Bead Soup Blog Party - Bead Hoarders Edition

It's been quite a while since I posted on my blog and a lot of things have happened since I've been gone, but the creating is still happening!

So I was able to join in another Bead Soup Blog Party but this one was a little different...Hoarders edition! Who is a hoarder? Really? No one that is a crafter that I know of!!! Wink!

I had no problem fulfilling this call! This is the package of "hoarded" beads that I bought several years ago from a local bead show that I sent to my partner, Janeen Burlingame....

She made some wonderful pieces out if all these goodies.

So this is the package of hoarded beads Janeen sent to me.,.

Beautiful, right?? I love earthy colors and have big ideas for the tan ceramic piece to make another bracelet! Here is what I have made so far....

I made lovely matching bracelet and earrings. I also made this earthy long necklace...Just my speed! I had a hard time finding beads in my stash that had holes big enough for the leather cord but found some!! They matched perfectly and were another part if my hoard, ahem stash.

So what do you think??  I will have some links added in the next few days so you can visit my partner and Pinterest boards.

Well it's time for bed. Thanks for following me if you are and thanks for just stopping by if your just passing through.

Ciao Friends...

Bev

Prayers for Heidi Swapp & her family....

For an awesome person in the craft world are hearts are heavy....

From Heidi's site...

Hello, this is Jen Evans, Heidi’s social media manager. I’m very sad to share that a personal tragedy occurred in the Swapp family Thursday, and Heidi's second to oldest son Cory Swapp, unexpectedly passed away.
I know that Heidi is appreciative of all prayers and positive feelings on her behalf. Also, please feel free to post any feelings or thoughts of support below.
At this very sensitive time, we ask that everyone be respectful of the Swapp’s privacy. I will try to share more information as it’s available and appropriate. Thank you. - Heidi Swapp Customer Service

From Maggie Holmes Instagram....
So many have asked how they can help the Swapp family during this time of unimaginable heartache, so I wanted to share a couple of things that are being done that you can be a part of.
One is to send a 4x4 note that will be added to an album and given to @heidiswapp. Mail your notes of love and encouragement to:
Becky Higgins LLC
8514 W. Deer Valley Rd. Ste 110
Peoria, AZ 85382
More details on this can be found @beckyhigginsllc.
Also @persnicketyprints is passing along cards & letters (separate from the album compilation). Details are on their blog.
Thank you so much for joining me in this effort of support, prayers and love for Heidi's family. I know it means a lot.

 

Thanks friends....

Bev

2015 Swap - Mini Sampler January

I finally have a minute to post about the swap I've joined with A Swap for all Seasons.  January's swaps have arrived so now it's time to post about them.

First the swap I received from Lorraine.  It is so soft looking with a lot of lace sewn together.  So my style!  Thank you so much Lorraine!

And this is the mini sampler I sent to my partner Sherry.  I know that she likes bold colors so I went bold!  I also thought that she was going to receive this before St. Valentine's Day so why not make a Valentine sampler.  So, because I don't have that much in my stash, I thought the next best thing is to RECYCLE!  I went to the local Goodwill and voila!  There I found some toddler clothes that would do the trick.  So I turned these.....

Into this awesome sampler!

I had to pull out the sewing machine - then I broke it and had to get a new one - and start sewing again!  I love this swap!  I was able to find some charms in my stash to add and as I sewn the hearts on, they left hearts on the back.  The black with large red polka dots are on the back and it made a great addition.  This turned out way cooler than I imagined!  Sherry said she loved it too!

Sherry loved the Valentine theme, she and I both thought alike.  She is my partner for February and she already sent my sampler - Valentine theme - of course!  I can't show it until the end of the month.  Sorry.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.  Hope to see you soon!

Ciao Friends!
Bev

January Quilt Block Challenge - DONE!

No, I didn't forget to post this.  I've had it done for about a week now.

