Falling off the edge.....

Today is the Sparkling Rocks reveal.....sort of.

 

Our wonderful hostess Rita was met with disaster recently and had a most devastating event occur in her life. Can you belief her roof fell in, I am so sorry Rita. As Rita called it a "wild and radical change". I know Rita has moved and it sounds like her new place is just lovely, but we all know what a big job moving is and then getting settled. My little sparkling rock never arrived but I am not one to show up to the party empty handed. When I realized what happened to Rita it was to late for me to order some sparkling rocks and have them arrive in time, so I improvised. I am still excited to get some sparkling rocks (they are so gorgeous) and when I do something wonderful will be posted but for now please enjoy my version of "sparkling rocks".

These little beauties have streaks of vibrant sparkly colors running through them and though you  can't see - the edges are a deep shiny purple. I paired them with small garnet (my birth stone) beads and gold findings.

Please enjoy the hop. I wish Rita well and hopefully things will settle down for her.

Featured Artist: Maryse Fritzsch-Thillens
Maryse's blog: Glass Bead Art
Maryse's shop: Glass Bead Art Lampwork

Toltec Jewels  (hostess)            Jewel School Friends

Sherri Stokey                          Knot Just Macrame
Lindsay Starr                           Phantasm Creations
Kelly Rogers                           Beadin' Black & Blue

Jennifer Reno                          Musings of a Crafty Jenny 

Melissa Trudinger                    Beadrecipes
Marybeth Rich                        A Few Words from Within the Pines
Andrea Frank                         Andrea Creates Jewelry & More
Sondra Jackson                      Sondra Jackson
Robin Reed                             Artistry HCBD
Kathleen Breeding                   99 Bottles of Beads on the Wall
Heather Richter                       Desert Jewelry Designs
Gina Hockett                           Freestyle Elements
Mindy Shell                             Kitty's Cache Beading Blog

Tammy Adams                        Paisley Lizard

Carolyn Lawson                      Carolyn's Creations
Nan Smith                               Nanmade Handmade Jewelry
Evelyn Shelby                          Raindrop Creations Jewelry by Evelyn
Jasvanti Patel                           Jewelry by Jasvanti
Linda Anderson                       From the Bead Board
Dini Bruinsma                          Angaza by Changes
Margareta Saari                       Mags~koruja
Lori Schneider                         Bead Addict
Robin Showstack                    The Crazy Bead Hoarder
Karin Grosset Grange             Ginkgo et Coquelicot
Chris Eisenberg                       Wanderware
Heather d-Entremont              Frugal MacDougall
Linda Younkman                     Lindy's Designs
Janine Lucas                            Esfera Jewelry
Sheila Prosterman                    Cheap Charms
Veralynne Malone                    Designed by Vera
Kelly Hosford Patterson           The Traveling Side Show
Divya N                                    Jewels of Sayuri
Deb Fortin                                Studio 24
Klaudete Koon                         Only Road
Carol Briody                            A Bead's Life

Shaiha Williams                        Shaiha's Ramblings

Octoberfest

The lovely Rita of Toltec Jewels is hosting her 3rd Annual Octoberfest and I was thrilled to sign up. Fall is my favorite time of year, I love the the glorious colors, the warm winds, and the feelings that this time of year evokes. Although it heralds the end of bare toes and tanned arms...it is the beginning of warm cozy quilts, simmering soups and new feelings of creativity.

I have been busy lately...behind the camera, trying new things and of course beading. I am blessed to have a such an understanding husband who takes me for long rides in the country so I can take as many pictures as I want of the glorious fall scenery, I can never get enough!

Fall in Edmonton

A beautiful park in Edmonton

Another gorgeous park in Edmonton

I have rediscovered my love of knitting (thank goodness as I have a grand baby on the way), and I am also trying my hand at needle felting...it is amazing what a person can make out of bits of wool! I am just a beginner but really like the creativity involved.

My little felted pumpkin patch

And then of course there is beading. I took a chance and ordered some agates from eBay, it can be hit and miss...but I was pleasantly surprised when my little parcel arrived with these beautiful orange with hints of green agates. They were crying to be used in a bead embroidery piece and the result turned out so well. I used the agates, smaller orange agate beads, a beautiful green iridescent crystal rivoli and complimenting green and orange seed beads.  In my travels I had been fortunate to find the enameled leaves that just tied everything into one very pretty piece with matching earrings.

