Love 2 Upcycle: Sustainable Sunday Finds

I'm so thrilled to have one of my pendants  included in this weeks finds. Bee does a fantastic job every week choosing some really great items! Be sure to check it out!
Love 2 Upcycle: Sustainable Sunday Finds: Sustainable Finds from Team Upcyclers... Each Sunday I search our team's shops to bring you a handful of creations to start off your ...

Love 2 Upcycle: Love 2 DIY on the Weekend~ Upcycling Holiday Ideas...

Love 2 Upcycle: Love 2 DIY on the Weekend~ Upcycling Holiday Ideas...: We told you it's beginning to look like an Upcycled Christmas last week~ Here's some ideas for you to make yourself and bring some upcycled...

Love 2 Upcycle: Upcyclers Creativity Challenge October Results: Je...

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First Friday Artwalk on Etsy: November First Friday Art Walk On Etsy.com

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Upcyclers Monthly Challenge Reveal + 2 Recipes to share

It’s time for Etsy’s Team Upcyclers monthly challenge. This month’s item to upcycle was denim. There is already a ton of great ideas posted

For the challenge I made earrings with recycled aluminum computer parts, denim and copper.

I had so much fun working with the denim and I really like how they came out. I also liked someone’s idea for a trivet so much I made myself one. You can see it in the upper corner. :)

On the home front I taught my daughter how to make Mock Raspberry Jam using our green tomatoes from the garden. I absolutly love this recipe . You think the tomato seeds are raspberry seeds...very convincing and very delicious. It is such a great way to use up your end of season green tomatoes and you get a fairly high yield. We had 11 jars of jam from one small basket of tomatoes. My daughter made these Swedish cookies using it. They are light and crispy but a tad on the rich side.

Mock Raspberry Jam

2c. green tomatoes cut into small cubes and pureed.

1/2c. water

2c sugar

1 small pkg. raspberry jello

Place tomato cubes in blender of food processor with water and blend til smooth.

Mix ingredients in a med saucepan and bring to a boil. Pour into jelly jars store in freezer.

Rosen Munnar Cookies

1c. butter

½ c sugar

2c flour

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 13 x 9 inch cookie sheet. Cream together butter and sugar mix in flour gradually. Shape into 1 inch balls and press an indentation in the middle with your thumb. Fill the cavity with your favorite jam. Bake 10 to 15 min or until golden brown.

2-3 doz.

I hope you will give these both a try and let me know what you think.

Thanks for stopping by!

Love 2 Upcycle: September Results for Upcyclers Creativity Challen...

Love 2 Upcycle: September Results for Upcyclers Creativity Challen...: The challenge this month was to upcycle a t shirt.  We all have a t shirt or two that just sits in the dresser or hangs in the closet, so w...

Silver Reactions

I have been experimenting a bit again with different fusing techniques after my studio cleaning adventure that I have yet to finish. I did finish the pot melt pendants...they were so ugly...I didn't even take pictures.

I did try a cool tip from Bullseye glass on chemical reactions using pure silver. The glass is actually vanilla and the colors you see are a reaction with the oxides in the glass and silver. I was blown away...they turned out so cool...what do you think?

On The Homefront...
No good news to share on my son-in-law ...looks like another treatment is failing he's having liver problems because of all the chemo...and it looks like the stem cell transplants are out. They are now looking at some other options and now qualify for some trials...so we will see...please pray for him!!!

The weather is turning a little cooler here and there is a hint of fall in the air. We are actually going to get down close to freezing this weekend. I did get beets and carrots  planted in the garden hopefully I can keep them alive till they're ready. I had read an article on people in northern states like me gardening till december...so I am giving it a go. We started some pots outside with zuchinni and beans that I will bring in when it gets colder. I also found a tutorial on making a hydroponic window garden using 2 liter bottles, pvc pipe, and a fish tank pump...I'm hoping to get to it soon.

New gallery & New upcycled jewelry designs ..Verde Eco Boutique in Mequon Wisconsin.

