ZnetShows Summer Bling

As a design partner, I am often asked to create designs for ZnetShows.  They will send me a little bundle of beads to play with.  Summer is almost hear and so this new challenge is for creating summer jewelry.  We got to pick out 2 colors, I chose pink and yellow.  So on Thursday I received my bundle and this is what I received.

I am quite excited about this challenge because we were asked to make a piece that is for everyday wear and a formal evening piece.  I have a couple of ideas, but I need to get to the drawing board and start drawing up my ideas.  Im thinking that sterling silver will be for the evening wear and copper for the everyday wear...  check back soon and see the progress of my creations.  You can also just follow me and get the updates..

Thanks for stopping by...  ENjoy your weekend.

Whoooo hooo... I am published in the Beadwork Magazine!

I have been waiting such a long time to announce this..  I had to wait for the magazine to come out first...so here it is... You will find my earrings on page 82 of the BeadWork Quick and Easy Special addition...Oh yeah!  My first submission to a magazine.  I am soooo excited.  Would love to get your feedback on the design.  As you see, most of the beads are from ZnetShows...

THANKS BILL for the beautiful beads...  I hope I made you proud!  :-)

Artisan Whimsy Bead Chat...Awesome Magazine

Click to view July 2013 BEAD Chat Magazine by Artisan Whimsy on GLOSSI.COM

This is a beautiful Magazine and is worth checking out...

“Partner Picks Summer Challenge and Giveaway” Reveal is here!

Wow.. I have been going crazy trying to create something from the amazing beads I received from my partner, Karla.

But before I got into my craziness, I thought I would share a little about my partner.  Not only does she love to bead and love earthy tones (like me), she also owns a business making her TEXAS PEPPER JAMS.  You must check out her blog and see all of what she does and makes.  I tried one of her recipes already and it disappeared rather quickly.  Raspberry Crumb Cake is the bomb!  You MUST to try it.  You can find her tasty jams on her website and on her Etsy shop.

I thought I have plenty of time to work on my creations but life has had its ups and downs for the past 2 weeks.  Good news, all is well.  So, I did a little sketching here and there.  Liked one of the drawings I came up with and started to get to work.  I made a quick pit stop at our local bead store and picked up some seed beads.  Matched them up nicely with the bead mix I got.  Its been awhile since I have done some seed bead work so I started one little strip...  Didn't like it.  Tried again.  Everything was lookin pretty good, the bead fit nicely in the little casing I made for it.  I was tightening the beads down, and next thing I knew the large bead slipped right out and it went flying on the floor.  I picked it up, tucked it back in the casing...took a little maneuvering but I got it to fit.  Again, the dumb thing popped out.  The bead is sooo smooth that no matter what I did, it kept popping out of the beaded casing.  I was frustrated to say the least.

See how the thread broke! Broke my heart, all that work...UGH

Dang slippery bead!!

Running out of time, my idea wasnt working, and I wanted something different.  Sooo, back to looking at bead magazines and looking online for inspiration.  Nothing...its amazing how many different designs are out there and I couldnt find anything that I thought would work.  2 or so days goes by and still no idea what i was going to make.  Then the stars must have lined up cuz I got my new magazine of Bead Works in the mail and there it was!  My inspiration, a design that I just knew had to work.  So...back to the bead store because I can never do anything the easy way.  I had 15 minutes to go in and out...cuz I parked in a 15 minute zone.  I knew what I wanted, went in and out in less than 30...phew, no ticket!  By now, its Friday.

So, I get to work...stitching away.  I was on a role...  Then it came time to see if the bead would slip out or not.  I held my breath and slid the bead into the casing, it fit perfect!  Very little slipping, step one was now successful.  Next I stitched the back side.  It went so much smoother than the first time.  The bead fit perfectly.  Even though there are a few flaws...I hid most of them..shhhh...LOL I had to make changes to the design to make it work for this particular bead.  The problem I had was the bead has a slight twist, so the casing needed to bend with the bead, and that I exactly what it did.

Back side, nothing is gonna slip out of this baby!!...LOL its not perfect, but it worked!

I had these old seed beads that matched perfectly with the colors on the large bead.  Now, once I perfected the casing, I needed to figure how I wanted to hang it around the neck.  I made two beaded loops on the sides of the bead.  Ok, got those done, now what?  I knew I wanted to make stitched beads.  So here I go again, hunting for the right style of bead.  It was starting to get late, but I didnt care.  I was on a mission...LOL  I found a simple beaded bead pattern online through Pinterest.

 I saved the image and put it up on my computer in my work room.  I set up my station and got to work.  Well, you know what happens when you dont wearing the right glasses, you dont always see things the right way!  So, my first bead was a flop!  I had to rip it out and do it again.  I was getting so tired by now that all I wanted to do was to get one bead made up.  11pm sneaks up rather quickly when you are having fun!  I made half of the bead and told myself that this is not looking quite the same as the picture.  I knew it wouldnt because they ask for bicone beads when I used large seed beads instead.  And I really should have used a different thread but I didnt care, I was going to make this work...  Then, I kept looking back at the pendent and really didnt like the loops I made on the sides.  Then, it happened again! That AH HA moment!  I put the thread with beads and Sari Silk ribbon through the loop and through the half beaded bead I just made and it looked great!  So, midnight comes around and my eyes and brain were fairly fried by then and I called it a night.

