Book Review - Tear Soup

This week's book review is on a lovely and timely book, entitled Tear Soup by Pat Schwiebert & Chuck DeKlyen

This book was sent to me as a Secret Sister present at a time it was really needed. My mother-in-law had just passed away and I was lost... still am sometimes. Now just barely two months later her second daughter, my sister-in-law passed away. I have a feeling this book will be a mainstay for awhile. It sits on my coffee table and my granddaughter Andi and I read it frequently.

Andi is a smart little cookie - she seems to sense when grief is taking me and climbs into my lap with the book and says,"time for 'Tear Soup' Nana" or she'll ask me, "will you read 'Tear Soup' Nana?" I'm not sure why she likes the book so much or if she even understands the layers in the book - I do know it seems to help us both.

The book is written in layers, what I mean by this is that though it is written for a child, it speaks to the adult as well. The concept of grief and its steps are often big and difficult for adults to understand, yet in these pages it seems to be easily digested at any age. The story telling is easy to identify with and characters in the story are easily any one of us. I believe this book is a must have in any home library. We all live and part of that life is dealing with death and loss.

The book is written with the purpose of helping children to understand and cope with the grieving process that we all do so differently. The characters, main and supporting, demonstrate the viewpoints of the grieving, friends and family, and those who are removed. The main character Grandy, has just suffered a great loss and she is going through the grieving process - referred to as making 'Tear Soup'. It likens steps in grieving to the cooking steps and components of the emotional side of grief as ingredients. As the story unfolds you can see how others grieve differently, as soups are different. The book gives permission to grieve your way and helps you to understand that others do it differently and allows you to respect their needs as well. It truly is well written. I am glad that we own the book. There is even a "Cook's Tips" section after the story that is helpful in acknowledging the full spectrum of thoughts and emotions and direction. There is also a final section full of resources to help the grieving.  

It is never easy dealing with loss... and truly, it doesn't have to be dealt with alone, unless of course that's how you prefer it.

Blessings

A wonderful Barbara Lewis Giveaway!

Barbara Lewis DVDs are always something to be excited about! But these are exclusively offered as a giveaway to
members of Jewelry Artists Network. Membership to a group you'd want to belong to anyway and a chance to win a free Barbara Lewis DVD workshop - your pick of which one from the two... no brainer. Check it out and enter to win - I did ;)

Here they are - they will be released to Amazon soon...

Kalmbach Bead Soup Blog Hop - Winners Revealed!

 

We have finally come to an end of a journey, many of us moving on to others. Some taking a rest before the hustle of the holidays. To see all of the contestants and get a better appreciation of the talent involved you should head over and check out the Kalmbach Bead Soup Creations Album.

 

These are the first round of winners, the round authors picks! Lori Anderson, has to pick her favorites. These lucky people win a bead soup kit, provided by Lori Anderson www.beadsoupkits.com, how exciting! I love the soups Lori puts together. I will definitely watch for their creations and blog about them at a later date.

 

 

 

 

 

The next round of winners were office picks. These winners will receive the new book, Crystal Jewelry Inspiration from the Create Your Style Ambassadors. This book will be available in January. http://www.kalmbachstore.com/67019.html

 

 

 

 



There were just so many beautiful pieces, there had to be more winners. Here are three more random winners. These winners will receive a autographed copy of Anna Elizabeth Draeger's new book, Great Designs for Shaped Beads. http://www.kalmbachstore.com/64957.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

After adding all the votes from facebook and those tallied from the office the final winners are selected.

 

I was stunned to find myself one of them!

 

I don't know that I can ever express the pleasure and joy I have experienced, just being able to participate. The joy of a bead soup is definitely one all beaders should experience at least once in a lifetime. I have been blessed to be in four soup/swap events and several other challenges since June. What a ride and all because I stumbled upon Lori Anderson's Bead Soup and participated in Bead Soup Blog Party - 6 - this was definitely a defining moment in my life.

Thanks for sharing a part of your day so that I can share a part of my life.

Be good to yourself and those around you and go make the world a better place by creating beauty wherever and however you can!

Entertaining Thoughts... For Sport or Refinement?

http://legionofhonor.famsf.org/about/thinker

Don't run after ideas. Save and nourish them, and you will have all you should entertain. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

I love quotes - especially ones that truly make me think. I am a thinker,  a contemplative soul by nature - to a fault. My husband always says I think too much. I can't seem to shut it off. I don't obsess over things, I ponder them, let them go in several directions, and watch them unfold. It is good to have several scenarios, in my opinion.

