Life in the Bead Lane

The Cooking is Finally done

2011-09-17T00:05:00.008-05:00

I have to say that except for a few parts, my necklace was finished almost a week ago. The earrings earlier this week (except for the ear wires which I just made). I did just finish the bracelet last night. I'm normally a silver, sparkly girl, but I've been really getting into MATTE gold. I love the softness of the finish. And then pair that with watery blues and rich browns? You had me at matte.

Thank you to our hostess with the most-est...the lovely Lori Anderson. She's set out to host this GINORMOUS blog hop party with 362 participants. Thank you for all the work, Lori! I was paired with the lovely Fiona from England. I opened the package and was so excited to see all the possibilities...there was so much to work with. Thank you Fiona! Your goodies made me sit down and PLAY--normally I work, work, work--so this was a lovely treat!

The big reveal.....

I made 4 pieces of jewelry and still have many beads left over. I usually don't work with crosses...but this one will now have special meaning. More on that a bit later in the post.

There was a LOT of little tiny links to make. I used red brass, steel wire and bronze wires. Of course I had to use bits of my lovely matte gold chain.

I whipped this bracelet up using .5mm gold leather. It makes a very light weight but sturdy base to the bracelet.

I had to make earrings. I'm such an earring girl and with my short hair, I love to show off big earrings. Can't wait to wear these.

OK..why the cross and the necklace will have a special place in my heart....Tuesday I went in for my biopsy. It's the 1st surgery that I've had since I had my wisdom teeth removed as a teenager. I received my results on Friday, the 1st day I wore the necklace. Great news! No cancer! I will still have to have a full hysterectomy in a short while, but at least no cancer was found. I'm thankful that after all the time of talking to doctors, that someone finally listened to me. I found that I'm in the 4th stage of hyperplasia--which has a 30% chance of turning to cancer. So the big surgery is a preventative measure. I'm OK with that. I don't have children (I have the shop and a four-legged kid) and if I do, one day feel that I need to be a mother, I can adopt. Thanks for reading all that...but that necklace will hold a special place for me.

Please visit all the other bloggers who are participating in the Bead Soup Party!

Please Click on the link to visit our hostess's website to view the full list. Click on each participants name to view their completed projects.

http://lorianderson-beadsoupblogparty.blogspot.com/

Many hugs and much joy....

Michelle

Beady Soup Goodness

2011-09-09T21:24:00.001-05:00

I've been a bad bead soup party partner! I received my lovely beads from Fiona of Christals Creations and took my pictures but didn't send out a post. I did work on my finished piece over Labor Day weekend--yes, I did play instead of work which is what I do every weekend. Those beads were just calling out to me. I haven't worked on it since then, but it is almost complete! I will finish it on Sunday.

Miss Fiona sent me a lovely stash from England. I love the watery blues that she send me and started to formulate my plan.....I'm please with the pieces...yes, I did say pieces--that I've created so far. I've got 5 pieces in the works and will still have lots of beads left over from this bundle of goodness.

On Tuesday, I'd appreciate some good vibes sent my way. I'll be having a minor surgery...my 1st surgery since I had my wisdom teeth removed when I was 15. This will then be followed up by the big surgery sometime in October. I will be out of commission for about 2-6 weeks. My surgery will help me, but will throw me into instant menopause. I guess if I'm going to get hot flashes, I'll start getting them when it's cold outside...LOL. I'm in good spirits, but if you think of me on the 13th, send me lots of positive thoughts and light.

Bead Happy,
Michelle

Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog Party

2011-08-16T20:47:00.000-05:00

I'm late (almost late) for a very important DATE! My partner, Fiona Christie, is getting her package shipped out tomorrow. The lovely Lori Anderson is hosting another Bead Soup Blog Party. There are a whopping 362 participants this go round. Hope you visit as many of us as you can when the big reveal date rolls around on September 17.

I hope Fiona likes her ingredients. I had fun picking them out! Have you visited the other blogs yet to get a sneak peek of what they've sent to their partners.

Many Hugs!
Michelle

Drumroll Please......

2011-07-05T20:38:00.000-05:00

Whew! It's been a VERY long time since my last post. I won't make the excuse that I've been busy because everyone is busy. I haven't been up to snuff so between running the shop and working my other job I've just been plain old exhausted after 5 years of 70 to 90 hour work weeks. I have some more medical tests going on this upcoming week and I'm hoping that what they find may help solve some of my physical problems and get me creating again.

Ok, enough about me personally and on to the BEADS! I do have some very exciting news to share and if you have a subscription to Bead and Button magazine, you will have already seen my project. I made the cover (just a small corner, but the cover) after submitting my very 1st stitching piece to the publication.

Yep, that's me up there on the left. I have totally fallen in love with Tilas and this idea just popped into my head at the paying job. I'm fortunate that I have a boss who is accepting of the few minutes it takes me to sketch out my ideas on sticky notes!

I hope that all has been well in Blogland. I have lots to catch up on in the blogosphere and it may take me awhile!

Have a wonderful week!

Michelle

A Pinch of This and a Dash of That

2011-02-26T06:23:00.001-06:00

The big day is here! Reveal Day of Lori Anderson's (the Hostess with the Mostest) Bead Soup Party. The roll call on this swap has an AMAZING 210 people in attendance! Can you imagine if we were at a real party? The diversity of style is just incredible and it for sure would not be dull.

My blog partner is the talented Serena Trent. Serena took much better pictures than I did for what I sent her and what she sent me...my picture is in the lower right corner.

Welcome to the 3rd Bead Soup Blog Party!

What is a Bead Soup Blog Party?

Each beader was paired up with another jewelry designer and tasked with sending the following:

~ A focal
~ A special clasp (not just a lobster claw)
~ Some coordinating spacers or beads

Using the focal and the clasp was mandatory, but we could use anything from our own stash to round out the rest, and choose to use the coordinating beads or not.