Yesterday was such a great day! I had an appointment yesterday with a shop in Mequon Wis. called Verde Eco-Boutique. My glass designs and New upcycled jewelry line are now featured there.

As you may know I have been working on a 100% recycled line of jewelry using materials from my hubby’s e-cycling adventure. I thought this shop would be a perfect fit!

They are community based and eco friendly with a big emphasis on the helping the little guy. The boutique carries local artists' crafts (with an emphasis on upcycled), eco-friendly retail, and resale items.

I met with the owner Nancy. She is the visionary behind Verde Eco-boutique and a self admitted character.  Being a character myself we hit it off right away!

My hubby made some great display cards for my upcycled jewelry and he also came along. He loved the store and the direction they are going. He is just as excited as I am. We both think that Nancy has some great ideas and an eye towards the future and Verde Eco Boutique.

www.verdeecoboutique.com

Afterwards we drove around mequon...John showed me some of the buildings he had worked on, the quarry's and we stopped and had lunch at this great little hamburger place called Roberts. We hit a few yard sales on the way home I found some beautiful antique floor lamps and a super cool metal coat rack, and a very cool solid brass picture frame with oval glass...they all just need a little TLC...I'll post before and afters soon.

Here's a couple of my upcycled designs.

Proud Mom Moment

Just a quick post..I wanted to share this with you.

My daughters self portrait made the school calender. She did such an amazing job...the details are incredible. I wish I could show it better... it was a little big for the scanner.
I especially love this drawing as she is wearing one of my bracelets. So cool to have a blend of our work together.

Happy Hump Day!!

Bead Soup Blog Hop 3rd and Final Reveal!

It is time for the 3^rd and final reveal of the 6th. Bead Soup Blog Party.

This has been my first time participating and I have had such a great experience. It was so cool seeing all the different soups and designs that came about. I have met some fantastic people and was inspired by the work and some of the great blogs out there.

I have to give a big thank you to Lori and all those who helped make this possible…you all did such a great job and this was no small feat!

Created and hosted by Lori Anderson of Lori Anderson Designs. This time around the party is huge with almost 400 participants with 3 separate reveal dates.

Lori has paired up artists who will swap bead soup mixes. The soups have to consist of a focal, a special clasp and coordinating beads. Something to challenge your partner and something you would be proud to give to your best friend. We then have to create something using at least the focal and the clasp…and have these ready for the reveal. We all visit each other’s blogs to see their finished pieces and learn more about them and the pieces they made.  

                                                  Hostess, Lori Anderson, Pretty Things

                                                        Agi Kiss, Moonsafari Beads 
                                                        Alice Peterson, Alice Dreaming

Alison Sachs, Beads by Earthtones

Amanda Dittloff, Passion Smashin'

Andra Marasteanu, Bijoux de Monanage

Angie Szlovak, SweetBeads

Anitra Gordy, Leelu Creations

Ann Sherwood, Ann's Blog

Arlene Dean, A Glass Bash

 

Audrey Belanger, Dreams of an Absolution

Barb Solem, Vivi Magoo Presents

Barbara Blaszczyk, laboratorim Flory

Becky Pancake, Becky Pancake Bead Designs
Beth Emery, Stories by Indigo Heart

Bianca Odenthal, Zydies Glasperlen

Birgit Klughardt, GitesBeads
Bobbie Rafferty, Beadsong Jewelry
Bonnie Coursolle,  Jasper Gems
Cece Cormier, The Beading Yogini
Charlene Jacka, Clay Space

Cherrie Fick, En La Lumie're
Cheryl Foiles, Get Your Bead On
Christie Murrow, Charis Designs Jewelry

Christina Miles, Wings n Scales
Christina Stofmeel, Feng Beads
Christine Stonefield, Sweet Girl Design
Cindy Cima Edwards, Live to Design
CJ Bauschka, 4 His Glory Creations
Claire Smith, Embergrass Jewelry
Cynthia Riggs, Cynth's Blog
Dana Fowler, Trunk Full of Treasure

Dawn Pierro, Turtle Moon Designs
Dee Elgie, Cherry Obsidia
Donetta Farrington, Simply Gorgeous
Dot Lewallwn, Speedie Beadie

