barbara Bechtel and Bryna Lumb

23. Barbara Blaszczyk and DaviniaDesign

24. Barbara Judy and Holly Westfall

25. Barbara Lewis and Cathie Carroll

26. Barrie Edwards and Lyn Foley

27. Becky Fairclough and Jana Tarhala

28. Bella Borgouise and Gillian Lehman

29. Beth and Evie McCord and Erin Prais-Hintz

30. Beth Bricker and Heather Pyle

31. Beth Emery and Cassie Donlen

32. Bobbie Rafferty and Cindy Cima Edwards

33. Candice McGinnis and Sally Anderson

34. Carol Bradley and Cece Cormier

35. Cathy Khoury and Molly Alexander

36. Carol Tannahill and Hilary Frye

37. Carrie Tahquechi and Cris Peacock

38. Cat Pruitt and Cindy Gimbrone

39. Charlene Gary and Doris Stumpf

40. Charlotte Pevny and Kate Gardenghi

41. Cherrie Fick and Cathie Carroll

41. Claire Maunsell and Cherrie Fick

42. Cheryl Roe and Jenny Vidberg

43. Chris White and Norma Turvey

44. Christa Murphy and Kathy Alderfer

45. Christie Murrow and Dana James

46. Christina Miles and Collette Collins

47. Christine Brandel and Elizabeth Woodford

48. Christine Damm and Cynthia Deis

49. Christine Hendrickson and Debbie Goering

50. Christine Stonefield and Dee Wingrove-Smith

51. Cilla Watkins and Johanna Rhodes

52. Cindy Wimmer and Riki Schumacher

53. CJ Baushka and Cory Celaya

54. Courtney Breul and Joanna Matuszczyk

55. Cristi Clothier and Kathleen Robinson Young

56. Cryss Thain and Serena Trent

57. Cynthia Tucker and Kitty Durmaj

58. Dana Johnson Jones and Eva Sherman

59. Davinia Algeri and Janet McDonald

60. Deci Worland and Lara Lutrick

61. Diana Ptaszynski and Kristy Abner

62. Diane Cook and Kerry Bogert

63. Diane Hawkey and Jen Judd Velasquez

64. Dorcas Midkiff and Jill Harris

65. Doris Radlicki and Heather Goldsmith

66. Dot Lewallen and Gaea Cannaday

67. Elisabeth Auld and Jennifer Justman

68. Erin Fickert-Rowland and Geanina Grigore

69. Erin Grant and Julie Jones

70. Eszter Czibulyas and Helena Fritz

71. Fiona Christie and Michelle Heim

72. Gail Zwang and Genea Crivello-Knable

73. Geneva Collins and Jana Haag

74. Gretchen Nation and Heidi Post

75. Heather DeSimone and Karin Slaton

76. Heather Marley and Terry Carter

77. Ingrid McCue and Jennifer Pride

78. Jackie Ryan and Nicole Keller

79. Janna Harttgen and Joanne Tinley

80. Jean Yates and Lori Anderson

81. Jelveh Jaferian and Jenny Davies-Reazor

82. Jenni Connolly and Jennifer Heynen

83. Jennifer Cameron and Kristi Bowman

84. Jennifer Geldard and Lisa Liddy

85. Jennifer VanBenschoten and Kim Hora

86. Jess Italia Lincoln and Lori Greenberg

87. Jill MacKay and Lori Bergmann

88. JJ Jacobs and Karen Tremblay

89. Joyce Becker and Kathy Welsh

90. Judy Glende and Karen Sinkowski

91. Judy Riley and Kelly Morgan

92. JuLee Wolfe and Julie Bean

93. Julianna Cannon and Julianna Kis

94. Julie Nordine and Lesley Watt

95. K. Hutchinson and Shea Zukowski

96. Karen Firnberg and Karyn Bonfiglio

97. Karen Williams and Kimberly Roberts

98. Karen Zanco and Polly Barker

99. Kari Carrigan and Laura Twiford

100. Karin von Hoeren and Laura Blanck

101. Kate Richbourg and Lorelei Eurto

102. Kathleen Lange Klik and Maria Clark

103. Kathy Engstrom and Keri Lee Sereika

104. Kay Thomerson and Loretta Carstensen

105. Kelley Fogle and Laurel Bielec

106. Kelly Ramstack and Sally Anderson

107. Kim Stevens and Tiffany Long

108. Kristi Harrison and Mandy Williamson

109. Kristi Kyle and Lana Kinney

110. Kristina Johansson and Sue Hodgkinson

You are Here > 111. Kym Hunter and Laura Sanger

112. Laura Zeiner and Susan Kennedy

113. Laurel Steven and Mary McGraw

114. Laurie Hanna and Lisa Boucher

115. Lesley Weir and Liz DeLuca

116. Linda Djokic and Tracey Weiser

117. Linda Inhelder and Pam Brisse

118. Linda Landig and Lori Dorrington

119. Linda Murphy and Lisa Hamilton

119. Line Labrecque and Marianne Baxter

120. Lisa Lodge and Monica Johnson

121. Lois Moon and Melissa Muir

122. Lola Surwillo and Therese Frank

123. Lori Bowring Michaud and Marci Brooks

124. Lupe Meter and Norma Agron

125. Maggie Towne and Marge Beebe

126. Malin de Koning and Susie Hibdon

127. Mallory Hoffman and Shirley Moore

128. Marcie Abney and Patty Miller

129. Marcy Lamberson and Melissa Clarke

130. Margot Potter and Suzann Sladcik Wilson

131. Maria Grimes and Wendy Blum

132. Maria Horvath and Melinda Orr

133. Maria Rosa Sharrow and Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp

134. Marian Hertzog and Melissa Mesara

135. Marianna Boylan and Sandi Lee James

136. Marina Dobrynina and Michaela Pabeschitz

137. Marsha Neal and Miri Agassi

138. Mary Ellen Parker and Melissa Meman

139. Mary Elliott and Tamara Soper

140. Mary McGraw and Laurel Steven

141. Melissa Pynn and Michelle Buettner

142. Michelle Hardy and Niki Meiners

143. Michelle Mach and Moira McEvoy

144. Missy Rappaport and Mags Sarri

145. Molly Alexander and Poranna

146. Mylene Hillam and Nicole Rennell

147. Nadezhda Parfyonova and Stacey Curry

148. Nan Emmett and Nancy Peterson

149. Nancy Boylan and Natalie McKenna

150. Natalie Monkivitch and Niky Sayers

151. Natasha Lutes and Pam Ferrari

152. Noemi Baena and Penny Ilagan

153. Pamela Petry and Rebecca Sirevaag

154. Pat Haight and Mary Shannon Hicks

155. Patty Gasparino and Vonna Maslanka

156. Penny Neville and Sandi Volpe

157. Pepita Bos and Wendy Chamberlain

158. Raida Disbrow and Rebecca Watkins

159. Rebecca Anderson and Sabrina Staub

160. Regina Santerre and Rose Binoya

161. Rhea Freitag and Tari Kahrs

162. Rochelle Brisson and Teri Baskett

163. Sally Russick and Tracy Bell