I made three pieces using the beads that Serena sent to me. I made the 1st necklace using one of the bars that Serena made. I drilled some additional holes in the bar in order to hang dangles. Next I added the neckstrap with basic knots using waxed linen (I knew 6 years ago that it would come in handy some day!). I made a wired embellishment on the opposite side using steel wire in 19g and some silver plated wire in 26g.

The second necklace I used the focal that Serena sent, I didn't use it with Mr. Bee facing out. I flipped the pendant over and was fascinated with the pattern on the back. I added various beads in black, silver, crystal, hematite colored glass and a just a pinch of yellow lucite flowers as bead caps. I added a length of polyester chain. I really like how this one came out--I wore it yesterday. I also made a matching pair of earrings.

1. Lori Anderson, Pretty Things

2. Kitty Durmaj, Perles and Life

3. Michelle Heim, Life In the Bead Lane You Are Here!

4. Lisa Petrillo, Lucid Moon Studio

5. Anitra Gordy, Leelu Creations

6. Paige Maxim, Paige Maxim Designs

7. Marianna Boylan, Pretty Shiny Things

8. Cheryl Roe, BeadRoe

9. Heidi Post, Ex Post Facto

10. Cindy Wimmer, Sweet Bead Studio

11. Terri Gauthier, Blooming Ideas

12. Rachel Walsh, Balanced Crafts

13. Marian Hertzog, M's Place

14. Mary McGraw, MK's Musings

15. Sarabeth Burke, Chronicles of Sarita

16. Deci Worland, Gem Trails

17. Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found

18. Laura Zeiner, Stick Lizard Designs

19. Kristin Latimer, MJM Jewelry Designs

20. Cathryn Brooks-Williams, Chile Cats

21. Holly Westfall, Silver Rose Designs

22. Janna Harttgen, Palima-Lim

23. Libby Leuchtman, Libby Leu

24. Rebecca Anderson, Songbeads

25. Deb Hunter, Living On Air

26. Diana Ptaszynski, Suburban Girl Studio

27. Jennifer VanBenschoten, VanBeads

28. Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter

29. Cyndi Lavin, Beading Arts

30. Courtney Breul, Beads by Breul

31. Stefanie Teufel, Stefanie's Sammelsurium

32. Patricia Gasparino, My Life Under the Bus

33. Tari Khars, Pearl and Pebble

34. Kristi Bowman-Gruel, Kristi Bowman Design

35. Jayne Capps, Mama's Got to Doodle

36. Becky Fairclough, Chameleons Designs

37. Evie and Beth McCord, EB Bead & Metal Works

38. Lynne Bowland, Islandgirl's Insights

39. Barbara Lewis, Painting With Fire

40. Lorelei Eurto, Inside the Studio

41. Stacy Hartis, Sissy & Jack's

42. Jennifer Cameron, Glass Addictions

43. Marcie Abney, La Bella Joya

44. Johanna Rhodes, Fire Phoenix Creations

45. Nan Emmett, Spirit Rattles

46. Melissa Mesara, One Eared Pig

47. Amanda Davie, Articulations

48. Cherin Poovey, Lanyard Lady

49. Virginia Joste, ViviBijoux

50. Andrew Thornton, The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
51. Lori Dorrington, Lori's Glassworks

52. Melanie Brooks, Earthenwood Studio Chronicles

53. Kate Gardenghi, Tropical Blonde

54. Serena Trent, PinkIce Jewel's Blog

55. Malin de Koning, Beading by Malin de Koning

56. Shai Williams, Shaiha's Ramblings

57. Francy Inman, 8 Second Studio

58. Amy Freeland, Copper Diem

59. Lisa Liddy, Joolz By Lisa

60. Sandi Lee James, Do Be Do Bead Do

61. Mary Harding, Mary Harding Bead Blog

62. Stacey Curry, Star Hitched Wagon

63. Leslie Gidden, Mad Maggie Designs

64. Elisabeth Auld, Beads For Busy Gals

65. Niky Sayers, Silver Nik Nats

66. Linda Djokic, Lutka and Co.

67. Tracy Bell, Copper, Glass, and Recycled Trash

68. Laurel Steven, Rue's Daftique

69. Ingrid McCue, Wrapped In Silver

70. Birgitta Lejonklou, Create With Spirit

71. Diana Hawkey, Diana Hawkey

72. Norma Turvey, Moonlit Fantaseas

73. Jeanette Ryan, Jeanette Blix

74. Jackie Ryan, Silver Lodge Gems

75. Jean Yates, Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading to Be Done!

76. Debbie Goering, Prairie Emporium

77. Valerie Norton, Hot Art

78. Jana Trupovniece, Stories of the Secret Garden

79. Amy Severino, Amy Beads

80. Emma Thomas, Fred Beans Nook

81. Karen Zanco, Everyday Gypsy

82. Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Beadphoria

83. Janet McDonald, Singing Woods

84. Dana James, Dana's Jewelry Designs

85. Kristina Johansson, Wild Roses and Blackberries

86. CJ Bauschka, CJ Bauschka

87. Angela Barribea, Re: Angela Rae

88. Marcy Lamberson, Studio Marcy

89. Tanya Floyd, Glass Migrations

90. Lisa Kavanaugh, Beading Bliss

91. Sue Hodgkinson, Hello Gorgeous

92. Jenni Connolly, Jenni's Bead

93. Nally Parfyonova, Nally's Creations

94. Karyn White, Releases By Rufydoof

95. Emanda Johnson, Artemisia Studio

96. Sandy Richardson, Sandy's Coloring Box

97. Cindy Dolezal, Cindy Dolezal Designs

98. Stacie Stamper, Park Avenue

99. Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads

100. Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings

101. Nicole Valentine-Rimmer, N. Valentine Studio

102. Jacinta Meyers, Jamberrysong's Creations

103. Charlene Gary, Gray Girl Studios

104. Rubiee Hayes, Glitter and Keys Galore

105. Marge Beebe, Rock Creek Creations

106. Elizabeth Freeman, Turquoise Sky

107. Shelby Foxwell, Sundown Bead Designs Rhetoric

108. Lynda Moseley, Diva Designs

109. Grace Danel, Grace Beading

110. Lois Moon, Que Onda Quitman

111. Agnes Shapiro, Beader Bubbe

112. Terry Carter, Tapping Flamingo

113. Judy Glende, Judith B. Designs

114. Mary Ellen Parker, Bee Tree By Me

115. Barbara Bechtel, Second Surf

116. Charlene Sevier, The Bead Dreamer

117. Alice Craddick, Alice's Beads and Baubles

118. Cory Celaya, Art With Moxie

119. Ronda Adams, The Ravished Heart

120. Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe Designs

121. Anna Lear, The Laughing Raven

122. Susie Hibdon, Vintagesusie & Wings

123. Amanda Austin, Sea Shore Glass

124. Jennifer Velasquez, Jen Judd Rocks

125. Hazel Ward, All Those Things

126. Brenda Salzano, Salzanos

127. Dee Gordon, Runako Designs by Dee

128. Anna Denisova, Anita-M

129. Margaret Saari, Mags-Jewelry

130. Genea Crivello-Knable, Genea Beads

131. Penny Neville, Copper Penny

132. Angela Blasingame, Hopemore

133. Helena Fritz, Beadwork by H's Blog

134. Stephanie LaRose, Confessions of a Bead Hoarder

135. Stephanie Haussler, PixyBug Designs

136. Diane Cook, Rosa & Josies

137. Maryse Thillens, Glass Bead Art

138. Jennifer Pride, Jewelry by J.P.

139. Shannon Chomanczuk, For My Sweet Daughter

140. Lisa Godfrey, Bead Happy

141. Heather Pyle, Welcome to My Muse

142. Regina Santerre, Regina's Writings

143. Liz DeLuca, Creative Arty Facts

144. Sig Wynne-Evans, Beaded Bear's Nonsense

145. Loretta Carstensen, Loretta's Boutique

146. Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads

147. Amber Dawn, Inventive Soul

148. Shelly Graves, Stars Dance With Me

149. Jess Italia Lincoln, Vintaj Blog

150. JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions

151. Carrie Tahquechi, Carrie T

152. Staci Smith, Staci Louise Originals

153. Katarzyna Kwiatkowska, Quiet Area

154. Ema Kilroy, Ema K Designs

155. Magdalena Sikora, Poranna Gazeta

156. Nicole Keller, Nicki's Reef

157. Ann Rishell, My Critical Eye

158. Noemi Baena, Fire, Metal, and Color

159. Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman

160. Barbara Blaszczyk, Labotorium Flory

161. Collette Collins, Firefly Myst

162. Carola Greiser, Polymer Clay Shed

163. Joanna Kopijczuk, Bizuteria z Filcu

164. LeAnn Weih, Summers Studio

165. Cassandra Watsham, Design by Cassandra

166. Anna Motz, Stunning

167. Shea Zukowski, Gr8findings

168. Susan Kennedy, Sue Beads

169. Lisa Boucher, Lisa's Clay Happenings

170. Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope

171. Alison Crenshaw, Beads by Earth Tones

172. Dorcas Midkiff, Wondrous Strange Designs

173. Melissa Rediger, Sea of Glass

174. Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre

175. Julie Nordine, Julie Nordine | Credit River Art Glass

176. Menka Gupta, Menka's Blog

177. Patsy Evins, Patsy Evins Studio

178. Cherrie Fick, En La Lumie're

179. Suzette Bentley, Ellie's Bijoux

180. Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me

181. Lyn Foley, Lyn Foley Wearable Art

182. Tara Plote, The Newbie Beader's Blog

183. Natalie Schuetz, Natalie S Perlen

184. Kim Hutchinson, Running on Ink

185. Haley Frank, Wide Eyed Smilin

186. Grace Caputo, Suddenly Last Summer

187. Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp, Skye Jewels

188. Erin Siegel, Erin Siegel Jewelry

189. Janea McDonald, Organized Chaos

190. Kristi Evenson, Colie Bug & Co.

191. Linda Inhelder, Must Haves Jewelry

192. Hilary Frye, FryeStyle

193. Whitney Lassini, Whitney Lassini

194. Nancy Schindler, The Rabbit Muse

195. Pam Brisse, The Blue Between

196. Beth Bricker, Vintage Sweets

197. Ruthie Stickney, Rose Works Jewelry and Gifts

198. Rose Noble, Lady Noble Designs

199. Karen Williams, Baublicious

200. Claire Maunsell, The Next Bend

201. Christine Damm, Stories They Tell

202. Kerry Bogert, Kab's Creative Concepts

203. Wendy Blum, Sand & Sea Designs

204. Juli Cannon, Julsbeads

205. Jenny Robledo, La Dona Boutique

206. Krista French, French Elegant Jewelry

207. Pam Krinski, Ewa Beads

208. Melissa Meman, Melissa Meman, Art, Life, Love

209. Dana Jones, Dana's Jewelry

210. Shirley Moore, Beads and Bread

The next party's sign ups begin August 1-3, 2011. Don't miss it!

Enjoy the hop around the blog-o-sphere! And THANK YOU for visiting!

I'm so EXCITED!