Eileen Snyder, Dorset Hill Beads
Elizabeth Bunn, Elizabeth Beads
Eva Kovacs, Ewa gyongyos vilaga!
Evelyn Duberry, Sheba Makeda
Fay Wolfenden, Torch Fairy
Fen Li, Bead Flora Jewels
Gail Zwang, Angel Moose Enterprises
Geneva Collins, Torque Story
Grace Dorsey, Fan of the Flame
Gretchen Nation,  Art Food Lodging
Hannah Annear, Squintessential

Hajer Waheed, My Beaded World
Heather Goldsmith, As I Bead It
Heather Otto, The Craft Hopper
Heidi Kingman, My Bead Therapy
Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
Isolina Perez, Isolina Perez
Jacqueline Keller, CreARTelier
Jane Haag, Did You Make Something Today?
Janeen Sorensen, Wild Vanilla Designs
Jean Peter, Jean P. Designs
Jennifer Judd, Jen Judd Rocks
Jennifer L Justman, Soul's Fire Designs
Joanna Matuszczyk, Bizuteria z filcu
Joanne Brown, Jo's Jewels

Joanne Lockwood, Jo Bunkum
Joyce Becker, Joyce's Joyful Gems
Judy Riley, Three Red Beads
Karen Mitchell, Over the Moon Design
Karen Williams, Baublicious
Karin von Hoeren, Creative Ideen
Karla Morgan, Texas Pepper Jams
Kashmira Patel, Sadafule .. always in bloom!
Kate Richbourg, We Can Make That at Home
Katrin Lembke, AllesPerle
Kathy Combs, Torched in Texas

Kathy Lindemer, Bay Moon Design
Kay Thomerson, Kayz Kreationz
Kelley Fogle, My Life, One Bead at at Time
Kelly Hosford Patterson, Traveling Side Show
Klaudette Koon, Only Road
Lara Lutrick, Lampwork Beads by Lara
Laura Guenther, Blue Antiquities
Laurie Lalonde, Simply Mod Jewelry
Lilik Kristiani, Soul of My Embodiment
Linda Younkman, Lindy's Designs
Lisa Chapman, Beach Cat Beads
Lisa Lodge, Pine Ridge Treasures

Loretta Carstensen, Designs by Loretta
Lori Bergmann, Lori Bergmann Design
Lori Dorrington, Lori's Adventures in Etsy Land
Lupe Meter, Gem's PC Corner
Lynn Davis, LLYYNN
Malin de Koning, Beading by Malin
Mandi Effron, Craft-o-licious
Mandy Williamson, Mimi's Beading
Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter
Maria Rosa Sharrow, Willow Street Shops

Marianne Baxter, Simply Seablime Jewelry
Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre
Marjolein Trewavas, Room for Change
Marelene Cupo, Amazing Designs
Marsha Neal, Marsha Neal Studio
Marta Kaczerowska, uhuhu
Mary Govaars, MLH Jewelry Designs
Melissa Trudinger, Bead Recipes
Menka Gupta, Menka's Jewelry Blog
Michelle Burnett, Reverie and Revival
Michelle Escano-Caballero, The Cabby Crafter
Miko Wiropati, Uniquely Yunikua
Milla Hope,  LB Creative Arts and Crafts

Mimi Gardner, Other Curiosities
Miranda Ackerley, MirandackArts
Natalie McKenna, grubbi
Noemi Baena, fuego, metal, y color
Pam Ferrari, Ferrari Originals
Pam Sears, Crazy Creative Corner
Penny Neville, Copper Penny
Rachel Baron, R. Baron Designs
Rachel Myers, Rockabead Jewelry
Rana Wilson, Definitive Designs by R. Wilson
Rebecca Anderson, Song Beads
Rebecca Sirevaag, Becca's Place
Riki Schumacher, Riki Jewelry
Rose Binoya, Ahtee's Blog

