...and they're off....

My husband and I often go to the antique market in our neighborhood, to do what we like to call "picking". I am always hunting for pieces of old jewelery, old beads - anything that I could turn into a beautiful creation.  One day I turned down the last isle and there it was - a whole booth full of the most awesome fascinators and delightful little hats. I think I tried everyone on. I left without purchasing one because after all where on earth would I wear it.....that didn't last long. I had to have one even if I just wore it to wash dishes.  Spring forward several weeks and to my delight, there right before my eyes a blog challenge of the most wonderful kind...the "Hats off Challenge"  Jewelery inspired by the Derby - Kentucky that is. Bobbie you are a genius, for me this was meant to be.  I had so much fun designing a piece to go with the hat that I had recently purchase, but I couldn't stop there. Bobbie had posted some pictures of different derby hats for inspiration and I fell so in love with this one. I imagined myself wearing this hat with a lovely piece of jewelery. Oh and to complete both outfits, I bought matching gloves.  Thank you Bobbie for an incredibly fun challenge...I hope this becomes an annual event, just like the Derby.

Bobbie's Inspiration

Derby Blossom

My Inspiration

Black Onyx

Black Onyx close up

Please visit the other participants to see what they have done.

Arlene Dean www.aglassbash.blogspot.com

Bobbie Rafferty www.beadsong.blogspot.com

Charlie www.505indiechic.blogspot.com

Cheryl Dunham www.renaissance-jewelry.blogspot.com

Chris www.furzalsjewellry.blogspot.com

Christine Altmiller www.onekisscreations.blogspot.com

Cindy Wilson www.itsmyseaofdreams.blogspot.com

Cynthia Machata www.antiquitytravelers.blogspot.com

Deanna Riles-Cox https://www.facebook.com/deanna.rilescox

Debbie Rasmussen www.kepirasmussen.blogspot.com

Dini Bruinsma https://www.facebook.com/dini.bruinsma

Jasvanti Patel www.jewelrybyjasvant.blogspot.com

Jean Yates www.prettykittydogmoonjewelry.blogspot.com

Jennifer LaVite www.drygulchbeadsandjewelry.blogspot.com/

Karin Slaton www.backstorybeads.blogspot.com

Kashmira www.sadafulee.blogspot.com

Laney Mead http://laney-izzybeads.blogspot.com/

Liz E www.beadcontagion.blogspot.com

Lola www.beadlolabead.blogspot.com

Micheladas www.micheladasmusings.blogspot.com

Nan Smith www.wirednan.blogspot.com

Robin Reed www.willowdragon.blogspot.com

Sally Russick www.thestudiosublime.com

Shiraz www.secretsongdesigns.blogspot.com

Susan Nelson Bowie www.susanbowie.wordpress.com

Therese www.theresestreasures59.blogspot.com

Vera www.veradesigns.blogspot.com

...I love it when a plan comes together..

You know how sometimes an idea begins to form in your mind and you love it right from the beginning.....you love the idea, you love the design, you love the focal and accompanying beads you've picked, you love how it looks right from the first bead strung and oh you love the finished results.......that is Aurea!  I purchased the turquoise from my favorite store in Victoria and although I have had it for quite a few months, now was the time to create something special.  I am off to Victoria in a couple of weeks to see my beautiful sister (and of course I will go to my favorite store) and I wanted to wear my creation. I am not sure they will know this was the birthplace of my latest creation; maybe I will mention it or maybe not. I will buy another fabulous gem, of that I am sure and in the meantime I will have the greatest pleasure wearing this piece. I may be partial but I absolutely love this piece. I even named it after that store...Aurea.

Aurea

Oh and spring has finally arrived in the north country and here is the living proof!

Crocuses in my garden!

..Spring is here...well if you don't count the snow we just got

Today is the day to reveal my creation for the "Spring Fling Challenge".  Amy from amybeads had put out the call of another challenge and I couldn't resist, they are so much fun. Thanks Amy, your spring fling kits are so beautiful!   I absolutely love the colors of this kit and  since receiving mine  I have added a few coordinating wardrobe items, what fun!!

