Friday, March 2, 2012

It's Bead Soup Time!!!

If you are searching for my Challenge of Music post, go HERE

I have to say, I wasn't certain if I was going to be able to pull everything together in time for this one!  I was not counting on my entire family (including yours truly lol) being sick off and on for over two weeks!  But, somehow,  I did it!  :)  I didn't quite use up all of the incredible bead soup my sweet partner Kari Carrigan of Wee Gems and Charmed Pennies sent me, which you can view HERE, but I made a good effort!  And things are still swirling about in my head what to do with the last bits!

My biggest challenge this time around was... which focal to start with??  Kari was so incredibly generous and I had so many possibilities that it was hard to choose where to begin!  But after sleeping on it one night, I woke up the next morning with an idea... I pulled out the sweet little acorn that she had made and stared at it.  Then I began pulling things from my stash, faceted pale blue jade, czech crystals, stainless steel chain... and finally Marsha Neal Studio silks.  Here is what I came up with and I personally LOVE it, I have already worn it a few times (I couldn't resist).


It's really long, the longest necklace I have ever worn and I love it!  The next piece that I came up with was another necklace, I could not resist the "J" pendant... it made me think of something from the Regency period. So I set out to make something with a vintage flair...


And came up with this :)  Simple but a bit sparkly, elegant, I think it will be perfect for an evening out!

Then it took me time to decide what to do with those gorgeous Charmed Pennies she sent me... Of course the logical thing to do was make necklaces, right?  But no, I had done two already.. and this was supposed to be a challenge... hmm... then one day it hit me... I remembered seeing the wonderful Rebecca Anderson of Songbead had done really cool little bangles!  Now hmm, I didn't have pre-made bangles... but I did have some fabulous 14g Fallen Angel Brass wire.  I'm one of those, if I don't have it I will try to find a way to make it myself girls these days!  I also didn't have a bracelet mandrel which presented another problem, so the first try (the red one) I simply made to fit my own (rather small) wrist by simply bending and shaping the wire around my wrist.  After I finished I thought, hm, well, that's alright... but I bet I could find a better way... and I stared at that coil of 14g wire for a while and then it hit me!  The wire was already coiled to the perfect bangle size!  I tried to fit my hand through a loop and it was no problem!  I was giddy!  So, I quickly whipped up two more bangles for the last two pendants and was pleased as punch!


And the last that I have to show you I made with the incredible lampwork beads Kari gave me, they are so very beautiful!!!  

Please excuse the pics if they are a bit off, it was icy out and my fingers were cold LOL.  Ok, ok, I know you all have a ton of other hopping to do , so I'll close up for now by saying, my son's birthday was yesterday and I'm having a sale in my shop (20% off anything except Blythe jewelry) using the code: BIRTHDAY  Also, I am giving away the gorgeous earrings above to a lucky person who comments (by random number generator but you MUST leave me an email to contact you at, otherwise I will have to redraw!).  I will announce the winner on my birthday, March 26th :).  Make sure you visit my partner Kari's blog to see what she did with what I sent her! http://weegemsdesigns.blogspot.com/

Thank you so so much, Lori, for making this blog hop possible, for having this amazing idea.. and for bringing us all together as a creative community!! You ROCK!

I had to take Linky thing out LOL  it was driving everyone nuts!  Here is the list instead:


