Where did the time go? and Catching Up

Wow!  Time really got away from me, I had no idea that it had been so long since I had been able to sit down and make a post.  With all these boys, I am surprised that I remember to brush my teeth.

Let's see ...

First  - I created 3 bracelets for the 7000 Bracelets for Hope blog hop, but I was so excited to get them in the mail that I didn't take any pictures.  Seriously - my mind decided to take a break for a couple of weeks.  My youngest, however, was sweet and made sure that he created a special picture to be included with each of the bracelets in addition to my notes.

Second - My creative mojo has been missing. Literally gone bye bye.  I don't know the cause, but I am glad that it is over!  I have been able to sit down and make a couple of new bracelets.  I hope to get a couple more completed before Sunday and will post pics of all of them then.

Hmmm Let's see what else is going on .. Oh yeah!  I have been enjoying making my way through the Bead Soup Blog Hop.  Sadly I wasn't able to participate this time, but I have been so inspired with the beautiful designs that I have seen so far.

Little League Baseball has begun here in Georgia and the youngest is excited to play again this year.  So far he's already missed 2 out of 6 practices due to his breathing issues, but he's a trooper.  Rescue inhaler is definitely at the ready all season.  Spring mixed with running around outside in temps that range from 70s to 30s here wreak all kinds of havoc on him.   Be prepared for a multitude of pictures as the season continues.

Oh! Oh! I went shopping and found me some wonderful chain and beads.  Wanna see??? I so can't wait for everything to arrive ...

First the chain - I purchase my chain from a variety of vendors, but this time I went to one of my favs which is Antiqued on Etsy.  Here is what I picked up from her .. and aren't they all just gorgeous!

Then I went looking for beady goodness .. Let's face it we all know that there is no such thing as too many beads ... For the beads I went to Beads by C (Beads and Botanicals).  She has some amazing sample mixes so I grabbed up 5 of her mixes.. and let me tell you .. when she adds them to the shop they sell fast!  Just beautiful!  

And I have asked Melinda Orr of Orrtec to create some S-clasps for me that I can incorporate into my designs.  I am excited to see what she comes up with.. and by the way have you seen her new patina pieces??!!  They are fantastic.  I will be ordering some soon. 

I guess that just about catches me up for now... How are you all doing? What are you creating? What components have you been grabbing up?  If you've blogged about it put the link to your blog in the comments :) 

Much love

Shell 

Reveal Day!

Just wanted to update all of you my wonderful readers with some important dates.  Today is the reveal day for a couple of goings on in the bead world.

Today is the reveal for Michelle Mach's Secret Snowflake Challenge.  Although I didn't participate in the challenge this time, the reveal pieces are inspiring and beautiful.  Here is the list of participants.  Check them out to see all the different creations using this kit.  Each artist has her own ideas of how to use these beautiful components.

Today is also the reveal day for the Bead Soup Blog Party participant's list.  I know that I will be on the edge of my seat all day today waiting for the reveal - wondering if I was lucky enough to be included in this round.  Lori Anderson is such an amazing artist, mother and business woman.  If you don't already, you need to be reading her blog Pretty Things.  It takes an impressive amount of time to randomize all of the participants, then to pair up the lucky 200 chosen jewelry artists.  

Good Luck to everyone who has entered!  AND don't forget to take a look at all of the wonderful creations in Michelle's challenge.

Much Love, 

Shell

5th Bead Soup Blog Party

There is still time to sign of up for the ever popular 5th Bead Soup Blog Party hosted by Lori Anderson of Pretty Things.   Sign ups end on Monday January 9th - so if you are interested you need to hop on over to Lori's blog and complete the registration form using the link above.  This party will be run on a lottery system limiting participants to 200 wonderful jewelry artisans.

As a former participant (and hopeful participant in this party) it is an experience that you don't want to miss out on.  Go ahead sign up, if you are lucky enough to earn a spot I can't wait to see what you make!  If, by chance, you don't get chosen this time, never fear - Be ready for the blog hop on March 3rd to see what wonderful creations are displayed.

Much love & Good luck
Shell

Progress .. It's early but I'm smiling

Ok ok .. So I have seen so many posts about a word of the year.  

I have no idea if I have a word of the year...

Most of the time I have no idea what time or what day it is - 

my brain can only hold so much information at once and I think that it's on overload.

I swear every time I learn something new, it feels like I have forgotten something else...

One day I fear that I will forget how to swallow (again - yes it has happened before)

I think that I would like to have a word of the year

I would most definitely love it to be honest

There are so many words swimming around in my mind

I will have to try to circle them around to come up with a word or phrase 

that fits my goals for the year

Stay tuned for that 'Revelation'

I would love to lose some weight and get fit and healthy again

I know that this is one of my goals for the year

I think that I have found a way to start me on my path.

The Kinect for the Xbox 360 is AWESOME!

I have exercised at least an hour - seriously at least an hour more like two - every day this week

It may seem lazy to some to call a video game exercise

but until you try it you have no idea how much exercise it really is.

