Big Hole Blog Hop

Here it is my friends.  I am so ecstatic, elated and amazed to announce to you that I am now a contributing member of the Art Jewelry Elements blog team!  When they contacted me to ask me if I was interested in contributing my first thought was "Heck Yeah" because you all know I jump in feet first to everything before really thinking it out.  Then it hit me.   What do I have to offer?  Well as you will see I have every intention of offering a new approach when looking at Art Elements.  You guessed it.  Art beads and components using seed beads.  I think too many times they are either overlooked because many feel they should make them on their own if they were to include them in strung jewelry and lets face facts some of you just can't work with seeds while others like me are not allowed to play with fire, hammers or are at a loss to make wire work for them.  Yay!  I think I can do this.

So this is my first hop with these amazing, talented and sweet artists.  Starting with Kristi Bowman-Gruel.  I have to tell you that I have drooled so many times over Kristi's work.  I love copper and metal!  If you don't know her please check out her etsy shop Kristi Bowman Designs and you can also check out her blog!

I came a bit late to this hop as I just recieved my copper donut on Saturday.  Oh my goodness you should have been there when I opened it.  My hands were shaking and look at the gorgeous way she packaged it.  

I ever so carefully opened it to find the most stunning piece of copper I have ever held in my hands.  So beautiful and the colors in the sun......yes I knew why I kept looking and waiting for the opportunity to own one of these for my very own.  

So now how to come up with a pendant that showcases her artistry with my special twist ( by special you know I totally mean what seeds will let me attempt to make it pretty without taking away from her beauty)  Here is the pendant I have come up with so far.

I think you all have noticed that I frankly love these little twin beads and with the creamy golden highlights in her donut they just fit.  I played for a bit and the beads just took on a life of their own.  It did need something though so I had my sweet friend Nancy look at it and she said a copper leaf would look awesome.  Oh yeah it would but alas the one I had was toooo dark for the pendant.  I was looking through my magazines for some inspiration and came across "Shimmering Fans" by Csilla Csirmaz in the July issue of Beadwork.  Off to the stash and there they were a mix of delica's I had to have but just didn't know what to do with.  They pulled in all the colors that the sun brings out in the donut and I hope they don't over power it.  I am still not sure if what I think yet.  I need to come up with a chain for it but any advice is welcome.

Thank you so much Kristi for letting me come in late!

Please check out who else has been lucky enough to work with them.

KristiBowmanDesign

Dragonfly Close

Karen Williams

Staci Louise

Teathered Cat

Pine Ridge Treasures

Jennifer Cameron

GeneaBeads

Linda Larsen

SueBeads

The Crafthopper

LamplightCrafts

Spice Box Designs

All the Pretty Things

Jean A Wells

I may be in and out today but I promise to get hoppin when I get a few minutes.

Hugs and Blessings

KK

Iam a Suburban Girl!

Yes I am "A Suburban Girl!"  I was selected by Diana to be a part of the Suburban Girl Studio Design Team.  How utterly cool is that?  Well.......if you are me then it is awesome and totally terrifying at the same time.  Now being that this is April Fool's Day I was thinking I could play some kind of trick but alas I am not that quick witted.  Although there is a totally distinct possibility that Diana will take one look at this and think it is a total joke.  Seriously I had a nightmare that she wanted her bead back after she saw what I did with it. 

Okay I have to tell you that I totally forgot to take picture of the beads (yep there were two) Diana sent.  I received one of these gorgeous pendants

and a beautiful lampwork bead by Jan at Molten Mayhem. So.....from the moment I saw this gorgeous flower my mind started working.  I keeps seeing ruffles.  Yes I said it girly frilly ruffles.  Yeah I am not so much into them but drawing inspiration from Jill Devon's "klimet's collar"in the Feb/Mar issue of Beadwork and Marina Nadke's Ruffled Rings in the Peyote Stitch workshop by Bead and Button.  I set off to adapt them for my needs and style.  Oh Oh there was an extreme amount of froggy stitchin...you know rip-it rip-it. AND I had to work on my tension and for those of you who have been reading for a while KNOW that this is a major issue for me.  Well let me tell you for the first time I also had to totally overcome my ADD and work on this for the last two weeks.  You know I love orange and all the blends of it's goodness but I have to say this was a very hard orange to match.  I even had to order some (which caused a totally delay in creating) BUT  Here is where I blame this all on DAWN!  Yes it is all her fault!  I was going wayyyyyy out of my normal and creating a more "artsy" piece than I ever have.  She said I could do it.  I checked with Nancy too and she gave me tips I needed to move forward and of course Shirley was there with the oohhhh's and ahhhhs when I needed it!  Thanks Girls because of you I went with it and now I present you all with .........