The kit Amy sent:

 .....and what I have created

Flutter

Close up of Flutter

Hopefully Amy will continue with this wonderful tradition.

...it seems like it been forever....

If you are looking for the Bead Soup Blog Party, please visit here.

And now on to the Beading Babes Reveal. We were given 6 lovely projects to work on by Karyn. You could do one or all...and once I got started and before I knew it, wow I did them all. So much fun! The only challenge I had was getting peanut beads, for some reason they are not be found in my neck of the woods so I had to order. My first order got lost along the way but Kandra graciously sent me a new order and had them rush delivered. I didn't have quite enough so I had to be inventive but I think it worked out and the bracelet turned out gorgeous. My absolutely favorite project was the fish pendant, the way they move and ripple makes them so hypnotic! I will soon have a fish bowl full.

Without further adieu here are the six projects:

Button Up Bracelet by Leslie Frazier

Designer's Site: http://www.lesliefrazier.com/  

Last Kisses of Summer by C J Bauschka

Designer's  Site: http://www.4hisglorycreationsbycj.com/  

Royal Chains Lariat by Kelly Wiese

Designer's site: http://www.beadparlor.com/  

Fish Pendant by Linda Richmond

Designer's site: http://www.lindarichmond.com/index.html  

Lace Pendant by Linda Richmond

Designer's site: http://www.lindarichmond.com/index.html  

Three Graces Collar by Jill Wiseman

Designer's Site: http://www.tapestrybeads.com/

12:01 am

1st reveal complete and now on to ...

The 2^nd Reveal day for the 7^th Bead Soup Blog Party has arrived and I am so excited although a little intimidated.  After hopping through all the party goers on the first reveal, I was completely and utterly blown away by the craftsmanship, the artistry and the creativity of each and every one.  Lori has done an amazing job yet again, this time more amazing than ever because not only were there over 500 participants worldwide but she hasn’t been feeling well and she is in all three reveals. Lori you are incredible, thank you for hosting this really really really really fun party!

My partner this time around (being my second BSBP I feel seasoned) is the amazing Amy Severino. I think it must have been the bead fairies at work because just before Lori announced who was partners with who, I had commented on facebook to Amy that it would be neat if we were partnered and wow a few days later we found out we were. I had participated in Amy’s Spring Challenge and enjoyed the experience so much, that I have signed up for her next Spring Fling Challenge (reveal date April 20).  I realized we were kindred spirits and was totally thrilled we were paired together for the BSBP.  Please visit Amy’s blog and she what she has created with the soup I sent her. 

 

The Soup I sent to Amy

Amy sent me a wonderful soup, very challenging, oh I do love a challenge!  Here is the soup Amy sent me.  I really wanted to use as much as possible if not all the soup sent and yeah I did.  

The Soup Amy sent me

So here is what I made; first up "Dragon in the Garden".  Amy included in her soup a beautiful clay focal. It so reminded me of the garden and that made me think...what's in a garden but dragon flies.....I used the clay focal, an antique brass dragon fly, some carved bone flowers, some of the pearls, some of the seed beads and a crystal or two. The necklace begged for matching earrings and a bracelet.

Dragon in the Garden

 

Next up "Turkish Delight"
The agate beads Amy sent where the inspiration for this, but as I started beading the agates didn't fit. They were still used, just not in the necklace. I used a jasper focal, a rivoli, cube beads, magatamas, more of the crystal's, more of the seed beads and the clasp although I did put a patina finish to the clasp to reduce the brightness.

Turkish Delight

I have received many compliments on this and the earrings I made to match.

Oh and not to forget the agate beads, a simple but beautiful bracelet.

So I still had a small amount of seed beads and a few crystals and the pale green silk ribbon. I don't normally work with silk ribbons but I have started to incorporate it more and more into my work. I took my little remaining pile of beads, added a few and came up with this. I love it, it is so summer breeze!

Summer Breeze

 So that is it, Amy I hope I did you proud, can't wait to see what you made.

Thank you Lori, you're the best.....this is the greatest party there is.

I have the Beading Babes Challenge reveal tomorrow so please come and see what I have done for that as well. Whew busy, super fun weekend!

 
Please visit all the other party goers listed below...