Most important this week - I had to send my oldest off to the National Guard - Army basic training - a very traumatic time for me, even though all thru his life I threatened to send him to military school!  I miss him dearly even though we've had drama at times and he is so messy! No communication is the worst!

Anywho.... I had to see some sun so I could take a decent picture for you.  The challenge is with my dear friend Deb in Ohello.  She already did her post here (I'm such a slacker!)

So here is the square for January.

And now onto February's square here....

And to my delight, opening a large bag in my basement wanna be of a studio, I FOUND APRIL'S SQUARE!!!  This bugger was so hard to find.  Every set online was missing it so it must have been a hot item back in 1997! LOL!!

Stay tuned - more postings of fun stuff to come!

Thanks for stopping by.

Ciao Friends!
Bev

A Sneak Peek Part 1

And another thing going on in January is the start of A Swap For All Seasons 2015 4 x 6 mini samplers quilt banner pieces.  I signed up cause I loved quilting way back when and this gets me started small back into the comfort zone.  It is an invite only swap so we know we have a great bunch to swap with.  Linda's swaps never disappoint!

So now for the sneak peek.  My partner seems like she is into bright, bold colors, but while getting some inspiration at the local Goodwill (because of my limited fabric supply) I thought...she will be getting this the end of January so why not Valentine's.  It must have been my day!  I found special pieces, brought them home, cut them up, and sewed till the cows came home.....more like when it was time for dinner!

I also got a jean skirt and small jeans to make a purse.  That's another day another story but it stood right out and said BUY ME!  (so I did!)

Here is a bit of what it will look like....

he he...I'm so bad!  It definitely looks better in person.  Now, I just have to add a little "bling" and off to the Post Office it will go.

Hope you enojy your banner piece Sherry!

Thanks for stopping by friends....stay tuned for part 2 after Sherry receives it!

CIAO!
Bev

Blink - Now it's JANUARY!

Yep, JANUARY!  I guess I haven't had much to say till now.  But if you were guessing what's up, then yes, you're right...it's time for new projects.

Well, the whole month of December no snow....then January and here is the cold and SNOW!  I missed it but then again I didn't.  Go figure.  I've always liked shoveling the stuff but not driving in it.  The worst is ICE.  But what to do on those "Snow" days....well....

My "O-hell-O" friend Debbie and I are going to do a quilt square monthly challenge!  Here's her post. That's right, it will be a challenge for me for sure.  I haven't quilted in years....like since 1997 or so!  So cleaning out some crafting stuff and came across several sets of JoAnn Fabric's quilt of the month squares. I had 3 sets!  So, knowing Deb is into quilting these days, I sent her a set for her birthday and I will have my own set to work on.  This will make the playing field a little more fair.

So, here is the quilt I will be making.  I will be starting with January's block and do them in order.  Deb may be mixing her's up a bit as she is a non-conformist and I love it!

What a better block to start with - the FRIENDSHIP STAR!  I will be hand sewing these and hand quilting when I finish.  I think that machine quilting is "cheating" and love how women used to do this work back in the day - by hand.  It is such a statement to do it by hand and I love the old look of hand sewing.  My hands might not like this idea but I will give it my all! (I may need to "cheat" now and again but I won't tell!)

Wish me luck!  Posting of the finished quilt square is due by the end of the month....so stay tuned, I'm almost done with square #1!

Thanks for stopping by.

Ciao Friends!
Bev

BEAD SOUP BLOG PARTY TIME!

Today is REVEAL DAY!  The Bead Soup is soo much fun!

It is always so exciting waiting for your soup to arrive.  What will your partner send to you?  How will you create something for yourself or others is supposed to be the challenge.  Thinking out of the box, out of your comfort zone is a challenge for all.  Some of us will like what we create and others are way too hard on themselves and will rip what they create apart and start over.

I'm a spontaneous crafter....give me a theme and one item and I can pretty much create something without a mental block. These types of parties are my favorite - getting me to think outside the box.

So here is my Soup that Beti Horvath sent me....

AND DRUM ROLL PLEASE.....

