Party! Party! Virtual Bead Soup Party! {Woohoo}

I am going to have a drawing for this pair of earrings from the comments on this blog post – (I will draw a random number on Saturday afternoon).

There are 85 (eighty-five!!) participants in the Virtual Bead Soup Party and the big REVEAL is TODAY!!! Check out the list below.

Judy Glende was my swap buddy. Here’s what I did with the gorgeous turquoise beads and the hand-wrought copper cross she sent me.

{Click on photo to enlarge} Originally I thought we were to create something from the beads and send it back to our partner. I was so excited to make something especially for her – then I found out what I was making was for ME! You need to make sure you visit her blog (http://judithdesigns.blogspot.com/ ) to see what she did with the enameled butterfly and beads I sent to her.

It took me three sessions to check out all the participants when the list was posted on Lori Anderson's blog but my suggestion is to jump in the middle of the list and work backwards or forwards – just make sure you see all the blogs and make a comment.

Now sit back and enjoy all this wonderful beady goodness provided by all these talented artists.

Party Participants
1. Lori, Pretty Things Blog OUR HOSTESS
2. Mallory, For the Love of Beads
3. Terri, Blooming Ideas
4. Cindy, Sweet Bead Studio
5. Lorelei, Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
6. Kerry, Kab's Creative Concepts
7. Erin, Treasures Found
8. Jeannette, Jeannette Blix Wire and Metal Jewelry
9. Adrienne, Adrienne Designs
10. Nan, Spirit Rattles
11. Laurel, Rue's Daftique
12. Nancy, Beading From the Heart
13. Mary, MK's Creative Musings
14. Cassie, The Glass Beadle
15. Dot, Winchell Clayworks
16. Sharon, Sharon's Jewelry Garden
17. Lisa, Lo and Behold
18. Norma, Bead Dreams and Moonlit Fantaseas
19. Judith, Judith B. MY SWAP BUDDY
20. Debbie, Prairie Emporium
21. Maria, Garden Path Beads
22. Susan, Kaplan Creations Jewelry and Glass Design
23. Melissa, Melissa Meman: Art, Love, Life
24. Marianna, Pretty Shiny Things
25. Lisa, Joolz by Lisa
26. Cristi, 2 If By Sea
27. Sandra, Marbella Jewelry Design
28. Maria, Greene Earth Originals
29. Barbara, Jewelry of Distinction
30. Leslie, Bei Mondi
31. Loretta, Designs by Loretta
32. Linda, Bella Bead Jewelry
33. Kathie, The Bead Cult
34. Patty, Plays With Fire
35. Nicki, Nicki's Reef
36. Anne Marie, Heart's Desire
37. Mary, Mary Harding Jewelry
38. Jayne, Mama's Got to Doodle
39. Emanda, Artemesia's Studio {ME}
40. Whitney, Whitney Lassini
41. Marcie, La Bella Joya
42. Suzann, Beadphoria
43. Jen, Jen Judd Rocks
44. Julie, Credit River Art Glass
45. Janiece, J Birds Garden
46. Kate, Organic Odysseys
47. Laurie, The Mermaid Tale
48. Michelle, My Crazy Crafty Adventure
49. Sue, Sue Beads
50. Janeen, Janeen 365
51. Nancy, The Rabbit Muse
52. Kristie, Artisan Clay
53. Regina, Regina's Writings
54. Tari, Pearl and Pebble
55. Lyn, Lyn Foley
56. Beth, Sunshine Daydreamz
57. Cathryn, Chile Cats
58. Emma, Fred Bean's Nook
59. Connie, Cetta Cheese Chatter
60. Juli, Jul's Beads
61. Julie, RockerJewlz
62. Libby, LibbyLeu and Glass Too
63. Melanie, Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
64. Katie, My Life and My Beads
65. Zuleykha, Zuleykha's Polymer Clay
66. Rekella, Me But a Little More in Depth
67. Ricki, What's New at Ricki Voges Design
68. Lisa, Lucid Moon Studio
69. Jo, Daisychain Jewellery
70. Lynette, Rock Hill Designs
71. Lynne, Island Girl's Insights
73. Chas, One Woman's Haven
74. Ruthie, Rose Works Jewelry
75. Elizabeth, Turquoise Sky
76. Maire, Maire Dodd
77. Janet, Singing Woods
78. Eileen, Dorset Hill Beads
79. Julie, Miss Kitten's Jewels
80. Joann, Jo's Jewels
81. Patti, PJ Clark Designs
82. Mel, Kookie Designs
83. Erin, Every Heart Crafts
84. Dale, Flights of Fancy
85. Dee, Runako Designs

Just a Tease -- Virtual Bead Soup

I know. I am such a tease!