Hostess, Lori Anderson
Special Book Sneak Peeks, Cindy Wimmer

1.  Adlinah Kamsir (Singapore) and Hajer Waheed (Kingdom of Bahrain)
2. Adrienn Lukacs (Hungary) and Agata Grygiel (Poland)
3.  Agi Kiss (Hungary) and Carolien Muller-Genger (the Netherlands)
4.  Agnes Asztalos (Hungary) and B.R. Kuhlman
7.  Alicia Marinache (Canada) and Dita Basu
15.  Bonnie Coursolle (Canada) and Fay Wolfenden (Canada)
16.  Carmel McGinley (Australia) and Tracy Stillman (Australia)
21.  Cheryl Brown (Canada) and Diana Ptaszynski
22.  Christina Stofmeel (the Netherlands) and Eva Kovacs (Hungary)
24.  Cilla Watkins (Canada) and Elaine Robitaille (Canada)
25.  Sabrina Straub (Switzerland) and Kathy Combs
32.  Dee Elgie (UK) and Joanne Lockwood (UK)
33.  Dian Hierschel (Germany) and Eniko Fabian (Austria)
34.  Diane Cook and Lyn Foley
37.  Doris Stumpf (Germany) and Eszter Czibulyas (Hungary)
39.  Elke Leonhardt-Rath (Germany) and Marjolein Trewavas (UK)
41.  Erika Nooteboom (the Netherlands) and Giorgia Rossini (Italy)
42.  Erin Grant and Jean Wells
43.  Evelyn Duberry (Canada) and Gaea Cannaday
45.  Ginger Bishop (military, Okinawa) and Martina Nagele (Germany)
48.  Helene Goldberg (Australia) and Karen Vincent
54.  Joanna Matuszczyk (Poland) and Julianna Kis (Hungary)
55.  Joanne Tinley (UK) and Michaela Pabeschitz (Austria)
65.  Kristina Johansson (Sweden) and Penny Neville (Canada)
66.  Krisztina Erlaki-Toth (Hungary) and Nicole Keller (Germany)
 72.  Lisa Liddy and Marion Simmons
76.  Lori Finney (Canada) and Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp (Canada)
78.  Marta Kaczerowska (Poland) and Milla Starchik (Canada)
83.  Michelle Jensen and Sandra Young (Canada)
84.  Nan Emmett and Nicole Valentine-Rimmer (Canada)
92.  Rosa Maria Cuevas (Mexico) and Tejae Floyde
93.  Sabine Dittrich (Germany) and Sally Russick
95.  Shanti Johnson and Tracy Mok (Canada)
97.  Sonya Stille and Traci Zeller (Canada)
98.  Stefanie Teufel (Germany) and Tania Hagen (New Zealand)

123 comments:

  1. Wow, you really went to town with all of the beautiful work. I've been using some silk pieces in mine too! I'll be back.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I did go to town! LOL It was so much fun!!! I can't wait to see your pieces! Silk is one of my favorite things ever!

      Delete
  2. Beautiful pieces...the bangles are my favourites!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Beautiful! I like the bangles, too. Very inventive!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I really like the bangles :)
    I'm another partecipant from Italy, I'm trying to visit all of you.
    this was really a great experience!
    ciao ciao

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Jo! It's wonderful to connect with someone so far away! It was so much fun!

      Delete
  5. Lots of gorgeous, pretty pieces! I'm very impressed :) x

    ReplyDelete
  6. My very favorite is the lamp work bracelet. I love the beads and colors.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Such pretty bracelets, Love them all.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Lovely! I love the acorn necklace!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I like it all - and lol @ the I Love Chocolate focal! The acorn's probably my favorite though - I love those colors together, and the acorn's so cute :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. :D Thanks, Heidi! The I <3 Chocolate focal is so very true ;) And I agree, the acorn is so sweet!! I love it!

      Delete
  10. Everything is beautiful. I especially love the collection of bracelets-so much fun! The fibers add a wonderful texture to them. Happy belated birthday to your son!

    ReplyDelete
  11. So I was trying to decide what I like best, but I keep changing my mind. I adore both necklaces. Of course the J is perfect for me and purple is one of my fave colors, but I adore that acorn and love how you added the gems and the ribbon. The bangles are so fun! The lampwork you got to use in those designs is just so juicy and yummy. Great job!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL! That is about how I feel about it too, Jennifer, can't truly decide my favorite, I love them all! :D Thank you so much!!!

      Delete
  12. My fav is the earrings. You had quite a mix of beads there and used them in some very inventive ways. Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  13. It doesn't look like a sick family slowed you down at all. I wouldn't hesitate to wear any of those pieces, but those bangles are totally my favorite. They are so different and unique. . .super cool. Excellent work on all of it!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. What an adorable acorn bead! Your necklace shows it off really well. :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Jennifer,
    All of your pieces are very pretty. You did a great job with the soup mix Kari sent to you.
    Therese

    ReplyDelete
  16. I have so many leftovers from natural fabrics....will try to use them now. Thank you for an inspiration!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Really? I inspired you?? Oh that makes my day!! You have to let me know when you do, I'd love to see!!

      Delete
  17. I really love your bangles! Think I need to make me some bangles... :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL! You totally should, bangles are so much fun!

      Delete
  18. Great designs - love the bangles! :) The acorn bead necklace is gorgeous. Your lampwork bracelet and matching earrings are so pretty. Love everything! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awww, thank you so much!! That is so kind of you!