164. Sandra McGriff and Shay Williams

165. Sandra Wolberg and Sara Hardin

166. Sarah Elder and Salla Small

167. Saskia Kaffenberger and Sharon Gardner

168. Sharon Palac and Shannon Chomanczuk

169. Shay Stone and Suzette Bentley

170. Shiraz Biggie and Tammy Powley

171. Staci Smith and Tracy Stillman

172. Stacie Stamper and Tracy Martin

173. Stefanie Teufel and Vicky Taylor

174. Stephanie Dixon and Stephanie LaRosa

175. Stephanie Haussler and Valerie Norton

176. Suzanne Tate and Terri Wlaschin

177. Sweet Freedom Designs and Tammy Jones

178. Tania Spivey and Tari Sasser

179. Tara Plote and Terry Matuszyk

180. Terri Gauthier and Deana Hager

181. Theresa Fosdick and Tracey Nanstad

For a total of 362 people making jewelry!

Enjoy your weekend!

Soup is Simmering and Almost Ready!

2011-09-16T20:51:00.000-05:00

Are you ready? Tomorrow is the big Bead Soup reveal day. There are 362 people participating and I can't wait to see what everyone has created with their Bead Soup!

Check out this map that Lori Anderson created to show where all of the participants are located!

Please check back in the morning for the big reveal! In the meantime, here is a teaser of my finished soup, made from the beads I received from my Bead Soup Blog Partner, Laura Sanger.

I Heart Macro September 11, 2011

2011-09-10T23:13:00.000-05:00

Linking up with Lori Plyler of Studio Waterstone for "I Heart Macro".

Trying something different this week and decided to head to the kitchen for my macro shots. 

Pretty red apple. Hope it tastes as good as it looks!

I love radishes and I'm the only one in my family that likes them, so they're all mine :-)

I love the texture in this old pot holder!

Click on the button below to check out the other macro pictures submitted this week.

Enjoy your Sunday and have a great week!

BTW 09/07/2011

2011-09-07T06:00:00.002-05:00

Did you know that September 19th is Talk Like A Pirate Day? I hate to say that I had never heard of it before, but one of the BSBP participants thought it would be fun if we also made a piratesque piece of jewelry, in honor of the event. I have already found my components and just need to decide how I'm going to put everything together.

And look at this cute little pirate girl I found on Picnik!

Bead Soup Blog Party Sneak Peek

2011-09-06T20:40:00.000-05:00

Just a little sneaky peek of something I made with my bead soup.

Stay tuned! Just a week and a half and you'll be able to see it all!

I ❤ Macro September 04, 2011

2011-09-04T10:23:00.000-05:00

Happy, happy Sunday! It's time to join Lori at Studio Waterstone for I Heart Macro!

My picture this week is......

A beautiful unglazed lavender, ceramic Nouveau pendant and a pair of Cowboy Rings made by Nancy E. Schindler of Round Rabbit Extra.

I just love Nancy Schindler's jewelry components and she always has unique and lovely designs. You have to really be on the ball when she starts listing items in her shop, because they go super fast!

Click on the button above to view this weeks I Heart Macro shots posted by some very talented people!

Enjoy your day and have a wonderful week!

My Bead Soup Has Arrived!

2011-09-01T20:03:00.000-05:00

Yea! I received my bead soup package from my partner Laura Sanger and I can't wait to start creating with these beautiful beads! I'm glad I have a long weekend coming up :-) I love the warm, earth tone colors, the bone pendant and the flower clasp! These pictures aren't great, but here's a preview of what I received.

I like the purple box, beautifully wrapped with a pretty lace ribbon and purple flower!

A picture of everything out of the box. Isn't the lace so pretty? Lovely carved bone focal, with carved bone tubes and rondelles. A mix of Goldstone and tiger eye rounds and a pretty floral clasp.

Look at these beautiful red fire-opal crystals, Austrian Crystals, large faux Amber beads and the copper spacers! Laura even included the cute, fluted tin.

Not shown are some pretty Czech glass stars (I think they are going to be used for earrings), Carnelian chips and a tube of seed beads in golds, peach, cream and amber.

I'm afraid my pictures don't do these lovely beads justice and I'll try to get some better pictures when my hubby's home to help with the lighting.

Have a great evening!

Bead Soup Blog Party Update

2011-08-30T18:26:00.000-05:00

I hope I'm not jumping the gun, but since I know that Laura at Hg - Elemental Mercury has received the beads I sent her, I'm posting a reveal picture of what I sent (can you tell I'm excited/impatient?). I tend to like earth toned beads, but I tried to add in some beads that brought out the colors in the beautiful heart shaped pendant created by Beth Roark of Carpe Beadem.

I'm very excited to see what Laura creates with the beads I sent and I can't wait until the blog hop on September 17th to see all of the wonderful creations made by the other Bead Soup Blog Party participants!

Laurel Moon Jewelry and Beads: Earthenwood giveaway!

2011-08-30T17:52:00.000-05:00

Visit Laurel Moon's blog to find out how you can win these wonderful and whimsical Earthenwood beads!

source

Laurel Moon Jewelry and Beads: Earthenwood giveaway!

I ♡ Macro August 28, 2011

2011-08-28T08:39:00.001-05:00

It's Sunday and time to join Lori of Studio Waterstone for "I Heart Macro" / "I Heart Close Ups: Up Close Photography for Macro Makers and the Camerologically Challenged".

This week I have another shot of rusty metal. I just love the colors and texture that are viable on some rusty metals, especially iron.