This is what I created!  A necklace, bracelet and matching earrings!

The necklace is quite long.  I like them long.  I can make them shorter by using an S hook.  I hook it to the length I want and it's under my hair so you can't see it.  I have a lot of black clothes and solid colors, so this will go with many outfits.

Here is the list of the blog party participants.  You should take some time and visit these very talented people and see how they were challenged.  You won't be disappointed.

Thanks for stopping by.

Ciao Friends!
Bev

Ok, Soup's on!

I was on a total roll a few weeks ago and then, well, life again.

So without further anticipation, time to show the Bead Soup!

My partner is Beti Horvath at Stringing Fool.  She sent a goodie package of bead goodness.  Mother of Pearl beads, polymer clay, porcelain, stone color, 2 toggles and buttons!  Take a look....

Soup from Beti - Isn't it yummy?

 

 

Now, what I sent her......

You guessed it!  PITTSBURGH SPORT COLORS!

Now if itsn't out of her box....he he!

I can't wait to start!  Actually, last night I pulled out the box and started coordinating things together.  I think I'm gonna use the large poly focal and the MOP circles with some of the other beads with black findings (gotta see if I have some if not I'm going shopping!) to make a necklace.  I'll use some of the others to make a matching bracelet.

Stay tuned to see what I make!

Thanks for stopping by today.

Ciao friends!
Bev

Now the February Swap...not AS late....

Ok so I thought I'd do all my "late" posts all tonight.  Well, don't hold your breath!  I'll just have to make you wait.....torture you with such suspense!  He He! (insert evil grin here!)

So now onto the real prize!

February the theme was Valentines! Here is what I sent my partner Linda at Lambsworld.  I've swapped with Linda before at Red Lead Paperworks swaps.  I hope she liked what I sent!

 And this is what I received from Elizabeth Q at Tales from the Pond.

Everything was sent all dolled up.  She sent the cutest card and tag!  She sent a bunch of paper goodness and hearts galore - stamps, doilies, red ink, thread, etc. It was one Lovely swap package!

Next up will be March....stay tuned!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Ciao friends!
Bev

January Swap Pics - REAL Late!

You know when you say that life grabs you by the pants and sometimes doesn't let go?  Well, I think life had my britches in a knot for a few months now.  Do you seem to never get ahead?  Or remember you had to do something and POOF! gone like the wind?

Well, that's been my life lately.  Don't know why....maybe just lack of sleep and the winter weather doesn't help...want to stay in bed like a bear and not come out till Spring!  (which is tomorrow by the way, so I guess I'm too late even for that!!)

So here is my January Swap pics from a Swap for all Seasons.  This is what I sent my Pittsburgh Peep Joyce from Scrap for Joy.  I've known Joyce for a while and met her when we hung out at the scrapbook store.  Boy I do miss those days!

I sent Joyce a little "extra" giftie because I was a few days late mailing.  (see late again!)

Here is what Marie (my person) at Spun by Me sent to me -

A wonderful card and tag and a little package of goodies.  Blue vintage buttons, a little blue doily, and other little bits.  What a great partner!

Well, this was January....Stay tuned for February!

Thanks for stopping by today.

Ciao Friends!
Bev

My Bead Soup Blog Party Partner is....

Beti Horvath of Stringing Fool,  She is from New York.  She is a crazy crafter like me!  You can see a sample of her work here.  Very talented if I do say so.

I am a little late posting this (no surprize)....been so busy with work and other projects I can't get a breather!

Well, I did receive my box of great Bead Soup mix from Beti today - what a surprize to come home to after a long day at work.  I can't wait to share what I sent and what I received today.

I can't wait to get started making my Bead Soup jewelry.

Here is something to tide you over until I get the pics off my camera.....my soup to Beti!

 

Thanks for stopping by today.

Ciao Friends!

Bev

8th Bead Soup Blog Party Signups today!

Don't forget to sign up for the 8th Bead Soup Blog Party TODAY ONLY! 