      Delete
  19. Love the bangles, I so need to get the using fiber thing down, you make it look good!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww, thank you so much, Jean! I love love love fiber!

      Delete
  20. Jennifer - I love what you did! I can't decide what is my favorite! I have always just added my acorns to a simple chain, I love how you designed your necklace, and the bangles are great! It has been a blast being your partner for this hop!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay, Kari!!! I'm so glad you approve! Thank you!! I had so much fun being your partner! ((HUGS)))

      Delete
  21. They're all great. I love that acorn pendant. I couldn't have resisted wearing it right away either!

    Kary B
    http://plussizebangles.com/blog

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay, Kary! I'm glad to hear I am not the only one who couldn't resist it ;). Thank you so much!!

      Delete
  22. Oh ugh, I'm so sorry you've been sick! Doesn't that always happen at the worst time?

    I love what you made, and hope you had fun!

    I hope you'll join me again in the summer!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No kidding! I swear the sickness plans to invade when we are too busy!

      Thank you so much, I had SO much fun! I love love this! I am hoping to be able to do the next one too!!

      Delete
  23. The first necklace is just stunning....but then I saw the bangles and I was awestruck! LOVE THEM! Usually, it's hard to be creative when you/the family is sick...but that obviously did not affect your creativity! You did such a beautiful job!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awww, thank you so much Patti!! I am totally excited about the bangles and have plans to make some for my shop! It is hard to be creative when everyone is sick LOL, I couldn't remember what I was doing half the time! Thank you thank you!!

      Delete
  24. Beautiful, my dear, as always. Next time I visit, I'd like to see them in person!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. See this! I finally figured out how to leave a comment!

      Delete
    2. Thank you!!! I am so very proud of you :D

      Delete
  25. I hope you (and the family) are on the mend! I adore the acorn...the color is crazy cool! Your bangles are pretty dog gone great too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, I think we are finally getting better! I love that acorn too, Kari is amazing with the lampwork! I wish I knew how to do that LOL And thank you, I love the bangles myself :)

      Delete
  26. All of your designs are so pretty! The bangle bracelets are fantastic! :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. You made some beautiful things, and all in the midst of a sick family! I love the first necklace, the brown and blue together are really nice! Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  28. All of your pieces are so pretty. I really like all of them. I like how you use alot of fiber.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I like how you came up with the bangles :) Very pretty :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Those are great Jennifer! I just love the bangles :) Great job!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Marie!! Means a lot from you!! :)

      Delete
  31. I love how you incorporated fabric in your designs. I really need to try this more often, my few few attempts where horror stories!! I'm in awe!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Kat!! Don't ever call them horror stories, ;), call them learning experiences! I totally recommend continuing to play with fabric! It is so much fun once you get into your own groove!

      Delete
  32. Luv ur blog & design name! Ok I'm ur newest follower! Ur designs ur so Afreakinamazing I luv the Acorn necklace, ok who wouldn't! And the additional necklace is a beauty! The bracelets just send me over the edge! U way rock!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww, thank you so much, Shanti! You are so very sweet! I look forward to getting to know you better through our blogs!

      Delete
  33. Oh my goodness you made up some delicious soup. I love the simplicity of the acorn necklace and that lampwork bracelet is swoonworthy!

    blogbaby(at)comcast(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  34. Those came out great! Love that acorn focal!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Isn't the focal wonderful? Kari is so talented!

      Delete
  35. I am so glad that you and your family are getting better! Your creations are wonderful!! ~KM

    ReplyDelete
  36. That acorn necklace is such a wonderfully charming design. The bracelet wraps are funky fun!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Beautiful work, Miss Jennifer!!!! I love those bangles!! ;) I guess great minds think a like! LOL!! I love making them, don't you!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Sally!! LOL great minds definitely think alike! I had SO much fun making them!!!

      Delete
  38. Very beautiful work, those bangles are divine. Really wonderful job on your soup!! I found some inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awww, thank you so much Penny! It makes me so happy to have given a little inspiration!!

      Delete
  39. I love that last bracelet and the earrings. I guess mostly because the purples are my favourite colors. ;-))
    Sabine

    ReplyDelete
  40. Oh I love the first necklace! I like the combination of browns and blues very much, and this necklace seems to be something I would wear very often! But also the bangles track my taste - to wear two or all three and to jingle a little bit with them must be great!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! The bangles are so much fun!!

