Friday, July 27, 2012

Is it Soup Yet??? Why Yes, It Is Finally Ready...

I know how hard it is to wait... I can remember always being filled with anticipation on road trips, at meal times, birthdays and holidays, and waiting for someone to open a gift from me. I am yet again in that mental state, the same anticipation and wonder as I get ready to reveal my creations and see what others have created.

We have all hand selected items for our partners to use/not use at their discretion as well as created pieces with items that were carefully selected for us to do the same. The moment of truth, to be revealed, as we ooh and ahh over the creativity of others and hope that our works will be well received, and that our partners will be pleased with how we used the carefully selected items - possibly in ways differently than they would have. All in all, stretching all of us - our skills, our thought processes, our creativity, and willingness to think outside of the box - our comfort zones.

We all learn from each other and enrich each other with what we bring to the table as we feast on the wonderful soups and the three courses as they are revealed. I am honored and humbled to be offering a small part of the first course - the first reveal, and hope you enjoy the party as much as I do. Enjoy the feast...

I will now reveal my offerings and include the processes I went through with each.

First, a refresher of what ingredients inspired the creating of these pieces...





I was interested in making sure that the colors I used in metals enhanced the colors in the wonderful Resin Pendant that my partner Cory Tompkins made. I had to be sure it didn't take anything away from the crystals in the soup either.




 I enjoyed the journey with this piece, it literally jumped from my fingers into fruition.
The filigree balls were what seemed to be perfect things to use as connectors for the multi-layered body of the necklace to the neck chain.



I knew only that these beads, this pendant, and this chain all belonged together. The rest was up to me to see that they did so in a pleasing manner. I hope you like it... I am pleased with how it turned out.


These pieces that I've made are all items that are being donated to two fundraisers that are very important to me. One to help fund the expenses of a kidney transplant. The other to help provide a safe home and devices needed for a wounded soldier who has found himself a double amputee. 

Earrings are a neccessity and those that are of a complementary - contrast variety are absolutely imperative. These accent the floral print in the pendant and are great with it or alone...


 This bracelet, literally just made itself in the middle of the night. The crystals were screaming for a setting of their own and fell into a tangled weave of wire. As it was forming it reminded me of dew on a leaf. The band is a pleasant weave as well with the ends scrolled.

















The copper toggle clasp seemed at home with this piece. The links in aventurine reminded me of peas and so the pea pod focal was born. Then there was nothing left to do but make the double strand chain, a fine wire crochet rope.




Finally there was still a porcelain leaf and some remaining beads that demanded my attention. I just happened to have some acrylic links that were close in color and some brass patterned wire left to fashion some links and a hook clasp.



I established the pattern and added some chain for around the back and added the handmade clasp - the leaf was at home and another necklace was born...
As you can see, I had quite a bit of fun. It was a priveledge and honor to be a participant in BSBP6 - my first ever! I am grateful to the other participants, my inspiration and partner Cory Tompkins, and our host and a new friend Lori Anderson, to whom I am grateful for such an awesome opportunity for growth and service. Enjoy the yumminess, join me on the hopping!


Here they are - the other contributors to this lovely feast! You really need to partake of their creations - such lovely and talented people...

115 comments:

  1. Nice work :) These are great pieces & I'm sure they'll bring in big donations for your charities.

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  2. Jami, you have been so busy!! What a fabulous group of items, I am so happy that you were able to use so much of what I sent you. You really did my little resin pendant justice with the design of your necklace and those earrings are darling! Your wire work looks beautiful with the adventurine beads and the glass beads...great job. It was fun being your partner!!

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    1. Thanks Cory! You were wonderful to work with and it was a pleasure from start to finish. I loved using the components you sent me - it was non-stop inspiration the beads sang to me :)

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  3. wow- chain necklace is really beautiful

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  4. Lovely pieces Lass.Enjoyed them a lot.Thank you.Love and hugs Tanya

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    1. Thanks for you rkind words... It was my pleasure to work with such a wonderful soup... It was what the doctor ordered - a creativity jumpstart.

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  5. Just beautiful!!! I am so impressed!!

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  6. The layered necklace and the bracelet are my favorites. The bracelet really looks like dew on a leaf <3

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  7. Holy smokes you've been busy! I am so intrigued by your wire wrap bracelets - what a gorgeous design!