There are brain exercises or puzzles that require you to stretch the brain and see things in multiple ways. I love things like that. I think of these things as sport. There is also learning and exposing yourself to different schools of thought - broadening horizons, if you will. These things would fall under the refinement category. I enjoy these activities as well.

What type of thinker are you? Do you tend to always want to learn, play, or a combination of both perhaps? I love the above quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, it makes me think, ponder really, about what I fill my head with - how I feed my thoughts. Am I wasting my time, my thoughts, or am I bettering myself and those around me with the influence of what bounces around in my head?

I personally think moderation is always key, so I will play and spend some of my thought power on sport. I do however hope that I spend more time entertaining thoughts for refinement. Nourishing positive and proactive thoughts that encourage growth and betterment, seems to be the path of mastery and abundance. Ultimately, I would love to say I use my brain in a perfect balance.... I don't, yet.

I have learned not to dwell on thoughts that get me nowhere, that don't move me forward, though I still get stuck sometimes. In entertainment, I choose things that will improve my abilities. I do hope I  can achieve this balance of thought one day. When I do, I believe I will have all that I need.

If you think it, you can dream it... If you dream it, it can come to pass... If it can come to pass, you can achieve it...

Go think, dream, achieve... be good to yourself!

Memories and Thanks Blog Hop

The Bead Soup community will feel the loss of a departed friend and artist Marianna - Moods by Mari for some time. Though I didn't know her well, only knew some of her work, we all knew of her kindness and generosity, and her loving spirit. I am saddened by her passing.

Lori Anderson, founder of the Bead Soup and perpetual host of events has decided to host a Blog Hop in honor of Marianna and those who have meaning to us living or deceased. This way we are honoring those people either in memory or in thanks and appreciation of who they are to us. Life is short not to appreciate those lives who connect with ours. 

As participants we will create a piece of jewelry from our own stashes - that tells a story of those loved ones. I think this is timely for so many, and am honored to be a participant. I have people I would love to honor in a wearable piece of art, keeping their memories close to me as I wear it. Below are a few I would like to honor and thank. My father's mother Juanita and my mother's father Edward - were both very dear to my heart. Also below are my mother-in-law Jessie - just recently deceased, a very big-hearted woman and my father-in-law - longer removed from us in a shot with six of their seven(my husband the youngest) children and some grandchildren.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stay tuned - I will post about my progress as I can until the Blog Hop reveal date of January 12, 2013.
     

Where Have I Been???

I am okay, yes I am alright... I have been withdrawn and into myself, for sanity's sake, self-preservation if you will. In case that doesn't make sense, I will explain. I may seem like I am wide open and confident, I really am not. Not that it's a facade, I just keep certain layers more protected.

Lately I have had many outside circumstances all at once peeling away at my layers. I had moments of uncertainty - not wanting to crack, so to speak.
We all handle stress in different ways. Stress is stress by the way, whether the event is perceived as positive or negative - it is stress. The body doesn't know the difference. It all can wear a body down if not handled well.

If I perceive the stressful events as negative, I pull away. I don't pull completely away - just the parts of me that share emotion. I fear the meltdown of all meltdowns and a no return state, so I keep it hidden and safe - layered. If I don't let people in I feel safe. I know this is faulty thinking - but it is how I cope. I keep it layered and myself distant enough that unless you know me - you don't know I am suffering.

If stress is seen as positive I share and beam with happiness. I don't seem to have the layers stronger in some areas... I am more evenly covered. I don't know why I react this way - just that I do.

My mother-in-law passed away and was buried a month ago today. I also had a severe decline in my physical situation because of health conditions. These two things alone would set me into slight withdrawal alone - combined, I was pretty close to the meltdown I fear.  I was not ready to accept things and claim my emotions, let alone feel or share them.

I normally don't talk about some of these personal issues, except with extremely close friends and family. Even these select people have been shut out, as I descended into a depressive state for lack of knowing how to cope. My fear of losing myself and not being able to return is what is bringing me back. I need to get back to the business of living and celebrating life, which is my mantra.

