Lampwork & Clay Blog Hop - The Reveal!

A few months go, Lisa Lodge of Pine Ridge Treasures organized this wonderful blog hop. We had the choice of either lampwork or clay. Since I really like both, it was a hard decision.

Lampwork won out on the coin toss up! 

The beads are beautiful! Marcia Seever of ShaZazz Glass is the wonderful creator of these beauties! What beauties you might say .... well  I did it again!   I forgot to take pictures of the lampwork before I began - SIGH! ;)
Does anyone else relate to this "Problem"!!!!????  :) 

It took me awhile to decide how to show off these beauties. In fact, I didn't come up with an idea until midnight last night!  I think my muse was sleepy! .........  However, after much brainstorming & dragging out a bunch of beads & wire, she finally woke &  ...... This is my newest bracelet!

(From left to right) The lampwork beauties are the first bead - brown & white swirl, the third bead - brown with black & orange, and the last bead that is multi-colors of blue, white, brown & orange (it actually reminds me of a fish. Aren't they gorgeous?! I added accents of turquoise, tiger's eye, brown Chinese crystals of different shades from ZnetShows , black Czech crystals, & a stone (the round grey with red) I found down in Mexico that I have no clue what it is.

Thank you Lisa!

Check out the other participants from the list below! I'm off to blog hop  -- ENJOY :))

Our hostess:  Lisa Lodge, A Grateful Artist

Mary Govaars, MLH Jewelry Designs

Melissa Trudinger, Bead Recipes

Kathy Zeigler Lindemer, Bay Moon Design

Laurie Vyselaar, Lefthand Jewelry

Annette Rivers, MamaOwl's Mess

Karin King, The Sparkle Things Blog

Shaiha Williams,   Shaiha's Ramblings

Mimi Gardner, Baubles, Beads and Other Curiosities

Dee Alcalde, Agape Creations Jewelry

Kay Thomerson, Kayz Kreationz

Karla Morgan, Texas Pepper Jams

Lori Jean Poppe, Lorillijean Creative Corner

Eleanor Burian Moore, The Charmed Life

Terri Wlaschin, Dances in Fog

Sharyl McMillian-Nelson, Sharyl's Jewelry

Jo-Ann Woolverton, It's a Beadiful Creation

Veralynne Malone, Designed by Vera

Linda Aspenson Bergstrom, TBD

Toltec  Jewels, Jewel School Friends

Judy Turner, Silver Rains

Gloria Allen, Gloria Allen Designs

Kathleen Douglas, Washoe Kat's

Connie Tipton, TBD

Christie Searle Murrow, Charis Designs Jewelry

Andrea Glick-Zenith, ZenithJade Creations

Michele Dotson, Star Jewels

Chris Eisenberg, Wanderware

Jennifer Clifford, TBD

Kathleen Breeding, 99 Bottles of Beads on the Wall

Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me

Loretta, Loretta's Boutique

Carolyn Lawson, Carolyns Creations

Shirley Moore, Beads and Bread

Bonnie Coursolle, Jasper's Gems

Alice Craddick, Alice's Beads and Baubles (reveal will be delayed a few days)

Pearls - "The Winter Diamonds!"

The Znet Shows' Dream Team is at it again! Many of us are working on Pearl creations for the upcoming Winter 2013/14 issue of Creative Spark, Znet Shows' Glossi magazine.

Pearls are known for being delicate, rare, fine, and valuable. Today, the majority sold are cultured or farmed. Imitation Pearls made of glass have become extremely popular in making beautiful & affordable jewelry, lavish clothing, and decorations.

The glass Pearl selections that Znet Shows have in their inventory are beautiful, high quality, and affordable.

The Pearls I chose & the Crystal accents.............

Pearls: (BDS1618-14)  6mm golden rounds
                      (BDS1619-23FIVE)  8mm bronze rounds
                    (BDS1923-36FIVE)   Vanilla rice pearls
Crystals: (ZMX-05-02)  6x4mm amber glow rondelles
        (ZMX-04-06)  autumn leaves teardrops

My Creations

 The wire is a combination of gold filled and rose gold filled.  

See Znet Show's Blog for the other Dream Team creations!

SUMMER ELEMENTS BLOG HOP

THANK YOU RITA! for the reminder on this Blog Hop. I couldn't find my NOTE anywhere!