Plus I did get a fitness game to go with the other games (sneaky)

The kids and I put in a game and play, play, play

It may look like fun on the tv commercials - and it is - but it is a big ole workout in disguise

Check out some YouTube videos if you don't wanna take my couch potato word for it :) 

I have been smiling, smiling, smiling that last few days

knowing that my kids and I have spent so much time together 

just playing and having fun

exercising without having to call it exercise

Now to work on drinking water rather than soda or sweet tea

that is going to be super duper super duper 

HARD

It is necessary though - a must above all other musts 

(ok except for maybe the exercising thing)

Not only will I feel better, I will stop taking in extra 'empty' calories

and I will stop dehydrating myself which leads

to my sinus issues acting up 

which leads to migraines

So WATER is on my list this year

To digress here - 

This morning my doggy went psycho (I swear it runs in my family) 

and bit my youngest on the face 

Yeah I said FACE
So said doggy is now in need of new home (I cannot send him to a shelter)

One ER visit later, I called in sick to work and spent the rest of today snuggled up to my baby 

indulging him in whatever his little heart desired

movies, candy, hot chocolate, board games, and books

we even spent some time playing with clay - 

me working on some new ideas for pendants,

he was creating something out of a science fiction movie

Getting him in the shower this evening was a BIG accomplishment.. let me tell ya

I spent time working on ideas for pendants.

Did I really say that? I believe that I did

I know that one of my goals for 2012 will be to focus on creating my own beads and focal pieces

I love love love using handmade to create handmade 

I will still be out there using handmade by other artists

but I KNOW that I want to learn new techniques 

that may not necessarily result in a finished piece of jewelry

So let's see what did I forget? - Oh yeah!!! 

Project Runway All-Stars started tonight,

but I won't be able to watch until tomorrow

So SHHH to those of ya'll already watching

And there is something else 

OH YEAH 

Sign Ups for the 

5TH Bead Soup Blog Party

start TOMORROW!! 

I hope hope hope that I win the 

beady lottery and get to participate again.

For more info head on over to 

Lori Anderson's blog 

Pretty Things

to get more info

Much love

Shell 

So Much Going On

Looking for my BSBP post click here ----->  BSBP Reveal
There has been so much going on I feel like I have been neglecting all of you.  For that I am so sorry.  So here are some updates.

1 -  Very Vintage Challenge hosted by Michelle Mach - the reveal is coming on Tuesday October 4th.  Make sure to come back to see what I create with the wonderful components that were in the kit.

2 - MBA - As most of you know I am pursuing my MBA in my spare time (not really sure what that is but I have a tiny bit of it).  I am about to finish my 3rd class and begin my 4th on Tuesday .. its a math class - please pray

3 - B'Sue Boutiques Creative Group - Brenda Sue Landsdowne has started a Flickr group that is meant to highlight the finished pieces that we all make from her wonderful components.  If you haven't heard about B'Sue Boutiques you need to check out her blog Jewelry Making Outside the Box, her FB Fan Page, or her website B'sue Boutiques.  She also has an Etsy shop and instructional videos on YouTube

4 - Work is picking up the pace as the end of the year grows near.  I will be increasing the number of hours at work, which means a decrease in the amount of time that I get to spend reading your blogs, looking at your creations, and designing my own.

5 - A well deserved mini vacation is on its way tomorrow.  I will be heading to Pigeon Forge, TN for some outlet shopping with the ladies in my church.  We will only be gone for the day, but oh I cannot wait for a little escape of nothing but fun.

6 - There are more design challenges coming up that I will be participating in with links to my original posts that will link you back to the challenge /  blog hop details.  I will post more about each of them as the reveal dates get closer.
       a - Lima Beads Challenge - hosted by Lorelei Eurto and Shannon Chomanczuk - reveal date 10/08
       b - Sari Ribbon Blog Hop - hosted by Brenda Sue Landsdowne - reveal date 10/14
       c - Do Over Challenge - hosted by Jeannie - reveal date 10/26

I hope to return to my regular blog schedule soon.  If you know of anyone who would like to be a featured artist, please let me know.

Much love,
Shell

Very Vintage Challenge

If you're here for soup, Bead Soup that is click ***** HERE ******

I am gearing up for the Very Vintage Challenge that Michelle Mach is hosting.  I love the items in the kits and have some ideas swirling around.

Here is a peak at the components that could be included in the kits 

I am keeping my goodies a secret until the reveal on October 4th.  Remember to come back and take a peak at what I create.

Hope to see you soon!  

Much Love

Shell

Bead Soup Blog Party - Reveal!!!

The time has finally come to reveal my creation(s) with the items that I received from my BSBP partner Niki Meiners.  I can honestly say that this has been a challenge for me.  Here are the many incarnations of my BSBP piece(s) : 

I started with this one.  I used the blue on the left to highlight the blue in the beads.

However, I decided that this one just wasn't right.

So my second design was this one. I really liked the layout of this one. I was stumped with that to do with the chain because I felt it looked too plain and needed a little something extra.  *there are some extra pieces so you may see this one again*

This is my final creation and the one that I was the most satisfied with.  I love the mix of colors and textures. This piece includes the large focal piece and the clasp that Niki sent me.