Judy Glende's gorgeous turquoise beads have been such a pleasure to work with and I am quite taken by the hand-wrought copper cross. It is going to be tough putting it in the post back to her. (Don't worry Judy, I promise I will!) (Deleted)

So, if you have been following the blog, you know there are 85 (eighty-five!!) participants in the Virtual Bead Soup Party and that the big REVEAL will be on February 10th. That is just eight days away. You need to prepare yourself for the day.

It took me three sessions to check out all the participants when the list was posted on Lori Anderson's blog. Get up early, because we will all be blogging about it, and set aside some quality "alone" time with no distractions. Have your favorite beverage (coffee, tea, hot cocoa, whatever) and a comfy chair. I promise this will be a trip from glory into glory! Everything is going to be breathtaking!

By the way, this is what I sent to Judy: Cannot wait to see what she does with it all. Her pieces are so gorgeous and romantic.

Bindweed Beetle Bracelet in a Treasury

My lovely Bindweed Beetle Bracelet has been included in a treasury designed by "Jewelry by NaLa" until then (and until Tuesday), check it out for yourself {LINK}

This is just such a treat. It seems to be the favorite item in my shop with lots of views and it was from a challenge. Hmmm, a challenge. Yes, I should challenge myself more often. Stay tuned.

And the Winner is . . .

Thanks to everyone who have stopped by the blog and followed the link to the Etsy Rosary Guild where I was featured this past week.

And congratulations Regina!

You are the winner of the Retro Chic pendant. I have it reserved for you in my Etsy shop . Log-on to Etsy or set up an account, and fill out the information. (When it comes to the check-out, choose “check” it’s only a quarter and I will take care of that).

I've Been Featured . . .

I recently joined the Etsy Rosary Guild Team to further develop my network of like-minded artisans. The ERGT has not been around a very long time, but just this last week, they decided to post Monday Member Meet and Greet interviews of one artisan or shop on their blog each week.

The questionnaire was posted and I suppose mine was the first one in because I am the first one featured! Please go check out the blog: Etsy Rosary Guild Team Blog

I am so pleased and honored to be a part of this incredible, talented, and spiritual group.

To bribe you to your keyboard, answer the following question here, by Noon Saturday January 30, and I will select one comment at random for this Retro-Chic Necklace posted in my shop.

Do you have a spiritual discipline or ritual you practice? (Please describe)

My Virtual Bead Soup Mix has Arrived!

Look what I found in my mail box today!

My Virtual Bead Soup Swap partner, Judy Glende of JudyBDesigns {link and her Etsy shops here and here ) sent me a lovely array of Turquoise and copper. I hear Turquoise if going to be very hot this year.




She even sent me a little note about the cross.

Just look at these lovelies!

The cross is gorgeous!

I know exactly what I’m going to do, but you will have to wait until February 10th for the “reveal.”

For more about the swap check out my previous post {link} Judy received my package yesterday and blogged about it. Go check it out. {Link}

Follow your bliss

I feel very Zen-like.

I followed my bliss yesterday evening. I was checking email and had a note from http://www.firemountaingems.com/ telling me about $1 bead strand Sale.

"Ooo, Ooo, I can't pass that up!" I thought.

I thought about all the things I needed

... and some of the things I wanted

... and a few things I have lusted after

... and ended up with 50 items in my shopping cart. This is a very good thing: it saved me $80 some-odd dollars (or about 30%) because there are discount/price breaks at 15+ items, 50+ items and 200+ items.

Some of the items are everyday things I need just to do jewelry, like sterling head-pins with the little balls on the end, and tiny bi-cone crystals. This time around I also bought a gram scale and a 20 gram packet of Silver clay -- I just cannot wait to try this stuff.

Now, quick, go check out Fire Mountain Gems and see if you can find your bliss too. It may even be on sale!

I am not getting one red cent from FMG for this blog post, but I wanted you all to know about this beady goodness.

More about the Virtual Bead Soup Swap

So, Friday I sent off a small package of beads and a closure (from Green Girl Studio) and a focal piece to Judy Glende, but guess what -- -- -- I forgot to photograph it for this blog, duh!

In a few days I should be getting a package for from Judith. The "reveal" will be February 10th. All of the folks below will be blogging about it -- So much fun! Check back here often.