Coral Anemone

This is a close up of Jan's bead.  I love love the funky touch it adds!

This is my favorite!!!!!!

Last night I sent Dawn all my pictures because of all the support and she rocked me by editing them all!  Now everyone I expect (as always) brutal honesty.

Thank you so much Diana and Jan!  I really love being a part of this team!

Please check out every one's take on this awesome beady combo!  I can not wait to see them all!

Diana Ptaszynski http://www.suburbangirlstudio.com/
Jenny Davies-Reazor http://www.jdaviesreazor.com/blog
Kristen Stevens http://kristen-beadjourney.blogspot.com/
Jan Onipenco http://moltenmayhem.typepad.com/
Marla James http://marlasmudmoments.blogspot.com/
Sandra Basara Miller http://www.sandra5461.blogspot.com/
Michelle Buettner http://misheldesigns.blogspot.com/

Hugs and Blessings

KK

Beading Babes with Carole Ohl and links

Hey has it really been a week?  I have to tell you all that I have been a bad blog friend these past few weeks just lurking around and not posting much of anything as well as having trouble replying to the awesome comments you have sent.  I have either just been coming off the high drama of all that happened with Shelby, sad because I never seem to have enough time with my family up north, and well my muse I call Rhiannon had also decided to venture out without even a whisper of why.  I have been so off that I even messaged Karyn (our founder of this awesome group) on Friday because I looked at the calender and it said the 16th but I totally knew she had mentioned Sunday in her post.  DUH it totally would have helped to change the calender from September to October before making myself sound like a total moron.  Okay I know I can do that just fine so maybe not.  Anyway I want you all to know that all is good at the moment so I hope to get back into the swing of things.  You are all so sweet to still follow this crazy girl!

With that done let me tell you what this post is really about!  

Beading Babes!

Karyn at Releases by Rufydoof came up with this concept that we pick a pattern, generally from a magazine, and each one of us makes it and then shows it.  Well hay that is why we blog anyway but what is so cool is that she gathered beaders of all skill types together as a way of encouraging each other to learn and have fun.  Ain't she just too sweet?

So the pattern that was chosen was one that I have set aside for that "I so want to do this someday" pile.  You know the one we forget about til we come across it again.  I was so happy because it did jump out at me when I first saw it and this was the perfect excuse to make it.  Well you know me and oh yeah the deadline thing.  I tend to wait until the last minute and I was beading that awesome bracelet of Jaycee's in my last post as well as working on a piece that I have been wanting to finish, and then I was sweetly gifted another great pattern by a designer Nancy hooked me up with.  Thanks girl because I am truly loving it.  Well again I am a terrible judge of bead quantities so I have once again run out of a couple of things so the last two projects had to be put aside.  You know what I had to go to a baby shower up north and I needed a new bracelet!  Camelot Cross to the rescue!  I also had an awesome find at Walmart that was just the ticket to make this project sparkle!  Yay!

Here is my version (and once again I as still working on perfecting my picture taking but I still think you will get the gist of it)

I changed two elements in the pattern.  First is the clasp.  I did not care for or have a button that would match and I am no longer a fan of a simple beaded loop to hold oh and neither of them really gave me that finished look I like.  So I beaded another square without the crystals and let me tell you I love it!!!! A simple little toggle and oh yeah baby it works!  Also as you can see my crystals (walmart score) alternated color in each of the squares.  It made for a simple little twist to make it unique to me.  I know that others had found a flaw in the pattern but because I had been just looking at the diagram I think I missed it.  This pattern not only worked up fabulous it wears awesome!  

Thanks so much Karyn for doing this I had a great time making it.

Two quick things to let you know about.  First I am loving the Book Tour of Barbara Lewis', Painting with Fire Artwear Goddess!  Yes I have been trying to visit each one and the tips, tricks, and artwork are totally amazing.  I would love to get into this art medium but that my just be a long time in the future,  In the mean time you should check everyone out it is so pretty amazing stuff!

And

Shannon's (Missficklemedia) husband is having a sale for "Mike's Ladies" as a way of saying thanks.  Go read that awesome post. 

I guess I have made this post long enough huh?

Hugs and Blessings,

KK

Three in one!

This is a picture of my newest set.