The death of my mother-in-law is what pushed me harder... we have had deaths every holiday for the past five years and groupings of deaths around the fall/winter holidays. This has made dealing with any of them difficult at best. Just as I'd begin to accept one's passing someone else passed on. It also made holidays dreadful, for me at least. I plugged away and went through the motions, my heart just wasn't as engaged with each passing holiday. I put on the brave face and would celebrate those still in our lives, while missing the people who have passed. 

I know everyone goes through grief and everyone has trials - I do understand that. I just can't seem to allow others to see me sad for loss, worried about health or money. I am a basically happy person and have had a hard time sharing my struggles - I guess I am afraid to fall into a darkness and don't want to annoy or bother people. I would rather look for the brighter side... sometimes it is hard to do alone and we do need people. I don't often ask for help, yet I am one of the first to offer it without thought.

To those of you who regularly follow - I am sorry if I let you down... I have had more stress than I thought and was not handling much of it - good, bad or ugly. I also am sorry, for not trusting that you could handle it and possibly even feel good for helping me.

I am human too - good, bad, and ugly... guess I need to let myself be seen for me.Blessings to you all, my fellow humans! Thanks for letting me share and helping me grow.

Artist Spotlight - Szarka Carter

Szarka Carter is an amazing jewelry artisan, instructor, and business owner. Szarka's specialty medium is wire and she has perfected the art of using that wire to highlight the natural beauty of the gemstones she acquires as a gemstone dealer. If you would like to see some of her work you should check out her jewelry page or her jewelry blog.

Szarka is well loved and respected in the community of artisan jewelers. Her gemstone business Magpie Gemstones is a wholesale source for many who desire fine quality gemstones and other jewelry making supplies. I have always loved everything I have ordered and received from her. When I get an order from Magpie Gemstones, I always feel like each stone was hand-picked just for me. They are that good - each specimen, outstanding. She also sells her beads on ebay!
You can also catch some of her designs on her facebook dedicated to her jewelry. If all else fails, and you just need to jump in and join some fun you could always come join us at the Magpie Gemstones facebook page, she also has a blog about her gemstones.

The website has a wealth of resources that enrich and educate the aspiring jewelry designer as well as the artisan. She offers free tutorials and freely gives advice and encouragement for the love of the art. Szarka's attitude about sharing information shows she is an artist first, even though she is also a successful business woman. She even hosts/moderates an interactive facebook page that encourages other makers, designers, artisans to advance their skill sets and learn from each other. The name of the facebook page is Jewelry Makers and Bead Lovers Facebook Group. 

Szarka is such an amazing wealth of information. She knows and understands gemstones. She loves to work with and help others understand how to work with wire. Szarka even has a spotlight area in her newsletters that hosts client's jewelry.

Szarka is as genuine as her gemstones. If you haven't had the pleasure to get to know her you should jump on one of these links and do so. She is is a talent and has a heart as big as the sky... you would be blessed to have her in your circle. I know my life has been enriched by her presence.

Kalmbach Bead Soup - 2012

 

I remember when my Kalmbach Books Bead Soup came in the mail. I was so excited! I couldn't believe that I'd been given such a terrific opportunity. I was elated and honored to have gotten selected. I knew that I was going to be in good company and it would be a challenge. I am excited to see the reveals. 

 

I got soup!

 


I literally ripped open the package in anticipation. I  was thrilled to find that the beads were from a shop in Montana. I contacted them immediately, to let them know I had received my soup and to share my gratitude for their making it possible for me to take part  in this event.

Thanks again - Cindy and the Powder Horn Gang!

 

 

The pendant,I see a bird.

 

I needed to accentuate the  focal bead and not take away from the wonderful pattern. I went with the spirals to accomplish this. There is movement illustrated in the beads throughout the necklace. I had to go with that flow.

                                       

"Freebird" Ensemble
 



Staying with the theme of movement I added swirls in my wire work. I adorned the triangles with swirls. The earrings,  and connectors had to have swirls too.

 

The bracelet sports the yummy clasp that was included, handmade links, and the same red accent beads(6), with one swirl adorned triangle bead dangle.

 

I thoroughly enjoyed making these pieces and working with this soup. I really love what my soup became. I hope you enjoy it too.

 

I still have some beads leftover - gotta love leftovers... I am beading them and I will post those projects at a later date. I hope you come back for seconds. I just couldn't hold on to this much longer and not share...

 

Thanks Kalmbach Books for the opportunity and the fun!