This is a macro of a pendant that I had purchased at a local bead shop last year,. When I asked who made the pendant, I was told that they couldn't give me that information. I didn't think much about it and went on my merry way. Almost a year later, I'm reading my Summer 2011 issue of Stringing and what do I see under Bead Beat? A picture of pendants similar to mine and they are made by The Lipstick Ranch!

This is a full view of the pendant I had purchased. I receive a lot of compliments when I wear this necklace, so I'm definitely going to order some more pendants!

Click on the button below to check out the other wonderful I Heart Macro pictures!

Enjoy your day and have a wonderful week!

What a Wonderful Way to Start My Day!

2011-08-22T19:24:00.000-05:00

Art Bead Scene Blog: Featured Designer - Creatively Kym

Can you imagine my surprise this morning, while reading some of the blogs I follow, to read that I am the featured designer of the week at Art Bead Scene? I wish that I had a picture of the jaw dropped, dumbfounded look that I had on my face, or one of the transformation into a giant grin when the words finally sunk in. There are so many talented designers who have submitted beautiful pieces this month and I am so honored to have been picked as designer of the week.

I'd like to thank Shannon LeVart for the lovely things she had to say about the piece I submitted (see below, from the ABS blog. I did correct the spelling of my name in the post below).

Each Monday the Art Bead Scene features a Designer of the Week.

One of our editors picks her favorite from the Monthly Challenge entries.

This week's featured designer is Creatively Kym!

Here is what ABS Editor, Shannon LeVart, has to say about the chosen design:

"I really enjoyed this piece and it's connotation of the Ramsdell poster with the warm, earthy yellow focal by Nancy of Round Rabbit. Kym designed a beautiful piece with lots of flowing texture that mimics the sweeping look of the art work in the poster. Thank you for sharing your talent with us, Kym!"

Please visit Kym at her blog to see all the other treasures she shares!

Creatively Kym

Please take some time to visit the Art Bead Scene flickr group to see all of the lovely submissions for this month.

Genea Beads: GIVE AWAY- CLAY PENDANT, WING DINGS, AND RUBBER O'...

2011-08-22T18:22:00.000-05:00

Would you like to win this beautiful pendant and bead set?

source

Visit Genea's blog for information on how you can win one of Cindy Buehler's scraffito pendants, 5 of Genea's "Wing Ding" beads and 15 rubber o's from MY ELEMENTS!

I ❤ Macro August 20, 2011

2011-08-20T21:33:00.001-05:00

I ❤ Beads!

A couple of months ago I bought these beautiful beads at a bead store in a neighboring town. They always have lovely, unique beads that I can't find online and I always have a hard time sticking to my spending budget. When I decided to make this bracelet, I realized that the tag did not include the name of the beads and I had neglected to write it down on the pad that the store gives you to record your purchase. Oh well, I guess I'll have to make another trip to the bead store so I can find out what these beads are called ;-) Hopefully I'll have some additional spending money to take with me.

Joining Lori of Studio Waterstone for "I Heart Macro" / "I Heart Close Ups: Up Close Photography for Macro Makers and the Camerologically Challenged". Click on the button below to join along, or to check out the macro pictures that others have posted.

Enjoy your Sunday and have a wonderful week!

BSBP Update

2011-08-20T09:03:00.000-05:00

BSBP beads mailed to partner Laura Sanger ✔

I was able to mail my Bead Soup ingredients on Thursday and I can't wait till Laura receives them. Here's a teaser picture of what I sent to Laura.

This being my first BSBP, I've been so excited and I guess I've been acting goofy at times (so I've been told). Oh, well, I think acting goofy every now and then, helps you stay young at heart!

I'll be watching the mail for my BSBP package from Laura and I'll post pictures when it arrives.

Enjoy your day!

Bead Table Wednesday

2011-08-17T17:47:00.000-05:00

I finally order some of the peanut seed beads that I've been admiring for a while. They're waiting patiently on my table for this weekend. Hopefully a couple of other items that I ordered will arrive before then and I'll have plenty to play with!

Have a wonderful day!

Chinook Jewelry Designs Blog Partner

2011-08-15T07:35:00.002-05:00

I have had the honor of being one of the monthly design blog partners for Chinook Jewelry Designs. Mellisa sent me two of her beautiful ceramic pendants to play with. I chose the lovely floral pendant to use for my July ABS Challenge piece, but wasn't able to upload my pictures before the challenge deadline.

Below is a collage of the pendant and the finished necklace that I made. I used red and yellow rivershell beads, periwinkle peanut seed beads, olivine opaque Czech glass wavy disc beads, brass beads, brass wire and a brass colored clasp.

I also received a sweet little heart pendant that I used as a charm on a bracelet made with gray, 10mm round, shell pearl beads, matte gunmetal seed beads and a silver plated clasp.

The pendants are so lovely and are beautiful colors. My pictures really don't do them justice. Mellisa has updated her Etsy shop with more wonderfully handcrafted ceramic and porcelain pendants, in colors that are perfect for your autumn/fall jewelry designs.

Visit the other August Blog Partners blogs to see the beautiful designs of Shannon Chomanczk, and Lisa Petrillo

August Art Bead Scene Monthly Challenge

2011-08-14T21:22:00.001-05:00

The art chosen for the August Art Bead Scene Monthly Challenge is the beautiful

Illustration for American Crescent Cycles, 1899
Frederick Winthrop Ramsdell

I created the following necklace using a lovely porcelain pendant made by Nancy E. Schindler, of Round Rabbit Extra.

I used several different colors of hand dyed silk yarn fibers that I left untidy, because it reminded me of the girls hair in the picture. Some of the silk ribbons are strung with pearls and Montana Swarovski crystals. On the pendant I added a dangle made of fossil coral and a Montana Swaroski crystal. The necklace is finished with brass colored wire, jump rings and clasp. The teardrop shaped fossil coral bead is really pretty and it complements the pendant very well. I tried to capture this in the photo's, but I couldn't get a clean shot. C'est la vie

Please check out the other beautiful entries for this month's challenge at the ABS Flickr site.

I ❤ Macro August 14, 2011

2011-08-13T23:09:00.000-05:00

It's Sunday and time to join Lori at Studio Waterstone for I Heart Macro!