The bracelet is made using a Russian Spiral variation I saw on Jaycee's Blog jayceepatterns. She offered this one for free.  I so love the Russian Spiral stitch so naturally I jumped right to email her.  It is a bit fiddly to start and she puts that right in the instructions, but OH MY it works up in no time and wears so sweetly and I love the gorgeous colors I choose.  I have been in a bit of a green mode.  Her instructions are very clear especially for a free tutorial.  I have seen her patterns in the magazines but I know sometime soon I have to get my hands on her tutorials.  I know they will be amazing!  Thanks so much Jaycee it was a pleasure to make this!

The necklace.  Well I originally posted a picture of a necklace to match in Operation Tackle That Bead Stash on FB, because it just didn't do it for me.  I loved the pendant (Which the lovely and sweet Mandy over at Beads for Brains posted here) but it just doesn't work with the chain.  It was so cool to put it out there for good ideas when I knew it wasn't working.  Thanks girls!

So back to the drawing board....well to the patterns at least.  So my sweet friend Anna at A Beaders Blog decided to translate a pattern she saw on Mandy's blog (which I couldn't find to link you too) which I had seen on the Hungarian blog but still needed some clarification to do, so you know it had been sitting for a while in my "want to try" pile.  So she so sweetly took tons of pictures and posted a two part translation of the pattern.  So so easy and she really put alot into it and I am so glad she did!  You have to try this one out!  Thanks so much Anna, look at the pretty I made from it!

The chain you ask...Well Beadwork to the rescue!  In the August issue Melinda Barta did another Custom Cool that I just love!  It is a Serpentine Chain.  I don't know about all of you but sometimes the magazine patterns lack necessary information that we are all left to figure out on our own and while I am sometimes able to do just that, this feature is not one of those.  Melinda gives such clear instructions that it is a breeze to follow!  Thanks again Melinda!

So on a more personal note I want to thank all of you that have sent hugs my way as we took my sweet girl to college.  She is doing AWESOME!  I am so proud of her and since it is going so well all I have to deal with is the day to day missing of her being here (although we do talk 4 or 5 times a day!)  With that I am sure you have notice my lack of commenting on your blogs.  Well I do love reading all of them but I still have a little one here that has needed a bit more attention and so by the time I finish reading I have to go.  This blog and the friendships I have made through it are such a blessing I can't thank you all enough.  I need to end this now before I babble myself to tears!

Hugs and Blessings,

KK

The Elusive Dragon - Pattern Review-Nancy Jones

This elusive Dragon is a complete understatement to be sure.  Dragon Bangle was published in the Feb/Mar issue of Beadwork.  First let me tell you I LOVE the look of this bracelet.  I love the feel of the beads and the funkiness of it.  I really love the colors I finally choose.  I totally and completely HATED making it.  The problem with making this bracelet was all on the beader NOT the designer.  Nancy's pattern was easy to follow and her instructions very clear for a magazine published pattern.  Her design concept is awesome for those of us who like a little funk in their jewelry.  This is one of those that someone sees and says "WOW that is interesting, I think I like it"

This beader is the total problem with this review.  I have mentioned before that I have tension issues.  I have remade this 4 times.  I was not real proficient in brick stitch before I attempted this and should have known a bit more.  First I was frustrated with getting the first few rows to stay stable and continued with that tension through the first 12 rows of the piece.  I had chosen a purple size 8 seed thinking it would work HOWEVER they were not uniform and that makes such a difference so I ripped it out.  I didn't have another purple that I liked so I attempted to make it with size 11's but they made the piece too loose for my liking (which she did mention you could try and that it would be a bit looser) so again I ripped it out.  I finally bit the bullet so to speak and purchased the perfect toho size 8's at Bello Modo and began again.  I attempted a looser tension but as I got about half way through I realized the threads were showing and I really can't stand that.  Okay so obviously I had to put it down for a bit and work on a few other projects to make sure when I picked it up again I would have a fresh out look because let me tell you we had quite a few arguments with each other and it was not pretty at all!

Fresh outlook, medium tension, perfect beads I am ready to start it again.  I went along beautifully and I finally was enjoying the beads and pattern.  Time to zip it up...Wow that was great.  Here is my Sea Dragon....

It feels awesome.  It is not hard like you think it would be and well I would love to tell you how it wears but you still see the thread don't you.  Well once again the beader *&%$ed it up!  I am 13 beads short.  Yes this little dragon is just that little and I am out of beads and frankly I am not seeing any possibility in the near future of getting any more of these magatama drops any time soon.  What a bummer!