Rossana De Gaspari, Rdegas Blog
Sandi James, Do Be Do Bead Do
Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe
Sandra Wollberg, City of Brass Stories
Sarah Goode, Pookledo
Sarah Small, blog by salla
Shai Williams, Shaiha's Ramblings
Shawn Mills, Shawn Marie Designs with Bent Wire
Sheila Davis, Stone Designs by Sheila
Sheryl Stephens, Babble Bead
Shiraz Biggie, Secret Song Designs
Solange Collin,  Ahowin Handcrafted Jewelry
Sonya Stille, Dreamin' of Beads
Stephanie Dixon, The Dixon Chick

Susan Kennedy, Sue Beads
Susan Sheehan, Strands of Thought
Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Beadphoria
Sweet Freedom, Sweet Freedom Designs
Tabatha Dinger, Modernly Created
Tania Hagen, Pelima Jewellery Design
Tanya Boden, Fusion Muse
Terri Gauthier, Blooming Ideas
Terry Carter, Tapping Flamingo
Tracy Stillman, Tracy Stillman Designs

Studio Clean up Wakes the Fusing Bug in Me.

I have been trying for some time to get my small studio organized. No easy feat...I am trying to get 3 rooms full of stuff into one. You may remember awhile back that my hubby had built a closet organizer for me. I have gotten things fairly well organized except for a few boxes of odds and ends.

This is the day I decide I'm going to take care of some of it.

So I grab a box and open it. It is filled with little boxes. The boxes are full of fused glass cabochons I never finished, mishaps, failed experiments and a good-sized box of dichroic glass scraps.

Ok, I grab the box of unfinished cabs, set up my grinder and start grinding. I spend enough time at the grinder to have 2 full trays of cabs ready to be fired. I put the first tray in the kiln and turn it on. So far so good.

While my kiln is cooking away I grab the box of failed experiments and look at everyone. All still good ideas, if I could just get them to work. Well, enough of that.

My kiln is now up to temperature…my pieces look good…time to cool.

I grab another small box and open it. Cool! A bunch of dichroic glass strips I had fused between layers of clear for the torch. Wait a minute! I pick up the box of failed experiments and pull out a failed dichroic pot melt. They either ashed out from the high heat or didn’t have enough dichroic in them for me. But, these fused strips might hold up to the heat.

So, I set up my clay flowerpots and fill them with the strips.

Meanwhile my kiln has cooled. I take out my finished cabs…nice!

Forget the second tray for now, let’s fire the pot melt!

I get the kiln loaded and turn it on. Wow! Look at the time, I better get dinner started.

I get the chicken ready and throw it in the oven. I decide I can make instant mashed and a can of corn to go with it…in a bit. Ok, back to the studio.

The pot melt is almost done; one of the pots is already empty...time to cool. The piece is going to take a few hours to cool…they’re pretty thick.

So, I head back to the kitchen and finish dinner and we all sit down to eat. I put dinner away and straighten the kitchen. I sit down with the family and we watch a little T.V together. My hubby goes to bed and I hop on the computer. Finally around midnight, my pot melt is cool. I think it looks pretty good. Now I just need to cut them up for pendants and refuse them.

Here are the cabochons I finished



Pot melt with pot sitting on a string of glass.

I am nowhere’s near finished with that box of forgotten goodies. But what a great start!

I will keep you posted on the pot melt experiment!
Thanks for stopping by. Please leave a comment. I would love to hear from you!

6th Bead Soup Blog Party 2nd Reveal.

Hooray the 2nd reveal of the 6th. bead soup blog party is here....A small recap..
Created and hosted by Lori Anderson of Lori Anderson Designs. This time around the party is huge with almost 400 participants with 3 separate reveal dates.

Lori has paired up artists who will swap bead soups. The soups have to consist of a focal, a special clasp and coordinating beads. Something you would be proud to give to your best friend. We then have to create something using at least the focal and the clasp…and have these ready for the reveal. Plus you also visit other members blogs.