Here are my pictures for this week. Can you guess what this is?

I love the gritty texture and the colors.

Here is a better view.

Now you can see, it's a bell, on a wind chime, on my back porch. It's too rusty to make noise any more, but it has it's character and I can't seem to part with it.

Click on the button above to view this weeks I Heart Macro shots posted by some very talented people!

Enjoy your day and have a wonderful week!

Rings and Things Wonderful 39th Anniversary Sale!

2011-08-13T16:12:00.000-05:00

Top five reasons to come to the Rings and Things Anniversary Sale!

5. Red Tag Madness!!!

We have bins and bins of of marked down beading goodness! There are marked down gemstones, findings, pendants, glass beads and more! Get ready to dig! Oh and P.S. you get an additional 10% off all red tag times!

(source)

Visit the Rings and Things Blog to find out the other top 4 reasons to go to the sale. Wish I could go. It looks pretty awesome!

It's Raining! It's Pouring! My Old Man is Snoring!

2011-08-13T07:50:00.000-05:00

Sorry, Honey! Yea! I woke up to the sound of thunder and looked outside to find beautiful, glorious rain!

The temp is 75 right now, which is the coolest it's been in a month. The high today is still showing 101, but I'm hoping the rain will keep the temp lower than that.

Have a wonderful day!

My BSBP Partner

2011-08-12T20:58:00.000-05:00

For my first Bead Soup Blog Party I've been partnered with the talented Laura Sanger of Hg Elemental Mercury. Laura makes lovely custom Astrological jewelry based on the customers natal chart. Visit Laura's Etsy shop for a sample of her jewelry and floral hair clips.

As soon as we exchange addresses, this is the Bead Soup Mix that I'll be sending to Laura.

I can't wait till September 17th to see what Laura created with the beads I send her!

Nina on the Moon interview with Lark Calderon Gomez

2011-08-12T20:04:00.000-05:00

Visit Nina on the Moon blog for a wonderful interview with the very talented artist and painter Lark Calderon Gomez. Larks giclee paintings, with rich, warm colors, are beautifully moving and seductive.

Lark has offered a signed and numbered, limited edition giclee print to one of Nina on the Moons lucky readers. Visit the blog for details.

(source)

Andrew Thorntons Allegory Gallery Giveaway

2011-08-12T17:09:00.000-05:00

Help Andrew Thornton get the word out about the Allegory Gallery Fundraiser and you might be the lucky person who wins this winged-themed selection of components!

Visit Andrews blog The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton for more information on how you can help.

Beads of Clay Blog: 2nd Wednesday Giveaway time!

2011-08-11T14:59:00.000-05:00

Visit Beads of Clay Blog for details for their wonderful giveaway!

Beads of Clay Blog: 2nd Wednesday Giveaway time!: "Why do we give away our work? Because we can! Today we are giving away ALL of these beautiful handmade ceramic pieces from: Pam Cresswe..."

Bead Soup Blog Party!

2011-08-08T22:29:00.001-05:00

This will be my first time to participate and I'm so excited!

I already have everything picked out to send to my partner. I'll try to post some creative "hidden" pictures before I package everything up to ship.

Studio Waterstone Giveaway

2011-08-07T22:27:00.000-05:00

Lori Plyler of Studio Waterstone is having a wonderful giveaway!

This recycled suede journal and leather cuff.

Visit Studio Waterstone to find out what you need to do for a chance at winning both of these wonderfully handmade items.

I ♡ Macro August 07, 2011

2011-08-06T22:29:00.000-05:00

I borrowed this from my son for this weeks I Heart Macro picture. A family friend gave it to him a year or so ago. I'm not sure if it was once attache to a piece of furniture, a gate, or what, but I've always liked it.

I also wanted to share some pictures of what my sister gave me for my birthday.

I really like these colors together!

It's a little terra cotta bird for my garden. It's so cute!

He says "Hop on over to Studio Waterstone for I Heart Macro!"

Click on the button below and check out all the other Macro Lovers.

Have a wonderful week!

I ❤ Macro July 31, 2011

2011-07-30T20:06:00.000-05:00

Joining Lori of Studio Waterstone for I Heart Macro.

Click on the button and check out all the other Macro Lovers.

La Gargouille

Gargoyles are said to scare off and protect from any evil or harmful spirits.

This little gargoyle watches over our garden.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

I ♡ Macro July 24, 2011

2011-07-24T11:16:00.000-05:00

Busy, busy weekend, but I'm making time to post a couple of macro shots. I really look forward to I ♡ Macro Sundays and I usually spend the week thinking about what type of picture I want to post on Sunday.

The first picture is of an interesting button I bought at Hobby Lobby a couple of years ago. Every now and then I would pull the button out and contemplate what to do with it, but just didn't feel the inspiration to make anything. A couple of weeks ago I was piecing together a bracelet design that I had bouncing around in my head, but I couldn't figure out what type of clasp I wanted to use and had left it unfinished. A few nights later, I suddenly woke up and thought about the button. I finished the bracelet the next day, and the button worked wonderfully. I really like how the bracelet turned out.

I also took a couple of pictures of an abandoned snail shell that I found in our backyard.

I love shells like this, with the perfect spiral pattern.

And I love the texture

I'm joining Lori @ Studio Waterstone for I Heart Macro. Click on the button and join us.

Have a wonderful week!

I Heart Macro July 17, 2011

2011-07-17T09:40:00.000-05:00

A couple of pics from the deck in our backyard.

The central spadix of the Spathiphyllum or Peace Lily flower

We are having a drought and I can't remember when it last rained here. Hubby has been helping me keep the plants watered, but most of the flowers have dried up from the heat. I was happy to see the bloom on my Peace Lily. I also managed to get a shot of a creepy crawly before it flew away.

Please join us at Waterstone Studio for I Heart Macro. Add your own macro shot and check out the other wonderful pictures posted for this week. Have a wonderful day!

I Heart Macro July 10, 2011

2011-07-10T10:07:00.000-05:00

Can you guess what this is?

This is the eye of a painting by artist Jim Brace, who is a friend of my husband. When I first saw this painting, I fell in love. Besides loving the colors, the painting reminded me of my youth. Being the nostalgic dork that I am, I really wanted to buy it, but being the frugal/practical dork that I am, didn't think we could afford it at the time. My Sweetie Pie of a husband, knowing how much I wanted the painting, worked out a deal with Jim and bought the painting for me.

