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Monday, November 12, 2012

Art Charm Exchange 2012

The wonderful and talented Jennifer Cameron of Glass Addictions took on the enormous task of organizing a charm swap for Beads of Courage. Thank you, Jennifer, for allowing me to be a part of this project.

Beads of Courage is a program many hospitals use to brighten the outlook of their pediatric patients by giving them a fun, colorful bead for each surgery, procedure, etc. that they endure. It gives them a playful visual of how far they've come in their treatment and a tactile reminder of what they are capable of overcoming.

I like almost 50 other participants, I made 11 charms which I mailed to Jennifer back in October.
Then she sorted them all, and sent each of us one of our own charms plus 9 different charms from other participants. The last charm from each batch is being auctioned off on eBay for BOC.

The theme was LAUGHTER which immediately brought children to mind. While trying to figure out what to do I ran through dozens of ideas with metal stamping and polymer clay, but when I went to put my son to bed an idea hit me and held on. So here's my inspiration:

See my silly little man? Look behind him. See the Mario shaped planet? He has a game with gardens in all sorts of shapes, but his favorite part of the game is running around and around on the planets. Like I said this idea took hold, but I couldn't figure out how to translate it into a charm. Then I was tending my flowers, and it hit me. A round garden! That idea still makes me laugh. SO I set to making some.

I was trying to decide what color to make them in. Then I read in the Facebook group Jennifer had set up for us that they didn't all have to be identical. That's when this really got fun. Here's what I submitted.

Well, I kept the red one because I had forgotten we'd get one of our own back.

click any picture for a better look

I'd never made cards before, and I waited till after 10 at night to do them so yes I wrote lilmummylikes@blogspot.com instead of lilmummylikes.blogspot.com. Honestly I didn't catch that mistake till I'd made about a dozen cards for earrings too. Oh well, it was good practice.

I have to say packaging is something the Japanese are very good at. I love these cards and baggies.

(In case this is your first time here I live in Okinawa, Japan. Oh and welcome!)

All bagged up and ready to go.

Now without all the waiting I went through, we'll take a peek at the fabulous charms I received. In no particular order because I couldn't possibly choose a favorite.

first impression

http://carolynchenault.wordpress.com/

Love the back of the card on the faux sea glass!


I've bought a few of these from Jeannie in the past. I even sent one to my last BSBP partner Debbie.

/http://ingetraud.wordpress.com/

blue bottle with tiny book

one of the many great page spreads in this tiny book

another great set of pages

See how tiny next to the business card.

Sandpail by Sundown Bead Design

Cupcake and smile by Jean P Designs

From our fearless and fabulous leader

This cutie from Studio Marcy may make it's way to Sam.

love the image on this card

http://bahamadawn.blogspot.com/

Tell me please 'cause it's driving me and my kid crazy. "Find a happy place, find a happy place, FIND A HAPPY PLACE!" What kid's movie is that from? As I write this I'm watching Finding Nemo because that's my guess. Update: I was r-i-g-h-t! When the "fish killer" child taps on the glass of the aquarium till the starfish falls off the starfish says the line.

The one of mine I got back.

Alrighty, off to visit the BOC auction this whole swap was about. Please take the time to visit the eBay listings Jennifer set up, and feel free to outbid me because it's for a great cause.

Auction Site: http://www.ebay.com/glassaddictions

Then check out the other participants' posts. There is a lot of talent involved in this swap.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Burst of Energy and Beachcombing

Just a quick update from the best time of the year here in Okinawa. It's still warm enough to be out and about, but cool enough people stop asking you to things that require a swimsuit. I love it!

I've been walking with another mom from the bus stop for a while now, and we've added in a bit of ~~running~~ slow jogging. It's totally zapped my energy, but I'm gaining it back slowly. And I know the best is yet to come.

Well, as a treat we decided to go beach-combing on our walking day yesterday. 'Mind you, we walk past two beaches on our regular path, but we hopped in the car for an adventure. We visited 3 beaches including one she calls "Secret Beach." Boy was I ever bummed I didn't bring a camera, but I had a blast. She calculated it as 4 hours and 45 minutes of walking. So I earned a nap yesterday. But I also brought home a few surprises.

For your viewing pleasure: (click any picture for a larger view)

reminds me of what the water looked like

shiny things

spiky things

tiny things

bit of a big thing

variety of sizes

variety of colors

this side is not so pretty but...

...the other side has a MOP look to it.

another one deceptively beautiful underneath

new to me-orange and purple sea glass

these are a few of my favorite things

fav find of the day

group shot

And no I don't have plans for all of them yet. The tiny bits will go into tiny vials for necklaces. The coral will be come wind chimes, and the I'm still waiting on the rest to speak to me.

Anybody know how to get the sea smell off? We've had a lot of storms. Not sure if that's the problem, and as you can see they've been washed. That just isn't enough this time.

That's it for me. Just reminding you to enjoy what you do when you aren't creating.

