Save the Date Beads of Courage Auction November 15th

This is the second year I have participated in the Beads of Courage 

Swap, Blog Hop and Auction hosted by Jennifer Cameron of Glass Addictions.

I made 22 charms in 2 different mediums and one of each of them will be 

auctioned off to raise funds for Beads of Courage. 

It's a wonderful program I hope you never have to use, but it's great to know it's spreading joy for those who do have children who have to endure so much medical treatment to stay here with us.

So start saving up a few dollars so when 

November 15th

 comes you can bid on some great art charms knowing 

you are also adding smiles to the faces of some of the bravest children ever created.

Wondering where the other 20 charms went? Well, there are 38 artists from 5 countries who created art charms for this auction and Jennifer is giving us a sampling of those. So check back here on the 15th of November to see what I made, what I received and then head off to get your favorites from the ebay auction.

I'm almost as excited about this as I am about Christmas! The way the artists who have already received their packages are exclaiming I'm so very impatiently waiting. Yep, that's right until my package arrives I can't see any of them either. SO come back November 15th to also get a link list for the blog hop so you can see all sorts of pictures of the charms available to bid on.

I can't wait!!!

Octoberfest Blog Hop 2013

While taking in all the amazing work for a different blog hop I kept seeing the gorgeous tree in autumn colors you see to the right here.

I checked out the link, and found I was not too late to sign up.

Then I spent way too much time on pinterest, (dusting off and) digging in my holiday idea binders only to find no inspiration. Not even my usual holiday inspiration. I kept that saying, "inspiration must find you working" in my head so I kept at it.

When inspiration finally hit it came like a deluge, and still hasn't stopped. So here's what I've done to this point. I still have more ideas to finish. 

Here's my favorite creation so far.

Candy Corn Bracelet

This bracelet was made with Shrinky Dinks and the tutorial can be found here.

Jack o' lantern seeds

This was a pinterest find. The original post can be found here.

Spooky Smores

Hooray for pinterest I must say. It makes being the cool mom so much easier.

You can find the pin here. 

The two treats above and these items...

 went into these bags...

For our Cub Scout den's Halloween treats.

I also did all the prep work for the Cub Scout pack (24 boys plus siblings) Halloween party with 10 well received games, but I was too busy taking pictures of the kids in costume to take pictures of the games. Here's the one my son created all by himself though.

Ignore the danger tape and candy corn there's always a lot going on in my house. The balls are just styrofoam balls.

Here are the treat bags for my son's class.

I'll say it again. I love Japanese packaging! 

Here's what each one contains.

(two dum dums to increase the chance you get a flavor you like and

2 spider rings because I accidentally rebought them. Oh and yes that is a brain eraser.)

Even the leftovers can become decoration.

This idea was found in the Oriental Trading catalog with the printable quote being from...yep use guessed it pinterest.

One more view since this one too so long to complete.

Some of the eyes glow in the dark ;)

Oh and yesterday (October 26th) I learned to make baskets with the Japanese eco-paper. So my next batches of treats will have such great packaging. Here's my first completed project. It's a muffin basket.

The picture isn't great 'cause I finished it at night, but you get the idea.

Here's what I've been working on since.

I've used even the scraps to keep at this till I can get more supplies. 

The tiny basket is made with the cuttings from the other project.

Last one isn't finished, but since I spent 2 hours on it already here it is. My version of the book pumpkins.

Do not cut while watching your favorite tv program because if the episode is good you wont care that it's coming out all wonky. It really doesn't look so bad opened up though.

That's it for me. I've got to ice these cookies and head to a BBQ.

Orangsicle the box said. I don't know how they taste yet, but they sure smell good.

Thanks for stopping by!

-Ginger B.

Don't forget to check out all these talented artists' posts if you need inspiration or just to take in the eye candy. (Hey, it's fat free so indulge all you want.)