Agata Grygiel	http://inny-pamietnik.blogspot.com/
Ali McCarthy	www.northwoodscreativestudio.blogspot.com
Alice Craddick	http://www.alicesbeadsandbaubles.blogspot.com/
Amy Severino	www.amybeads.blogspot.com
Ana Krepel	http://catspajamas-dogstuxedos.blogspot.com/
Andra Weber	www.andrasjoyfuljourney.blogspot.com
Andrea Glick	http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/
Andrea Trank	www.heavenlanecreations.com
Anitra Gordy Boyers	www.LeeLuCreations.blogspot.com
Annette Rivers	http://mamaowlsmess.blogspot.com/
Anu Tuppurainen	http://koti-ilta.blogspot.fi/
April Grinaway	http://brooklynbeadgoddess.blogspot.com/
Audrey Bélanger	http://esperianterra.blogspot.ca/
B.R.Kuhlman	http://www.mixedmayhemstudios.com
Barbara Bechtel	http://secondsurf.com
Barbara Mason	www.Adorninglyyours.com
Becky Pancake	www.beckypancakebeaddesigns.blogspot.com
Beti Horvath	www.stringingfool.blogspot.com
Billi RS Rothove	http://www.billi-rs-rothove.blogspot.com
Bobbie Rafferty	www.beadsong.blogspot.com
Brandi Burdick	http://www.tofallorstumbleupon.com/
Candida Castleberry	http://spunsugarbeadworks.blogspot.com/
Carol Dillman	http://dillmansdallies.blogspot.com/
Carolyn Gebert	http://kookykardinal.blogspot.com/
Carolyn Lawson	www.carolynscreationswa.blogspot.com
Caron Reid	http://www.caronmichelle.blogspot.com.au/
Catherine King	www.Catherines-Musings.blogspot.com
Cathy Jakicic	http://bds.jewelrymakingmagazines.com/
Chandra Merod	www.junipergoods.blogspot.com
Charlene Jacka	http://clay-space.com/blog
Cheri Reed	www.creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com
Cherrie Fick	www.designsinthelight.co
Cherrie Warzocha	http://colorsofshae.blogspot.com/
Cheryl Brown	www.dragonflybeads.ca/category/blog
Cheryl Dunham	www.Renaissance-jewelry.blogspot.com
Cheryl Foiles	www.getyourbeadon.com
Cheryl Gangle	www.RockCandyJewelryDesign.blogspot.com
Chris Eisenberg	www.wanderware.blogspot.com
Chris White	http://dzeyenrstudio.blogspot.com/
Christina Miles	http://wingsnscales.blogspot.com/
Christine Murrow	www.charisdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com
Cindy Ritchie	http://mooseriverglass.blogspot.com
Clare Etheridge	www.catseatdogs.com
Cory Tompkins	www.tealwaterdesigns.blogspot.com
Cris Peacock	http://crispart.blogspot.com/
Cynthia Abner	http://createdtreasures.blogspot.com/
Debbie Rasmussen	http://kepirasmussen.blogspot.ca/
Debi Levine	http://oneheartsblog.blogspot.co.il/
Deborah Brooks	http://www.fromtheheartcreations.blogspot.com/
Deborah Read	www.deborahreadcom.blogspot.com
Debra Behrends	http://www.hopefuljourneys.blogspot.com/
Dorota Żerańska	www.gdymamczas.blogspot.com
Elaine Robitaille	http://www.tooaquarius.com
Elsie Deliz-Fonseca	http://www.ladelizchica.blogspot.com/
Emma Todd	www.apolymerpenchant.com
Erin Guest	http://www.renlish.com
Evelyn Shelby	http://raindropcreationsbyevelyn.blogspot.com/
Evie and Beth McCord	http://www.ebbeadandmetalworks.blogspot.com
Francy Inman	http://www.8secondstudio.blogspot.com/
Ginger Bishop	www.lilmummylikes.blogspot.com
Gloria Allen	http://gloriaallendesigns.blogspot.com
Hajer Waheed	http://mybeadedworld.wordpress.com/