So what do I think of Nancy's design.  Well first I still LOVE it!  That is what sucks about not being able to wear it.  I do not think a beginner should try it before having done brick stitch before but I do recommend it.  Her instructions are clear her design is unique and I would love to see more of her!  So Thank you Nancy but this dragon is eluding this beader I wish I could have done your pattern better.

Hugs and Blessings

KK

PS I have had 2 field trips this week so I hope to catch up with you all tomorrow.  I hope you are all having a good week so far.

Pattern Review - Kathie Rutledge

It is a balmy 72 degrees in my little corner of the world and a little overcast but I am thrilled that spring has finally made itself known.  The last time it was anywhere near this temp was back in October.  I have now put all my winter clothes in storage so that is that!  

I have decided to give myself my own little feature.  Pattern Reviews.  I do love to work with patterns that spark my interest and funky side and I thought maybe someone out there would be interested in how I felt about them.  Here is the first pattern I have decided to review as I have been wanting to make it for a very long time and now I finally have the courage to step up and make whatever sparks me.

Calypso Fans was published in the April/May issue of Beadwork.  I did try it when I first received the magazine back then but as you all know I need to work with what I have and then I only had 14mm beads and they were just too big.  I do like the boldness of this bracelet and my first color thought was to use purple.  Well as the stash did not have what I needed this pattern just sat for a bit.  About 2 weeks ago I needed to get some magnetic clasps at Michael's and there they were the most beautiful soft purple faceted beads.  Oh were they big enough?  Oh they are 10mm.  Well the pattern calls for 12mm but these are so perfect and I know I have the colors that will just accent them perfectly.  Oh Oh OH that gorgeous necklace from Lori Anderson that I won....Happy Dancing I have the color scheme and a necklace to match.  (Oh Shelby was now at the other side of the store as I think she was a bit embarrassed by my Happy Dance)  So I bring these babies home and gather the rest of the supplies needed, pull out the pattern and Yeah!

Let me tell you that Kathie's pattern is so well written and the diagrams (I so need diagrams) made it so easy to alter the numbers of beads in the fans to make the 10mm's work that by the time I finished my second one I didn't need to read it any more.  I was not confused one bit by any of the instructions (you all know what I mean....you read it and go "What" and then have to re read it to make sure you understand) and the flow of how she constructed it is so fun and relaxing.  I have seen a couple more of her projects and I will not hesitate to try them again.  Without further ado I present my Calypso Fans....

Let me also tell you that this is a bold bracelet but even my hubby told me it is pretty and cool.  Way to go Kathie thanks for helping me "Play My Funky Music"  I know we will be creating again.

So what do you all think?  Should I do this again?

Hugs and Blessings

KK

Me and my 3 heads!

First I would like to once again thank you all!  It has been crazy around here and I haven't had time to visit my favorite blogs or answer your so supportive and humbling comments.  I am so lucky to have you all here and to enjoy my creations because on a general basis when I wear them in my neck of the woods I am looked at like I have 3 heads.  Comments like "Why to you make these, oh that is a lot of work I wouldn't do it, (or my favorite of all time) I do appreciate the work involved but I wouldn't wear it.  I so wish I had someone near me to enjoy this craft with, but like I said I always have all of you to give me that boost I need.  I also went to my cousins Jenelle's baby shower up north this weekend and as always my family were overwhelming in their supportive comments and "hey can you make something for me?" questions.  But like I said they are way up north so I don't get to see them as often as I would like.  It was a great time even though Shelby and I were only able to spend the night.  We stayed with my cousin Jessica and I was able to meet her new Man!  I will let you in on a little bit of info (like I always do) my aunt and I are only 6 years apart so my cousins and I seem to act more like I am the aunt and they are my nieces. In fact we even refer to each other that way at times. I also got to see my gram, great aunts, my sweet aunt Jeannie and other cousins.  Don't get me wrong there are a select few here that want me to make them something but it is not quite as fun as it would be to share the fun of shopping for beads and creating with a friend would be.

Okay now that I have gotten that out I will tell you that this will also be a crazy week as I will be helping at Derek's school, going on another field trip, a meeting for the Senior Bash committee (to set up a really fun night for the seniors before graduation) and calling college to make sure Shelby has all the required tests and paperwork for the fall.  I have today to get to visit as many bloggy friends as I can.  I went through total withdrawal while I was busy getting ready for the trip up north and school stuff last week.  Isn't it funny that we are so connected through these little monitors that we miss each other when life gets too busy? 

