Summer Lovin' Blog Hop!

"Summer lovin, had me a blast.  Summer loving happened so fast"

Yep here it is! My wonderful friend Amy of Amybeads set up another challenge for us.  Look at what she put together for our kit!

My first challenges was to actually figure out what to do with this.  I love "Tree of Live" and had yet to see one that would spark my creativity.  I knew I was super busy but I couldn't pass this one up.  It spoke to me.  

My next challenge was to actually finish the piece.  It was so funny I thought I was going to pull the coppers and golds from the pendant but for some reason every time I picked it up I would hear...

"They paved paradise and put up a parking lot...."

The chain actually came first.  I have been playing with Chevron stitch because of Sonoko's book Japanese Beadwork.  It is a funny think that I never really understood the stitches purpose or how to work it until looking through her book.  There will be alot more about that when I post the review of her book this month.  

I love the dimension of the chain and how it feels on.  It actually worked up rather quickly and was finished way before my I sprained my finger and then the pendant just plain popped out at me.  

I have also been learning so much from Jamie's book Dimensional Bead Embroidery (which is another review I have for you all) and this time I actually ventured to try something on my own. I really have to tell you that working with grey was so much fun.  All the variations and it's versatility I just love it.

So here is "Paved Paradise"

So once again I have to thank Amy for letting me play along and sparking my creativity so much.  You girlfriend are amazing!

Look who else is playing along!

Renetha LampLightCrafts

Lori B.

Kepi   A little of this, a little of that...

Shannon Falling Into the Sky

Maryanne Zingala's Workshop

Shirley Beads and Bread

Dawn Designs by Dawn Marie

Therese Therese's Treasures 

Vimala The Bead Diaries

Ginger lilmummy likes...

Linda Lindy's Designs

Kristen My Bead Journey

Lois ¿Que Onda Q'town?
Lucy K.
Debbie Beechy Beetique
Tanya A Work in Progress
Audrey Dreams of Absolution
Sandra Stories from the City of Brass
Mary MLH Jewelry Designs

Have a blast hoppin!!!!  I know I will!

Hugs and Blessings

KK

"the ramblings of a stay at home mom with two kids at opposite poles and a challenge addicted jewelry artist with ADD"

I was going to make a simple title but I just needed to get that off my chest.  So far this summer we have had one trip to emergency (my girl passed out at work), several days of "way to hot to go to summer rec", and on days that were nice driving one to recreation, home, other to work, groceries, pick up from recreation and back home for housework.  The next two weeks have added swimming lessons every day and soccer 2 nights a week which means totally rushed dinners as well.  There have been a couple of great days of boating, seeing fireworks from the side of the road, putting in a gorgeous stone fire pit and a drive for absolutely no reason. That is the family part.

Jewelry part well I did mention I am challenge addicted right?  I have so many things on my plate.

First up is Jeannie's Echo Creative club.  Here is what she sent me.

One of Jeannie's Diatoms

It is a challenge but I really love the texture of this piece.  I hope I do it justice.

Next as part of the Art Jewelry Elements team I not only have a blog post to write today about beaded components I am also participating in the Component of the Month challenge.

Jennifer's Nightmare Insomniac Beads

Oh I have my treasure but I am not showing it just yet.  I am so thrilled with it.  And speaking of the AJE and my post.  I am perplexed.  I went over to ETSY looking for seed beaded clasps, components, and caps and I found a few patterns but nothing that a stringer could get their hands on.  I would really like to know if there is a market for that or am I just addicted to seeds that I am assuming too much.

Next on the list is a little sumthin sumthin I need to get done for Diana at Suburban Girl Studio.  

I am not sure where this one is leading me but I love her beads so much.

Oh and I am also once again participating in Amy of Amybeads Summer Lovin Challenge.

Don't you just love this kit!  The colors are speaking to me.

And I am also making components/beads for the August Art Jewelry Elements Blog.  Yes I am!  Not even a sneak peek will I offer yet.  Oh and wish my puter challenged brain luck I have to make my own button!  Yikes!

Oh an don't forget I am going to try and squeeze in one of the Beading Babes projects this time too.

Oh and can you believe this?  My sweet and awesome friends Beth and Evie over at EB Bead and Metal Works sent me a sweet blog award.

I would follow the rules but if I was to do that you would be sitting here reading for the rest of the day.  Thank you so much Beth and Evie you know you mean the world to me.  So my sweet blog friends I am late to this party but I think you all deserve this award so take it!  

That's my world what is goin on in yours?

Hugs and Blessings

KK