Fall Splendor

Thank you thank you Rita for giving us all the chance to showcase a little of ourselves.
And now please check out the other Octoberfest goers!

Toltec Jewels                            Jewel School Friends (hostess)

Dini Bruinsma                           http://www.angazabychanges.blogspot.nl/

Marybeth Rich                          http:/forestofjewels.blogspot.com/

Mary Govaars                           http://www.mlhjewelrydesigns.com/

Mischelle Andrade-Fanucchi     http://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com

Karin Grosset Grange               http://ginkgoetcoquelicot.blogspot.fr

Andrea Zenith Glick                  http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/

Nan Smith                                http://wirednan.blogspot.com

Linda Anderson                        http://CherryOnTopDesign.Co

Becky Pancake                        http://beckypancakebeaddesigns.blogspot.com

Melissa Trudinger                     http://beadrecipes.wordpress.com/

Lennis Carrier                          http://windbent.wordpress.com/

Sue Kennedy                           http://suebeads.blogspot.com/

Kim Dworak                            http://www.cianciblue.blogspot.com/

Jo-Ann Woolverton                  http://itsabeadifulcreation.blogspot.ca

Jennifer Reno                           http://jenrenjewelry.blogspot.com/

Veralynne Malone                    http://veradesigns.blogspot.com 

Lori Schneider                          http://beadaddicted.blogspot.com/

Shaiha Williams                        http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com/

Alisa Siceloff                            http://armoredmermaid.blogspot.com

Pam Traub                               http://www.klassyjoolz.blogspot.com/

Cryss Thain                              http://beaddragons.blogspot.com/

Maria Lourdes Rios                 http://mlourdes24.blogspot.com

Kathy Lindemer                       http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/

Carolyn Lawson                      http://Carolynscreationswa.blogspot.com

Blanca Medina                        http://www.peru-medesigns.com/

Heather Richter                       http://desertjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/

Kathleen Breeding                   http://99bobotw.blogspot.com/

Carol Dillman                          http://dillmansdallies.blogspot.com/

Chris Eisenberg                       www.wanderware.blogspot.com

Rebecca Sirevaag                    www.godsartistinresidence.blogspot.com

Sam Waghorn                          http://palemooncreation.blogspot.co.uk

Sherri Stokey                           www.KnotJustMacrame.com

Gina Hockett                           www.freestyleelements.blogspot.com

Michelle McCarthy                  http://fireflydesignstudio.blogspot.com

Michelle Buettner                     http://www.MiShelDesigns.blogspot.com

Dana Hickey                            http://magpieapproved.blogspot.com

Claire Fabian                            http://saraccino.blogspot.com 

Cynthia Abner                          http://createdtreasures.blogspot.com

Renetha Stanziano                    http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com

Jami Shipp                               http://CelebratingLifewithDaMamaShipp.blogspot.com

Charlie                                     http://505indiechic.blogspot.com

Gloria Allen                             http://www.wingsandbeads.blogspot.com/

Lisa Johnson                             http://spudandmrsbutters.blogspot.com

Marde Lowe                            http://fancimardesigns.blogspot.com

Jill Bradley                                http://chat2jill.blogspot.com

Toni Gifford                              https://plus.google.com/+ToniG28

Shawnda D'Arcy                      https://www.facebook.com/JewelryByShawnda

RaMona Woolson                    http://jerseygirlsbeadwork.blogspot.com

Esterina Jagiella                        http://ekleijar.blogspot.com

Sandra McGriff                        http://skyescreativechaos.blogspot.com

Mary McGraw                         http://mkaymac.blogspot.com

Alenka Obid                            http://pepita-handmade.blogspot.com

Marianne Baxter                      http://simplyseablimejewelry.blogspot.com

Ann Schroeder                        www.beadlove.wordpress.com

Inge von Roos                          http://ingetraud.wordpress.com

Robin Reed                              http://willowdragon.blogspot.com

Suzanne Berk                           https://www.facebook.com/IRescueJewelryDesign

Mowse Doyle                          http://mowsemadethis.blogspot.com

Diana Miglionico Shiraishi         http://jasmineteadesigns.blogspot.com

RanaLea                                  http://ranaleadesigns.blogspot.com

Andrea Rivers                          http://turtlesoupcreative.blogspot.com

Janine Lucas                            http://esfera.me/travel/blog/travel-stories