2011-01-11T06:50:00.000-06:00

It's that time of year....Lori Anderson of Pretty Things is hosting her wonderful Bead Soup Blog Part! Yippee! I'm so Excited...and I just can't hide it.... (can you tell I'm channelling the Pointer Sisters?)

The countdown begins.... Check out Lori's blog post to see the list to date! It's a HUGE list!
Bead Happy!
Michelle

She's Copying Me......

2010-10-18T21:27:00.000-05:00

Holy jumping jelly beans! It's been such a long time since my last post....I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. August was a busy month preparing to do our annual inventory at the shop--can you imagine????--4 days of counting every last bag and bead. Only with the crystals did we get antsy...we have about 600-700 containers of crystals that were counted since we sell our crystals by the piece. Ok..maybe the jump rings were a pain too!

September saw us doing a lot of yard work--ripping out the vegetable garden and starting to cut back all of the flower beds. The end of the month we started with the LEAVES...and we're still working on those.

This month has seen us working on making our own Pumpkins, Acorns and Candy Corns and Pumpkin Pie slices out of polymer clay.

Now on to the main feature..... A few weeks ago Gaea had a post about copying projects. She randomly picked 5 people to send out 3 of her lovely beads to "copy" a project she made.

This is her project which the five of us were to copy. I have to say...that this is the 1st time that I've seen Gaea's beads in person...and photographs do not do her beads justice! They're so luscious!

Ok...here it is. My version of Gaea's bracelet. I made a necklace and wanted to make it long enough to wear with cowl-neck sweaters this winter. I made the pendant using 24g sheet copper and ran it through the Cuddlebug. The folder has an art nouveau swirl pattern. I hammered out part of the design. I then dabbed on white acrylic paint and then dabbed on alcohol inks and got the perfect color to match with Gaea's beads. I then sanded off some of the ink to let the copper show through. I stamped in the word "Dream" and then filled in a bit with Enamel Gel pens. The neck strap is copper chain, Czech glass, bone beads and dyed red quartz rondelles. These are all knotted onto an aqua cord on one side with a smattering of the red on the opposite side. I love this triangle chain...it's light yet chunky. The little drop on the bottom incorporates the little red rondelles and a dyed crackled quartz briolette. All of the beads are from my personal stash while the chain is from the shop.

I loved doing this challenge since it's something that I try to teach my customers...use your imagination--you do not have to have the exact beads or components to make something that is in a magazine or a book...it is all about inspiration.

I hope that everyone had fun creating their pieces.
Please visit Gaea's blog for the list of the other participants and their creations!

Bead Happy!
Michelle

It's So Sweet

2010-07-28T18:35:00.001-05:00

It's been a hectic month so I haven't been creating a bunch of new stuff to show. We had a really nice article written up on the shop in our local newspaper and that has increased a bunch of custom orders for us. Yipee! Experience Downtown Fond du Lac

I did manage to capture a really fun picture earlier this month. I heard a noise, looked up....and saw this!

I ran inside to grab the camera to see if I could capture this fun writing.

The only thing I did to the picture above was to enhance the color a bit since the sky was such a pale blue. In just the few minutes it took me to grab my camera, the sky writing was already starting to dissipate.

Bead Happy!

Michelle

The Best Give Away Ever!!!!

2010-06-30T06:39:00.001-05:00

Look at this Smorgasborg!

Can you believe that this is a give-away?!? It it the mother load! Who needs gold when you've got beads. Denise Yezbak Moore is giving this away...it's 7.5 pounds of beady goodness worth $350!!!!

Hurry Quick! Head on over to her blog to sign up for this treasure trove. I'm a bit late in posting this....but you have a few days left if you haven't done it already!

Bead Soup Party Reveal!

2010-06-21T21:44:00.001-05:00

The big day is here! The big reveal has arrived for the Bead Soup Part being put on by Lori Anderson.

These are my ingredients from Susan who will reveal--on the 25th--what she made from the ingredients I sent her.

Are you ready???????

(Copper Beach)

I've never done any work before with cord and decided to give it a try with this piece. I used a variety of Czech glass beads, Japanese seed beads, some freshwater pearls, wavy copper spacers (love these), kyanite,some stone briolettes (I don't remember the stone) and some lovely spacer beads from Keri Fuhr which I picked up from her at the Bead & Button show. All of this was knotted using a rusty orange S-Lon cord.

Here is a close-up of the pendant....I also used some enameled copper jump rings from Blue Buddha which I picked up last year at Bead & Button.

I made the S-hook (I still have to hammer it a bit but the studio is in shambles since last week when we got a ton of rain that also went into the basement where the studio is). I used 16 gauge copper wire and accented it with a finer gauge of gold-tone craft wire.

Here are earrings that I also made....I was on a roll and just loved the ivory spacers from Keri.

It's not done yet, but using the toggle from Susan, I'm making a bracelet with 8 strands of the same technique as in the neckstrap. I was on a roll....but duty calls...I must start working on the newsletter for the shop!

Hope you enjoyed the entree and the side. I hope to post a picture later this week of the bracelet.

Bead Happy!

The Big Reveal Countdown.....

2010-06-15T21:30:00.000-05:00

The Bead Soup Party blog hop that Lori Anderson is hosting is counting down....The BIG reveals happen over the week from June 19 to June 26. I'm number 45 so my reveal will happen on June 22! I'm so excited to see what everyone has made. Lori has the full list of all the participants.

Saturday, June 19th -- blogs 1-13

Sunday, June 20th -- blogs 14-26

Monday, June 21st -- blogs 27-36

Tuesday, June 22nd -- blogs 37-47

Wednesday, June 23rd -- blogs 48-59

Thursday, June 24th -- blogs 60-71

Friday, June 25th -- blogs 72-84

Saturday, June 26th -- blogs 85-97

Will you blog hop to the party?

