Happy Holidays Everyone!

I haven't made any jewelry recently, but I made some snowflakes before Christmas.

clothespin snowflakes/stars

I started with this pin

using wood glue instead of hot glue though. That's why they are laying on wax paper to dry.

Then I brushed Elmer's school glue on to the snowflake and shook glitter where I had applied glue. I used Elmer's because it stayed wet longer than the wood glue. I still had to glue only 1/4 of the snowflake at a time, shake glitter and repeat.

HINT: If you do the sides first you still have something to hang on to. Then do the top and let it all dry. This way when you go to do the bottom you can add a bit more glue to any spots that didn't take.

Hint #2: Don't brush glue over the pile excess of glitter you plan on reusing.  I had 2 sheets of paper down: one to glue over and one to glitter over.

Then I made plastic bead snowflakes. 

I adore any project that is made 100% with things I already had in my craft room.

For these I used this youtube video.

Mine aren't exactly like hers, but again 

I only used things I already had here. So I made do and made it my own.

Finally the reason for my post today.
I'm sharing this here to avoid ruining the surprise for our snowman loving friend.

I have some truly creative friends,

 and unlike me some of them are teaching their kids their skills. 

(My son couldn't possibly care less even though he always tells me, "It's great Mom.")

This was made by my friend Vanessa and her daughter Evie. 

I probably shouldn't be telling you this, but when she posted 

her snowman family of four on facebook I was a bit envious of what she had created.

Now I've got one too! Yep, I'm that excited.
Thanks so much Vanessa.

It's the cutest sock creation I've ever seen. 

Plus it's weighted so it doesn't tip over like the ones I tried making years ago.
The candies are a bit too yummy, but I'm trying to control myself.

Before today it was still socks that were my favorite Christmas gift.

something Santa left in my stocking

 My son wanted his Domo socks in the picture too, but was too busy 

unwrapping to put them on. Silly Boy!

What did Santa bring you?

Art Charm Swap & Beads of Courage Auction

This is my second year participating in Jennifer Cameron's 

Art Charm Swap and Auction benefiting Beads of Courage.

 100% of the money is donated to a program I'm really proud to support. 

BOC helps children with serious illnesses or long hospitalizations 

honor their story.

Each bead represents a procedure, hospital stay, surgery, etc.

This year's theme for creating-love.

 

I tired to think of something other than my garden as inspiration, 

but my work table looks out on it so it won again.

The pattern is by my first ever blog hop partner, Martina Nagele. She's the most amazing seed beader I've worked with. Here's the pattern she gave to the beading world. It's what she used as bead caps for the beads I sent her in that hop. So who ever has one of these know it came from an idea in Germany that was created in Japan and now lives with you. What a grand journey.

 As a military spouse, I've been fortunate enough to plant gardens in several places on this planet. Part of my gift to this world is a path of flowers. This charm was designed to show love for the world I'm grateful to be a part of. It's made with headpins, seed beads, Swarovski crystals and Fireline.

  I must say one of my favorite parts of this hop is the facebook group. Early on one member posted that during her search of inspiration she asked her husband, "How do I make love?" While it don't remember his reponse I do know it wasn't bead related. That still makes me giggle when I think about it. 

Jennifer thanks for creating a great place for us to converse while we create. It really makes the process even more enjoyable. So since I've had such a great experience both this year and last I did my best to create a second set for swapping and auction this year.

When I made this decision I was watching Letters to Juliet. Have you seen it?

Well, there is a line in that movie that inspired this next batch.

 

 I vowed to be absolutely un-me. 

No pressure. 

No stress. 

No judgement, self-doubt. 

Just creating my version of love for the sake of creating 

for charity and others to enjoy.

So I turned up my favorite music and started dancing. Then sat down to create these hearts inspired by the quote. Every time it was not fun or negative thoughts crept in I took a fun break till I was ready to enjoy every minute of the experience.

 

So these hearts are made with an overflowing happy heart. 

Yeah, life has it's dark bits as well as it's light, but you can add a silver lining to anything.

Only pic that showed silver lining.

  I must say my water bottom aluminum wire drying rack was a perfect solution when I had glazed myself into a corner.

Today's the day to start bidding on the work of these talented artists.

Tiny little masterpieces waiting for you to wear are waiting.

Click HERE to get started.

Here's what I received to give you an idea of what's in store for you to bid on.

One more great big THANKS to Jen Cameron our fabulous hostess.
I can't imagine what it took to photograph and get all these beauties ready for auction.
Don't forget to bid on some treasures to help us raise money for BOC.
Feel free to visit the other artist too.

Jen Cameron: http://glassaddictions.com/blog/

Toltec Jewels: http://www.jewelschoolfriends.com

Vanessa Gilkes: http://culturezine.com/blog/

Caroline Dewison: http://blueberribeads.co.uk

Lesley Watt: http://www.thegossipinggoddess.blogspot.com

Susan Kennedy: http://www.suebeads.blogspot.com

Nancy Dale : http://www.nedbeads.blogspot.com

Alicia Marinache: http://www.allprettythings.ca

Cassi Paslick: http://cassisbeads.blogspot.com

Alenka Obid: http://www.pepita-handmade.blogspot.com

Renetha Stanziano: http://www.lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com

Shelley Graham Turner: http://www.shelleygrahamturner.blogspot.com

Monique Urquhart: http://ahalfbakednotion.blogspot.com

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

Lennis Carter: http://windbent.wordpress.com

Cheri Reed: http://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com

Moriah Betterly: http://mlbetterly.blogspot.com

Perri Jackson: http://shaktipajdesigns.com/blog/

Mallory Hoffman: http://rosebud101-fortheloveofbeads.blogspot.com

Ginger Bishop: http://lilmummylikes.blogspot.com

Jean Peter: http://jeanpdesigns.blogspot.com

Linda Florian: http://lilysofthevalleyjewelry.blogspot.com

Patricia Pulliam: http://rusticstudio.blogspot.com

Karin Grosset Grange: http://ginkgoetcoquelicot.blogspot.fr

Julie Bowen: http://blog.autochthonous-evolved.com

Susan Delaney: http://ladyflowersbysusan.wordpress.com

Emma Todd: http://www.apolymerpenchant.blogspot.com

Carolyn Chenault : http://carolynchenault.wordpress.com

Terri Del Signore: http://artisticaos.blogspot.com

Cory Tompkins: http://www.tealwaterdesigns.blogspot.com

Cheryl (Lee) Koopman: http://stregajewellry.wordpress.com

Lori Bowring Michaud: http://artfullyornamental.blogspot.com

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

Jacqueline Carlson: http://www.beadgypsy.blogspot.com

Michelle McCarthy: http://www.fireflydesignstudio.blogspot.com

Charlene Bausinger Jacka: http://clay-space.com/blog/

Kristi Bowman: http://dreamsomedesigns.blogspot.com

 

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.