Go to Lori's blog HERE - fill out the form and hit SUBMIT!  Then you will be signed up!

Can't wait to see what everyone comes up with.  This is going to be awesome!!

Ciao Friends!
Bev

8th Annual Bead Soup Blog Party....

....dates have been announced on Lori's Blog HERE.

 

Let's have some fun and sign up on February 9th - ONE DAY ONLY!  Mark your calendars!  And only ONE reveal date!

Start looking through your stash or think about the awesome FOCAL, that special CLASP & some filler beads that you will send your partner to make that special jewelry piece.

Hope to see you on the list!

Thanks for stopping friends...

CIAO!
Bev

December A Swap for all Seasons - Reveal

Ok, catching up here.  I'm loving doing my paper swaps again.  This group is a great bunch of gals that have history with the swaps that were.  I do see some new people that I've never swapped with before so a refreshing start.

This month was a Christmas card & Tag and a Green destash item..... Here is what I sent to my swap partner Heidi....

And a handmade envie!

 I included some washi tape (my new hoard), some label tags, some hand dyed tags and ribbon & green envies from a friend (Debbie M), a handmade pin from Pam an ArtCharm friend, and some cut-outs.

I received from Deb H a little early....

How cute is that card?

Ephemera!

I love all the ephemera, buttons, and lace she sent.  I'm doing a journal so much of these items will go in...I may even put some in my "Green" journal.  What great stuff - Right?

Next Swap is January and the theme is Thinking about you and Blue....stay tuned!

Thanks for stopping by friends....
Ciao
Bev

November Swap Receipt

I am so bad lately with posts and pretty much everything!

I just had to show you the awesome swap from my Swap for all Seasons swap partner Heidi....

The swap was all wrapped so nicely.....

 

 

 

Pulled apart  - be-still my heart!

What a cool card Heidi made by attaching an old candle box and inserting a vintage pic.  Her tag was cute with the wood frame and little car!  She thought outside the box on these!

And my destash items were a great addition to my hoard!  Brown colors are one of my favorite to craft with and to wear.

This was such a great swap and partner!

Thanks for stopping by friends....

Ciao
Bev

A Swap for All Seasons November Reveal

I rejoined Linda and her swap for all seasons.  I'm real excited to get back to paper again and a swapping change.

In Linda's new swaps, each month she sets a theme to make a card, a tag, and a color destash.

I was too late for October's swap but joined in for November.

My swap partner is Becky.This is what I created and sent to her for November.  I mailed a few days early, so I hope it already arrived.

I hope she likes it and can use it in the future for someone's birthday.  I also hope she likes the little package of destash items included.  The ribbon sample and tags were purchased from a great friend Deb Metti - at Kitten Creates.  This is her Etsy.  I also included some buttons, flowers, and tins.

If your in the mood to do a small swap, A Swap for all Seasons is the swap for you!  Stop by and take a look.

Thanks for stopping by friends.
Ciao
Bev

50 YEARS TOGETHER!

 

Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary Mom & Dad!

50 years ago today you committed to start a life together forever. You have been on the roller coaster of life, and if you have stayed together this long, I know you will have many, many more happy years together.

We hope you enjoyed your day today!

With love....

Scrapbook Supplies for a Cause

Do you have a few bucks left on that Michael's or JoAnn's gift card or bits and pieces of leftover scrapbook stickers, stamps, paper, embelishments, etc. that you don't know what to do with?  What about all those unsharpened pencils your kids collected from school parties or those left over die cuts you'll never use - or even new ones you'd like to make and donate?

I have a solution for you!  Stop by Melody's blog and donate to at-risk 4th graders in California!  Melody teaches at-risk 4th Graders to journal.  It's a wonderful class she has for the kids  - doing it year after year.  It really makes a difference in a child's life to express themselves in a non-judgmental way - through ART.

Visit Melody here to see what her Bits & Pieces Art Program is all about.  There is also a list of items she likes to provide in the journal packets (see them here) she gives to the students. 

