Blu Mudd Challenge - Round 4

If you are looking for BSBP-8 Reveal go here or scroll down.

Blu Mudd Challenge Round 4

I have been wanting to get in on the action with one of these challenges for some time now. I am excited and pleased to report that I am finally a participant! I am excited because in this particular challenge, after the submission deadline, there is a week of voting among participants, their following (friends, family, clients) and then a winner is announced.

It is really quite simple how this all works. Moriah Betterly of Blu Mudd puts together kits made of her wonderful ceramic components and beads. She then gets them to the designers who are fortunate enough to participate. The designers create using the complete kit, whatever they want. Dare I say it? - jewelry related or not, and submit by deadline. Then there is the reveal date and voting is opened, this one begins on June 1st and ends June 7, 2014. Voting closes at 10 pm EST. I will have the link up for voting and announce it, here.

While I can't show you my finished design; I can show you the components and maybe a teaser...

Dates to remember and to watch for updates:

June 1, 2014 - Voting opens - follow link,         provided here and on facebook.

June 7, 2014 - Voting closes - WINNER will be announced at 10 pm EST!

I will post more information about the reveal and voting, and of course share some process photos here on June 1, 2014. Hope you will follow along in the fun!

Blessings!

BSBP-8 Reveal - Hooray!

Thanks again to Lori Anderson of Pretty Things, I am happy to report... It is time to reveal the delectable yummies from the soups that have been simmering all this time.... Don't forget to stop by and visit the many other talented artist's work too. You can take it piece meal or go full out multiple course meal style. Whatever way you go enjoy the eye candy and the stories. 

Visit this link to view the other participants' works.

http://lorianderson-beadsoupblogparty.blogspot.com/2014/05/8th-bead-soup-blog-party-participant.html

Meanwhile, here is what I made from the bountiful fixings in my soup...

  I made a knit chain for it. They really complement each other well. 

Next came the clasp that my partner Janeen Sorensen of Wild Vanilla Designs made along with some links from a copper plated chain, and dyed pearls made this fun Illusion necklace and strung bracelet.

It just didn't seem right not to have earrings, so with two of the links and some copper crystals, so they could go with just about any piece from this soup. Also a pair of chainmaille dangle earrings with the Peacock Vista Jasper disks as drops to go with the focal pendant had to be made. Before I knew it I was wire weaving with the two heart components also made by Janeen along with the Amethyst crystals and copper wire. It was an earring frenzy... 

 I next made a bracelet and earrings set with some Czech glass disks and wire. This set is actually going to be published on the Wubbers U site as a tutorial - yay! Some of the others may end up there too. They were so fun to make why not share the how to's, right? I'll let you know when they go up.

I hope you enjoyed my soup as much as I did making it. I'm off to go see the work of my fellow artisans. I hope you visit them too. So much to see, great talent, yummy eye candy - and it won't get you in trouble, it's not a sale - it's a feast of soups! hanks for stopping by.

Blessings!

BSBP-8, Soup’s On Again!

Lori Anderson of Pretty Things and Bead Soup Café is again our gracious host. Many more have joined the thralls and will join in on excitement, fun and loads of creativity! I have wondered if Lori had any clue, just how large this annual event would become in the beading world when she brought it to fruition. At any rate, I owe her a lot. I have gained much more from Bead Soup Blog Parties and friendships formed, than I will ever be able to contribute.

What is a bead soup you may ask? Fair question, we are not born knowing these things. They are instead shared and imparted to one another with love and the joy of celebrating the creativity of others and ourselves. A bead soup generally consists of a focal piece, some accent beads, a decorative clasp, and whatever else the maker of the soup throws in the pot, so to speak.

Here is what my partner the lovely Janeen Sorenson of Wild Vanilla Designs sent me...

Participants are paired and they put together a soup for their partners. We then ship beads to each other. When the beads our partners send arrive we add some ingredients from our own stashes and complete the soup. All of the participants share about the experience from beginning to end on their blogs. We won’t reveal our masterpieces, until our reveal date, May 3, 2014. This will be the time to peruse and blog hop, the other half of the big party – so all can see the many wonderful things that were created from the humble soups shared by all of the talented participants.

There has been exponential growth yearly, as the talk and excitement this event spreads through the beading community. Lori even wrote a book entitled Bead Soup and Kalmbach Jewelry Books hosted Bead Soup Contest in honor of the book’s launching.

Just think, a bowl full of beads, the odd ones from a strand that wasn’t fully used, or perhaps weren’t uniform in size… small pieces of chain, sari silk, the possibilities begin to grow as the bowl fills. Old cast-offs begin to look different and new in their surroundings. What pieces will become a soup that becomes a sensational dish. Stay tuned and join in on the blog hopping so you can find out.

Here is what I sent to Janeen. I can’t wait to see what she does with the ingredients!

I'll keep you posted, watch for more...

Artist Spotlight - Lennis Carrier

Our spotlight this week is focused on a unique individual I am proud to call friend. Her name is Lennis Carrier aka Windbent. Lennis is genuine in her dealings and in her art. As a rule - there is no rule with her mixed media, reclaimed/repurpose, vintage feel. Lennis creates and recreates beautiful wearable art. I must mention that she is an established polymer clay artist. She has a following for her artisan beads and components.