Tanya McGuire                        http://tanyamcguire.blogspot.com

Anindita Basu                          http://alankarshilpa.blogspot.com

Mitzie Crider                           http://needfulluxuries.blogspot.com

Deb Fortin                               http://studiok24.blogspot.ca

Cynthia Kent Machata             http://antiquitytravelers.blogspot.com

Cheri Reed                              http://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com

Laurel Hanson                         http://stonewingdesigns.com/blogs/stonewingdesignsblog

Ingrid Anderson                      http://lilisgems.wordpress.com/

Karla Morgan                          http://Texaspepperjams.blogspot.com

Lori Anderson                         www.PrettyThings.com

Louise Mccormick-Glazier       http://lilyandjasmine.blogspot.com/

Jasvanti Patel                          http://jewelrybyjasvanti.blogspot.com

Susan Kelly                            http://midlifegreaterexpectations.blogspot.com/

Lee Koopman                        http://stregajewellry.wordpress.com/

Carol Briody                          http://cbriody.blogspot.com/

Kathy Lindemer                    http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/

Renetha Stanziano                http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com/

Divya N                               http://www.jewelsofsayuri.com/

Back from vacation and ready for fall

Favorite spot in Victoria's Beacon Hill Park

DBP Barn

 Back from vacation (which was awesome....except for the food poisoning) and ready for fall. Although the first week of vacation was a bit dodgy the second week was wonderful, we visited family and reconnected with old friends....it just went by way too fast.  Home base was in  Fort Langley with many trips to Vancouver and a trip to the island.  I reconnected with a long lost cousin, what a wonderful time...wish I had never let so much time pass without being in touch, I plan on not letting that happen again.  Saw my sister and my brother....I can never get enough. Saw my sister and brother in law and again can never get enough. I also surprised my girlfriend in Vancouver for a birthday celebration, lots of tears and fun. I have such awesome people in my life and am truly blessed!

A favorite old house in Fort Langley

 

Fall isn't fall without....


                            PUMPKINS

Trying my hand at felting, pumpkins are a great first!

It will be that time again soon....crystal witch hat earrings!

Brass etched earrings from my beading table!

WIP - on the table

Have a great fall......

Sunday here so quick!

Seems like yesterday that it was last Sunday, time is flying by.... This has been a bit of a hectic bitter sweet week, sure hope it's only up from here. We are leaving on holidays soon and I can't wait, looking forward to getting away from it all and just relaxing.

When we traveled to southern Utah we happened upon a wonderful little rock shop - bit of a tumble down building quite alone in the desert. It was full of the most amazing stones and crystals. There are three stones that I cannot pass by - turquoise of course (and I have an abundant supply), larimar (oh so beautiful-takes me to the sea) and blue lace agate (so calm and soothing)! My husband ever the generous man bought me some of each. I hoard them well but sometimes you just get a calling and have to create with one of them. Perhaps because this week has been so crazy the calming and uplifting influence of blue lace is what I need.

Blue Lace Agate is a variety of banded Chalcedony, a mineral of the Quartz family. It is usually banded in layers of predominantly light blue, striped with brighter blues, whites, and even brown threads of color. Agate is sometimes called the earth rainbow because, in its various forms, the concentric bands in nature form nearly every color the earth can produce, including a colorless form. Blue Lace Agate’s graceful, circular design has a stimulating, positive effect on emotions and attitude. It is not a stone of protection, but rather of encouragement and support. It’s circular flowing energy calms, uplifts and elevates. It provides clarity of thought and unwavering intent in regards to what matters most.

  

Blue Lace Pendant with peanut bead rope.

Peanut Bead wrap bracelet and earrings

We are having a heat wave....

I don't want to complain especially because winter comes all to soon, but man oh man it's been hot. Even though I stay inside in the air conditioning, I have a real lack of motivation....I don't even feel like...yikes..... beading; how bad is that!

I have completed this necklace though....yes my favorite...turquoise. I love love love the silver spikes. And I do have to say that the clasp is hand made by me. I have always loved working with silver and although I haven't had my torch out in a while I must say inspiration has struck. I love how this wire wrapped clasp looks and takes the necklace the next step up. I didn't stop at the clasp with my wire wrapping...a delicate silver bracelet is perfect with this necklace.

 And of course earrings as well!

Surprise Surprise!