This is the rest of the painting. If you can't tell or are not familiar with, the painting is of guitarist and musician, Jimi Hendrix.

Click the link below to check out the other Macro/Up close photos posted to the day!

Enjoy your day!

Inspired by Nature Challenge, Week 2, Feather

2011-07-09T20:27:00.000-05:00

I have been wanting to branch out with my jewelry designs and have been intrigued with the beautiful beads that other jewelry artists create with polymer clay. I bought a couple of books to read up on the subject and finally bought a colorful selection of clay. My first couple of attempts at bead making didn't go very well. It seems to take a lot of work to make the clay pliable (unless I bought old/dry clay) and this was frustrating. Someone told me that a pasta machine helps, but I'm not ready to invest in one just yet. I over cooked the first batch of beads, so I knew that I needed more practice with the oven temperature and the length of time that the beads were in the oven.

I decided to try to make a pendant for the Inspired by Nature, Feather Challenge and I'm relatively happy with how the pendant turned out. When I took the piece for the pendant out of the oven, I could see that the clay bubbled in some spots. This was probably due to my impatience with how long it was taking for the clay to soften. I'm not giving up just yet and will be more patient the next time.

Check out all of the challenge entries that are posted on Flickr.

Bead Table Wednesday

2011-07-06T21:47:00.001-05:00

I'm trying to get back into the creative grove. I have a couple of projects that I started a month or so ago, that I need finish. I also have new ideas floating around in my head, but I want to finish the other project first. Here's whats on my table right now.

I making a necklace in purples and blacks for a coworker. I'm also making a bracelet using some some gorgeous porcelain jasper beads and some beautiful glass pearl beads that I received from Rings & Things. As you can tell from these pictures, I also need to spend some time perfecting my picture taking and learning more about my camera and Photoshop.

Enjoy your beading adventures!

I Heart Macro July 3, 2011

2011-07-02T23:09:00.000-05:00

My husband recently brought this home for me. I'm not sure if it's an old locket or a compact, but I like the etching/engraving on the top. I think it would make a nice vintage looking necklace, so I'm going to clean it up a little bit and try to attach a chain.

Join Lori Plyler of Studio Waterstone and check out all of the "I Heart Macro" slash "I Heart Close Ups: Up Close Photography for Macro Makers and the Camerologically Challenged" entries.

Have a wonderful Independence Day Weekend!

June Art Bead Scene Monthly Challenge

2011-06-26T21:19:00.003-05:00

Ophelia by Odilon Redon

c. 1900-05; Pastel on paper mounted on board, 19 7/8 x 26 1/2 in; The Woodner Collection

I instantly fell in love with the art piece chosen for the June Art Bead Scene Monthly Challenge. It is such a lovely piece. Very romantic and dreamy. And I love the wonderful colors. I saved the picture as my desktop background so that I would be inspired whenever my computer was up. I had missed the April and May challenges, but I was able to complete the following piece for this months challenge.

The ceramic heart pendant was made by Nancy E. Schindler of The Rabbit Muse and the green lampwork beads were made by Sandi Carrico of Sassy Glass Designs. As a connector, I cut the corners off of a Vintaj brass blank and stamped the word LOVE. I added three pearls that I painted with nail polish, in colors that complimented the painting. The necklace also includes Vintaj brass chain, clasp and findings, green silk sari ribbon and a strip of blue chiffon.

I've had a lot going on the last couple of months and it felt good to be able to complete the necklace before the deadline. I look forward to seeing the art piece that is chosen for the July monthly challenge.

Please check out all the

ABS Monthly Challenge participants on

Flickr

Have a great day!

I Heart Macro June 26, 2011

2011-06-25T22:20:00.002-05:00

Trying to find some time to get some creative projects done. I've been busy with family matters the last couple of months and haven't had that much time for creativity. Below are pictures of my June ABS Challenge piece. I hope to have the piece completed and posted by Sunday afternoon.

Please check out all of the wonderful macro/up close photos posted at Lori's website. Join in the fun and add your picture of the week!

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Happy Father's Day & I Heart Macro June 19, 2011

2011-06-18T22:58:00.001-05:00

These are the original wedding bands purchase by a 20 year old boy and a 19 year old girl. They had only known each other two months when they said the words "I do".

30 years, four wonderful children and a beautiful granddaughter later and I wouldn't change a thing.

Happy Father's Day my Love!

Always and forever

Join Lori Plyler of Studio Waterstone and check out all of the "I Heart Macro" slash "I Heart Close Ups: Up Close Photography for Macro Makers and the Camerologically Challenged" entries.

Happy Father's Day!

Polymer Clay Art Bead Give Away

2011-06-18T09:43:00.002-05:00

Art Bead Give Away

Jeannie (of Jeannie's Blog) is having a wonderful giveaway for her gorgeous polymer clay art beads. Each of the beads are all rolled and sculpted by hand and are about 12mm in size. One lucky winner will get all 72 beads. You better hurry though, as the winner will be posted on Monday, June 20th.

Source Jeannie's Blog

Check out Andrew Thornton's Thursday Giveaway

2011-06-17T18:43:00.000-05:00

Wouldn't you like to win this awesome collection of beads and more? Click this link The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton: Thursday Giveaway to visit Andrews blog for details.

I Heart Macro June 12, 2011

2011-06-12T06:31:00.001-05:00

This weeks macro shot is of a beautiful, old, blue and white tin that resides in our home. I love the color and the pattern on the tin. It reminds me of a set of dishes that my grandmother-in-law had. I've been thinking about cutting it up for jewelry, but every time I start to, I decide it's just too pretty to cut up.

Please join Lori Plyler of Studio Waterstone and check out all of the "I Heart Macro" slash "I Heart Close Ups: Up Close Photography for Macro Makers and the Camerologically Challenged" entries. It's great fun, so add your own macro or up close picture while you're there!

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Macro Monday

2011-06-05T21:00:00.000-05:00

I recently stayed at a bed and breakfast and these were growing in most of the trees. I'm not sure if they are lichens or some sort of moss, but I thought they made a great photo subject.