I just love those fun colors of these large seed beads.

Saturday morning I crawl out of bead...I wont tell you what time it was, but breakfast could have been considered lunch...hehehe  But I slept so well, and my brain was awake with my large cup of coffee...bacon and pancakes.

I finished the necklace, made a few pairs of earrings, and made another necklace by 7pm.  I feel good.  I am very pleased with my little creations.

I was afraid I was going to miss the deadline which I thought was last Saturday. Lucky me it is this Saturday...

Here it is....the challenge necklace.  I had to go back and tighten the larger seed beads on the front.  They did a little too much dangling around.  LOL

Glass Pearls - Autumn Green

Sardonyx Twisted Oval Beads - Green

Cultured Sea Glass Nugget - Opaque Oval

Kyanite Tube Beads

Base Metal Alloy Beads - fish

This pair of earrings was fun to make.  I made the enameled rings about 3 weeks ago for fun.  The colors matched perfectly with the mix I had so I decided to use them for these earrings.  

Base Metal Alloy Beads - fish

I really like how other jewelry artists include string, twine, silk and other types of string in their creations. I really like how these turned out too.

Kyanite Tube Beads

Cultured Sea Glass Beads - Oval - Medium Amethyst

Base Metal Alloy Beads - fish

Chinese crystal designer glass rondelle Beads faceted 107-Metallic Purple -metallic purple color  

I know its a very simple bracelet, but sometimes that is all you need!

Cultured Sea Glass Nugget - Opaque Oval

Kyanite Tube Beads

Base Metal Alloy Beads - fish

Chinese Crystals Kidney Beads

Cultured Sea Glass Beads - Oval - Medium Amethyst

Base Metal Alloy Beads antique silver tone pyramid bead caps (12-pc-bag)  

Glass Pearls - Autumn Green

Chinese Crystals Kidney Beads

I actually made another necklace with this bead, but I didnt like how it was turning out.  So I decided to do a little wire wrapping.  My sister told me that she has seen lots of women wearing necklaces with just one little piece dangling, so this is my version of just one simple pendent.  I like how it feels when wearing it too.  Soft...LOL  This is Sari silk which I bought from Divinity Fibers on Etsy.  

Finally my last piece.  Now this was a bit of a challenge for me because you know its hard for me to work with big beads...LOL  So, I thought that if I used the big beads, I somehow needed to still make the necklace not so heavy.  If I used lots of wire or metal components, it would be too heavy.  Lately I have been in love with the kumihimo, but again, its a little bulky.  I wanted slim and light weight and pretty.  So, I did a drawing on Thursday evening while I was doing some brain storming and came up with this design.  I think it came close enough to the drawing what do you think??? I used silk thread in a nice dark gray.  The thread fit perfectly in the holes of the big beads, did you know the holes are actually pretty small?

I don't have a name for this piece, but it will happen someday soon I promise...Hehehe...

I made these head pins with enamel and copper. Wrapped them around a hammered piece of copper.

Ohhh la la... This almost looks like my hair...seriously!  I have natural curly hair and when I get up in the morning...this is it!

 I added some of that eyelash yarn, just a few strands to add a little more fun!

So, instead of using a clasp, I decided to do a little macrame clasp, the strands loosen enough to put the necklace over your head.  The pretty pearls dangle on the ends

Ohh la la...  Light weight and yet it has those beautiful chunky beads.  I love how the flash makes these beads stand out..so pretty.

I like this shot, it really shows how delicate and frilly this piece is.

Glass Pearls - Autumn Green

Cultured Sea Glass Nugget - Opaque Oval

I still have more beads to play with, but I need to clean my house first...LOL

For more images, go to my FLICKR site..  Enjoy!

Dont forget to visit my partner...

 cant wait to see what she did with the beads I chose for her...

Karla

ps...here are some other participants blogs if you want to take a peek at their creations too!

Andrea Trank

B.R. Kuhlman

Becky Pancake
Christina Miles

Christine Stonefield

Cindy Cima Edwards

Donetta Farrington

Hope Smitherman

Kelly Patterson

Znetshows Winnings...

I will have to admit, I had a tough time deciding what I wanted to get from Znetshows GC award for winning on the Diamonds in the Rough Challenge. I really needed more metal pieces to add into my designs so I searched out what Bill has on his site.  Then I kind of went crazy!  I couldnt stop at just a few items. I went a tad over my limit but its all good.