I did make a quick pairing to match the blouse I wanted to wear for the shower. It is from the February/March issue of Beadwork.  Tic Tac Pearl by Pam Morrison is a sweet and quick pattern and has so many embellishment possibilities that I took (you know me) a little liberty with the pattern.  I think it turned out pretty cool ( and Nancy if you are reading see I made another peyote clasp, they are so much fun I am thanking you once again for the push to make them!)

Hey I tried a pretty prop this time what do you think?

Hugs and Blessing to all of you!

KK

New Feature?

With everyone talking about revamping their blog I started thinking "Do I need to start a feature?"  Maybe but all I have other than pairings (which are not as regular due to that crafting ADD thing) well....

Tipsy Beading....Humm no that should NOT be a regular feature in fact I do not think I should ever attempt to read a pattern drinking anything other than coffee!  With that said you know already that I did try this exact scenario on New Years Eve and believe it or not continued on New Years Day!

So let me set the scene......We stay in on NYE as the kids are still here and as I have said before Shelby DOES NOT babysit!  And lets face it, it can be a bit scary on the roads this time of year.  So with that said my sweet hubby and I have a tradition of having this on NYE.

So with a bit of this, Shelley Nybakke's Sparkling Waves pattern from Oct/Nov 2010 Beadwork, some beads and memory wire I had a brilliant idea that I would bead until the ball dropped.  Oh and we decided to watch that Tom Cruise/Cameron Dias movie that I still can't remember the name of.  (It was a good movie with a lot of action)  I know you are probably all laughing at this point as what I was attempting was doomed before I even began!  And here is where I should apologize to Shelley (even though she will probably never read my little blog) about all the things I said about her twisted talented beady fingers.  The pattern is fun and once you get through the initial peyote row of it ( I probably should have had a more flexible needle...ya think?) it goes rather quickly but it did not get finished by the time the ball dropped so we went to bed!

I have to tell you of yet another tradition I have.  Mimosa's during the Rose Parade.....I know what you are thinking but when I start something I need to finish it in the same manner.  (yeah right you know I was just determined at this point.)  Now I am going to introduce you to my "Tipsy Waves"

Yeah I was thinking the same thing......this didn't turn out bad at all...........maybe...........No Way Jose I will not try this again so no it will not be a regular feature for me.   Maybe I will have to come up with something else to keep everyone coming back!

Hugs and Blessings

KK

I have 52 followers! Really Wow

It is a very busy weekend here but I thought I would take a few moments to post.  (OK probably more than a few I have a lot to say and show if you dare to continue!)

First WOW I have 52 followers that is so incredible that you all think I am cool enough to follow.  I thank you so much.  I would so like to have a giveaway but.....I got nothing I can part with at the moment that would totally blow you all away and make you jump through hoops to get.  Humm that would be interesting to see though so maybe I will save that for 100 followers (if I ever get that many....better make it 75!)  Anyway all I can give at this point is my unending gratitude and heartfelt "Thank You's" to you all who visit and those who are able to take the time to comment your support means so much to me there are no words to cover it!

Hey guess what I finished two bracelets for the auction so with out further ado I introduce you to.......

Winter Sparkle  

(sorry about the blueness of the picture I am still trying to master this picture taking thing)

 Here is what the components looked like up close

This is adapted from the pattern "Compass Rose" in the Oct/Nov issue of Beadwork.  I say adapted because I did not have the correct size of Czech rounds so I needed to do a little add lib of my own.  I really liked the way Laina Goodman laid this pattern out and it created the most beautiful wintry snowflakes. I think I would like to try this one in other color combos too. Shelby is very upset that I am sending this to auction but we are required to raise a certain amount of money so it's going (Shhhh don't tell her I have enough beads to make another one)

And Here's Wreaths and Berries

I love this one so much it is made using another adaptation of a pattern in the Apr/May issue called Floral Wreaths by Amy Haftkowycz.  When I first saw this pattern it was instant love!  I searched and searched for the perfect beads to make a match but the ones I found were either too expensive or not quite the combo I was going for.  In steps these gorgeous Ruby AB rounds and olive seeds oh and lets not forget the berry beads that I had when I first started collecting beads.  In fact I am so in love with this bracelet (and I do not have any more of these limited edition rounds) I am so keeping it!!!!!!!

Amy's directions were so clear and although I did not embellish to the fullest I really don't think it took anything away from the yumminess of it!