Visit Lisa's website to see who else joined in Macro Monday

I Heart Macro June 05, 2011

2011-06-04T23:15:00.000-05:00

Please visit Lori Plyler's blog Studio Waterstone for "I Heart Close Ups: Up Close Photography for Macro Makers and the Camerologically Challenged" Click the badge below and join in on the fun!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton: Thursday Giveaway...

2011-06-04T21:40:00.002-05:00

Andrew Thornton's Thursday Giveaway is a wonderful assortment of ceramic beads from Golem Studio. Please visit Andrew's blog for more details.

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton: Thursday Giveaway...: "This week, one lucky winner will take home an assortment of ceramic components from Golem Studio ! Golem Studio is a family-owned and operat..."

I Heart Macro May 29, 2011

2011-05-29T08:02:00.000-05:00

It's Sunday and time for "I Heart Macro" slash "I Heart Close Ups: Up Close Photography for Macro Makers and the Camerologically Challenged". Join Lori Plyler of Studio Waterstone and blog your up close/macro picture of the week.

This week I'm sharing beady goodness!

Our local bead shop is having a wonderful sale this weekend and these are some of the beads that I picked up. There were too many beautiful beads to choose from, but I managed to stay just under my set budget.

The top picture is a gorgeous carved wood bead, then an ammonite (with beautiful red flashing), and the last shot is a mixture of Porcelain Jasper and some lovely green and caramel colored beads (the name of which I forgot to write down. I hate when I do that!).

Check out all of the wonderful macro/up close shots posted at Lori's website. Join in the fun and add your picture of the week!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

I Heart Macro

2011-05-22T07:48:00.000-05:00

This weeks "I Heart Macro" shot is of our neighborhood kitty. Her owner named her Mitzy, but when she visits our house, we call her Fatty (you can't tell in this picture, but she's quite large). She's a beautiful cat and she adores the attention that my son and granddaughter give her.

Please join Lori Plyler of Studio Waterstone and check out all of the "I Heart Macro" entries. It's great fun, so add your own macro or up close picture while you're there!

Have a great Sunday!

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T09:47:00.000-05:00

This is what being a mom is all about! Hope you all have a wonderful and very Happy Mother's Day!

I Heart Macro

2011-05-08T09:33:00.000-05:00

It's Sunday and that means it's time for I Heart Macro!

Join Lori at Studio Waterstone to add your macro or close up photo's and then blog about them on your blog.

My macro picture today is not one of my own photos, but rather one of my daughter's.

She is so talented! I would never think to set up a shot with oranges and black beans, but they look so awesome together!

Hope you have a wonderful day!

Photoshop Lesson

2011-05-08T09:16:00.000-05:00

My sweet husband is trying to teach me how to edit my jewelry pictures in Photoshop. The photo below is from my first lesson, but he did all of the editing, while I observed. I've been using Picnik to edit my photo's and I have been satisfied, but my husband and daughter use Photoshop and their pictures always look fantastic.

What do you guys think about the different photo editing products that are available? Picnik is relatively easy to use and has some neat features, but you have to become a paid member in order to access the more advanced features. Are there other editing products out there that you've had success with?

I Heart Macro Sunday

2011-05-01T09:03:00.000-05:00

Come join Lori at Studio Waterstone for I Heart Macro.

Take a macro/up-close photo and join the fun!

These are pictures of new growth in my garden.

I love when I see signs of life in my garden!

It's as if everything is waking from the long, winters slumber, stretching and reaching for the warmth of the sun.
Hope this is the start of a wonderful week for each of you!

Giveaway of great Lark Jewelry & Beading books! « Lark Crafts

2011-04-27T20:27:00.000-05:00

Giveaway of great Lark Jewelry & Beading books! « Lark Crafts

Lovely Satin-finished Copper Beads

2011-04-24T19:01:00.000-05:00

In mid March, Rings & Things had a design challenge contest and for 15 lucky participants, these beautiful, satin-finished copper beads were the prize.

Guess what? I was one of the lucky participants chosen to receive a packet of these beauties! I love copper and texture, so I was in hog heaven when I opened my package! I've had a great time creating and now it's time to share some pictures.

For the first piece, I used the two 27mm, oval copper beads. These beads are gorgeous, with wonderful texture, but still have a shinny finish.

For the necklace below, I dapped a couple of the striped disks to make bead caps. Throughout the necklace I used some of the satin-finished copper rounds and wavy disks.

For the ring pictured below, I used one of the lovely, copper puffed flower beads, with one of the striped disks for the base.

I have a couple more designs in the works and will post those pictures this next week.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Easter and I Heart Macro

2011-04-24T12:10:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter Sunday! It's also I Heart Macro Sunday! Join Lori at Studio Waterstone for I Heart Macro and post your up close/macro photos!

Addedum to Heavy in Your Arms Post

2011-04-23T08:21:00.000-05:00

This is currently one of my daughter's favorite songs. She plays it umpteen times a day. I go to bed with this song playing in my head and wake up with it still playing in my head....So, I decided to share it with you.

Also, does anyone know a good way to remove a song from your head? Please tell me before I go crazy!

"Heavy In Your Arms" - Florence And The Machine [OFFICIAL]

2011-04-23T08:14:00.000-05:00

I Heart Macro

2011-04-17T18:11:00.000-05:00

Lori of Studio Waterstone is hosting a weekly blog hop called "I Heart Macro" slash "I Heart Close Ups": Up Close Photography for Macro Makers and the Camerologically Challenged. Each Sunday the participants will post on their blog and share their close/macro picture of the week. There's even a very cute button that you can add to your blog to show that you're participating.

Here is my Macro shot for the week.

Bracelet Blog Hop -- 7000 Bracelets of Hope

2011-04-15T23:22:00.013-05:00

Hosted by Lori Anderson of Pretty Things

The bracelets made for this blog hop will be sent to The Global Genes Project, an advocacy group who launched "7000 Bracelets for Hope", a children's rare disease campaign. The bracelets are given to one of 7000 families having children with rare diseases to show them love and support. I'm very proud to be part of such a worth while project.

Pictured below is the bracelet that I made for the 7000 Bracelets for Hope project.

For my bracelet, I chose a strand of round, blue, rivershell beads and added two strands of TOHO hexagon seed beads in matte raku teal/blue. I had a beautiful antiqued brass goddess charm that I want to use for the bracelet and I painted the flower on the charm blue, to match the beads. I finished the bracelet with a Vintaj brass clasp and etched cable chain and attached a Montana blue, Swarovski crystal dangle.