 

Thanks for sharing with me.

Be happy, find your method of expression and go create something beautiful...

Bead Soup by Lori Anderson - Book Review

I am honored to be sharing Bead Soup with you. This book is must have for any beader, at any skill level or anyone who admires and appreciates artisan jewelry. Each two-three page spread is pleasantly full of wonderful soups. Each soup, features its own recipe, helpful hints and grocery list - on recipe cards and notes, so cute and fitting. Each artist shares their journey from picking a soup for their partner to receiving their own and the process of creating the masterpieces you will feast your eyes upon, as you delve into the book. You will want to read it cover to cover; finding yourself wanting to do the projects and feeling yourself connected to the artists and their works.

I love the way the book breaks it all down. Lori explains the different methods and it truly is like making a variety of soups. I will liken it to the differences between a broth base, a cream soup, a bisque, or a stew - all have their places in the arena of dining. Lori uses the terms Leftover Bead, Focal, Color Palette, and Random Purchase Methods. You will have to buy the book to get more details about these methods of bead soup creating(hint, hint). You will want to buy the book anyway. You won't want to miss any of the artist bios, the gallery, or the wonderful feeling of being at home.

                                                         


The  Bead Soup Book  is written in the spirit of the Bead Soup Blog Party(BSBP) and allows the reader to catch a glimpse of the challenges, triumphs, growth, camaraderie, and the experience of it all. Just like an online BSBP this book has its participants paired off with partners, they swap soups, create, and then share their experiences.  

This book has been a treat and is just a small reflection of the immensity of what the Bead Soup Blog Party events and the impact they still have, have come to be. If you want to join in on the fun and learn more about what Bead Soup and Blog Hopping is all about - check out Lori's Blog
or join the Bead Soup Cafe facebook group.

In the spirit of the book, the event it mirrors, and Lori's generous nature; I am offering a tutorial from the book... Zack's Watercress Soup! This offering is being made with Lori Anderson's knowledge and given with her compliments.

How do you win? I will be hosting a blog essay contest. Topic? How beading/jewelry design has changed your life. All you need to do is blog about the topic and share the link in the comments to this blog. Share your blog everywhere you can... New to blogging or not, writing more and sharing more is always a good thing ;) I will announce the winner next week... Good Luck!

I create to live and Live to Create...
Show the world you care - create with love... Bead Happy!

Tuesday, Artist Highlight... Heidi Parviainen

Today's highlight is on an amazing and well-versed jewelry artisan who is also an Jewelry Instructor at Michaels. Heidi is the author of a few tutorials on the Michaels website and is highlighted this month in the October is Jewelry Month at Michaels page.

Heidi is from Massachusetts and is steeped in tradition and rich with knowledge of history, both playing a big part in who she is and it shows in her soulful designs. Aside from designing jewelry, Heidi creates with these media and skill sets; metalsmithing, metal clay, wire working, polymer clay, glasclay, mixed media, and she is not afraid to mix it up a bit and throw some steampunk influence into the mix as well. Heidi strives to continue learning more about more methods, skills, media, always stretching herself for continued growth. I admire Heidi and am honored to call her friend.
Here are a few tutorials Heidi has had published for and by Michaels.


Belle Epoque Bracelet                                                                 

                                        

                                                                  




                                                                  Belle Epoque Necklace

 

 

 

Amethyst Smoke Necklace

 




For more information about Heidi or to see more of  her work check out her etsy shop...  http://www.etsy.com/people/stheino

or follow her on  facebook...
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stheino-Design-Gallery/311652878879796

Magnificent Monday

Just a little blurb today....

It was a wonderful day today. My granddaughter and I had a great library day. It was good to just get back to the basics and spend quality time, in spite of the demands of the day. It warms my heart to see the love of books and learning instilled in another generation. She was so happy with her selections to bring home - she thanked me for hours. The funniest part... she said, "You know Nana, if these become favorites we'll have to look them up on Amazon or something..." The kid is too smart for her own good and too cute for mine.

Thanks for letting me share my warm fuzzy... what a way to start  the week.


Be happy, live life, mostly - be good to yourself...


Making the world more beautiful one creation at a time...

Wonderful Wednesday, Over the Hump Project Reveal


Today I am posting the results of a fun and enlightening Bead Soup I just had the pleasure to take part in. It's name says it all. It is the "2nd Hand, Bead Soup - Finished Item- Swap".