Octoberfest 13 Artists

Carolyn                                       http:// Carolynscreationswa.blogspot.com

Andrea Glick-Zenith                     http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/

Dolores Raml                               http://craftydscreations.wordpress.com/

Karla Morgan                               http://TexasPepperJams.blogspot.com

Susie Harris                                 http://jewelleryjunkie.blogspot.com/

Susan                                          http://libellulajewelry.com

Mischelle                                      http://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com/

Billi                                               http://billi-rs-rothove.blogspot.com/

Kay Thomerson                           http://kayzkreationz.blogspot.com/

Jean Yates                                  http://prettykittydogmoonjewelry.blogspot.com/

Kelly Hosford Patterson               http://travelingsideshow.blogspot.com

Kathy Lindemer                           http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com

Liz E                                            http://beadcontagion.blogspot.com

Jasvanti Patel                              http://jewelrybyjasvanti.blogspot.com

Christie Murrow                           www.charisdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com

Jodie Marshall                             http://marshalljodie.blogspot.com/

Andrea Trank                              http://heavenlanecreations.com/

Dini Bruinsma                              http://angazabychanges.blogspot.nl

Elsie Deliz Fonseca                     http://ladelizchica.blogspot.com/

Pepita                                         www.pepita-handmade.blogspot.com

Kathleen                                     http://99bobotw.blogspot.com/

Vera Lynn                                   http://veradesigns.blogspot.com/

Rana Wilson                               http://ranaleadesigns.blogspot.com/

Catherine King                           http://catherines-musings.blogspot.com/

Lily Vincent                                 http://thecreativeklutz.blogspot.co.uk/

Janice Hidey (Janimar)               http://drawingthelinesomewhere.com/

Cory Tompkins                           http://TealwaterDesigns.blogspot.com

Candida Castleberry                  www.spunsugarbeadworks.blogspot.com

Cynthia Kent Machata                http://antiquitytravelers.blogspot.com/

Alicia Marinache                         http://www.allprettythings.ca

Linda Anderson                          http://fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com

Leah Curtis                                 http://beadyeyedbunny.blogspot.com/

Jennifer Reno (JenRen)              http://jenrenjewelry.blogspot.com/

Robin Reed                                 http://willowdragon.blogspot.com/

Tanty Sri Hartanti                        www.tjewellicious.blogspot.com

Lisa Lodge                                  http://gratefulartist.blogspot.com/

Ingrid A.                                      http://lilisgems.wordpress.com/

Judy Turner                                www.silver-rains.blogspot.com

Gina Hockett                               http://freestyleelements.blogspot.com/

Nelly May                                    www.smellynelly.blogspot.com

Tanya McGuire                           http://tanyamcguire.blogspot.com/

Ahowin                                        http://www.blog.ahowinjewelry.com

Sonya Stille                                 http://dreaminofbeads.blogspot.com

Pam                                            http://www.klassyjoolz.blogspot.com

Carol D.                                      http://dillmansdallies.blogspot.com/

Asri Wahyuningsih                      http://asribeadwork.blogspot.com/

Ginger Bishop                             http://lilmummylikes.blogspot.com

Janine                                         http://www.esfera.me/travel/blog/travel-stories

Shaiha Williams                          http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com/

Toltec Jewels (Rita, your hostess)  www.JewelSchoolFriends.com

Creating with Cabochons Reveal Day & Blog Hop

I Did It! 

I am so proud too. 

I've wanted to try bead embroidery for years, but hearty helping of fear and a dash of self-doubt had been stopping me. I've even had the stiff stuff and suede backing waiting for more than a year. Then there was a blog hop sign-up. 

gilders paste, 2 coats of sealer and 2 hours to sew on 1 round of delicas

Blog hops have been the key to pulling me out of my shell when it comes to creating jewelry. I've tried so many new things and even impressed myself with what I've been able to accomplish. Oh and the best part I make time to bead without guilt AND finish a project on time. Yes, blog hops are awesome.

All rounds done now the scary part...cutting off the excess.

