Snippets from a bead artist.

2.28.2011

We have a winner!!!!!



For those of you who follow my blog regularly and were here for the last giveaway, you know that Teds is my random winner-picker-outer... for those of you just joining in, this is my Pomeranian, Theodore H. Bear, and he loves to be part of the action (any and all action, mind you). So, Teddy snuffled up our winner this morning (and tried to breakfast on it, as well):



I'm happy to announce that Teds picked Melinda LeBarge from the slips on the floor! Melinda, thanks so much for supporting handmade and for entering my little giveaway!! Melinda's favorites were my Thistle Meadow bracelet bangles, but I'll have to run and chat with her to make sure that's what she'd like to choose for her prize.


Thank you to every one of you who purchased from my favorites, for supporting your choice of artists, and your support that you give me, as well! Please do come and try again with my next giveaway, which will be sometime next month or the month after!! Have a fantastic week!

2.20.2011

February BJP, Maven Made and my Giveaway






Good morning to you! Glad you could stop by!

I wanted to post my February Bead Journal Project Piece and catch up a bit... I wasn't too original this month with the BJP; I did a heart, of COURSE, everyone (almost) does hearts for Feb...but I couldn't resist. I think I've come to the conclusion that the final product (a purse) will be made up of these 'quilt' squares. I began with the idea of doing something different each month, design wise, but I've had a lot of fun trying out these quilt patterns, so I think I'll continue.

I've also completed a few new pieces. One is a set for a very dear friend and return customer, and I am happy as heck to let you know that she really liked it:


The other is a spiral necklace I named Cobalt Tear, which includes a lampwork bead that I've been hoarding - I fell in love with it and hadn't been able to think of how I wanted to show case it for a long while. But I like how it turned out, especially the 'bead cap' bit that was the result of one of those little mistakes that turn into happy endings.

I hope I'll get some more entries for my Giveaway, as well!! Please do check out my last post and see the details, I'm keeping it open for entries until the 28th!!

The Bead Mavens (a group of lovely beaders I belong to, for those of you who didn't know already) are holding a spring challenge with a TON of awesome sponsors donating prizes, so if you haven't been to look at it yet, stop by the website for the entry rules. I have yet to start my Vernal Visions piece, but I have some yummy ideas that include some flowers...!

Each of my teammates have been busy, and I thought I would share a bit of their hard work with you here...eye candy!!! Enjoy! (And if you're interested in purchasing any of their work, or any of their patterns, stop by the website as well, for links to each of their shops.)

One of Mikki's newest flatwork designs - I love this one SO much!!


One of Cynthia's newest bracelets - my favorite colors!

A WONDERFUL new idea in rings by Christina - these ROCK!!



And a brooch made by Linda - another one of my favorites! Her brooch was made earlier during the winter; Linda is working on a Secret Project and I can't share yet, but make sure to keep your eyes peeled, it's going to be STUNNING!!!

Have a fabulous day and an even better week!!

2.04.2011

Wanna Play Favorites?


Hi all. I'm depressed. So, to cheer myself up, I want to have a giveaway. I love giving things away, I'm odd like that.

Here's what I'm giving away: something from one of my shops, whether it be my Etsy shop or my Artfire shop, worth LESS than $150. The winner gets to choose their own prize from the stock in my shops.

You'll have until February 28th to get in entries.

The rules:

Leave me a comment here on my blog telling me which of the items in my shop(s) UNDER $150 you like best AND:

Go to my favorites on Etsy (or on Artfire) and shop from My Favorite shops; make a purchase from any one of the shops I heart (no matter how much the purchase may be) and you will get a shot at winning. Make sure that you come back here and leave me another comment, telling me from which shop you made your purchase.

Purchase a tutorial or a beaded item from one of the Mavens from any of their shops or websites, get another shot.

None of the ladies and gentlemen in ANY of the shops (including the Mavens) know that I am holding this giveaway, and no one is reimbursing me or giving me any kind of incentive to hold this contest.

Have fun shopping and good luck, I hope to see whole bunches of entries.


2.03.2011

Spaces



I finished another cuff!! I am so happy that I made another one - it's been awhile - but I'm not very happy with how it turned out. I think I should have done something differently, but I can't put my finger on what. It's had a good reception, and people seem to like it, but I'm very lukewarm on it, myself. I keep wondering if the crystals on the edges of the cabs are what are bothering me, or if it's the fact that I think my embroidery seems messy, due to the unrelenting black. I think I was a little crazy when I made it; it's almost all size 15 seed beads and took forever.


I'm thinking on whether I should list it in one of the shops, or send it to the gallery this month when I pick up my October's Goddess necklace from it's display at the Members' Exhibition. Or maybe it should go to New England Beads to hang out...



Now I'm off to start a new project; making a necklace and a cuff for one of my bestest friends on Facebook!! She has sent me some drop-dead gorgeous cabs and crystals to work with and given me complete artistic license to make whatever comes to mind... she's a wonderful lady!