I had thought I missed the deadline for signing up for the Choosy Chicks Choose Chicklets Design Challenge and was so disappointed; those little chicklet’s were so darn cute. I figured I would just get to drool over what the other participants made with their chicklet. I came home the other day to a wonderful surprise; there in my mailbox a little chicklet was waiting for me …..yeah I am in. I didn’t think I would have time to order and receive more chicklet’s in time for the reveal so I had to come up with something that showcased the one I received in the best possible way. I am really pleased with this necklace and have worn it to rave reviews. I used shibori silk ribbon that was the perfect match and a  turquoise nugget I had on hand with just the right amount of striation in the perfect color. The fire polished crystals just added to the opulence of the piece…. I think it is simple but stunning. Thank you Rita for hosting this wonderful hop and for increasing the number of participants to include me and thank you to Susan of SueBeads for creating those cute little chicklet’s…..yes I will be ordering more….love them!

Hope you enjoy and have fun hopping!

ARTISTS:

Guest of Honor & Featured Artist:  Susan Kennedy

Sue Kennedy's blogs:                               SueBeads...A Beady Girl's blog

                                                               Art Jewelry Elements

Sue Kennedy's website                            SueBeads

SueBeads Art Beads                                SueBeads

Hostess:

Toltec Jewels                                           http://www.JewelSchoolFriends.com

Artists:

Linda Anderson                                       http://fromthebeadboard.blogspot.com/

Jennifer Reno                                           http://jenrenjewelry.blogspot.com/

Shirley Moore                                          http://beadsandbread.blogspot.com/

Kristen Stevens                                        http://kristen-beadjourney.blogspot.com

Marybeth Rich                                         http://forestofjewels.blogspot.com

Jael Thorp                                                http://jaelsjewels.blogspot.com/

Melissa Trudinger                                     http://Beadrecipes.wordpress.com

Andrea Glick                                            http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/

Nan Smith                                                http://wirednan.blogspot.com

Blanca Medina                                         www.peru-medesigns.com

Shai Williams                                            http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com

Carolyn Lawson                                       http://Carolynscreationswa.blogspot.com

Rana Wilson                                             http://Ranaleadesigns.blogspot.com

Robin Reed                                              http://willowdragon.blogspot.com

Robin Showstack                                     http://heartsdesiresjewelryforyou.blogspot.com/

Sheila Prosterman                                     http://catswithbeads.blogspot.com

Karla Morgan                                          http://Texaspepperjams.blogspot.com

Kari Asbury                                             http://hippiechickdesign.blogspot.com

Kelly Rodgers                                          https://www.facebook.com/BeadinBlackBlue

Jayne Capps                                            https://mamasgottodoodle.blogspot.com/

Mischelle Andrade Fanucchi                    https://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com/

Heather Richter                                       http://desertjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com

Chris Eisenberg                                       www.wanderware.blogspot.com

Kathleen Breeding                                   http://www.zibbet.com/99BottlesofBeadsontheWall

Linda Landig                                           http://lindalandig.wordpress.com

Crystal Thain                                           http://beaddragons.blogspot.com/

Cheri Reed                                              http://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com

Heather d-Entremont                               http://frugalmadougall.wordpress.com/

Dini Bruinsma                                          http://angazabychanges.blogspot.com/

Lori Schneider                                         http://www.beadaddicted.blogspot.com/

Tammy Adams                                        http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog.html

Melinda Orr                                            http://bandanagirl.indiemade.com/blog

Lennis Carrier                                         http://windbent.wordpress.com/

Cynthia Machata                                     http://antiquitytravelers.blogspot.com

Elizabeth Hodges                                    http://thewhisperingseas.blogspot.com

Debbie Rasmussen                                  http://kepirasmussen.blogspot.com/

Tanya McGuire                                       http://tanyamcguire.blogspot.com/

Charlie Jacka                                          http://clay-space.com/blog/

Ev Shelby                                               http://raindropcreationsbyevelyn.blogspot.com/

Sharyl McMillian-Nelson                        http://sharylsjewelry.blogspot.com/

Jasvanti Patel                                        http://jewelrybyjasvanti.blogspot.com

Oh glorious summer

We are having a glorious hot summer, lazy sun soaked days - weekends just don't last long enough.....sigh!  We have a multitude of hollyhocks in our garden, providing me with hours of fun just trying to capture that perfect picture of a bumble bee in flight. I have come close but not perfect so I will keep trying.

 Lately I have been absolutely hooked on peyote stitch, I am trying to perfect following a graph pattern, as well as creating my own patterns. I may have mentioned that turquoise is one of my favorite colors and lately gold has moved to the top of my list as well. I love this combination of color and it suits this design so well.
I have received lots of compliments on this set....hard to keep out of my daughters' reach!