Hope Smitherman	http://CraftyHope.blogspot.com
Ilenia Ruzza	http://ile1974.blogspot.it/
Ilona Hegedűs	http://ilkabeads.blogspot.com
Ine Vande Cappelle	http://jewelsbyine.blogspot.com
Jackie Ryan	http://kydojewellery.blogspot.co.uk/
Janine Lucas	http://www.esfera.me/travel/blog/travel-stories
Jean Peter	http://jeanpdesigns.blogspot.com/
Jean Wells	http://jeanawells.blogspot.com/
Jeanne Steck	http://gemsbyjeannemarie.blogspot.com/
Jelveh Jaferian Johnson	www.jelvehdesigns.blogspot.com
Jennifer Cabic	www.jennifercabic.blogspot.com
Jennifer Reno	http://jenrenjewelry.blogspot.com
Jennifer VanBenschoten	http://www.vanbeads.blogspot.com
Jenny Davies-Reazor	www.jdaviesreazor.com/blog
Jenny Kyrlach	http://anafiassa.blogspot.com/
Jenny Robledo	http://peppasdream.blogspot.com/
Jessica Brower	http://ifcreations.blogspot.com
Jill MacKay	www.jillmackay.com
JJ Jacobs	www.comingabstractions.blogspot.com
Jo-Ann Woolverton	www.itsabeadifulcreation.blogspot.ca
Joanne Tinley	http://www.daisychaindesignsjewellery.blogspot.com/
Johanna Rhodes Nash	http://firephoenixcreations.blogspot.co.uk/
Judy Robinson	http://woodbeads.wordpress.com
Juli Cannon	www.beadnik.net
Julia Gerlach	www.beadandbutton.com/beadbuzz
Julie Bowen	http://blog.autochthonous-evolved.com
Julie Panusis	http://catsmeowco.blogspot.com
K Hutchinson	http://jumbledhutch.wordpress.com
Karen Martinez	http://fairiesmarket.blogspot.com/
Karen Vincent	www.swallowtailjewellery.blogspot.com
Karen Williams	http://www.baublicious.blogspot.com/
Karin Slaton	www.backstorybeads.blogspot.com
Karyn Bonfiglio	http://plussizebangles.com/blog
Kat Douglas	www.Washoekat.blogspot.com
Kate Dufour	http://mixfolios.wordpress.com/
Kate Mulligan	http://mulliganstewjewelry.blogspot.com/
Kate Richbourg	www.katerichbourg.com
Kathleen Gallant	http://partnersincharms.blogspot.com
Kathleen Lange Klik	http://ModernNatureStudio.blogspot.com
Katie Nielsen-Nunez	www.Vikingcraft.blogspot.com
Kay Bolton	http://www.toodlesandbinks.blogspot.com
Kayla Potega	http://www.teejewelry.blogspot.com
Kelli Jacobson	http://www.CreativeMoonJewelryAndThings.com
Kelly Patterson	http://travelingsideshow.blogspot.com
Kelly Ramstack	http://adventureswithkelly.blogspot.com
Kiersten Kern	http://myglassbeadlife.blogspot.com/
Kim Sparks	http://beadabunch.blogspot.com/
Klaudete Koon	http://klaudetekoon.blogspot.com/
Klaudia Tóth	http://www.klaudiabizsu.hu/
Krista French	http://expressyourfaith.webs.com/apps/blog/
Kristin Oppold	http://www.yayjewelry.blogspot.com
Kym Hunter	http://kymhunterdesigns.blogspot.com/
Lana Kinney	http://somethinguniquebylana.blogspot.ca
Laura Guenther	www.blueantiquities.blogspot.com
Lauren Fenty	http://laurenbeads.blogspot.com/
Leah Curtis	http://beadyeyedbunny.blogspot.co.uk/
Lennis Carrier	www.windbent.wordpress.com
Linda Murphy	www.bonitabead.blogspot.com
Lisa Johnson	http://whimsyswonders.blogspot.com/
Lori Anderson	www.prettythingsblog.com
Lupe Meter	http://gesmpccorner.blogspot.com/
Lynn Jobber	http://thecreativeklutz.blogspot.co.uk/
Mandi Effron	http://craft-o-licious.blogspot.com/