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    1. Thanks Cynthia! I like your style too - If I'm ever in Connecticut or you in Montana we should get together and have a bead party... so much we could learn from each other.

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  8. I like everything you made. I like the last necklace the best. i love how you made the links all work in the necklace and the mint is such a fresh colour! Great job!

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    1. Thank you! I appreciate your comments and the compliment ;) I am glad to bring some pleasure through my work.

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  9. Wow, Jami! The wire wrapped pieces that you made are fabulous! I love how you tied the materials together to form so many unique and lovely pieces of art to wear! The color contrast on the earrings works beautifully! :) I am enjoying your blog.
    Amber

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    1. Thanks Amber! That means a lot to me. I have always admired your work, especially your clay minis... you are very talented.

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  10. Beautiful work! I like how you dropped the three layers on the necklace, and the bracelet is drop dead gorgeous.

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    1. Thank you so much, I am glad I was able to please ;)

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  11. Great job on the soup!
    lots and lots of beautiful designs here.

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    1. Thanks! I've been admiring your work for some time now - I will take your kind words to heart. I have fun and enjoy the therapy of the work...

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  12. It is all beautiful, but I think my favorite is the woven copper cuff!

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    1. Thanks Annita! I think it's mine too, especially since it led my fingers through the work... lol!

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  13. Such lovely and delicately designed pieces!

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    1. Thanks! After seeing your soup and some of your work I feel honored. We are all in such good company... I thoroughly enjoyed myself playing with the beads my partner selected for me.

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    1. Thanks Marti! I hope to one day work with some of your clay pieces... we are so blessed to be party to such a wonderful event.

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  15. You made working with bead soup look easy!! I'm glad everything came together so easily for you. I particularly like that last necklace. There's something about those large links that really appeals to me. . .not sure what. However, all of your pieces turned out so nice. I'm sure those receiving them as donations are going to be THRILLED! :)

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    1. Crafty, thanks for your generosity - you are kind... I hope that the donations bring in some money for them both... I just did what I do, I played with beads. This is my first Bead Soup Swap of any kind and it has been fun! I will be posting on the blog later the links for the appropriate fundraisers. You have lifted me up and encouraged me to keep at this.

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  16. I love how you had so many creative ideas with your beads. My favorite is the copper necklace, I love how the chains drape down, giving it such and elegant look.

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    1. Thanks Patricia! I enjoyed every part of this event and the process of ingredients to feast... my first soup has me anticipating more events, while yet extremely satisfied with the meal I have partaken. I am grateful for the opportunity of growth.

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  17. That copper bracelet looks like it took AGES to make -- gorgeous! And what a special person you are to donate your pieces. You're a sweet soul.

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    1. Lori, Thank you, thank you , thank you! I am so grateful to have ben in this event and to have been able to grow through the experience.

      I don't feel like I had a single struggle with anything but the waiting for the reveal. Once I received the soup ingredients I was cooking!

      Thanks for your kind words... I don't think I'm doing anything special - only what I can. I got my blessings in the making and creating - now it's time for it all to be put to good use. I will post the links for the auctions so we can all shop and see what other artists have created for these causes.

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  18. Beautiful pieces...love the cuff! So sweet of you to donate these wonderful items for such worthy causes!

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    1. Thanks Patti! I had fun and it just seems fitting to donate them - all in the spirit of soup - it heals the soul and body - right?

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  19. Wow, everything you made is beautiful, but my favorite is that pea pod bracelet. I love it! You have such a variety of things here, probably a result of the materials you were working with. Great job with them. Now, I'm going to go have a talk with my beads because they NEVER come together on their own and I have to go lay a guilt trip on them.

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    1. Jean, you're a hoot! Thanks for your comments - it's nice to know I brought a smile to your face. Don't be too harsh on your beads... maybe they just want to take it slow and easy...

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  20. You did an amazing job of wire weaving. Love the peas in a pod!

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    1. Thanks Lisa! You are kind, that seems to be the favorite of many - I enjoyed making it.

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  21. I like all your pieces and my favorite is the leaf necklace. What a great idea to use the green links.