May Challenge from Aussie Threads & Fibers

2010-06-01T09:00:00.002-05:00

Ok. I know that I've been a bit quiet this month....quieter than usual because I've been obsessed with the May Challenge from Pat at Aussie Threads & Fibers! This was a wonderful challenge that really made me go outside of my box! I had to match all of the colors in the Swarovski components and I tried to capture all of the wonderful vibrant colors in the rivoli, cosmic squares and the rectangular stone.

The neckstrap was made from some lovely sari silk that I won from the talented Denise Yezbak Moore . This is the 1st time that I've added fiber to a piece that I've done.

The clasp is a simple Vintaj hook & eye and a few links from the 10mm chain. I'm undecided, I may decide to add a bit more chain to make the necklace a bit longer. This is the largest piece I've done. The centerpiece is about 3" x 3".

Speaking of Vintaj, my Metal Art Book was featured on the Vintaj Blog! Yipee! What an honor to have my work noticed!

Bead Soup Party Ingredients

2010-05-31T21:05:00.000-05:00

Wow! I can't believe that May has gotten away from me and that Bead & Button is right around the corner!

The swap has been made. This is a picture of my soup that I sent to Susan in AZ. She is a bead embroidery whiz and won the Use the Muse III contest. So I knew that I needed to send her a cabochon and some extra goodies to use for stitching.

I knew I had to include some seed beads in the mix as well as some purple (one of Susan's Favorites) even though the cabochon didn't have purple, it's a nice complement to the shades of green.

My lovely mix from Susan....now to decide to what to do...bead embroidery? Wirework? Decisions, decisions!

What do you think?

Follow the Give-Away....

2010-05-27T10:44:00.000-05:00

Head on over to Andrew Thornton's blog to enter for a give-away of the lovely batch of beads above.

What would you create with them?

It's a Tasty Bead Soup Party

2010-04-30T06:57:00.000-05:00

Ok...I've done it...I've joined Lori's Bead Soup Party.

This one will sure to be a tasty Treat! Be sure to bop on over to Lori's Blog to get the scoop about this fun and lo-cal cuisine!

I can't wait to see what everyone makes!

New Designs

2010-04-30T06:00:00.002-05:00

I've been working on a few new designs...

Jeweled Bracelet made with over 100 Swarovski 4mm Jet 2AB bicones, 6mm Amethyst Rounds, 6mm Amethyst Cubes, Rondelles, Squaredells and custom coated 4mm rounds. All of this was strung onto oval memory wire with 2 TierraCast 5-strand spacers. A 3 Strand filigree silver plated box clasp was added to keep this tight to the wrist.

The earrings to match the Jeweled Bracelet. Custom coated very large Swarovski Teardop Pendants, Jet 2AB bicones and 12mm Cosmic beads in Amethyst. BIG AND SPARKLY!

Another color combo for the African Polygon Stitch using matte S/L Teal, Gunmetal seed beads (8/0) and Magenta Lined Amethyst 8/0 Triangles. Accented with 6mm Swarovski Rounds and 3mm green iris Firepolish.

Roman Medallion Necklace was stitched using 13/0 pewter colored charlottes, Miyuki's new Duracoat 11/0 in Champagne, Swarovski 4mm gold pearls, several other Swarovski specialties. The technique used is Bead Embroidery. This was a simple stitching project--the colors seemed a bit odd at first but I really liked them--Gold and Platinum pearls, Champagne and Pewter and a touch of Lt Colorado Topaz and Black Diamond.

Enjoy and remember.....Bead Happy!

All that Bead-y Goodness...

2010-04-28T21:53:00.001-05:00

We've gotten in some good new bead-ies...

Limited quantities of Silver Lined Swarovski 4mm bicones in Lt Rose, Peridot and Lt Sapphire. TASTY! These are a rare find.

Katiedid Sticks (small size) above make cute little earrings. Swarovski 4mm bicones in Lt Colorado Topaz and 4mm Gold Pearls (plus a size 8 seed bead) fill them nicely.

Katiedid Curves below look like a little smile with 3mm Swarovski bicones in Fuchsia make a simple quick necklace with the addition of some sterling silver chain.

We've also added some YUMMY 4mm and 3mm Firepolish beads...you can never have too many for your weaving or stringing...they are always great for fillers! We've also added TierraCast's lovely little sugar skull charms--soooo sweet!

These are just some of my designs with these great new items...what can you come with?

Sneak Peek

2010-04-26T17:06:00.000-05:00

Just a little sneak peek into a project I've been working on....I think that I might try to see if there might be an interest in getting this one published....

I've been trying out some new stuff...it's been kinda fun to go outside of my box.

Do you go outside of your box? Whether it's color, technique or something brand new? I think I am most critical of my new endeavors...but it makes me think about the overall look.

Can I Live in My Shop?

2010-04-21T22:24:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking that my shop would make a perfect place to live--of course, with a few modifications. When I'm at my shop I am always so inspired to create (although I do have moments of creativity at my paying job so I have bits of scrap paper all over), but when I go home (even though I have the studio) I lose my forward motion! So I figure, if I could turn the kid's room (8x8ft) (the play room for the kids to hang out while Mom shops) into my bedroom and the office (6x8ft) into the kitchen and the stock room(6x8ft) into a bathroom I could just about live in my shop. Of course I would have to be able to put in ventilation and LOTS of windows! I would be creating non-stop. OK, so maybe it wouldn't be good to live there...I'd never sleep.

This is what you see when you first walk in the shop. This--and one of us waving at you!

Some of the Czech pressed glass, seed beads, USA made metal--TierraCast and misc products. Look! The tables are tall enough so that your back doesn't hurt while looking!

The Sparkly Wall! Everyone loves this corner. More USA metal--Vintaj!

More Czech pressed glass and the Sterling/Gold-fill goodies.

