Month: September 2011

What’s In The Mix? Bead Soup 2011

Categories: Artists at Play

What is “Bead Soup?” 

It’s a brilliant concept created by the very talented jewelry artist, Lori Anderson,author of the “Pretty Things” blog.   It’s a fun bead exchange, design challenge, and blog hop party with over 300 jewelry and bead enthusiasts participating! Participants sign up during a limited time on Lori’s blog. She gives plenty of notice, and the news spreads like wildfire through the jewelry blogosphere!  The only requirement to participate is that you must have a blog, and you must be willing and able to send a “Cup of Bead Soup” to a partner that Lori picks for you!

What’s in the Cup of Bead Soup?  A focal, a special clasp, and an assortment of coordinating beads.  You collect a beautiful ensemble of components, and then send them off to your partner, who does the same.  As I mentioned in my last post, I have been paired up with the lovely Geanina Grigore of Janina Grigore Jewellery.  She lives in London, so this was my first opportunity to learn about shipping overseas!

I have received my Cup of Bead Soup, and look at the Cup O’ Gorgeous that it is!  Geanina has sent me: (from bottom left, clockwise)  Lilac and Lavender Bohemian Lampworked rondelles, Pink and Green variegated faceted Czech Glass beads, Rainforest Jasper Horse Eyes, brilliant Green Glass Crystal Rondelles, Violet matte faceted Czech Glass rounds, Light Purple glass rounds, Topaz pressed Czech Glass briolettes in two sizes, Green and Yellow pressed Czech Glass rounds, Citron faceted Czech Glass rondelles, Gold Spheres with Chatons, a beautiful Grape Leaf Toggle Clasp, and….

Everything was packaged so beautifully, I almost hated to open it! But like an eager child on Christmas morning, I tore off that pretty ribbon, and was so excited to find…

   
I have already started working with these beautiful beads and components!  I will have several new designs to share at the big blog hop on September 17th, so don’t forget to stop back by! It’s going to be so much fun!

Want to see what I sent Geanina? Have a look!

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How To Make an Elegant Jewelry Display

Categories: jewelry, tutorial

Here is a beautiful way to organize and display your favorite jewelry.  My friend, Kate, over at Tropical Blonde inspired me to transform a few frames from my collection.  Check out her tutorial for more ideas! 


Gone is the cluttered, tangled mess of my jewelry box, and the strewn mess on my countertop.  Now I have a gorgeous display to admire the cherished pieces I have collected and been given over the years!


You can make one too- it’s easy!

You will need:

1. Aluminum Window Screen, in a width large enough to accommodate your frame. You can get this at your local hardware store.

2. A can of spray paint in the color of your choice.

3.Staple Gun and staples, wire cutters (or scissors you don’t care about), newspaper (and a rock or two if it’s breezy!)

4. Electricity (if your staple gun requires it)

5. A beautiful frame. I salvaged this one from a local store that was moving. Thrift stores, garage sales, and the clearance section of your favorite store are good options to find something you will love.

Lay the frame face down, roll out the screen, and trim it about an inch past the edge of the opening on all sides.

Lay out your newspapers, place the screen on top, and shake your spray paint well.  

Spray the screen generously.  If you are trying to get a solid color, you may need to flip it over once the first side has dried.  I was just adding a little gold shimmer, so it didn’t require that.  

Working from one side to it’s opposite side, pull the screen tight and staple it down.  Do this around the entire frame.

Viola!

I placed drapery pins in the screen to hang my necklaces, and my wire earrings just slipped easily into the screen.  Now you can have your necklace and coordinating earrings side-by-side, ready to go! You can even display your favorite brooches and pins!  

This makes accessorizing so much easier! 

Enjoy!

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Color Inspiration: {Amethyst}

Categories: Amethyst Garden, Color, Inspirations

How does Purple inspire you?

All images via Pinterest, 

Learn more about Color Meaning at Color Wheel Pro.

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