Thank you so much for stopping by and please visit the blogs below to see the bracelets that others have made for this wonderful project.

Bracelet Blog Hop

1. Lori Anderson, Pretty Things
2. Jayne Capps, Mama's Got To Doodle
3. Kym Hunter, Creatively Kym < You are here!
4. Mandy Duffy, Beads for Brains: 365
5. Charlene Sevier, The Bead Dreamer
6. Lisa Boucher, Lisa's Clay Happenings
7. Mary Harding, Mary Harding Jewelry
8. Barbara Lewis, Painting With Fire
9. Amy Severino, Amy's Beads
10. Jennifer Pride, Jewelry by Jennifer Pride

11. Jenny Cameron, Glass Addictions
12. Susan Ferguson, Windrock Studio
13. Mortira vanPelt, Inspirational Beading
14. Brandi Hussey, Brandi Girl
15. Jenny Vidberg, Shyme Design
16. Angela Barribou, Re: Angela Rae
17. Stefanie Teufel, Stefanie's Sammelsurium
18. Sue Hodgkinson, Hello Gorgeous
19. Jean Yates, Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading To Be Done!
20. Nicki Keller, Nicki's Reef

21. JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions
22. Stacey Curry, Star Hitched Wagon
23. Carrie Tahquechi, Carrie T
24. Deci Worland, Gem Trails
25. Debbie Goering, Prairie Emporium
26. Staci Smith, Staci Louise Originals
27. Francy Inman, 8 Second Studio
28. Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings
29. Cherin Poovey, Lanyard Lady
30. Deb Price, Green Shoot Jewellery Designs

31. Suzette Bentley, Ellies Bijoux
32. Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads
33. Shirley Moore, Beads and Bread
34. Kate Gardenghi, The Tropical Blonde
35. Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre
36. Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me
37. Linda Djokic, Lutka and Co.
38. Cory Celaya, Art With Moxie
39. CJ Baushka, 4 His Glory Creations
40. Tracy Bell, Copper, Glass, and Recycled Trash

41. Sandra Richardson, Sandy's Coloring Box
42. Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe Designs
43. Kim Roberts, Bahama Dawn
44. Hilary Frye, FryeStyle
45. Emanda Johnson, Artemisia's Studio
46. Lisa Kavanaugh, Beading Bliss
47. Sue Kennedy, Sue Beads
48. Raquel Amaral, Raquel Amaral
49. Robyn Hawk, Daily Jewel
50. Linda Inhelder, Must-Haves Jewelry

52. Krista French, French Elegant Jewelry
53. Andrea Robinson, Madame Magpie's Shiny Things
54. John Rasmussen, Rasmussen Gems and Jewelry
55. Breana Fry, Vault 31
56. Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found
57. Cyndi Lavin, Beading Arts
58. Dot Lewallen, Speedie Beadie
59. Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
60. Heather Pyle, Aquariart

61. Adrienne Campbell, Adrienne Designs
62. Dee Gordon, Runako Designs
63. Judy Glende, Judith B. Designs
64. Susie Hibdon, Vintage Susie & Wings
65. Tania Spivey, Moobie Grace Designs
66. Norma Agron, Norma's Clay
67. Ana Novak, Cat's Pajamas, Dog's Tuxedos
68. Johanna Rhodes, Fire Phoenix Creations
69. Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads
70. Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman

71. Holly Westfall, Silver Rose Designs
72. Catherine Pruitt, Boo Beads
73. Deana Hager, Just Deez' Art & Life
74. Lupe Meter, Gem's PC Corner
75. Valerie Norton, Hot Fused Glass
76. Janet Bocciardi, Honey From the Bee
77. Kitty Durmaj, Perles and Life
78. Rose Noble, Lady Noble Design
79. Sally Russick, WireWorked
80. Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter

81. KJ, KJ's Beadacious Beads
82. Lana Kinney, Something Unique by Lana
83. Melissa Meman, Melissa Meman ... Art, Life, Love
84. Karen Bien, Everyday Gypsy
85. Rebecca Anderson, Songbeads
86. Cyn Gagen, Creative Edventures
87. Niky Sayer, Silver Nik Nats
88. Deb Beechy, Beetique
89. Marian Hertzog, M's Place
90. Kerry Bogert, Kab's Creative Concepts

91. Judy Riley, Three Red Beads
92. Charlene Gray, Gray Girl Studio
93. Erin Fickert-Rowland, Elysian Fields
94. Sharon Palac, Sharon's Jewelry Garden
95. Maryse Thillens, Glass Bead Art
96. Christine Altmiller, One Kiss Creations
97. Eileen Bergen, The Artful Crafter
98. Bobbie Rafferty, Beadsong Jewelry
99. Rebekah Payne, Tree Wings Studio
100. Mari Aparicio, Mis Amores

101. Tracy Statler, Make Bracelets
102. Marcy Lamberson, Studio Marcy
103. Kim Stevens, Picking Poppies
104. Karyn White, Releases by Rufydoof
105. Elisabeth Auld, Beads for Busy Gals
106. Lisa Hamilton, Simply Irresistible Jewelry
107. Serena Trent, All Things Made Jewelry
108. Sharon Driscoll, Right Turn Artwerks
109. Debbie La Rue, For the Love of Beading
110. Maggie Towne, Maggie's Bead Towne

111. Cassandra Watsham, Designs by Cassandra
112. Mary Ellen Parker, BeeTree by m.e.

Woohoo! I just gained three days!

2011-04-14T11:53:00.002-05:00

So, not my idea of fun, but I'm taking some vacation days from work in order to finish our taxes, that I thought were due tomorrow. Not how I want to be using my much needed, very rare, free time. I keep looking over at my bead table....ideas popping into my head....I don't have time for you now....where were you this past weekend, when I had beader's block?

So I decided to take a break from taxes and read a couple of the blogs that I follow. Guess what I found out on Lori Anderson's blog? Taxes aren't due till the 18th this year!!!!! I actually had known this, but had forgotten.

I was so happy, I decided to take time for a post. Three more days! I may just have to use some of that extra time to work on one of those ideas that kept popping into my head, at what I thought was the most inopportune time. I should at least get them on paper....since I have a little bit more time :-)

Hope you're having a wonderful day!