The tool, wire and stringing material wall. See that door back there? That's the class room (my would be work studio if I lived in the shop).

Hope you enjoyed a quick tour of the shop! If you are in the Fond du Lac area (about an hour northwest of Milwaukee) come in to say "hi".

It's Sparkle-tastic!

2010-03-30T21:53:00.000-05:00

I've been a wee bit quiet on the blog this month...between getting my class instructions done for the new classes that we had this month and all of the other lovely paperwork that comes along with running your own business, I haven't had a lot of time. I did eek out some time to participate in a challenge through one of my vendors. Ok... really got sucked into this one. I haven't done any bead embroidery projects for awhile, so my mom said to give it a try for this. The creative challenge was to use Swarovski cupchain. Cup-a-wha? Cupchain is chain which is made up of settings then set with chantons (usually round chantons). My brilliant idea was to cut the chain apart and create beaded bezels for the components. Now cupchain is usually about 4mm--this cupchain is about 6-8mm. So my fingers got a bit antsy!

This was my initail design. I was just winging this project as I went along.

All my cupchain has been bezeled. I then bezeled a 16mm rivoli and attached it via stitching to the backing material. The cupchain components were all glued into place.

My finished project. Since I've taken my pictures at night and without two photo lamps (still have to replace the bulb that the doggie popped), the picture came out a bit darker than I wanted.

I also created a bangle using a Vintaj Creative hoop as my base. I wired the cupchain to the hoop with steel wire. I made a very basic hook & eye closure from the wire as well.

I've worked on a few other items as well, but I'll save those for another post.

My spring resolution is to post more frequently...I hope I can stick to this!

Aren't I Pretty??

2010-03-11T22:16:00.000-06:00

I just had to share a current picture of our "baby". She was getting a make-over this weekend!

I need a little more blush please!

Iz I bootiful?

I just had to share...Zoe was being really needy on Saturday and while I was getting ready to go into the shop, she figured she needed a bit of attention!

Hope this gives you a giggle!

Want to Win.....

2010-02-19T22:19:00.000-06:00

Would you like to score some hot beads by a cool artist?

Head on over to visit Barbara Lewis at her new blog home at Painting With Fire. Become a follower and get a chance to win one of three lovely sets of enameled beads. Click on the link above to find out the details!

More Goodies Please.....

2010-02-11T22:16:00.001-06:00

I promised some more goodies! Some of my pictures are a bit on the dark side...while I was taking pictures the puppy knocked over one of my lights and blew the bulb! It may be a bit before I can get some nice bright pics... :-(

Here is a better pic of the pendant from a previous post. This is really the 1st poly clay pendant/beads that I've made (except for the bazillion candy heart charms). The necklace has Swarovski crystals in Indian Red and Violet satin, red jasper pebbles, Cape Amethyst rondelles and TierraCast antique copper bead caps.

This is the most recent Bead Embroidered pendant that I've made. This one was the most simple one I've made to date. The lovely cabachon is from Earthenwood Studio. Melanie makes a variety of ceramic links and pendants and beads. I've used Miyuki Delicas, 11/0 and 15/0. I've also used some faceted Czech faceted rounds in jadite and topaz ab. The maize colored seed beads are Toho 11/0. The dangle is a gold colored coin pearl. This didn't take that long to make...maybe about 3-4 hours total.

This teal pendant is made from poly clay and has some silver foil applied and then run through the pasta machine. Since I can't really sketch/draw for diddly, I used rub-ons. I then sealed the pendant with a satin glaze. This is just calling for the beach!

Here is a new metal book. I used Vintaj 34mm blanks and one of the embossed circle blanks. I've become addicted to making these little books! I've also used a gold foil pen to highlight and edge. And...something that I found at my local scrapbook store...Enamel Gel Pens...it's what I used to line my letters.

Page 2 of the Heaven book.

Page 3 of the Heaven book

Page 4 of the Heaven book...and my little version of an angel.

Another metal book. This time using a rectangle embossed daisy blank for the cover. The Ranger Adirondak inks also include a silver, copper, gold and pearl...I really love the way the silver & copper look (i'm waiting for the gold).

Page 2 of the Hope book--this one I've embellished with metal stamps.

Page 3 of the hope book

Page 4 of the Hope Book

I just thought the overall picture of the book came out great! The oranges and pinks are just so summery! Can you tell that I'm ready for some warmth???

I have to say that one of my most favorite things occured today....and I think that it's the 1st time that it's happend this winter. Of course in Wisconsin, our winters are very grey and gloomy. The last 2 days have been beautifully sunny! I stopped off to do some shopping between the paying job and going into the shop. I parked my car facing the sun. When I got into my car...it was that lovely warm heat! I have leather seats in my car and they just absorbed that heat. So even though it was cold...that lovely warmth just radiated out of my seat and into my body. I think I could've stayed there all day!

Do you have a small pleasure like this? That when it happens, it is such an unexpected yet treasured joy???

Have a great one and remember to Bead Happy!

It's been way too long.....

2010-02-05T21:09:00.001-06:00

....Since my last post. I wasn't feeling well for most of December and January so I didn't work on a bunch of new stuff. So now I've been working like mad, but still have to take MORE pictures. I've been trying out some new stuff so hope you enjoy!

I made a little "book" from Vintaj Blanks, Alcohol Inks and some texturing. I came home from the shop one Saturday and did the whole book in one sitting...although I did add some copper ink and re-worked the neckstrap.

Page 2 of the Metal Book--this one is my favorite page...the colors just worked out perfectly!

Page 3--a great sentiment of what we should all try artistically

Leap into experimenting with metal...my last page of my book pendant.