      Delete
  41. Love those bracelets and the first necklace! Great job with your soup!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Love those bangles!!! So cool and so is that acorn on the silk. I adore Marsha Neal's silks!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Stacey! I love her silks too!!

      Delete
  43. Love the 'regency' necklace. And what a smart idea to use the charm pennies in the bangles!

    ReplyDelete
  44. I love the lampwork earrings and bracelet; I'm a sucker for lampwork and I love what you've done. Cheers!
    Lori D.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much!! I love lampwork too! Someday I'd love to learn to make my own :)

      Delete
  45. Isn't it funny how an idea can appear at any time? I love all the pieces you made, but my favorite are the sweet and colorful bangles. I've never been able to make these look right for some reason. Love the silk you used in these pieces.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is funny! Thank you so much, I loved making the bangles, I just finished making a couple more so I can put these up in my shop in sets of two! My first try was not so right ;) I just got lucky I swear it! Thank you so much, Alice!

      Delete
  46. Glad you were able to pull everything together -All your creations came out great! Love those bangles!!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Love what you did with your soup. That acorn is adorable and I really like the wrapped bangles. Great job! Enter me into your drawing.

    jeanawells@kc.rr.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much!!! You are entered! Winner will be announced on the 26th! :)

      Delete
  48. What amazing soup ingredients you had to work with! I love all of your pieces, but my favorite has to be the bangle with the lampwork beads - love those colors! Fantastic job! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Molly, I was so blessed in my soup! Kari sent me so many wonderful pieces to play with! Thank you so much!!

      Delete
  49. Straggling in and I'm so glad I did! Your pieces are sweet! I love the purple with the J pendant and the penny charm bracelets were really really clever! Love them!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am straggling myself LOL I swear I will finish hopping this week, I am so slow this time around! Thank you so much for your sweet comment!!

      Delete
  50. I love everything you made Jenn, but the lovely acorn necklace and the awesome bangles are my faves! Then again I do like purple ... and lampwork and ... oh, I love 'em all! Beautifully done as always! =D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ((HUGS)) Thank you so much, Lola, you are always so wonderful and sweet!! <3 you!!

      Delete
  51. Everything is nicely done. Love the bangle charm bracelets. But my fav is the last set. Bracelet and earrings. So pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Lovely jewellery! Lovely colour palettes and designs. My faves are the bangles -- really like the mix of fabric and metal. Fab job!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Your pieces are so much fun, Jennifer - and the bangles are lovely; I like how you wrapped them!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww, thank you so so much Alicia!! You are so kind!

      Delete
  54. Hi Jennnifer,

    Great job, you made alot of soup, bangles are fantastic and lampwork is great too, I am a lamp work junkie!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Sandi!! I adore lampwork! Someday I'd love to learn how to make it :)

      Delete
  55. Wonderful bunch of pieces. That acorn is just darling and I think you did just enough with it to really show it off. That necklace is my fav.

    ReplyDelete
  56. What great pieces! I had to laugh when I saw the charmed pennies; I've been experimenting with doing that, and of course had no idea anyone else was also doing it. Everything you've done is such fun!...and I would LOVE, love, love to win those earrings! :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL, Lori! I thought Kari was so inventive creating the Charmed Pennies, great minds think alike, right? Good luck in the drawing!

      Delete
  57. What great pieces, I love the bangles, they are my favorites! Really pretty stuff.
    Sonya

    ReplyDelete
  58. Wow! Stunning, all the way around! Especially love your incorporation of fiber with the jewels and metal!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! That is so very kind of you, I had a lot of fun :)

      Delete
  59. I love the long acorn necklace, so sweet, but my favourites are the bangles - what a perfect way of showing off the focals!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Jo! I really am so pleased with the bangles lol, I have started making more now for my shop, I just love them so! So much fun to make :)

      Delete
  60. I can see why you squealed when you received your bead soup package! It's awesome. The Acorn necklace is darling and the bangles look like so much fun to wear with the movement of the little beads and focals.

    ReplyDelete
  61. I was very very blessed in my soup! Thank you so much for your kind words!

    ReplyDelete
  62. What beautiful beads and designs! I love your use of sari silk!

    xo Genea

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for taking the time to comment, it means so much to me!