One Word Wednesday

2011-04-06T21:16:00.000-05:00

Blau

Lori Anderson's Bracelet Blog Hop

2011-04-03T11:58:00.000-05:00

Lori Anderson of Pretty Things is hosting a Bracelet Blog Hop, to promote The Global Genes Project, an advocacy group who launched "7000 Bracelets for Hope", a children's rare disease campaign. The bracelets collected will be given to one of 7000 families having children with rare diseases to show them love and support.

Please visit Lori's blog for information on how you can participate in the blog hop and assist with this wonderful campaign.

Art Bead Scene March Challenge Blog Tour

2011-03-31T17:56:00.000-05:00

The inspiration for this months challenge is Nave Nave Moe (Sacred Spring, Sweet Dreams) by Paul Gaugin 1894.

Below is a picture of my entry piece to the March ART BEAD SCENE monthly challenge. I created the pendant by attaching a lovely Gaea ceramic focal to the center of a brass filigree and then added some beautiful etched lampwork beads made by pinocean. The necklace includes two more Gaea beads and additional pinocean lampwork beads dangling from Vintaj brass chain.

Here is a close up of the pendant.

Please visit the Art Bead Scene Blog for the Art Bead Scene March Challenge Blog Tour and check out all of the wonderful pieces submitted for this months challenge.

Have a wonderful day!

One Word Wednesday

2011-03-30T21:12:00.000-05:00

Apparition

Photo by Fragile Photo

Beautiful Piece from an Etsy Favorite

2011-03-27T10:54:00.002-05:00

Check out this beautiful necklace made by the talented jewelry artist, Sandi Carrico!

The pendant has a gorgeous cabochon of bronzed Mojave turquoise, in a setting of copper and sterling silver. I just love copper and silver together and the color of that stone is awesome! To see more of Sandi's wonderful jewelry designs, please visit her etsy shop and her blog.

One Word Wednesday

2011-03-23T05:43:00.000-05:00

Dynamique!

Photo by Fragile Photo

Rings & Things Blog Giveaway and Design Challenge

2011-03-18T17:44:00.000-05:00

Check out the Rings & Things blog Take Our Design Challenge! You could win some gorgeous brushed copper beads and have the opportunity to participate in their design challenge. Sounds like fun to me!

Good luck!

One Word Wednesday

2011-03-16T16:02:00.000-05:00

Contrast

Photo by Fragile Photo

In Celebration of National Craft Month

2011-03-15T10:32:00.000-05:00

Beaducation is hosting a month of giveaways! This weeks giveaway is a Beaducation Original Letter Set of your choice. I love the uppercase Kismet and the Wackadoodle lowercase set is my next favorite. Visit the Beaducation blog post for instructions on how you can win your favorite set!

Good luck!

Kym Hunter Designs

I Heart Macro 02/03/2012

January Art Bead Scene Monthly Challenge

I Heart Macro 01/29/2012

I Heart Macro 01/01/2012

Merry Christmas

Melinda Orr Metal & Clay Jewelry Designs: Virtual Craft Show is Here! Enter to win ~70Artis...

Happy Thanksgiving!

I ❤ Macro November 13, 2011

November Art Bead Scene Monthly Challenge

I ❤ Macro October 30, 2011

I Heart Macro October 16, 2011

Gaea Ceramic Bead and Art Studio Blog: Win A Bead Bundle!

The Pretty Bee: Fabulous Fall Jewelry Giveaway!

I ❤ Macro October 09, 2011

I Heart Macro October 2, 2011

Bead Table Wednesday

I ♡ Macro September 25, 2011

2011 Talk Like a Pirate Day September 19th

I ❤ Macro September 18, 2011

Bead Soup is Ready!

Soup is Simmering and Almost Ready!

I Heart Macro September 11, 2011

BTW 09/07/2011

Bead Soup Blog Party Sneak Peek

I ❤ Macro September 04, 2011

My Bead Soup Has Arrived!

Bead Soup Blog Party Update

Laurel Moon Jewelry and Beads: Earthenwood giveaway!

I ♡ Macro August 28, 2011

What a Wonderful Way to Start My Day!

Genea Beads: GIVE AWAY- CLAY PENDANT, WING DINGS, AND RUBBER O'...

I ❤ Macro August 20, 2011

BSBP Update

Bead Table Wednesday

Chinook Jewelry Designs Blog Partner

August Art Bead Scene Monthly Challenge

I ❤ Macro August 14, 2011

Rings and Things Wonderful 39th Anniversary Sale!

It's Raining! It's Pouring! My Old Man is Snoring!

My BSBP Partner

Nina on the Moon interview with Lark Calderon Gomez

Andrew Thorntons Allegory Gallery Giveaway

Beads of Clay Blog: 2nd Wednesday Giveaway time!

Bead Soup Blog Party!

Studio Waterstone Giveaway

I ♡ Macro August 07, 2011

I ❤ Macro July 31, 2011

La Gargouille

I ♡ Macro July 24, 2011

I Heart Macro July 17, 2011

I Heart Macro July 10, 2011

Inspired by Nature Challenge, Week 2, Feather

Bead Table Wednesday

I Heart Macro July 3, 2011

June Art Bead Scene Monthly Challenge

I Heart Macro June 26, 2011

Happy Father's Day & I Heart Macro June 19, 2011

Polymer Clay Art Bead Give Away

Check out Andrew Thornton's Thursday Giveaway

I Heart Macro June 12, 2011

Macro Monday

I Heart Macro June 05, 2011

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton: Thursday Giveaway...

I Heart Macro May 29, 2011

I Heart Macro

Happy Mother's Day!

I Heart Macro

Photoshop Lesson

I Heart Macro Sunday

Giveaway of great Lark Jewelry & Beading books! « Lark Crafts

Lovely Satin-finished Copper Beads

Happy Easter and I Heart Macro

Addedum to Heavy in Your Arms Post

"Heavy In Your Arms" - Florence And The Machine [OFFICIAL]

I Heart Macro

~~ Bracelet Blog Hop -- 7000 Bracelets of Hope ~~

Hosted by Lori Anderson of Pretty Things

Woohoo! I just gained three days!

One Word Wednesday

Bracelet Blog Hop -- 7000 Bracelets of Hope