Thanks to Diane Fitzgerald's book Shaped Beadwork I've been playing with dimensional peyote. This is SOOO addictive to do. I'm going to eventually connect the Triangle, Rectangle & the Pentagon to make a pendant.

I had to try my hand at polymer clay. I made the pendant and the barrel beads in the neckstrap. This was after making some candy heart charms. I really need to retake this photo with better lighting. The colors are a twilight purple that fades to copper. Then, after the pendant was baked, I added copper mica powder to the glaze to give it more shimmer.

This is just a small portion of the polymer clay heart charms that Mom & I made---over a 110 of them in all (that's just the large charms!)

I've been really hooked on making wire spirals. I called this Spiralling Out of Control---hmmm...maybe I can mix some wire spirals with the dimensional peyote.

I couldn't get this pendant to come out really clear no matter how many times I tried to photograph it! This design is by Deborah Roberti. The crystals are Swarovski 4mm Ruby, Black 11/0, and Cream pearlized Fire Polish. I said that this was my Twilight inspired heart. I have since made a lovely Aqua Satin and Light Green Pearl heart.

I guess that's all for now. I'll take some more pictures over the weekend (hopefully during the daylight hours instead of always at night) and post a few more finished pieces.

Bead Creative and Bead Happy!

Practice, Practice

2009-11-17T21:17:00.001-06:00

Ok...I've been practicing on my wiring. Both of the earring styles are from Perfect Match: Earring Designsfor Every Occasion by Sara Schwittek & Anita Lin. Below is a simple pair of earrings using sterling and 8mm Amazonite rounds.

This is another pair of earrings using sterling silver, lilac crystals, smokey quartz rounds and fluourite colored glass donuts. These were not as challenging as they look!

We had our It's Riveting Class on 11/14 and the students created pendants using Vintaj rivets and blanks. Not only did they rivet their pendants, but they also played with some texture.

These are Catherine's pendants (thanks to Catherine for taking and emailing me the photos).

Linda's Pendants.

Lindsey's Pendants...Lindsey did make one more pendant...but we didn't get a picture of that one.

Pam's Pendants.

Patty's Pendants.

We didn't get a picture of Theresa's Pendants. She made 3 really nice ones as well. All of the ladies did a great job and had fun making just a "little" noise pounding on the metal.

Hope you enjoyed the pics....let me know what you think!

New Projects, New Technique

2009-11-10T22:08:00.000-06:00

I've been happily working on some wirework....this is something new for me. The picture below was my very 1st project with the coiling/wrapping technique. I used 16 gauge copper wire as my base and 26 gauge silver plated wire to coil and add on the 3mm Firepolish. The outside dangles are dyed quartz rondelles and the large central dangles are vintage German gladd beads purchased in Portsmouth, NH.

These delicate little beauties were my 3rd attemp and were just me fooling around. I was inspired by a trip to the local box store and their costume jewelry selection. I used 22 gauge wire as my base and 26 gauge copper wire to wrap/coil. The accents are ivory ceylon 8/0 seed beads and small rice-shaped freshwater pearls. These were a bit trickier because the wire is soft and thin but so worth the delicate, airy look!

Hope you've enjoyed my practice runs at some wiring beyond the basic earring.

Bead Happy!

Michelle

What's been shakin'

2009-11-05T21:10:00.001-06:00

Ok...it's been awhile since I've posted anything new. I've been working on several things--Christmas Ornaments for our Ornament October classes (we had 3 new ornaments this year) and then I totally got hooked on the new rivets from Vintaj.

Above are my samples that I played around with to try out the rivets. Of course I had to add a bit of sparkle to some. Our class is full for this project on November 14, but don't worry, we will be having this class again after the 1st of the year!

We've gotten in a bunch of cool new books including Seed Bead Fusion by Rachel Nelson Smith. Isn't this a cool bracelet. I used Met. Gold Iris 8/0 & 11/0 and Matte Met. Green Iris 11/0 and fushia Swarovski crystals. This is really an easy technique!

One of her projects--the Shiloh necklace--was offered as a class at the Bead and Button Show this past summer. I almost took this class it was sooo pretty! Can't wait to try this project. We've sold out of some of the books that we've gotten in over the last couple of weeks...but we will be getting more in time for the holidays. So put some books on your holiday wish list!

There are some new holiday earring ideas that we will have out...Aren't these candle sticks adorable!?!

Thread on a 10mm Swarovski 3700 (Margarita bead), 3 4mm bicones, 1 4mm Swarovksi Rondelle and a Swarovski 5500 (9x6 drop bead). Create your wrapped loop or simple loop and attach to an earwire. These cuties are about 1 inch long (not including the earwire).

And these little cuties...Christmas Lights! Thread on (narrow side down) a Swarovski 5500 (9x6 drop), a 4mm rondelle and a 4mm round (Swarovski 5000). Create your wrapped loop or simple loop and attach to the earwire.

There have been other things that I've been toying around with...I've been trying to practice my wire skills so that I can teach more wire classes next year. I've also been playing with some new weaving patterns and wire knitting on a spool.

What new things have you been working on or reading?

Oh! And if you didn't know...I had my hair all cut off! Talk about change...I donated 10 inches to Pink Heart Funds which will accept hair donations of 6 inches or more. The hair is used to make wigs for children AND adults who are in need! So if you or someone you know would like to donate hair but do not have 10 inches to spare this is the organization to use. I found this organization through AARP magazine.

All for now and promise to post more often!

Bead Happy!

Michelle

I'm on the Cover!!!!

2009-09-10T20:55:00.002-05:00

We just received our copies of The Best of Stringing today and Michelle's project made it on the cover! That was a total surprise! Did not even know until we opened the box. How cool is that! We sold out of all of our copies...but we will be getting more copies in--hopefully next week! Michelle's project is the one in the middle.

Happy Beading.....