**Donations would like to be received by August 30th, but she accepts donations all year round.  Sending your items in a flat rate box is a very economical way to go as well.  She supplies her address on the post as well.

Stop by and take a look.....a child will appreciate anything you can send!

Thanks for stopping by.

CIAO Friends!

TODAY IS REVEAL DAY 7th Bead Soup Blog Party!

WAHOO!  Finally got my camera to cooperate with me.  I'm so sorry I'm a little late posting this, but I wanted to wait till today to take pics of my creation when we had SUN!

SUN for the whole day!  We haven't had sun or no snow for a few days now - YAY HAPPY SPRING EVERYONE!

Ok, enough babble....drum roll please....


Here is the Bead Soup my partner Rachel Baron from R. Baron Designs sent to me.....

And what I made from my Soup......

I used the wonderful handmade lampwork focal bead from Rachel, picked up some of the brown in the piece.  I used the toggle as a side ornament on the necklace.  I also used some of the sea glass from my soup.  I pulled a sea glass piece from my stash that matched the colors I've wanted to wait to use for just the right piece.   I also used some of the crystals and pale green gemstones she sent as well.  I added one of my favorite friends - a frog - in the piece (like you would probably expect that-right?). You should be able click on the picture to enlarge it to see the beautiful focal piece.

Stop by Rachel's blog to see the wonderful piece she made with the Soup I sent to her.  I love the way she turned the heart I sent as a focal upside down - it's awesome!  See her awesome piece here.

This Party was sooo much fun!  Thank you Lori at Pretty Things for the opportunity to connect with new bloggers and to encourage us to think outside the box to create some wonderful pieces.  I did want to make a bracelet / earrings with the rest of my soup but the deadline snuck up on me.  When I do, I'll post them here.

Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think of my Bead Soup Necklace 2013.



Ok, so do you want to see MORE Soup creations?  Here is the list of all the bloggers whose reveal day is today.....Enjoy, these are all wonderful!

Thank you for stopping by today!

Ciao Friends!

Bev

Soup's Almost Ready!

I am soooo excited....the Bead Soup has been simmering for about a month now and it's almost time to bring it to the table!   The 7th Bead Soup Blog Party is only 2 days away - Saturday is the first REVEAL DAY!

I can't wait to show you what I have created.  I am pretty excited that I did think outside the box a little on this one so you will have to let me know how I did.

Lori has also set up a CONTEST once all the reveal dates are over.  There are several categories and very important judges - a list of them!  There is a Board on Pinterest for both the Bead Soup Party and the Contest.  Be sure to stop over and take a look at all the soup and those who are entering the contest.

Oh ya, guess who is going to enter the contest??  ME!  I'm really stepping outside my comfort zone on this one - the sky is the limit - so wish me luck!

Don't forget to stop back on Saturday for the BIG REVEAL!

Can't wait to see you again.

Thanks for stopping by. 

Ciao Friends!

Hot Soup is ready to Party!

This post has been a little late because of "life" so here goes....

THE SOUP HAS ARRIVED!  Rachel sent me this awesome bowl of soup!  

BSBP #7

 She makes wonderful lampwork beads and sent me one as my focal and sent 2 toggles 'cause she couldn't decide. Can you say - Bonus! I love the sea glass (my fav'e) and other beautiful beads that I don't have in my stash. (sorry I don't know the name of what they are...still learning) I just love these colors together.  I can't wait to get started.

And, the 2nd half of this post is what I sent to Rachel......

A nice selection of brown glass beads, copper findings, ceramic focal and square beads and a copper toggle.  I also added a vintage key and some shell.  I hope she likes this soup....almost reminds me of split pea soup!(LOL)

I didn't know her style before I started gathering the soup together and I didn't change anything even after I looked at her blog.  Lori wanted recipients to think outside the box - create jewelry with things we normally don't use in our pieces.  This is an awesome experience so far and there is one month to go.