 

 

The point of this swap was that we were to obtain items within a certain dollar amount and present that soup to our partners. We then were to create a piece of jewelry with what was sent us and some of our own stash. I should mention we have never met and know nothing about each other, aside what we dug up through researching shared forum profiles, etc.

 

After completion of these pieces we were to send them back to our partner, neither knowing how the other would use the items we selected and what they would make especially for us. On the other side of the coin we were trying to take the materials sent us to make wearable pieces that hopefully would appeal to the taste of our partner. The heat was on...

 

Here is what I found at the 2nd Hand Store for Vicky to play with...

 

 



 Here is what Vicky found for me to play with from her resource...

 Drum roll please..........................................................


What Vicky created is completely amazing! I just got it yesterday and wore it yesterday until bed time and all day today - LOVE it!

What I made for Vicky, is a bit more casual... but here it is...

 

 

 

So, that was fun... and yes, I would totally do it again. Bead soups are absolutely wonderful. If you would like the chance to participate in events such as these check out these sites...

 

Bead Swap USA - Home of the Traveling Bead Box,  and its companion facebook page, brain child of Nicole Weltch. Nicole has been in the world of beading and jewelry design for sometime. She saw a need and answered that need by getting like minded people together with the mission of revitalizing our bead and component stashes by trading/swapping with each other so that we all end up with quality beads to replace the ones we pass on. This eliminates spending enormous amounts of money and having stuff in our stashes that would sit there and not be used by anyone. Now we get beads we will use and what we won't is passed onto someone who will - WIN-WIN!

 

This is how the traveling bead box system works.  The box is filled with beads and travels to one location. The first recipient then goes through takes what they would like and replaces those beads with some from her stash that she decides she will no longer use of the same quality and value. After this the box is sent onto the next participant. There are several boxes for different types, tastes and styles. For example, seed bead box, glass bead only box, metal beads, etc. This is where I was able to sign up for the 2nd Hand Soup - Finished Item Swap.

 

I love the challenges and friendships I am making. Whether you are a novice or an expert, if you are ready for more - come join us. Check out the links and sign up!

Make the world a better place, create something beautiful, with love and purpose giving freely of yourself...

 

What are you waiting for? Go create!

Tuesday Artist Highlight - Lori Anderson

Lori Anderson of Lori Anderson Designs and Pretty Things is definitely a person to be watching. She is  going places - and quickly. Designing jewelry, organizing Bead Soup Swaps and Blog Hops, hosting groups and forums on facebook, doing trade shows, teaching classes, charity work, writing books and doing book tours - physically and online, and many other things on top of raising a fine young man. In all these hats she dons Lori manages to be kind-hearted and sincere in her dealings. Lori is always there to lend a hand, lead someone on through encouragement and always driving people around her to be better people. She is successful and helping others to do the same. That  is a quality hard to find these days and why she is our spotlighted artist of the week.

With the blog hops, giveaways, and her blog in general Lori challenges people and grants opportunity they may never have been able to realize had they not stumbled upon her or had the good fortune to personally meet her. I am one of those people and I am humbled and consider it an honor to befriended by Lori.

Here is an example of a thought provoking write up entitled Be Good to Yourself & Your Business Will Bloom. She wrote this as a guest blogger on Kind Over Matter a wonderfully positive and inspirational blog focusing on all things handmade and the people behind the making of these products, as well as healthy business ethics. It is a wonderful read on a wonderful blog - check them out!

Her successful online Bead Soup book tour was set up in tradition of the Bead Soup Blog Party . It truly was a perfect way to introduce the book to her following and those who are curious about bead soups and blog hops. All participants that were included in the book took part of this blog hop and hosted giveaways. It was a fun way to celebrate the spirit of the book and the Bead Soup Blog Party.

Lori has hosted and organized six Bead Soup Blog Parties and they have all turned out greater works than the artists themselves could dream possible. The idea is that two beaders are partnered up, they swap beads from their stashes and when they receive what their partners have picked for them to use and mix in a few things  they may add from their own stashes - they get busy creating and then blog about it. At revealing time participants and everyone else who is invited through blogs and other social media outlets visit as many blogs of fellow participants as possible and see what was started with and what it all became. We all come out richer, wiser and more confident. What a beautiful thing, as simple as it may seem, Lori has given us.