Marcia Dunne	www.thealternativefoundry.blogspot.com
Margareta Saari	http://magsinhelmet.blogspot.fi/
Marianne Baxter	www.simplyseablimejewelry.blogspot.com
Marie Covert	http://thistledown-and-swaddlings.blogspot.com/
Mary Ellen Parker	www.beetreebyme.blogspot.com
Maryse Fritzsch-Thillens	http://www.glassbeadart.blogspot.com
Megan Milliken	www.maemaemills.blogspot.com
Melissa Meman	http://melissameman.blogspot.com
Melissa Mesara	http://one-earedpig.blogspot.com/
Michaela Pabeschitz	http://der-lamardebonita.blogspot.co.at/
Michelle Tucker	http://michellescreativemusings.blogspot.com/
Mimi Gardner	www.OtherCuriosities.blogspot.com
Mischelle Fanucchi	http://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com/
Monica Phillips	http://www.monicaglassandjewelry.com/blog
Mowse Doyle	http://mowsemadethis.blogspot.com/
Nancy Boylan	www.snazzydoodle.blogspot.com
Nancy Dale	www.nedbeads.blogspot.com
Pat Haight	http://wigglebuttblog.blogspot.com/
Patina Queen	www.patinaqueenstudio.blogspot.com
Patty Miller	http://cabaribeads.blogspot.com/
Pia Kaven	http://piakaven.blogspot.com
Rebecca Anderson	http://songbeads.blogspot.com
Rose Johnson	http://swtrosethorn.blogspot.com
Roxanne Blanc	http://strikesmyfancy-2013.blogspot.com/
Sarah Goode	www.pookledo.blogspot.com
Sarah Singer	http://singingsongsofsixpence.blogspot.co.uk
Sarah Strover	http://beaupepys.blogspot.com
Shalini Austin	http://jewellery-by-shalini.blogspot.co.uk/
Sherri Stokey	www.KnotJustMacrame.com
Sherry Baun	http://www.unicornsjewels.blogspot.com
Sheryl Stephens	http://www.babblebead.blogspot.com
Silvia Sernicola	http://pipa-the-latest.blogspot.it/
Solange Collin	http://www.blog.ahowinjewelry.com
Stacie Florer	http://www.soultosubstance.com
Stacy Alderson	http://iridalsattic.blogspot.co.uk
Stephanie Haussler	www.pixybugdesigns.blogspot.com
Stephanie LaRosa	www.stringaholic.blogspot.com
Sue Burleigh	http://sagebreezes.blogspot.com/
Susan Bowie	http://susanbowie.wordpress.com/
Susan Kelly	http://midlifegreaterexpectations.blogspot.com
Susan of Libellula Jewelry	www.libellulajewelry.com
Susan Sheehan	http://susanasheehan.blogspot.com/
Suzanne Fragiacomo	www.glassymom.blogspot.com
Tammi Sloan	www.mybrownwren.blogspot.com
Tammie Everly	http://ttedesigns.blogspot.com
Tania Hagen	http://pelimadesign.blogspot.co.nz/
Tania Spivey	www.moobiegracedesigns.blogspot.com
Tanya Goodwin	www.pixiloo.blogspot.com
Tanya Wiles	http://studioblog.tenebroushollow.com
Tari Kahrs	http://pearlandpebble.blogspot.com/
Theresa Buchle	http://www.bead-mused.blogspot.com
Tiffany Smith	http://southerngalsdesign.blogspot.com
Tina Holden	http://beadcomber.blogspot.com
Tracey Nanstad	http://abeadifulmess.blogspot.com/
Tracie Dean	http://homeofthepurskey.blogspot.com
Tracy Bell	www.CopperGlassAndRecycledTrash.blogspot.com
Tracy Kruse	http://goldkissesart.blogspot.com/
Veralynne Malone	www.veradesigns.blogspot.com
Veronica Campos-Hallstrom	http://www.clubcreativestudio.wordpress.com

Facebook Participants


D’Arsie Manzella     
Claire Brannigan Hasemeier
Robin Showstack
Melanie Lemen Swope
Beccy Peterson
Kelli Nelson
Chris Schlicht
Shelley Cole-Kuduk