Sally of Sublime Studio made this one even better than most by making videos to get us started, keep us going and even fix problems. Click the Creating with Cabochons button on the right to check them out. You'll be glad you did.

 

Thank you Sally! I know I wouldn't have done it without you.

Our Host:  Sally Russick

D Lynne  Bowland
Alicia Marinache           
Lynn  Jobber           

Jenny Davies-Reazor           

Jo-Ann  Woolverton           

Marde Lowe           
Dawn Doucette           
Mary K McGraw           
Gloria Allen

           

Cheri  Reed           
Sonya Stille           
Elizabeth Owens Dwy           
Veralynne   Malone           
Tania Hagen           
Lynsey  Brooks           
Christina Miles           
Holly  Westfall           
Kathy  Lindemer           
Patti Vanderbloemen

Therese Frank           
Adrienne Berry           
Liz   E 
Tanty  Sri Hartanti           
Ginger Bishop
Renetha Stanziano           
Marlene  Cupo           
Sandi Volpe           
Sharyl McMillian-Nelson           
Niky  Sayers

Mischelle Fanucchi           
Tracy  Stillman           
Skylar Bre'z           
Ann Schroeder           
Paula Kramer
Jess Green           
Susan Kennedy           
Stacie  Florer           
Cathie  Carroll           
Susan F.  

Michelle Caballero       
Sabine Dittrich           
Kristina Johansson           
Kimberly Sturrup-Roberts           
Melissa  Meman           
Cheryl McCloud         
Michelle  Timms           
Cindy  Pack           
Ailsa  Cordner           
Lynda  Carson

Cynthia  Machata           
Julia  Harris           
Karin  Slaton
Ingrid  Anderson           
Karin Grosset Grange
Jasvanti Patel  
Inge  von Roos
Molly Alexander

Toltec Jewels

Notes for next time:
1. Hours of beading will wear the gilders paste off in the shape of my thumb.
2. Bead embroidery projects don't test my patience if  I'm expected to be in bed. (So there was a bright side to that concussion.)
3. Cuticle scissors are great for cutting the excess fabric around my beaded piece.
4. Bead hoarding makes projects like these seem sanctioned by fate. Yep EVERYTHING was already in my stash.
5. My proudest accomplishments always turn out HUGE!

Thanks for stopping by. 

I'm so glad you did.

Finally Learning to Bead Embroider

I have a reveal coming up on the 18th, but I can't wait to tell you about the great tutorials our hostess, Sally Russick of Studio Sublime, has created. If you, like me, have been avoiding bead embroidery for years hopefully her videos will give you the courage to take the plunge. 

I've bought books, watched other you tube videos and even bought a tutorial with the unlimited online help, but still never made it all the way around a cabochon before watching these.

Here's a sneak peek. My first round took 2 hours and was barely visible.

I just finished off my last round, but you'll have to come back on reveal day to see more. Now off to cut the extra Stiff Stuff and glue on a backing. 

Wish me luck! 

Hope you have a great weekend.

Pepita 1st Blogoversary Blog Hop

Today's the Day!

To celebrate her first blogoversary the author of Pepita handmade 

sent gifts for her readers all around the world.

Click here to learn a bit more.

Without further adieu, here's what I did with mine.

Ha! Just kidding this is the aftermath.

The first thing I did was go through all my 

cases of crystals to find the perfect 4mm to fill that gap.

Sadly you can't see all the colors it shines,

 but it's all shades of blue green and a bit of purple. 

Then I tried the shells seen in the first photo and 

in the post where I announced the pendant's arrival, but 

they would not stop acting like swinging monkeys so I took them all out.

Then I dumped my fiber bowl over by accident and found the 

great copper thread which matches the sides of the pendant perfectly.

While cleaning up the rest of the fibers I found the glass drops 

which were the perfect match and I had them in two sizes. 

My bead hoarding has never paid off as well as it did in this piece.

I must say this necklace doesn't photograph well, 

but it went PERFECTLY with the outfit I wore Saturday. 