This is only a glimpse into who the person our artist of the week is. If you would like to learn more about Lori check out her site, her  blog, look her up on facebook, you'll be glad you did. I will be doing a review of the Bead Soup book within the next week, check back in - you won't want to miss it.

Create something beautiful and make it with love...

Bead Soup Book

 

 

 

 

 

Take a good look.... this is the book you are looking for! I am so excited as are many of us in the beading community to see this book happening. Lori Anderson of Pretty Things has been a leader and inspiration to many. Lori has encouraged many to step out of their comfort zones and truly find their creative spark. Read the book. Come see what happens when 26 beaders of different skill sets and style modes, are invited to play with beads picked by someone else, can come up with.

 

I recently participated in the 6th Bead Soup Blog Party hosted by Lori. It really is an interesting experience.  I learned so much about myself as well as playing with different jewelry making techniques.

 

 

If you are a jewelry designer or know someone who is - this book definitely is one you need in your library. It will be a go to book, I assure you.

 

 

 

Feel free to come back and tell me what you think of it!

 

Making the world a better place one creation at a time...

 



 



Lori Anderson is at it again! She never ceases to amaze, she always finds the greatest opportunities and passes them on to benefit many. This time she has done so in the offering of this awesome giveaway! 

 
If you follow her blog you will see she has done reviews on these books and is offering them up in her giveaways. Don't miss out on the last opportunity to win!

Great Giveaway by Teal Water Designs!

Okay everyone... Here's a pretty awesome giveaway from a very awesome lady. Cory of Teal Water Designs is hosting this and tastefully so...

Here are some pics to pique your interest...

    





Now go to Cory's Blog to learn more and enter!


Happy Creating - Make a little sunshine wherever you go!

"I Have a Dream", Rev Martin Luther King Jr- Challenge

I am sharing this because people wanted to know more about the backstory of this piece - here it is...

This brooch will eventually become the center of a more in depth collar. It was the result of a monthly challenge of a http://www.beadswap-usa.com. The theme was inspired by the speech of  Reverend Martin Luther King that gave us the popular quote, "I have a dream..."  I had contemplated the theme and came up with this...

I chose woman because she is nurturing and bears life... she is holding up the earth and represented are some of the main ideologies and religions of the earth. My dream is for the peoples of the world to love and focus on life... for people to look past their differences and see their similarities... to be able to realize tolerance, acceptance, and respect for one another... to love.

My free hand still needs work, but here it is for what it is. Thank-you Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr for making us think and bringing accountability to thoughts and deeds back to the individual who can, if they desire - make a difference.

Hope you all like it... I stretched myself on this one in style, media, and time. I completely used remnant materials(except for my NYMO thread) to accomplish this piece. I truly flew from the seat of my pants... the theme enticed me. Thanks Nicole, for constantly giving us a platform to challenge ourselves and each other.

Blessings to all,
- Jami

Link Challenge News

I am so pleasantly surpirsed! I won the challenge - I am so excited! I had fun shopping with my winning allowance in Peggy's Etsy Shop. I will share with you my winnings, bonus buys, and special gift. Thanks Peggy! Thanks to all who voted for my piece.

I feel honored to have even placed and been able to create with these links along with the other talented participants. It was indeed a wonderful opportunity. I am still in a sense of shock... I normally don't win  - EVER. It is surreal.

I am pleased to have been in such good company and with such lovely talented people and it was good to make some new friends. Keep creating beauty wherever you go ladies!

Okay here are some pictures of the fun stuff I picked from Peggy's Etsy Shop!

The V links are awesome and will be fun to play with. I just love these faceted translucent links and their fun colors. The swirl circle links are awesome there were so many colors to pick from, oh how difficult that was. All of these except for the army green and white swirl circle links were part of the original winnings value.

 

 

These were my bonus buys... I love the salmon and turquoise colored links. They are similar to what we used in the challenge - these are large, what we used were medium.

These dragonfly pendants and fish clasps were such a screaming deal and just what I needed. Of course I had to add them to my list... The dorsal fin opens the clasp - they really are too cute. The dragonflys, well they  speak for themselves ;)






As if that wasn't enough Peggy added a special gift of this fun bag of charms - fitting as she is Charming Peggy... with a bonus of 10% off of my next order. Check out her other Etsy Shops at PeggyMade and TwinVintage.

Happy Crafting! Create happiness wherever you go!