So, here are a couple of pictures I took after I organized all the beads.  I had some down time while visiting my parents and had the package sent there.  My mom was hospitalized the day after I sent in my order and Bill was awesome enough to have the box sent to their house.  I ended up staying an entire week not knowing what was really going on with my mom.  Good news she is doing very well.  They did find a blood clot in her leg which was quickly taken care of.  Although she is in the safe zone now, its still going to take 6 months for the dumb thing to go away.  But she is well supervised and in good hands.  Anyway, while I was there I was able to make a run to Harbor Freight with my dad and picked up a couple of containers.  I received the box within a couple of days and was so excited.  Even my parents were impressed!

Again, I want to THANK everybody who voted for my pieces.  I plan on making many many designs with my new goodies..

THANK YOU BILL AND ZNETSHOWS

http://www.znetshows.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/znetshows

Clam Shell Cultured Beach Glass Creations

Bill has given us another little challenge to go along with the Mini Conch beach glass beads.  I received a cute little package with a hand full of fun mini clam shell beach glass beads...  So far I have been able to create  a couple of designs.  I thought it would be fun to do something different than jewelry. So, I made this fun keychain.  All the beads used are from Znetshows, even the chain.  Only part not found there was the clasp and clam shell metal bead.  But who knows...  Anyway, aside from the keychain, I made a pair of earrings.  I am also working on a bracelet.  You know how it goes when you have this idea, you put it together then you look at it and think....hmm...not quite what I imagined, but close...it just needs that something else added, and Im not sure what that is yet...

There is a tutorial in the makings for the Keychain...

Beach Glass Shell Beads

Designer Glass Flower

Base Metal ChainsChinese crystal designer glass bicone Beads faceted 4mm 123-Meridian Blue 

Beads used in the pair of earrings are as follows:

Chinese Crystal Braided Ball

Sea Glass Shell Beads

Chinese crystal designer glass round Beads faceted 4mm 73-Opaque Orange Flame ruby orange red

Ahhh... Finished! Jujubee Bracelet

While siting and watching the Giants lose... I finally finished making my Jujubee Bracelet with the Mini Conch beach glass beads from Znetshows. I have made bracelets with this technique before and they always turn out so pretty.  Normally though I use smaller beads, but I just love how this bracelet turned out.  Its slightly heavy, but it makes music when you wear it.  I dont know what it is about jewelry that makes music that fascinates me.  I think of work I suppose, you can always hear certain people walking down the hall and you know who it is by the sounds/music that they make.  We wear lanyards a lot, and with keys hanging off of the lanyards along with other fun things, we all seem to make some kind of sound/music while walking.  Anyway...my mind is wandering because its late at night and my brain is a little on the slow mode!  LOL  I just had to put the pictures up so you can see how the bracelet turned out...

Please feel free to share and comment on my blog...  I enjoy the company!  :-)

Hope you enjoyed the candy...eye candy that is...  :-)

New Beach Glass Beads from ZnetShows

UPDATED, keep scrolling to see my new designs... THX

Bill has done it again!  He has asked several of us jewelry designers to create some beautiful jewelry with their new baby CONCH beach glass beads .  These are smaller than the older CONCH beach glass beads 

I really like these little shells a lot.  They are small enough to make earrings, not too heavy either.  They are also great in necklaces and bracelets.  I really like how they sound too when you wear them.  They make a little music on your wrist when worn...  As you know, I love glass and metal mixed together.

MORE DESIGNS COMING SOON!!!

Aside from jewelry, I have created these cute little mermaid cloth dolls.  All of the beads I used are from ZnetShows.  Notice the flippers... One thing I thought would be fun was to add a little glitter to the beach glass beads for bling!  See how pretty these dolls turned out?  I am sad though...well..actually happy because they are going to a new home soon.  These were created for a Mermaid Pin Doll Swap for DOLL STREET DREAMERS, a group I belong to online.  We have these swaps several times a year.

I will be making a tutorial on how to make these fun little girls this summer.  Please let me know if you would be interested in learning how to make them.  I will notify you once I have the tutorial available.

I found some really cheap fingernail polish at Walgreens and it was a perfect match for the flippers. I only wanted to add some to the edges and not on the entire sea glass bead.  I think it would be overkill on the glitter...but then again, one can never have enough glitter...LOL

Thanks again, for stopping by!

More designs created for this challenge... June 11 Update!!

I had seen lots of beautiful jewelry created with oval rings and thought this piece would be perfect with the oval wire wrapped ring.  My first attempt was a flop..LOL  I wasnt holding on to the seed beads the right way, but once I figured it out..piece of cake..well..LOL  It took me some time to wrap the entire ring, but not too bad.  My fingers did not like it that much but hey...the final piece turned out pretty good dont you think??  hehehe

I really like this pair a lot.  It took me some time to decide what I was going to do with the green mini conch beads.  I like to mix up my colors a bit to add more interest instead of being all monochromatic.  I still have a few of the mini conch beads to work with, I just havent decided yet what I am going to do with them... Too many little projects going on all at the same time...but..that is how I create the best I think...