So in steps Raspberry Twist to take its place at the auction!

While I also love this bracelet I made it a little too snug for my not so small wrist so I feel it should go to someone who can enjoy it and make a little money for the school to boot!  

Some of you know that yesterday was my birthday so I have to show off these gorgeous yummies that Shelby made for me.

There is a little story behind this so let me enlighten you.  I love Barbara Bechtel's shop Floridity and tried to win what she called ugly owls but I didn't.  Shelby was going to get me a set but saving for college is first priority so she got creative.  My sweet daughter has been working with polymer clay and decided to take a chance and make some for me.  This apparently was not easy but with Barbara's inspiration she came out with these!  Aren't I the luckiest Mom in the world!  Derek got me more fireline and my sweet hubby gave me one of the books I wanted.  I am so spoiled!

OK so I have run out of time but I want to tell you that I have signed up for Erin's Color Challenge and I will post my color palette next time.

Hugs and Blessings

KK

What's with the wine theme?

I have this wine theme going and generally I don't even drink wine?  Go figure.  Anyway this is the bracelet that was inspired by Marcie's previous "Margie and Me" challenge.  I was having trouble with the inspiration part until she posted this gorgeous picture of Marie Antonetta's Sparkle gown and bingo it hit me AND I had the colors that I needed to do this.  I kinda pulled this one out of my...well you know.  But with no pattern to follow I winged it, and winged it again, and winged it again.  Now I so love this simple yet oh so elegant bangle.  First I will show you the picture that inspired me then the PAIRING!  Yes a finished pairing!  I know it has been a while but it was so well worth it.

 Isn't this gown just stunning!  Thank you so much Marcie for this inspiration because I am so pleased with my interpretation!

  It is a bangle done in RAW with Czech 8's, 11's and pearls from my mothers jewelry collection.  So now I also have a piece I wear and think of her!

I have also been working on my second piece to frame Juls gorgeous bead.  I will tell you that when I first saw it I thought it had a beautiful olive color, but when I received it I was so thrilled that it is actually the most beautiful hot dog relish color and as I said in my previous post the beady goddess was good to me and I had matching beads!  Now I did show you this bead before and I was starting a twisted herringbone rope which I liked doing but.......

It just didn't seem to be the right look for this. So Dawn to my rescue once again with her showing me the Russian Spiral (which I am totally addicted to making and wearing) and a hunt through my unorganized bead stash and now LOOK LOOK LOOK

This is exactly what this beautiful bead called for!  It will be a challenge finishing is because (which seems to happen to new beaders all the time)  I did not buy enough of the transparent smoky gray 15's to make the size I wanted.  No worries though because that will be fun trying to finish this necklace.  I will be making a bail but that is a whole nother can of worms I am not ready to open yet!

This is the last picture I am going to show of my beady fun and I am making it for the silent auction at Derek's school.  I think this bracelet is coming along nicely and has a very seasonal theme.  It is from the latest issue of Beadwork magazine and since I don't have it at the moment I will have to tell you more about it later!

I think it will go for a good price (at least I hope it does as it is part of our fundraising goal this year)

I hope all of you are well and as usual I took too long posting this so I will have to wait till tomorrow to check out all your recent posts.

Hugs and Blessings

KK

Late Entry (real late) for Margie and Me, and believe it or not a pairing too!

This has to be a quick post because this day has become crazy!!  Like I need to tell you all that cuz it is constantly crazy. (mostly my own fault of course)  I didn't get the dishes done last night, I still haven't taken a shower (so don't come too close) and after I take Derek to school I need to go to Wally World (Walmart) because I have run out of breakfast food and snacks!

Last week Marcie at La Bella Joya posted her 'Margie and Me' challenge and it was Tuscany.  Well I had beads that sort of went along with the palette and I just got Beadwork so I actually had a plan to participate! I fell in love with a pattern in Beadwork called 'floral chandelier' by Teresa Meister.  And you all know I love the 'Custom Cool' section this month which was the 'Double up Buttons'.  Both of these patterns worked up wonderfully and I wanted to combine them.  The only thing I have to say is that I NEED to get better with jumprings!  I tried to get good pictures but a photographer I am not so I will give you the two best!

Now I know that there should be reds and browns associated with Tuscany theme but all that went through my mind was the grape vines in autumn so I do wish you had a closer view.  The seed beads I used were a marbled green/rose/gold and I used brass jump rings (I still need to find the ones that went flying across the room)  This is so pretty in the sunlight (if there were any here) and guess what it also has become a pairing!