I actually own a couple of the birdhouses in the back and a pair of red birds and bluebirds... the picture does not do justice to the work...
 

I came to know Lennis through some online groups and have loved every minute of interacting with her. She is as true as the day is long. Don't find people who are free to be themselves and make no apologies for it much anymore. I love this about Lennis. I believe the first encounter was through Bead Soup Cafe we both have been Bead Soup Blog Hop participants. I also found her over at another facebook group BeadSwapUSA for those that that belong to the beadswap-usa.com site.

Both are fun interactive groups. Between swapping beads and bead soups, creating projects, and getting to know other like-minded people - they are definitely wonderful groups to be members of. It is a place to find your own inner artist and share with others. I found a wonderful friend and artist in Lennis because of these memberships and would be remiss not to mention them.

 

She has an etsy shop and facebook page you really must see. I enjoy her whimsy and freedom to create what she feels. She for the most part makes one of a kind (OOAK) creations - she does however make batches in the sake of prudence, even at that each piece still has it's own individuality and is touched by the hand of this artist. 
 

 

I am the proud owner of this piece!

 

 

I personally find myself drawn to her unabashed sense of self as it is revealed in her work. She has an uncanny way of joining past, present, and future trending in her designs. When she completes a piece you can't see it done any other way. This is talent.
 

 

 

Memories & Thanks

What happens when beaders get together and want to create some way to honor the people in our lives??? Well, you get a Memories & Thanks Blog Hop of course...

 

This all began when Lori Anderson, heartbroken, shared with the group that Marianna of Moods by Mari had passed away. When we all heard the news we were all brainstorming of a way to honor her on The Bead Soup Cafe facebook page thread. It morphed into a beautiful tribute to any or all that we would like to Remember and or Thank, living or deceased. The Memories & Thanks Blog hop was born. And of course, Lori has graciously hosted this event.

 

Well, for me personally, this has been an interesting end to a trying year and a welcomed embrace to a new one. The past five years seem to be a blur as life and death have ebbed and flowed, reminding me how fragile and precious life is, crippling me at times. This blog hop seemed like the perfect thing for me to do to honor Marianna and have a tribute to my dead. My mother-in-law died late October 2012 and my sister-in-law at Christmastime this year making this timely as there deaths are what finally broke me in the whirlwind of loss and the depression that was sucking me in.

 

I had big ideas for what I would create, sadly in the midst of preparing and coping things did not turn out as I'd planned. i have some artisan beads, still not here and a few other glitches in original plans. I did however find a way to work with what I had and came up with the perfect piece - that I already wear, for me. I love bracelets and love movement. A charm bracelet seemed perfect...

 I used charms that are representative of the person and what they imparted to me. The bracelet itself is made with bright pink w/black swirls Mother of Pearl(MOP) connectors that I joined with wire to form links. I added some chain links for adding charms, and a plate that says HOPE.

My bird charms didn't get here yet but I will add them. I have a red enameled Cardinal coming for Mari, Hummingbird for my grandfather who spent many hours delighting in watching them, Bluebird for my other grandfather, and a Dove for my mother.

The HOPE is to remind me there is hope in life no matter what I face and that I can do this without the physical presence of these influential people, who aren't really gone. The open heart at the hand-made clasp is a reminder of the eternal love shared between me and my loved ones. I chose a butterfly to remind me of metamorphosis in life and relationships. The INSPIRE, BELIEVE, and EMBRACE charms are to remind me of the lessons instilled by them all. For my Mother-in-law I have the smiling sun, and praying hands for my grandmother. I have a sunflower for my Kansas roots, crosses in shamrocks for heritage, and a life/energy swirl to celebrate life and my gratitude that these wonderful people were in my life and shared a part of the journey with me. I indeed, am blessed. I will post additional photos when I add the missing charms.

  

Now grab yourself something good to drink and maybe some snacks and enjoy going through the blogs of the other participants. Enjoy the stories and creations....

 

Hostess, Lori Anderson Pretty Things  - Thanks again Lori - for all you do <3

Adlinah Kamsir Dream Struck Designs

Aimee Biondolillo Aimee's Jewelry Treasures
Alicia Marinache All the Pretty Things
Andra Marasteanu Handmade by Indra Marasteanu
Andrea Trank Heaven Lane Creations
 
April Grinaway Brooklyn Bead Goddess
Barb Solem Vivi Magoo Presents
Becky Pancake Becky Pancake Bead Designs
Beth Emery Stories by Indigo Heart
Bonnie Coursolle Jasper's Gems

Cassi Paslick Beads: Rolling Downhill
Catherine King Catherine's Musings
Cece Cormier The Beading Yogini
Chandra Leitz Juniper Goods
Charissa Nesler FireStorm Designs

Charlie Jacka Clay Space
Christina Hickman Vintage Treasures Jewelry
Christine Stonefield Sweet Girl Design
Chrizette Bayman Bead Soup Mix
Cindy Wilson It's My Sea of Dreams