2, 4, 6, 8...100, 200.....

2009-09-03T21:10:00.010-05:00

Ok...it's been awhile since the last post, but we've had lots of stuff going on--not just the physical inventory. We have it all counted (almost) for another year! 3, 6, 9, 12....5, 10, 15....100, 200... The boss...Zoe just had to check to make sure that everything was filled out just so! She just jumped up on the chair and posed--honest!

Pat...counting all those lovely, tangled jump rings! You can now buy those TierraCast rings in packs of 25!

Ellen & Marie (thanks Marie for the pictures)...the were in the Naughty corner...or is it the Sparkly Corner?

Michelle is just concentrating on getting those little buggers...um..beads...counted just right.

Thanks Syd for pitching in the last few hours of the last day! Ellen brought her hubby in to help us count!

We are glad that every last crystal, stone and jump ring has been counted! Just in time for the holidays.

More to come...some new projects in the works with wire and sterling and seed beads.......

Happy beading!

How do you Organize?

2009-08-05T20:24:00.009-05:00

I've been reading a lot of blogs lately about organizing your "stash" and decided to share pictures of our home studio. Our studio is located in half of our basement. We painted the walls a soft creamy yellow (our piece of sunshine) and put down rubber floor tiles with some random carpets to be a bit of a buffer on the tootsies.

The studio is still a bit of a mess....most of the beads from our personal "collection" are now put away, but there are still some to be put away once I get more containers (office supplies and containers--love 'em!).

Just a small portion of beads. This is the best organizer! I love all the drawers and all my little containers. They are all organized by color--I used to have them organized by size then by color and type....but I had to dig through so many spaces to get to what I wanted. This way I can pull out a drawer (or 2 or 3) and all the beads that I have in that color family are right in front of me.

Larger beads and pendants are organized in trays.

Ok...talk about lack of organization....Do you have any UFO's (unfinished objects) lying around? This is a small portion of ours. These are some personal items that are a up to 3 years old! Maybe more. There are also some shop projects that need to be completed. Not organized at all! Some of them will be pulled apart and some will be finished (some day, some time).

And this is just what we have in our bead book library. And it's not all of what we have...there are a few books in the family room, my room and Pat's room. I am such a book and magazine junkie! There are so many ideas out there and I want to try them all...and I will....

And lastly, I'd like to thank the woman who dropped off these bags to us this week...we're not sure who you are...but we have ideas for these nuts....or are they beads....hmmm.....

Wishing you many beads and no knots!

Bead Embroidery Class 7/25/09

2009-07-28T20:00:00.000-05:00

A close up shot of red cabbage from our garden. It just looked so pretty! Nothing to do with embroidery...but it would make a wonderful color combo for one.

My mostly finished piece from a prior post. I still need to back it and decide what to do with it...pendant or brooch. What do you think? Center stone is from Earthenwood Studio. Surround is made from Czech pressed glass, button pearls, Japanese seed beads and Czech seed beads.

Pat's work in progress. Center stone is Kambaba Jasper. Surround is Japanese seed beads.

Mary's work in progress (already named Lydia). Center stone is from Earthenwood Studios. Surround is made from Japanese seed beads and stick pearls.

Marie's work in progress. Larger center stone is from Earthenwood Studios, small center stone is Kambaba Jasper from and surround beads are Japanese & Czech seed beads.

Gayle's work in progress. Center stone is from Earthenwood Studio. Surround is Japanese and Czech Seed beads.

Ellen's Work in Progress. Center stone is from Earthenwood Studio with surround in Miyuki seed beads.

Hope you enjoyed pictures of our class projects. I think everyone had lots of fun in class. It's very different from what they have learned from me and very different from what I've ever taught.

Today I taught Russian Spiral. I haven't taught that one in awhile so it was a bit of a refresher for me. I remember why I was really hooked on this stitch when I first started beading!

I just couldn't resist....my Russian Spiral is made with 1.8mm Miyuki cubes and 8/0 seed beads. The clasp is a copper magnetic clasp.

Enjoy and Bead Happy!

What I've been working on...beady or not

2009-07-23T23:14:00.000-05:00

Just a pretty pic from the garden...of a lovely little squash blossom. Soon to be something yummy to eat! All of the "work" is done with the garden. Now just watching it grow

My most current bead embroidery project. I have it mostly completed--this was a pic from last week. Stitching this is so totally addicting but almost medatative....It just starts to flow and you don't want to stop! The next thing you know...a few hours have flown by.

I finally finished up my earring project. Whew! I made 7 pairs of earrings...1 for a bride (cream and pewter), 5 for the bridesmaids (the color above) and an extra pair (silver lined cobalt & white). This was my 1st attempt at brick stitch-at least from scratch and not to repair a broken piece. Pretty and very light weight....hmm...maybe this will be a class someday.

At the shop we are hoping to place again for our local Reader's Choice Awards. The last 3 years we've come in 2nd place for the Craft & Hobby division. We are really pushing for 1st this year! I'll have the link posted with the "rules" in a few days. Keep your fingers crossed.

Also, some exciting news! I'll have 2 items published in the next 2 months in Stringing Magazine. More about that in the next few weeks! Yay Me! :-)

First Post....

2009-07-01T22:16:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my blog! I've decided to post all things beads...info, pics, Beadalotta (my bead store) news, personal stuff. Of course this means that I really need to keep up with the pictures! Reminder to self...don't leave home without the camera!

This is the newest technique that I'm teaching myself...Bead Embroidery. This a picture of my 2nd project. I'm having a lot of fun with it...just need more time in the day to play with all I want to! The picture is a bit dark...the colors are bright red, grey/purple and black. A little funky and way too much fun to do!

Updating this will be much easier than updating the website. I hope to post some pictures this weekend.

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!