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    1. Thanks, the links were waiting for the leaf... I would think to use them once in awhile and never did. When I got to the leaf I remembered themand voila! Watch my posts when the auction it will be in is live I will post the link...

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  22. Replies
    1. Thank you - you are kind. I enjoyed making all of it and got more than my fair share of joy...

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  23. Wow stunning work on all of them ... I especially love that first necklace - the copper tones and flow of the piece is just lovely =)

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    1. Thanks Lo! Welcome to blogging. I love your work too - Congrats on your FMG Silver Place!

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  24. Beautiful collection. And so wonderful of you to donate them.

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    1. Thanks Cheryl... I got my pleasure in the making of these pieces and in participating in the BSBP. I think it's time for them to do more good where good is needed.

      I truly love your pink and green off-set with pearls set and the black and mixed metal filigree off-set with crystals set. Your comments are valued, thanks again.

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  25. My favorite has to be the first necklace..it has a very vintage look to it that calls to me.

    I also like the green links that compliment the focal in the last necklace.

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    1. Thanks Christina! Those are mine too ;) Thanks for the compliments.

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    1. Thanks Jean! I feel your passion in your pieces so it means so much to have your comments.

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  27. What a wonderful soup! They're all great, and kudos to you for your donation!

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    1. Karyn, Thanks for your support - it truly means a lot.

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  28. Lovely work and a wonderful story to go with them. Good luck on your fundraisers, I'm sure they will go well!

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    1. Thanks Beti - you are so awesome! With the blessings of your famous model cat in the blues - I'm sure the auctions will go well ;)

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  29. LOVE all your pieces! I am going to call you the Bead Whisperer. Dear me... I covet the way u communicate with the beads. Mine are not talking to me ... wait a minute... maybe I am bead deaf.

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    1. Thanks - you are much too kind. I will be watching for you with your reveal...

      Your beads will call to you when it's time... You can't be bead deaf - you seem to know what to do with them and do it well ;)

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    1. Thanks Cynthia - glad you like them! Yours always please ;)

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  31. Beautiful group and how nice of yoiur to donate the items.

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    1. Thank you Sharon! I am merely allowing the pieces to get more mileage and bring more joy to others and hopefully in so doing also giving to worthy causes... it's nothing, just sharing the love. I got mine, time to pass it on :)

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  32. Wow, you went above and beyond. Your pieces turned out beautiful and it is obvious the love and time you invested in each piece. Job well done!!

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    1. Cassie, it's funny because I felt the same of your work... thanks for that and I am glad you could share in the love...

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  33. I love the multi strand necklace! It's very sweet and you are too. I know your donations mean so very much to those who they are meant for :)

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    1. Thanks for your supportive and kind words! I think that was a common favorite too... thanks for the love!

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  34. I love the copper! Your work is gorgeous and stunning!

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    1. Thanks Dyanne! I will watch for you and your partner for you reveals... This has been a great first time event!

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  35. Love love love the bracelets!!! Fantastic work on all of it!

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    1. Thanks Barbe! It was definitely a labor of love and a growth/learning experience - Loved it! I am hooked and hope I get paired for December(?)

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  36. Beautiful pieces! I am always in awe of folks that can pull off a multistrand necklace.

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    1. Thanks Shai! With practice anything can be tackled. Try them- they are fun, easier than they look, and so rewarding to do...

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  37. Wow, you created a lot of stuff!!! Really love the layered necklace....and the cuffs are just too cool! So nice that you are donating your items to some great causes ♥

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    1. Thanks so much for your kindness... I am honored to have such praises and to be in the company of fine designers... I hope they can get a decent buck from the donations...

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  38. Love the copper bracelet and necklace that were wire wrapped. I reveal during the second date. Check me out then at www.heavenlanecreations.com

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    1. Andrea,

      Thanks for your support... I will watch for your reveal. This was my first soup or swap event of any kind - I'm hooked! Now to keep up with all the social media and create and stay sane...

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  39. Lots of great pieces! My favorite is the necklace with the leaf pendent.

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    1. Thanks, that seemed to be a favorite to quite a few...

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  40. All is lovely but those wire works really catch my eyes!! Love them and not so many artists (that I see anyhow)work like that !

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    1. Thanks Birgitta! I appreciate your kind words... I hope to work with some of your art pieces one day... I love your ceramics!