Hostess, Lori Anderson, Pretty Things

Adlinah Kamsir, Dream Struck Designs

Adrienn Lukacs, Raszputyin Designs

Agata Grygiel, Cytherea Bijoux 

Alenka Obid, Pepita Handmade 

Amy Dickerson, Damyjo Designs 

Amy Schmidt, Amy's Treasure 

Amy Severino, Amy Beads 

Ana Krepel, Cat's Pajamas, Dog's Tuxedos

Andra Weber, Andra's Joyful Journey

Andrea Trank, Heaven Lane Creations

Anke Humpert, Anart Island Studios

Ann Rishell, My Critical Eye

April Grinaway, Brooklyn Bead Goddess 

Ashley Bunting, Miss Ashely Kate 

Astrid Boyce, Astrid Boyce Beads 

B.R. Kuhlman, Mixed Mayhem Studios 

Barb Fernald, Barbara S. Fernald Jewelry 

Barbe Saint John, Saints and Sinners

Beata Benkone Meggyesi, Beahobbi

Brandy McNair, Bella Vita Handmade Jewelry 

 Bryna Lumb, Bryna's Bead Box

Carmen Lau, Little Maketto

Cate van Alphen, Fulgorine

Cathie Carroll, Cathie Carroll's Studio

Cathy Khoury, Touch Jewelry 

Christina Stofmeel, Feng Beads 

 Collette Collins, Fire Fly Myst Artisan Jewelry

Courtney Breul, Beads by Breul 

Crystal Thain, Here Bead Dragons

Cynthia Abner, Created Treasures

Deana Hager, Just Deez'Art & Life

Debbie Davis, Natural Treasures by Deb

Debbie Phenes, Deb Joy Sing

Debbie Rasmussen, A Little of This, A Little of That

Dhea Powers, Java Bead

Diana Welte, Lilyweeds

Dita Basu, alankarshilpa

Dorota Zeranska, gdymamczas 

Dot Lewallwn, Speedie Beadie

Eleanor Snare, The Magic Square Foundation

Elisabeth Auld, Beads For Busy Gals

Ema Kilroy, Ema K Designs

Emma Todd, A Polymer Penchant

Eva Sherman, Eva Sherman Designs

Evie and Beth McCord, EB Bead and Metal Works

Francy Inman, Francy's Studio

Ginger Bishop, lilmummy likes...

Giorgia Rossini, Jo in Wonderland

Ine Vande Cappelle, Jewels by Ine 

Iveth Caruso, Creative Atelier 

JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions

Jackie Ryan, Kydo Jewellery

Jeannie Dukic, Jeannie's Blog

Jelveh Jaferian, Jelveh Designs

Jenna Tomalka, Twin Birch Studio

Jenni Connolly, Jenni's Beads

Jennifer Van Horn, Jennifers Jewels and Junk

Jo-Ann Woolverton, It's a Beadiful Creation

Johanna Rhodes-Nash, Fire Phoenix Creations 

 Joyce Blair, Bent Wire West Coast

JuLee Wolfe, The Polymer Penguin

Karen Vincent, Swallow Tail Jewellery

Karin Slaton, Backstory Beads

Kayla Potega, The Eclectic Element 

Kim Dworak, CianciBlue

Krafty Max, Krafty Max Originals

Kris Lanae Binsfeld, Cherish Designs by Kris Lanae

Kristen Latimer, MJM Jewelry Designs

Kumi Fisher, Malie Kai Designs

Kym Hunter, Kym Hunter Designs

Lennis Carrier, Windbent

Leslie Wayment, AA Beads & More

Linda Florian, Lilys of the Valley Jewelry Creations

Linda Murphy, Bonita Bead

Lisa Johnson, Whimsey Wonders

Lisa Lodge, Pine Ridge Treasures

Lisa Sittniewski, Love, Yesterdays

Lois Moon, Que Onda, Q'Town?

Lola Surwillo, Bead Lola Bead

Lorelei Eurto, Lorelei's Blog

Lori Bowring Michaud, Artfully Ornamental

Lori Callahan, Dancing Wire and Beads by Lori

Lori Finney, Using My Beads

Marcia Dunne, The Alternative Foundry

Margareta Saari, Mags-koruja

Maria Horvath, Horimarika Beads

Marian Hertzog, M's Place

 Mary Ellen Parker, BeeTree by m.e.