Party Participants

1. Lori, Pretty Things Blog

2. Mallory, For the Love of Beads

3. Terri, Blooming Ideas

4. Cindy, Sweet Bead Studio

5. Lorelei, Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio

6. Kerry, Kab's Creative Concepts

7. Erin, Treasures Found

8. Jeannette, Jeannette Blix Wire and Metal Jewelry

9. Adrienne, Adrienne Designs

10. Nan, Spirit Rattles

11. Laurel, Rue's Daftique

12. Nancy, Beading From the Heart

13. Mary, MK's Creative Musings

14. Cassie, The Glass Beadle

15. Dot, Winchell Clayworks

16. Sharon, Sharon's Jewelry Garden

17. Lisa, Lo and Behold

18. Norma, Bead Dreams and Moonlit Fantaseas

19. Judith, Judith B.

20. Debbie, Prairie Emporium

21. Maria, Garden Path Beads

22. Susan, Kaplan Creations Jewelry and Glass Design

23. Melissa, Melissa Meman: Art, Love, Life

24. Marianna, Pretty Shiny Things

25. Lisa, Joolz by Lisa

26. Cristi, 2 If By Sea

27. Sandra, Marbella Jewelry Design

28. Maria, Greene Earth Originals

29. Barbara, Jewelry of Distinction

30. Leslie, Bei Mondi

31. Loretta, Designs by Loretta

32. Linda, Bella Bead Jewelry

33. Kathie, The Bead Cult

34. Patty, Plays With Fire

35. Nicki, Nicki's Reef

36. Anne Marie, Heart's Desire

37. Mary, Mary Harding Jewelry

38. Jayne, Mama's Got to Doodle

39. Emanda, Artemesia's Studio

40. Whitney, Whitney Lassini

41. Marcie, La Bella Joya

42. Suzann, Beadphoria

43. Jen, Jen Judd Rocks

44. Julie, Credit River Art Glass

45. Janiece, J Birds Garden

46. Kate, Organic Odysseys

47. Laurie, The Mermaid Tale

48. Michelle, My Crazy Crafty Adventure

49. Sue, Sue Beads

50. Janeen, Janeen 365

51. Nancy, The Rabbit Muse

52. Kristie, Artisan Clay

53. Regina, Regina's Writings

54. Tari, Pearl and Pebble

55. Lyn, Lyn Foley

56. Beth, Sunshine Daydreamz

57. Cathryn, Chile Cats

58. Emma, Fred Bean's Nook

59. Connie, Cetta Cheese Chatter

60. Juli, Jul's Beads

61. Julie, RockerJewlz

62. Libby, LibbyLeu and Glass Too

63. Melanie, Earthenwood Studio Chronicles

64. Katie, My Life and My Beads

65. Zuleykha, Zuleykha's Polymer Clay

66. Rekella, Me But a Little More in Depth

67. Ricki, What's New at Ricki Voges Design

68. Lisa, Lucid Moon Studio

69. Jo, Daisychain Jewellery

70. Lynette, Rock Hill Designs

71. Lynne, Island Girl's Insights

73. Chas, One Woman's Haven

74. Ruthie, Rose Works Jewelry

75. Elizabeth, Turquoise Sky

76. Maire, Maire Dodd

77. Janet, Singing Woods

78. Eileen, Dorset Hill Beads

79. Julie, Miss Kitten's Jewels

80. Joann, Jo's Jewels

81. Patti, PJ Clark Designs

82. Mel, Kookie Designs

83. Erin, Every Heart Crafts

84. Dale, Flights of Fancy

85. Dee, Runako Designs

Virtual Bead Soup Party

One of the regular reads in my blog roll is the Art Bead Scene Blog. That is where I stumbled upon the invitation to join a virtual Bead Soup Party hosted by Lori Anderson. Sign up with Lori by January 10th and swap some goodies with a bead buddy (all arranged by Lori) with the final Reveal on February 1st.
Go to her blog {link} to read the details and then send an email to Lori@lorianderson.net to get onboard.

Now doesn't that sound like fun?? Don't forget to nab the following "button" for your blog.

New Year and a New Decade

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and days of old lang syne ?
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

Here it is a New Year and a new decade. Where does time go? I love getting in touch with friends and relations over the holidays even if it is just a note dropped in a pretty card or a friendly email to let us know we are in the thoughts and prayers of those we love.

This year we didn’t send out cards, and I have very mixed feelings about that.

Since I have been out of work, money seemed too tight and postage alone seemed out of sight. This particular year I didn’t send out cards because I helped with Mom’s surgery (double knee replacement) and recovery and I had a recovery of my own to deal with.

Do I feel guilty? Yes.

Am I willing to forgive myself? Yes again.

Do I still want to maintain the bonds of love and affection with our friends and family? Most definitely!

I got an email from some very dear old friends I have known for nearly 20 years. I met them when they were already in their seventies. I was doing research on 12th and 13th century Jesse Tree windows and they invited me to be a guest in their home while I was in Kent for my research. {Link } They treated me as if I were one of their kin and three years later, when I returned with a bound copy of my thesis for their local library; they treated me and my new husband just as kindly.

We have visited them several times and always come away feeling so blessed to know them. Neither my husband nor I have any grandparents left, and the Eagles have sort of stepped into that role.

They keep hinting at the inevitable . . . . I am hoping that we will be able to see them some time soon. Maybe a new job in a new year is just the ticket.

. . . We'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.