Friday, November 2, 2012

My partner for HBBH#2 Tammie Everly!

I think my favorite part of blog hops is really taking the time to discover new artists. I move a lot, and by the time I've found a good local community of creative people it's time to move. That's why I am so glad blogging has led me to the blogs of other creative people which lead me to facebook groups and on to many wonderful blog hops & challenges.

This one is a challenge in getting to know your partner well enough to create something they will enjoy. We literally live on opposite sides of the planet, but we've both lived close to where the other lives now. That's the small world traveled by military spouses. Well, enough about me here's where I'm off to to to learn more about Tammie.

Her blog TTE Designs

TTE Designs on facebook

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Courage, Beads of Courage

This is Sammie D.

He's one tough cookie.

See all those beads?

"Every bead tells a story of strength, honor and hope."

He earned one for each time he went through a procedure, surgery, etc.

He's actually due a few more for than you see here. We're not going to go into all the heart wrenching things this little man has had to endure, but here's a glimpse of how far he's come in a mere 18 months.

Heart Warrior, Trooper, Miracle, Inspiration...

all these are fitting titles for the little prince

I've been blessed to have as part of my extended family.

While I could go on and on about Sam, I want to tell you about the beads.
There are many programs that reward children for their bravery during procedures. I'm going to share a bit about Beads of Courage. This a program can be found in hospitals in the US, Canada, Japan, New Zealand & the UK.

I can't explain it any better so here's a bit from their website:

"What is the Beads of Courage Program?

The Program is a resilience-based intervention designed to support and strengthen children and families coping with serious illness. Through the program children tell their story using colorful beads as meaningful symbols of courage that commemorate milestones they have achieved along their unique treatment path."

Not only does it show them how far they've come, but also gives them something bright and fun to hold on to when they are hurting. Later, the strands become a visual story of their journey.

Since resilience has been a goal of mine since a very powerful message was impressed upon me in 2010 the resilience of children has repeatedly caught my attention.

Having heard BOC mentioned before in the online beading world I am a part of I jumped at the chance to participate in a blog hop that would work at least in part with the program.

Jennifer Cameron of Glass Addictions is hosting an Art Charm Swap. We've each made 11 charms, and sent them to her. Soon we'll be receiving 10 charms, and the 11th will be auctioned off for BOC. There are somewhere between 40-50 charms to be auctioned off so stay tuned for details so you can buy a treasure, and help BOC.

"Resilience is that ineffable quality that allows some people to be knocked down by life and come back stronger than ever."

Monday, October 15, 2012

Been Playin'

Lampwork by Crazy Lady Beads

Pink Ribbon Heart Tutorial found HERE

These were trial and error, but find some cool patterns HERE

I've been having fun around here, but a minute for something serious. October is breast cancer awareness month, and I want you to take care of yourself. You are important and precious. Take the time for your monthly self exams and annual mammogram if appropriate.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

My Bead Table Blog Hop

A very long time ago I signed up for a challenge with Lisa Lodge of Pine Ridge Treasures. I paid a very small fee and received a surprise kit in the mail. Which I talked about here.

Somewhere during the time I spent stewing on my ideas, and creating these pieces Lisa went and set up a whole new blog called A Grateful Artist. Take time when you are done here to stop by her blog for a visit. If you can, check out some of the other talented gals who participated in this challenge too.

Anyway months after receiving the beads I am here to show you what my odd, little mind created with them. Some of the pieces still need some work, but some of them I am quite proud of. Heck as many times as these beads were lost, buried ~~alive~~, spilled and forgotten I'm proud that most of them found a place to belong.

Here's what I stared with:

Here's what's left:

Why are long necklaces so hard to photograph?

And here are the pieces in no particular order.

Necklace that's missing something.

Dangles from missing piece necklace

more detail of missing piece necklace

stretchy bracelet

ring & first attempt at crazy wire wrapping

not one for those who like to put their hands in their pockets, but so fun

the one little man took

earrings for the funky girl

more earrings

fall earrings

more earrings, but this time with matching bracelet

tiny drop necklace close-up

see very petite on 20in chain

firefly

Cha-Cha bangle

AHH! I didn't finish wrapping behind the bottom stone.

Sometimes pictures talk too much!


This is just bad lighting, but should I let it naturally patina or spray it so it stay's shiny?

Inspired by Bones Season 1. I miss that crazy, chunky jewelry.

Yes, only the chips were from the kit, but the rest was all in my stash.

Here's where that necklace started when I was debating back of the neck options.

It's funny how things evolve especially when you are given this long to stew on it.

Did I tell you I've had this kit since August?

Ok that was 13 pieces. I didn't even notice I made 13 pieces till I finished this post. Yeah me! And a big hug for Lisa who gave me this challenge. Thanks so much Lisa for the kit, and all the work you put into the blog hop.

So which piece is your favorite?

I'm still deciding.