It's light, fun and absolutely perfect.

(Those of you who know me know I don't use the word perfect often.)

Thanks Alenka!

I had a lot of fun, and will always remember your kindness.

Oh and you received 4 compliments on your work here in Okinawa, Japan yesterday.

;)

Here's the other people who received Alenka's work for this hop.

Ginger Bishop           

Susan Kennedy         

Becky Pancake          

Debbie(Kepi) Rasmussen   

Evelyn Shelby 

Dini Bruinsma           

Monique Urquhart   

Jo-Ann Woolverton  

Penny May     

Carolyn Lawson       

Ana Cravidao                        

Dolores Raml                        

Cynthia Machata

Take a moment to see what they did with these.

Don't forget to check out our hostesses blog (link at the top of the post) to enter the giveaway.

Pepita's Blogoversary Giveaway

The sweet and talented polymer clay artist Alenka Obid

set out to celebrate her blog's, Pepita Handmade, 1st anniversary 

by sending her readers gifts. It's such a brilliant idea don't you think?

While I waited on my package to arrive I tried to come up with ideas 

for colors I don't care for or very geometric shapes which totally befuddle me.

Well as you all know my mail is exceptionally slow so I did too much thinking. I did nine pages of thinking actually, but no matter because it is so perfect for me and my style.

It's organic and BLUE which is my favorite.

Okay, I know. Stop talking and show you.

Here's the beauty!

 I love the shape. The colors (teal and bronze) are an excellent combination.

I can't get the idea of pearl disk beads (about 6-8mm) out of my head when I look at it, but since I have yet to find any I've photographed it with some recent beach finds. I hope I haven't yet again thought up some crafting thing that doesn't exist. If you only knew how many times that has happened. It's so frustrating.

Come back August 11th to see how it turns out.

Bead Hoarders Blog Hop

Welcome to my post for the Bead Hoarders Blog Hop 

which is yet another brilliant idea of Lori Anderson's.

Here's another look at my favorite beads.

I had so many grand ideas and made a lot of pieces,

(Yeah! My creative slump has finally passed.)

 but none with my art beads but these.

These little clouds are part of the beads I've been hoarding 

from my favorite lampwork artist Maria Grimes.

I know we've all seen these before, but I'd not made them yet.

Here's my necklace Raining Rainbows. 

It was my intention to put a few colors and then completely line the cloud with wire (silver lining see?), but I loved the fact that I could turn this arch so it could actually look like a rainbow 

instead of just hugging the cloud. 

I'll probably fiddle with it till the wire snaps, but at the moment it is so much fun.

Alright stepping out of my element I am going to put a picture of myself wearing the set.  

Hopefully it wont frighten off too many readers.

Now check out the other participants' creations.

1.  Lori Anderson, Pretty Things
2. Nancy Dale, NEDBeads
3. Roxanne Mendoza, Roxi Designs
4.  Melissa Trudinger, beadrecipes
5.  Rana Lea, Rana Lea Designs
6.  Perri Jackson, Shaktipaj Designs
7.  Rita Avila, Jewel School Friends
8.  Linda Anderson, From the Bead Board
9.  Sharon Palac, Sharon's Jewelry Garden
10.  Erin Guest, Renlish


11.  Joan Williams, lilruby jewelry
12. Diane Hawkey, Diane Hawkey
13.  Jo-Ann Woolverton, It's a Beadiful Creation
14.  Sue Kennedy, SueBeads
15.  Lisa Cone, Inspired Adornments
16.  Kari Asbury, Hippie Chick Design
17.  Nichole Byers, Nichole Byers
18.  Lori Jean Poppe, Adventures in Creativity
19.  Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings
20.  Lori Schneider, Bead Addict


21.  Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me
22. Cece Cormier, The Beading Yogini
23.  Niki Sayers, Silver Nik Nats
24.  Elsie Deliz-Fonseca, Eliz-Eliz and All That Craft
25.  Amber Dawn, Inventive Soul
26.  Heather Powers, Humblebeads
27.  Sarah Goode, Pookledo
28.  Monique Urquhart, A Half-Baked Notion
29.  JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions
30.  Cheri Reed, Creative Designs by Cheri