Mary K McGraw, MK's Creative Musings

MaryLou Holvenstot, time2cre8 

Martha Aleo, Ornamento

 Maybeline Tay, The Jewelry Larder

Megan Collins, Churchy & Her Sailor

Melissa Meman, Art. Life. Love.

Melissa Mesara, One-Eared Pig Beads

Melissa Muir, Kelsi's Closet Jewelbox

Paige Maxim, Paige Maxim Designs

Pam DeBoer, Purple Notes from the Studio

Pam Farren, re-maker

Pam Hurst, Pam Hurst Designs

Patricia Handschuh, The Color of Dreams

Patty Miller, CabariBeads

Penney Klapoth, Faerie Acres

Regina Santerre, Regina's Writings

Rhea Freitag, starrgazer creates

Rochelle Brisson, A Creative Chelle

Sabine Dittrich, PerlenDschungel

Sandra McGriff, Creative Chaos

Sandra Neights, Petalo Azul

Sandra Young, It's a Bead Life!

Sara Oehler, SoftFlex Girl

Saturday Sequins, Saturday Sequins

Shanti Johnson, Sunshine Bliss

Shari Replogle, Plays With Paper

Sonya Stille, Dreamin' of Beads

Stefanie Teufel, Stefanies Sammelsurium

Tammie Everly, TTE Designs

Tania Spivey, Moobie Grace Designs

Tanya Wiles, Tenebrous Hollow Studio

Therese Frank, Therese's Treasures

Tina Holden, Polymer Clay Bytes!

Toltec Jewels, Jewel School Friends 

Tracey Nanstad, A Beadiful Mess

Tracy Choy, BumbleBeads Designs

Valerie Norton, Hot Art

Love 2 Upcycle: July's Upcyclers Creativity Contest

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1st reveal of the 6th Bead Soup Blog Party. My Partners Piece.

Well the 1st. reveal is winding down. I have to say this has been one of the most fun events I have participated in. I have met and had the pleasure of viewing the work of so many talented people.
Lori has done an incredible job and throws a great party. Learn more about Lori here… http://www.prettythingsblog.com

One of the members Tanya of put together the coolest list of the 1st reveal with pictures and bio. She will be putting together a list for the entire reveal. What an incredible task. She has done an incredible job!

https://sites.google.com/site/beadsoupparty2012/Reveal-1

Learn more about Tanya here…

·                                 http://fusionmusebangkok.blogspot.com/ ·                                 http://www.fusionmuse.com HerHere is what I sent.

Here are the pieces my partner Marge put together. She did an incredible job with the soup I sent. Something I could never have imagined. Check her out here... http://rockcreekcreations.blogspot.com/

6th Bead Soup Blog Party 1st reveal

So today is the 1st reveal day of the 6^th Bead Soup Blog Party. A day we have all been waiting for. 

For a complete list and links to other participants blogs please visit.. http://lorianderson-beadsoupblogparty.blogspot.com/2012/06/participants-of-6th-bead-soup-blog.html

 
First off I want to thank Lori, the creative force behind the bead soup party and our wonderful hostess. She has done such an incredible job putting this all together…with a little help from her dear hubby and a few good fairies. ; )

You can learn more about Lori, her work, and a bit about her life here.. http://www.prettythingsblog.com

Secondly I want to thank my partner Marge Beebe for sending me such a great bunch of goodies to play with.  Please visit Marge’s blog to see what she did with the beads I sent her. http://www.rockcreekcreations.blogspot.com/

Here is what Marge sent to me.

This was my first Bead Soup Blog Party and I am having a wonderful time. It was so fun to pick out a bead mix for my partner and wait for mine to arrive. I also loved the challenge of creating something different from our norm using someone else’s choices. I am anxious for the reveal and the blog hop should be a lot of fun. I have done a bit of hopping…a lot of very talented and interesting people.

Here is what I made.