But wait, I have another piece that has been with me throughout the whole process.  I love love love these earrings.  They are not heavy at all and look wonderful when worn.

Thanks for stopping by to take a look.  Click on the Bead Soup button on the left to see the list of all the other participants' blogs.  Take your time and enjoy the soup.

Much Love, 

Shell 

BSBP is Coming!!

Only one more day until BSBP reveal.  I will only say at this time that I have had a doozie of time coming up with a design for the reveal.   Here is a reminder of what my Bead Soup looked like.

And here is a peak at what I sent my BSBP Partner Niki Meiners

The rose in the center was damaged before I could send the package out to Niki, so I replaced with the piece below. 

Be sure to come back tomorrow to see what I created with what Niki sent.  I will also have a link to the other over 360 participants this round.

Much love, 

Shell

Bead Soup Blog Party - Soups Ready!

I realize that I have neglected to blog about the soup that my BSBP partner, Niki Meiners sent me, but I wanted to keep it to myself for a little bit.  This is my first BSBP so I wasn't really sure what to expect.  Niki did her research to see what metals and materials I work with the most and then decided to send me something that would push me outside of my comfort zone.  *Which by the way is the goal of the BSBP!

She sent me a silver toggle clasp and earwires and sent some copper findings.  Guess what?  She did that because she sent me 2 sets of beads :) 

This is the first set.  Niki created these clay tiles using a Mokume Gane technique blending orange, pink, and yellows with a little blue and purple.

She also sent some cute coordinating beads in orange.

Then she included another set of tile beads with a copper glow to them just as a little extra something.      Woo hoo! 

And here it is all together

An interesting soup that is going to push me to think outside of the box when coming up with my final piece(s).  But you will have to wait until the reveal date on Sept 17th to see what I and the rest of the BSBP participants create.

Much Love,

Shell

A Sense of Accomplishment

I put my package in the mail today for my Bead Soup Blog Party partner Niki Meiners.  My original focal met with an unfortunate demise, so I had to put on my thinking cap and decide what to send.  Of course, since I had everything else picked out it had to cooridinate.

I finally decided to create a focal with my own two hands using some components that I had received in my Muse box from B'Sue Boutiques.  A beautiful component was my starting point and I added a little bit of sparkle to it. 

I am excited to see what Niki is able to create with the items that I have put together for her.  BUT I will have to wait until September 17th just like everyone else.

Much Love,
Shell

Introducing...

my Bead Soup Blog Party partner, the beautiful and talented Niki Meiners.

I am so excited to be partnered with Niki for the BSBP.  Niki is the owner of the 365 Days of Crafts multi-media blog.  Her work has been featured in the industries leading publications and manufacturers’ websites and it can be viewed at nikimeiners.wordpress.com and on Examiner.com as the Wilmington, NC Arts and Crafts Examiner.

Niki works in just about every medium, except for yarn (but she does crochet wire).  She is originally from Cincinatti, OH, but currently lives in North Carolina.  She told me that she loves living on the coast and feels that the laid back lifestyle has improved her creativity.  

Here are a few examples of her work.

Molded Polymer Clay Earrings

Mixed Medium Creation

Stencilled Whimsical Wall Art

I am excited to see what she sends me in my bead package especially since she works with a variety of mediums.  I hope that what she sends will nudge me a little bit into the unknown.  I have already selected the items that I will be sending her, and cannot wait to see what she puts together with them. 

Take a little time to visit her blogs using the links above and get to know more about her.  Don't forget to check back on Sept. 17th for the big reveal.

Much Love,

Shell

Gypsy Spirit Studio - a new friend

I have been preparing for the Bead Soup Blog Party that is hosted by Lori Anderson.  I wanted to get some wonderful new beads to send to my partner.  So the search began on Etsy for just the right coordinating beads. 

I came across GypsySpiritStudio during my Etsy search and was immediately captivated by the beads and components that were offered.  I looked through all the pages of sparkly things that were available, and found the beads that I knew were just the right ones.  I messaged Sharon, the proprietor of this wonderful shop, to ask about shipping details.  She was so quick to respond and was so helpful.

We ended up chatting about kids, printers and the mail.  It is so nice to meet a new friend that shares my passion for the beautiful. 

I got my package oh so QUICKLY!  Little did I know what treasures this seemingly simple package held for me!

This beautiful package was inside that plain manilla envelope.  I felt like I was opening a special present just for me. 

Inside it contained such lovely things that I am still amazed!  I can't show everything because some of these lovely beads are for my BSBP partner. So no peaking :)

Take a look at these beautiful Purple Agate Marquise connectors.  Aren't they just gorgeous?

 And then there were these Angel Wing Flower Beads.  I am so excited about these.

I have been looking for just the right beads to finish a bracelet that I have been working on and I knew as soon as I saw these Carnival of Colors Baroque Czech glass beads that I had found the right ones. 

It is always nice to find lovely beads and even better to find a new friend.  Head on over to Sharon's shop : GypsySpiritStudio to see what other lovely items she has for you.  You are sure to make an amazing new friend in the process.

Much love,

Shell