It really brings out the golds in this shirt.  (I so need to get better with the camera)  

Note to my sweet blogger friends:

I know I have missed some postings and I will try to get to them as soon as possible but I have been working on some things that I need (and love) to get done.  You all mean so much to me!

Hugs and Blessings

Kristen

Wanted....Pattern Reviewer Position

Yes it is now Thursday and all is well here at Windy Rock!  The house didn't fully rebel and after a quick fix to the potty and a septic pump (we have had way too much rain this year) we are finally done with home improvements and fixes!  (Keeping my fingers crossed)  I want to thank all of you for your support of my rant and 'been there done that' comments they really helped me!  Tuesday went very well and I have been on a beading binge since!  Well as much as I can with regular housework, taking Derek back a forth to pre-school, registering Shelby for college and her new job!  Yes she not only started her Senior Year she also got a Job!  Where in the world does the time go?  Oh I am just not going there again!  So without further ado I bring you beady goodness!

Here are the beads I received from Nicole over at Beadwright.  What a challenge she has given me!  First I have to keep Shelby away from them then I have to come up with something cool to incorporate them.  I so 'heart' her!  Thanks so much Nicole and I hope your foot is getting better! (But I am loving your beady creations while you have been laid up)

Here is the newest obsession for me.  I was gifted a tutorial, 14mm beaded beads by Liz Reed of Crimson Moon.  My friend loves seed beads but does not beadweave so she graciously sent this to me so that I can make them for her and she will send me some of her awesomeness in return! (I may be getting the better end of the deal but she doesn't seem to think so.   we'll see) I think we are both equally excited about this which makes it oodles and oodles of fun! I will tell you I so love this pattern and these beads are sooo addicting!  Liz's instructions were very straight forward and easy to understand. She included pictures of her steps that I really love because no matter what the diagram looks like the seeds can always look different.  The pictures let you see exactly what you should have.  Love that! She included hints and tips that were spot on!  You all know that I love patterns.  I am blessed with being able to follow most of them but when someone writes one this good I have to give a huge SHOUT OUT....WAY TO GO  LIZ!

 You will also see these really cool beaded spacers that I made using Melinda Barta's 'Spiny herringbone spacers' pattern in the August/September 2009 Beadwork Magazine.  I did shorten them a bit but other than that this was also a very easy pattern to follow.  I can see many variations and fun in the future for these.  I will have to say that I love the 'Custom Cool' and 'Stitch Pro' sections of Beadwork Magazine.  Melinda and Jean show you how to do the stitch then show you a what if.  That is perfect for beginners or someone who wants to venture into a new stitch.

Look at what else I learned. I know the pic is a little blurry but we all know I have not yet perfected the use of my camera and that little finger that keeps appearing is moving the tray!

The leaf is from the February/March  2010 issue of Beadwork in Jean Campbell's "Stitch Pro" section and those oh sooooo cooool discs are from the October/November 2010 issue in Melinda's "Custom Cool" section.  I am so addicted to making all these components and some of them are headed to a great new home very soon.  Yes I am making these for a special friend who has helped me discover this new path!

I also think I would make a great pattern reviewer don't you!  There are so many great tutorials out there and if you are like me sometimes it can be hard to decide whether it is good for you or not.  I think if there were more reviews out there it would be so much easier to decide on which one is right for you.  Just putting that out there for anyone who may think the same.

Oh Oh Oh I have the best news!!!!! I submitted a picture of a design to Beadwork Magazine myself and GUESS WHAT?  They want me to send the bracelet in for further review!!!  OMG I made it to a second step!  I can't believe it.  I am however very nervous about sending it in and writing a tutorial myself but with the help of a few friends and how I look at patterns it might work out just fine (that is if they want it)

Hugs

Kristen

An Orphan

Not a lot to say today but I have made an "Orphan'.  That's right I have NO SHIRT to match it!  (not in my current wardrobe that is, I may have something in my winter stash but I am not getting that out now) This one may call out for something special!  So here it is......

This is a pattern form the February/March issue of Beadwork.  The artist's name is Callie Mitchell.  I love the way it is made and her instructions were spot on!  I hope to see more of her work but haven't been able to find her yet!  It uses drops (I know I have a little obsession with them but they are so cute and sweet) and seeds (of course) and these gorgeous beads I found at Walmart quite a while ago.  I had originally been looking for a creamy blend but haven't been able to match the pearls I have and drops I need then I was looking for something and happened to see the pattern and the beads at the same time.  I so love when a plan comes together even if it wasn't the original plan!  I also love the dual strand look! (Again that is Derek's finger not mine).  