31.  Robyn, Museiddity
32.  Catherine King, Catherine's Musings
33.  Jacquie, Bead Gypsy
34.  Janet McDonald, Singing Woods
35. Kay Thomerson, Kayz Kreations
36.  Tanty Sri Hartanti, TJewellicious by Tanti
37.  Hannah Rosner, Good River Valley
38.  Rochelle Brisson, A Creative Chelle
39.  Nelly May, Smelly Nelly
40.  Skylar Bre'z, Brising Beads


41.  Beti Horvath, Stringing Fool
42.  Christie Murrow, Charis Designs
43.  Leanne Loftus, First Impression Design
44.  Valerie Norton, Hot Art
45.  Judy Riggs, Rigglettes
46.  Crystal Thain, Here Bead Dragons
47.  Terry Carter,  Tapping Flamingo
48.  Sue, Mid-Life Great Expectations
49.  Nan Smith, Wired Nan
*50.  Miranda Ackerley, MirandAck Arts


51.  Marie Covert, Creating Interest
52.  D'Arsie Manzella, This Here Now, Mamacita
53.  Stephanie Haussler, Pixybug Designs
54.  Lori Bergmann, Lori Bergmann Design
55.  Johanna Nunez, The Lovely One Design
56.  Mary Govaars, MLH Jewelry Designs
57.  Becky Pancake, Becky Pancake Bead Designs
*58.  Alicia Marinache, All the Pretty Things
*59.  Debbie Rasmussen, A Little of This, A Little of That
60.  Nat, Grubbi Ceramics


61.  Marjorie Savill Linthwaite, Bennu Bird Rising
62.  Cheryl McCloud, One Thing Leads to Another
63.  Heather Otto, The Crafthopper
64.  Candida Castleberry, Spun Sugar Beadworks
65.  Tracie Dean, Dean Designs
66.  JuLee Wolfe, The Polymer Penguin
Here I am!------------------>67.  Ginger Bishop, Lil Mummy Likes
68.  Karen Mitchell, Over the Moon Design
69.  Jeannie Dukic, Jeannie's Blog
70.  Dini Bruinsma, Angaza by Changes


71.  Birgitta Lejonklou, Create With Spirit
72.  Shalini Austin, Jewellery by Shalini
73.  Jayne Capps, Mama's Got to Doodle
74.  Ile Ruzza, Ilenia's Unique Beaded Jewelry
75.  Jackie Marchant, Fiddledeedee Jewelry
76.  Annita Wilson, AW Jewelry 
77.  Sherri Stokey, Knot Just Macrame
78.  Hannah Trost, PZ Designs
79.  Linda Inhelder, Must Haves Jewelry
80.  Miri Agassi, Beadwork


81.  Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
82.  Dyanne Cantrell, Dee-Liteful Jewelry Creations
83.  Susan Bowie, Susan Nelson Bowie
84.  Megan Milliken, MaeMaeMills
85.  Menka Gupta, Menka's Jewelry
86.  Ambra Gostoli, Chic and Frog
87.  Lori Lochner, Bloghner
88.  Gerda Jurimae, Gerda's Crafts Blog
89.  Susan, Mistheword
90.  MaryLou Holvenstot, MaryLou's time2cre8


91.  Mary Shannon Hicks, falling into the sky
92.  Karin King, The Sparklie Things Blog
93.  Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman
94.  Jenny Davie-Reazor, Jenny Davies-Reazor
95.  Donetta Farrington, Simply Gorgeous
96.  Mallory Hoffman, Rosebud 101 - For the Love of Beads
97.  Danielle Kelley, Imbue the Muse
98.  Kym Hunter, Kym Hunter Designs
99.  Dolores Rami, CraftyD's Creations
100.  Marcia Dunne, 13 Alternatives