For my piece I wanted something versatile. And I just fell in love with the hand dyed cloth Marge sent and had to use it. I also wanted to use some of the recycled copper wire I grabbed from my hubby’s e-cycling.

I am very happy with the piece and plan to do a few more like this. The finished design is convertible. Each strand can be worn individually or in a combination. The piece can be worn with or without the pendant and bail. And the pendant can also be removed from the bail to add your own pendant for even more options. Another plus about this design is that the strands can also be wrapped around the wrist as bracelets.

See you at the next soup!

5 Giveways at Lori Andersons Pretty Things Blog

5 incredible giveaways from Lori Anderson of the Bead Soup Blog Party fame.
Lori came back from the Bead and Button show in Milwaukee with some goodies she wants to share...5 chances to win! details here...
http://www.prettythingsblog.com/2012/07/finally-five-bead-and-button-bead.html

Just a little peak at one of the giveaway packages.

Love 2 Upcycle: Upcyclers Creativity Challenge #2: GLASS

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The Soup I Sent Marge

I wanted to share the soup I sent Marge. I had something entirely different picked out at first. After I hopped over to her blog and saw her wish list I decided to go with these. I can't wait to see what she does with them.

On the family side: We did manage to see a firework show for the 4th. Although quite a few shows were postponed or canceled because it has been so dry here. We added a new town to our list of firework shows we have seen. We went to Whitewater this year. It was a pretty decent show and they had a carnival and parade also. We skipped that because of the heat index of 100+...instead we sat in air conditioning and ate Chinese food.

On the home front: My garden is losing it's battle against the rabbits and chipmunks. The tomatoes, peppers and onions are doing well. All my other plants zucchini, beans, melons, lettuce..all of them are little nubs just barely alive. We have tried everything from flashy noisy things to blood meal, fencing and even an owl shaped cut out. Maybe some wolf urine or something along those lines.

Hope you all had a great 4th!!

The Soup I Received and More on My Partner Marge

Here is the soup I got from Marge. Some wonderful handmade ceramic beads, hand dyed cloth, a very large natural stone bead and lot's of great little coordinating beads. I can't wait to get started.

A little more on My partner: Marge has a wonderful sense of humor. She is a wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, avid crafter and the Data/Technology Coordinator at Literacy connections. Who by her own admissions is suffering from a form of crafting ADD. She has an interest in many including jewelry making, crocheting, cross stitch, clay, knitting, loom weaving, dying fabric, tatting, embroidery, and sewing. I really enjoyed being paired up with Marge and going through her blog. It made me chuckle a lot..let's you get to know a little about her life and has some great info. She also has some computer related how to’s…on Picassa, Etsy, and Blogger. Definatly worth checking out. I know I will be using them!

http://rockcreekcreations.blogspot.com/

http://www.rockcreekcreations.artfire.com

https://www.facebook.com/#!/RockCreekCreations

Here are a few of Marge’s pieces.

There are 400 participants this time around...be sure to check our hostess Lori Anderson's blog with a complete list of participants w/ links...
http://lorianderson-beadsoupblogparty.blogspot.com/

Have a Happy 4th...See you at the reveal!

6th Bead Soup Blog Party

This month I joined my 1^st Bead Soup Blog Party. Created and hosted by Lori Anderson of Lori Anderson Designs. This time around the party is huge with almost 400 participants with 3 separate reveal dates.

Lori has paired up artists who will swap bead soups. The soups have to consist of a focal, a special clasp and coordinating beads. Something you would be proud to give to your best friend. We then have to create something using at least the focal and the clasp…and have these ready for the reveal. Plus you also visit other members blogs. I just love this idea…it really gets you to think outside your comfort zone and helps get some traffic to your blog.

You can learn about Lori and the party…plus a list of participants here…  http://lorianderson-beadsoupblogparty.blogspot.com/

My partner for the swap is Marge Beebee...this is Marges 3rd swap.

I am so excited. I checked Marge’s blog and think I have the perfect soup for her. I hope she likes it.

You can learn about Marge here...  http://www.rockcreekcreations.blogspot.com/

  

I am really looking forward to the challenge…See you at the reveals!!