Still waiting for my beads from Nicole but I am sure I will love them!

Hugs

Kristen

A busy weekend and a little Merlot to top it off

Ok first I still want to say that the response from my awardees (still not sure if I'm just making up words now but hey this is my blog so I guess I can)was awesome! I loved getting this award and passing it on was such a bonus! It was the lift I needed to get me out of a funk! Thank you to all of you!

Now I am sure if you have been reading you remember my Chardonnay pairing. Well Shelby has taken the bracelet from me and refuses to give it back (I'm still not sure how I feel about this cuz there are good and bad points to it) Well this forced me to come up with another bracelet so when we were in Mystic I visited a bead shop. (I wont reveal the name because I did not get the warm fuzzies while I was there but their stock was nice and they had a sale) Needless to say Shelby thought it would be fun if I found another wine themed mix and made another bracelet (still not sure if she wanted it for me or another one for her) I found Merlot mix and I loved it! But....believe it or not I did not have a shirt to pair it with (I know I didn't think that was possible either) anyway when we came home and did the normal no food in the house shopping we stopped at BJ's Wholesale and there it was a shirt! Now this one is a bit of a stretch I think so I need as many opinions as possible to make sure this is not to out there of a pairing!

So here it is...TA DA

Well as I did say in the title this is a busy weekend and I will be checking in to all my sweet blogger friends tomorrow!

Hugs

Kristen

A little something I whipped up

OK so you know that I am a "T-shirt/Jeans" kinda girl so here is another Nancy Cain 'Coco Chenille' bracelet made with memory wire instead of sterling silver (not quite as expensive)  I did use magatamas instead of the larger drops, and I reduced the netting to make a smaller diameter (didn't have enough of the 8/0's to make it as beefy as the Chardonnay bracelet) and I used old glass beads I had to finish it off.  I do think this paired up quite well and is fun to wear!

Now I have a thing to say about "BEDing".  While I do love to read all your fabulous blogs and am grateful when you post on a regular basis, I also realize that it can be difficult to manage life outside of blogging if it gets hectic.  So if you are one of my favorite bloggers know that I will be more than happy to wait for you to post when you can!  Besides I can't do it, if I did you would have posts that sound like this.....

Things that make you go HUMM

While watching TV last night a commercial came on about the new automatic soap dispenser.  It said that your soap dispenser can be packed with germs so you need a new automatic one so you don't have to touch the dispenser but....... if you dispense the soap and then wash your hands why would you care if there were germs on the dispenser?

See what I mean.  It might be better if I didn't blog every day.  What do you think?

Always Believe

Kristen

Just Peachy!!!

Here is my newest pairing.  Of course anyone who has read this knows that orange and all its shades are my favorite color so you know I love this!  Inspiration was from pattern in Beadwork June/July issue and I had alot of fun making this.  It is the first beaded element I have made.

Other that that not much else to offer.  I have been working on a chain for the pendent I won and a couple of mixed media projects but I am feeling off center lately and can't really pin point why.  

Thanks for stopping by,

Always Believe,

Kristen

Scared Everyone Away?

Maybe I did give too much info on my last post so I may have scared some off. (if I did you won't know I'm sorry because you're not reading this anymore :) ) If you are still here I thank you very much (and promise not to reveal too much again!)

Anyway I have been working a couple of new pieces (one of which Shelby calls a twisted pink nightmare) but have run out of supplies and need to make a bead run! I actually will be taking my first official bead lesson on Saturday and a local bead shop and will let you know how it goes. I am very excited to see if I actually know what I am doing (or just lucky that I end up with bracelets) and when I am there I am going to also put Beadwork's magazines claim that I can get the supplies for Nancy Cain's "coco chenille" bracelet to the test.

Here is a pic of a pairing I did from April/May issue of Beadwork Magazine in black and black diamond (although the pic looks like its brown and I am still not sure why)

I do like this one and tend to wear it when we go out to dinner. (seems classy to me)

I also thought I would post pictures of some of the flowers in my garden and a pic of the patio. We planted all the annuals last weekend and they seem to be doing fine. It is very hot here today so I made sure to water this morning.

I would love a bracelet in these colors they are so out of my normal but I like how it is blended in the iris! (Hint Hint color combo suggestions greatly accepted ;) )

Always Believe
Kristen