Both Racel and I chose our reveal on 3/31, so you will have to stop back  in a month to see what we have done!

Thanks for stopping by today.

Ciao Friends!
Bev

It's PARTY TIME - BEAD SOUP PARTY TIME!!

WAHOO!!  I actually didn't miss the signups this year!

I'm IN! 

I'm going to the Pretty Things - Bead Soup Blog Party!  I'm giddy with excitement, can't you tell??

There will be over 500 - yes 500 participants with 3 blog reveal days!

 

I can't wait to get started picking out my Focal Bead, Toggle, and other goodies to mail my partner.  Stepping out of the box will be good for me and I will post what I send my partner when they receive it.

Then, once I get my package, I will post a pic of what I receive and go to town creating a beautiful piece of jewelry.  I just can't wait.  My first choice reveal date is 3/30.  The sooner the better for sure!

So don't forget to stop back for updates....

Thanks for stopping by.....

Ciao Friends!

Bev

Valentines and IceNess Sneak Peek

Just in time for Valentines and that cold winter Icy day...a new and sneak peek digital kit from Hidden Vintage Studios at Deviant Scrap.

Here is the preview of the Valentine kit "Pierrot Amour"....

 

with my sample contribution......

Here is the sneak peek.  This kit will be part of a collaboration of Deviant Scrap designers and it will be called "Once Upon A Time".  It's fairytale based kit.  RELEASE DATE IS FEB 4!  This is Hidden Vintage Studio's contribution....

(sorry no sample yet....)

Thanks for stopping by...

Ciao Friends.....
Bev

Weekend Antiques

Warm weather in January in the 60's who knew??  No, no fibs here!  It was sooo nice to have no coat on and the open road.  Saturday I slept in then decided to take a day trip to the cottage to check on things and stop at two of my favorite shops.  No men on this trip!  After a tough week at work, I needed the quiet and space to do my own thing at my own pace.

The lake was still a little frozen and there were people fishing from shore and even a guy in the shallow end of the lake  - yep, in the lake - fishing.  I wouldn't be that brave.

Anyway, here is a pic of my finds.  I saw the HUGE lazy susan used as a display and knew I had to have it.  The little kid boots I will use as planters for some over growing plants in my office - a nice addition when we move.  They look like frogs - right??  And the other stuff I will be using in my art....as the need arises.

Memorial service tomorrow for my cousin and back to work on Tuesday.  I hope you enjoyed the warm weekend!

Thanks for stopping by.....

Ciao friends!
Bev

Classic Silhouettes

Here is the latest set just released at Hidden Vintage Studios at Deviant Scraps HERE.   I've run out of ideas for this one.  I'll have to dig real hard into the left brain for this one if I do any samples at all.

If your left brain works well, then stop on over and pick up this kit for those mini jewelry pieces or an accent to a tag or page.  Stop in the gallery for some great ideas.

Happy Shopping!

Thanks for stopping by again...still another post on the way.

Ciao Friends!
Bev

Holiday Madness

Well, we are into the middle of January and I thought I'd give some updates.  There were a number of new digital kits put out for the holiday season by Hidden Vintage Studios over at Deviant Scrap HERE.  I have been a bad team member lately and due to the business of the holidays, didn't have time to create anything with these new holiday releases.....

 In case you'd like to get a head start on the holiday season, stop over and grab these sets.  There are also some freebies in the shoppe as well.  Free is always a good way to start if you haven't done any digital creations.

Thanks for stopping by....see you in a few with a new post....

Ciao Friends!
Bev

So do you like Zantangles??

If so....You'll love this new kit by Hidden Vintage Studios at Deviant Scrap.com....TANGLED UP.

 And this is what I made using the Tangled Up and the Halloween kit Aunt Ingomar.  Love the contrasts!

Stop by the Gallery at Deviant Scrap and check out the creations the design team has come up with using this kit.  

Thanks for stopping by today.

Ciao Friends....
Bev