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  41. Pardon me if I'm double commenting here - my connection seems to be acting up. But I wanted to be sure to say great wokr getting all this made with your soup and that I hope your donations fetch top dollar for the worthy causes you've chosen. Great job!

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    1. No double comments and it wouldn't be an issue if you had ;)

      Thanks so much for your kind words and well wishes! I just hope that the pieces bring as much joy to the wearers as they brought me in their making...

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  42. Very nice, you used the mix so well.

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    1. Thanks Kepi! I tried to use it all, because it was all so good!

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  43. Lovely lovely lovely! And so many creations! I think my favourite is the leaf necklace, it's just so simple and elegant!

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    1. Thanks! It was one of my favs too. The colors drew me in...

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  44. Thanks for that, I was hoping people would like what I came up with... Happy Beading!

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  45. Jami, You got so many designs out of your soup, and such a nice thing of you to donate to 2 worthy causes. What a blessing that will be for them.
    I rather like how the links look with the leaf on the last piece the best. So glad you had a good time and could join in.

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    1. Thanks Alice! Seems like quite a few favor the same necklace... I am just glad to have gotten such a good response on most of the items - perhaps it will be an indication of how well they do for the fundraisers...

      This event definitely has left an impression.I hope to participate in many more.

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  46. I like all of your pieces. I would have a hard time picking a favorite. Great job on using so much of your soup. I think it is wonderful that you are donating them.

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    1. Thanks Becky! It was a very inspiring soup - I had a very generous partner... I couldn't help but use all that I did. I only hope they bring in a bunch for the fundraisers.

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  47. Love the look and feel of the multi chain piece. Beautiful work.

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    1. Thanks Stacie! I enjoyed every minute of creating I got with my soup.

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  48. Wow, you really made use of all your bead soup...nice work!! Beautiful designs!!

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    1. Thanks Lupe! I enjoyed every moment and amexcited for the next soup...

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  49. Oh, I just found myself totally in the first part of your post!!! Very nice pieces and a really kind gesture to donate them.

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    1. Thanks Pepita! I love what I do and hope i can convert others to the beading/crafting side of life... lol!

      As for donating the pieces - it was a no brainer for me... It is another way for me to pass on my love...

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  50. Jami, love that first necklace the most, the chain just flatters the pendent and all of those beads perfectly. That green chain is a perfect match to the pendent! How great was that?! I hope you do great for your charities. --Diane

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    1. Thanks D! [KEEPING NAME CONFIDENTIAL ;)Still loving your dragonfly/berries and bee pieces...

      I love how this soup just seemed to do so well for many of us... I don't know what to say other than it all just fell together for me and it all just made sense. It was very revitalizing - for sure ;)

      Thanks for the well wishes on the charities... will keep posted!

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  51. Awesome work! Really love the first necklace

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    1. Thanks Sandra! I will look for you on your reveal this weekend!

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  52. Kudos from someone else whose pieces are all donated for charity...:-)...your pieces are all just beautiful! My special favorite is the first necklace...just lovely!

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    1. Thanks Lori! How wonderful you are donating your pieces... I will watch for your reveal this weekend!

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  53. Such an eclectic mix of pieces and styles you created from this beautiful set of beads. You did perfect justice to the lovely focal - swagged pieces just resonate with me - don't know why...:^) I hope whoever gets them in the charity fundraisers 'donates' a bucketful of money - the causes need it and your pieces deserve it!

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    1. Thank you so much Perri! You are so kind and brought a tear to my eyes. I enjoyed the work and hope they do bring in the money. Thanks for the high compliment of my work, I truly appreciate it.

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    2. I you did am amazing amount of wonderful work!

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    3. Thanks Kathy for your praises - I am in awe of the work of so many others...

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  54. great pieces, you did a eautiful job!
    ciao dall'Italia

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  55. Very awesome designs! You did a fantastic job! =) Loved every piece! =)

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  56. Oh, my, you did have lots of fun, indeed! I love all the pieces - and I enjoyed your stories and description very much. The recipients of these beautiful pieces will are some lucky persons, for sure!

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    1. Thanks so much for your kind words! I enjoyed the whole porcess and look forward to the next event. I hope these pieces continue to bless others as I have been in the making.

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