Risk

I received this lovely print in the mail yesterday from Chrissie Grace. Chrissie participated in my earring swap a few weeks back and even though she doesn't bead, she was kind enough to share one of her inspirational prints with me! I picked this one entitled "Risk". The quote really spoke to me because for the last few weeks I've been in a bit of a creative funk. I'm looking forward to "blossoming" soon. Stay tuned for more info on that!

My "Use The Muse" Submission

I told you recently of a contest that I entered last month called "Use The Muse". My entry is pictured above. It was organized by a very talented young lady by the name of Scarlett Lanson. Unfortunately I didn't win. I enjoyed it none the less and am looking forward to her next contest! I find that I really enjoy a challenge and a deadline when it comes to beading. So I'll definitely be entering some more contests as I found out about them. Head over to Scarlett's website and check out all the beautiful pieces of jewelry that were submitted.

Another Wonderful Giveaway!

Sandy of Forbes Farm Gifts is giving away a pair of her lovely floral earrings. Please stop by her blog and say "Hello" and leave a comment for your chance to win! Today's the last day to enter, so hurry over now.

My bead cup runneth over!

A couple of weeks ago the ever-talented Doreen Willey of Doreen's Backyard Beads posted a pic on her blog of the gorgeous "Cozumel" beads that you see above. I immediately contacted Doreen and asked her if there was some way that I could purchase some of these from her! The minute I saw these I just knew that I had to own one or two of them. Doreen, being the giving lady that she is, said she would just send me some. I was so excited! Well, here they are. They arrived at my door yesterday (thanks postman Pete!). I opened the box to find all these beads inside. I was beside myself with joy. I ran out to the back porch to show Hubby. He wasn't nearly as excited as I was, hmmmm. LOL. Anyway, I hope to use them soon and I pray that I'll be able to do them justice in addition to all the little treasures that came from my earring/bead swap. Thank you so much, Doreen! I'll have something in the mail to you ASAP in return for your kindness!

More Earring/Bead Swap Treasures Arrive

Let me say that postman Pete is my new best friend! Last week and this week he has brought me wonderful little packages containing treasures from some of the ladies who participated in my earring/bead swap. The first pic is of some handmade polymer clay pieces from Sharon of livewirejewelry. Sharon just started doing poly clay and I'd have to say she definitely has a knack for it. She also makes beautiful one-of-a-kind jewelry as well. The second pic are my little treasures from Leann Weih of summersstudiopottery. Leann could not have chosen better colors for me, these are my favorites. She also included a petite handmade dish with a leaf motif. Last but not least are the items that Mary Harding chose to share with me. Aren't they wonderful? I love the way Mary mixes glazes! She sent me some pendants, a handmade toggle and some charms. Thank you so much to all these ladies for participating and for sharing your unique creations with me. I feel so blessed!

Carmen's Having A Giveaway!

Carmen Torbus of Distracted By Design is having a giveaway for a print of one of her recent paintings (see photo above). Go check out her blog and leave a comment for your chance to win!

My First Interview!

Good Morning Everyone! I just wanted to share with you that I was invited by Miranda Helin to be interviewed for her blog, Creative Construction. This blog is a mix of support group and inspiration for creative Mom's like me. All the ladies who are members and contribute to the blog, are Mom's who are creative and struggle, as I do, with finding time for it. Please go check out Creative Construction even if you aren't a Mom. There are alot of talented ladies over there and I'm sure you will find some words of advice that would be useful to you.

Earring Swap Goodies

I held an earring swap a couple of weeks ago and have been receiving my goodies from the ladies who participated. Let me say first how GENEROUS these ladies have been to me. I cannot express to you their kindness and giving. Thank you to Erin, Sue and Vicki!

The first picture is what Sue Kennedy of suebeads sent me. A lovely set of her steel blue and silver lampwork beads, one of her beautiful aqua terra beads and a pretty blue face pendant from Gaea.

The second pic is from Vicki of loopylillie's. Vicki sent me everything from sterling silver findings and beads to some Swarovski crystals and 2 beautiful turquoise teardrops. She also included the 2 stones you see. She sent a note saying, "They are either rocks or props, however you choose to look at them." Well, I've already used them as props in my submission for the "Use the Muse" contest.

Last but not least are all the goodies that my friend Erin of everyheartcrafts sent me. Erin sent me a ton of dagger and leaf beads. She sent seed beads, crystals, MOP pendants, a beautiful glass starfish pendant, a copper toggle clasp, and some of her handmade ceramic leaves which I love to use in my work. The cute little dragonfly you see there was made by Erin as well. She and I both have quite the affinity for dragonflies.

I'm am still looking forward to more goodies arriving soon from Mary Harding and Sharon Borsavage. Go check out all these talented ladies websites/blogs please. Thanks again to everyone!

I'm in Treasury West!

Totallytwisted has included my Raku bracelet in this wonderful treasury on Etsy's treasury west! I just love the colors of it. It has such a vintage and antique feeling. It's available for viewing until tomorrow. Go take a peek! Thanks totallytwisted!

"Use The Muse" Contest Submission

I finally, yes finally, finished my submission for Scarlett Lanson's "Use The Muse" contest. I struggled with what to make for weeks and waited until the last minute to create something. I can't reveal any pics of my submission at this point, per the contest rules. So, you'll have to stay tuned...

Who Hearts Me?

Over 101 people on Etsy, that's who! Whew! I finally broke 100 Hearts in my Etsy shop. For those of you who don't know Etsy, Hearts are a way for to people mark your shop as a favorite of theirs. I'm almost certain that I had about 50 hearts prior to starting my blog a few months ago. So, it seems that blogging has brought quite a bit of traffic to my shop! Thanks everyone!

New items featuring Summers Studio Focals

Here is a bracelet and necklace that I made over the weekend. Each one features a focal piece from my friend Leann of Summers Studio Pottery. The first is a gorgeous teal and brown textured button that I just love! The necklace features a olive green and purple daisy pendant. Both of these items will be available in my Etsy shop later today. Thanks LeAnn for making such pretty things!

Coraline Website Goodies

I am CHOMPING AT THE BIT to see the new movie Coraline! I think I'll ask Hubby if I can sneak up to the theater one night this week to check it out. Ahh, what a refreshing thought! Me, a large coke and popcorn, and 2 hours without someone calling "MOMMY" every five seconds, LOL.
Anyway, check out the website for the movie, there's a few fun things to do there. Above is a little game they have where the mice from the movie spell out your name. Have a blessed day!