Crystal Thain Here Bead Dragons
Cyndi Lavin Beading Arts
Debbie Rasmussen A little of this, a little of that
Denielle Hagerman Some Beads... and other things I like
Diana Gonzalez Arte y Poemas

Diane Hawkey diane hawkey
Dita Basu ankarshilpa
Donetta Farrington Simply Gorgeous
Dyanne Everett-Cantrell Deeliteful Jewelry Creations
Emma Todd A Polymer Penchant

Erin Kenny beadiful therapy
Erin Prais-Hintz Treasures Found
Gina Hockett Freestyle Elements
Gloria Allen Innovative Dreams Jewelry
Heather Marston CSW Designs

Inge von Roos Inge's Blog
Jacqueline Marchant Fiddledeedee Jewelry
Jami Shipp Celebrating Life! - YOU ARE HERE!
Jean Yates Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading to Do!
Jennifer Reno Musings of a Crafty Jenny

Jenny Robledo Peppa's Dream
Jennifer VanBenschoten Jewelry, Art and Life
Jessica Klaaren Cellar Door Jewelry
Jessica Murray Whimsical Monkey
Joan Williams lilruby jewelry

Jo-Ann Woolverton It's a Beadiful Creation
Joanne Browne josjewels1
Jodie Marshall Jodie Marshall Lampwork Beads Wearable Art
Johanna Rhodes Fire Phoenix Creations
John Rasmussen Rasumussen Gems and Jewelry LLC

JuLee Wolfe The Polymer Penguin
Julie Bean Blue Pig Blog
Karen Mitchell Over the Moon Designs
Karin King The Sparklie Things Blog
Karin Slaton Backstory Beads

Kat Douglas Washoe Kat's
Kay Bolton Toodles and Binks
Kelly Hosford Patterson The Traveling SideShow
Kim Ballor Vitamin C ... A Daily Does of Creativity
Kim Dworak CianciBlue

Kim Houston The Pink Martini
Kym Hunter Kym Hunter Designs
Laren Dee Barton Laren Dee Designs
Lea Avroch LA Jewelry Designs
Leanne Loftus First Impression Design

Lena Adams (Mari's daughter) -- TBA
Liddy McLaughlin Liddy McLaughlin Art
Linda Florian Lily's of the Valley Jewelry & Creative Creations
Linda Inhelder Must-Haves Jewelry
Lisa Hamilton Simply Irresistable Jewelry

Lisa Suver Fancee That
Lori Bowring Michaud Artfully Ornamental
Lori Poppe Adventures in Creativity with Lorillijean
LouAnn Elwell Southpass Beads
Mandi Effron Craft-o-licious

Marcia DeCoster MadDesigns
Marcia Dunne The Alternative Foundry
Marie Covert Creating Interest
Marjorie Savill Linthwaite bennubirdrising
Marlene Cupo Amazing Designs by Marlene

Martha Aleo Ornamento
Marti Conrad Marti's Buttons -n- Beads
Mary Ellen Parker BeeTree by m.e.
Mary Govaars MLH Jewelry Designs
Mary Lindell Mary Lindell Artisan Jewelry

Maureen Connolly Mrs Beadsley's Workshop
Maybeline Tay The Jewelry Larder
Melissa Elgin The Addicted Beader
Melissa Mesara one-eared pig beads
Menka Gupta Menka's Jewelry

Michaela Pabeschitz la mar de bonita
Mischelle Fanucchi Micheladas Musings
Mona Rae Baroody Who Does She Bead She Is?
Nan Emmett Spirit Rattles -- Spirited Earth
Nancy Pedersen Something Heartfelt by Nancy

Natalie Davidson NorthShore Days
Nikki Douglas Bead It and Weep
Pam Farren re-maker
Pam, the Crazier Sister The Crazy Creative Corner
Priya Krish Hellopalz

Rebecca Anderson Song Beads
Rebecca Sirevaag Becca's Place
Robin Kae Reed Artistry HCBD
Rochelle Brisson a creative chelle
Sabine Dittrich perlendschungel

Sandi Volpe Sandi Volpe
Sandra McGriff Creative Chaos
Sarah Goode Pookledo
Sarah Singer String a Song of Sixpence
Serena Trent All Things Made Jewelry

Shai Williams Shaiha's Ramblings
Sharon Palac Sharon's Jewelry Garden
Sharyl McMillian-Nelson Sharyl's Jewelry & Reflections
Sheila Davis Stone Designs
Shelley Graham Turner Fabric of My Life

Sherri Stokey Knot Just Macrame
Sherry Baun Unicorns Jewels
Skylar Bre'z Brising Beads
Stephanie Haussler Pixybug Designs
Tania Spivey Moobie Grace Designs

Terri G. Blooming Ideas
Terry Carter Tapping Flamingo
Terry Matuszyk Pink Chapeau Vintage Jewelry
Toltec Jewels Jewel School Friends
Tracy Kruse Goldkisses Art

Tracy Martin Nutkitten's Jewelry
Zia Parks Anzi~Panzi's Work Shoppe
Zoe Marcin Beads, Tea and Sweets

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...