101.  Marlene Cupo, Amazing Designs
102.  Emma Todd, A Polymer Penchant
103.  Wendy Holder, Jewelry by WendyLea
104.  Michelle Escano, The Cabby Crafter
105.  Louise Glazier, Lily and Jasmine Treasures
106.  Dana Hickey, Wind Dancer Studios
107.  Lennis Carter, windbent
108.  Anne Betenson, Crystal River Beads
109.  Audrey Belanger,  Dreams of an Absolution
110.  Lisa Stukel, Carefree Jewelry by Lisa


111.  Janine Lucas, Travel Stories
112.  Claire Lockwood, Something to Do With Your Hands
113.  Kathy Engstrom, Catherine's Dreams
114.  Paula Hisel, Simply Beadiful
115.  Karla Morgan, Texas Pepper Jams
116.  Mischelle Fanucchi, Micheladas Musings
117.  Kim, Cianci Blue
118.  Linda Sadler, Ida Louise Jewelry
119.  Karen, Spokalulu
120.  Jennifer LaVite, Dry Gulch Bead and Jewelry


121.  Andrea Glick-Zenith, ZenithJade Creations
122.  Karen Martinez, Fairies Market
123.  Robin Reed, Artistry HCBD
124.  Amy Bright, LABweorc
125.  Jasvanti Patel, Jewels by Jasvanti
*126.  Tammie Everly, TTE Designs
127.  Karin Slaton, Backstory Beads
128.  Natalie Moten, Running Out of Thread
129.  Sharyl McMillian-Nelson, Sharyl's Jewelry & Reflections
130.  Jenny Kyrlach, Wonder and Whimsy


131.  LiliKrist, Handmade by LilK
132.  Jessica Klaaren, The Truth Space
133.  Cynthia Abner, Created Treasures
134.  Beth Emery, Stories by Indigo Heart
135.  Heather Davis, Blissful Garden Beads
136.  Jeanne, Gems by Jeanne Marie
137.  Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe
138.  Laren Dee Barton, Laren Dee Designs
139.  Steph, Confessions of a Bead Hoarder
140.  Carolyn Lawson, Carolyn's Creations


141.  B. R. Kuhlman, Mixed Mayhem
142.  Patty Miller, Cabari Beads
143.  Elizabeth Bunn, Elizabeth Beads
144.  Marianna Boylan, Pretty Shiny Things
145.  Lizzie Clarke, The Need to Bead
146.  Christina Miles, Wings 'n' Scales
147.  Patricia, The Color of Dreams
148.  Marde Lowe, Fancimar
149.  Ev Shelby, Raindrop Creations
150.  Sarah Small, By Salla


151.  Perri Jackson, Shaktipaj Designs
152.  Laurie Vyselaar, Lefthand Jewelry
153.  Pam Traub, Klassy Joolz
154.  Lisa Harrison, Daisy Meadow Studio
155.  Anzia Parks, Anzi-Panzi's Work Shoppe
156.  Ingrid, Lilisgems Handcrafted Jewelry Inspirations
157.  Andra Weber, Andra's Joyful Journey
158.  Kelly Hosford Patterson, The Traveling Side Show
159.  Adlinah Kamsir, Dreamstruck Designs
160.  Marci, That Nothing Be Wasted


161.  Kris Lanae Binsfield,  Cherish Designs
162.  Stephanie Perry, Mustard Bead
163.  Birgit Klughardt, Gites Beads
164.  Inge von Roos, Inge's Blog
165.  Rebecca Sirevaag, Becca's Place
166.  Sandy Markley, Gypsy Spirit Designs
167.  Elena Adams, Lena's Beady Blog

* are people I've swapped with before.
If any of them had a fan club I'd be in it.

If you are reading this a bit after midnight on the night of the hop 

think calming thoughts for me.

 I'll be hauling my bum out of river about that time behind 2 Cub Scout packs.
Ah the joys of being a Scout Mom!