Back in April, Rita with Toltec Jewels invited participants to share in celebrating their favorite elements of Summer. We could share "jewelry and/or beads, of course, but also pretty photos, a
summer recipe, a campfire song, a craft, family memories, a poem -- anything you like!"  A very broad spectrum of ideas came to mind because so far this summer has been FULL and it's only just begun.

A Much Needed Vacation

In July, my husband and I are going to Cabo San Lucas for a week!!!!! We've never been & can hardly wait.  Everybody pray for no hurricanes until later in the year --- well, how about pray NO HURRICANES AT ALL! 

 

Here's a taste of the awesome beaches!!! Isn't this pretty?!!  Looks relaxing! :)

In preparation for this trip, I decided to make an anklet to wear on the beach.

 Reminds me of the beach, what do you think?

In the meantime, I was thinking of this lovely, light summer cake I used to make for my kids. Who are now all grown up, married, & doing their own things. But it's a very tasty cake and yet very very easy to make. On hot summer days in Texas, we enjoy this taste of cold & sweet! One of the best things about this cake is that you can make it a day or two ahead. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator & you'll be good to go! :)

Raspberry (or Strawberry) Jello Cake

Ingredients

• white cake mix
• raspberry or strawberry jello - the large box (you can use any flavor you desire but these are the two my kids preferred)
• cool whip or whip cream
• sprinkles if desired

Directions

1. Prepare white cake mix according to directions & bake in a 9x12 pan.
2. Remove from oven & using a serving fork poke a plethora of holes in the cake.
3. Let cake cool for about 30 min.
4. Prepare jello with only the hot water - do not add the cold water into the mix. Stir the jello mixture until jello is well dissolved.
5. Pour jello mixture evenly over cake. It will be fairly saturated.
6. Place cake in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours or until jello is set.
7. Remove cake after about 3-4 hours. Cover top with cool whip or whip cream. Sprinkle with candies if desired & replace in refrigerator until ready to serve. Cover with saran wrap or foil. 

 

On a much different note -------   MY CACTI ARE BLOOMING!!!!

                   I have been waiting for years for this cactus to bloom & it is HERE!!!! finally

I've been waiting 13 years for this to bloom! :)

These bloom yearly!


Pretty soon the blossoms will fall & the prickly pear will ripen for us to make jam with!

The bees love these blooms!

The hummingbirds love these cactus blooms!

& they love these Aloe Vera blooms too!








LASTLY,  Here is one of the beautiful Deer that's eating my flowers. :(  She was born on our property last year. This year she has a fawn & snorts at us from time to time to let us know this is HER PROPERTY & she means business!!! It's really hilarious!

I took her picture at 9 pm out my living room window. She knew I was there & she's watching me!

Thanks Rita for hosting this Blog!  It was fun to reminisce a little & to stop to "SMELL THE ROSES!"  Come & join me in blog hopping!!!

The Summer Elements Blog Hop Participants: 

Toltec Jewels (Hostess)     http://www.jewelschoolfriends.com/

Marlene Cupo                   http://amazingdesigns-marlene.blogspot.com/

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

Ailsa Cordner                    http://www.bramalfiebeadsetc.co.uk/

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

Nan Smith                         http://www.wirednan.blogspot.com/

Sherri Stokey                     http://www.knotjustmacrame.com/

Christie (Charis Designs)    http://charisdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com/

Carolyn Lawson                 http://carolynscreationswa.blogspot.com/

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

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

Nelly May                          http://smellynelly.blogspot.com/

Melissa Trudinger               http://beadrecipes.wordpress.com/

Dini Bruinsma                     http://angazabychanges.blogspot.com/

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

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

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

Karen Martinez                 http://www.fairiesmarket.blogspot.com/

Liz                                    http://beadcontagion.blogspot.com/

Jasvanti Patel                     http://jewelrybyjasvanti.blogspot.com/

Solange Collin                    http://www.blog.ahowinjewelry.com/

Gerda                                http://gerdascraftsblog.blogspot.com/

Karla Morgan  (ME)           http://texaspepperjams.blogspot.com/

Anindita Basu                     http://alankarshilpa.blogspot.com/

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

Andrea Trank                    http://heavenlanecreations.com/

Dyanne Everett-Cantrell     http://deelitefuljewelrycreations.blogspot.com/

Mischelle Fanucchi             http://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com/

Tanty Sri Hartanti               http://tjewellicious.blogspot.com/

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

Mary Govaars                    http://mlhjewelrydesigns.com/

Becca Sirevaag                  http://godsartistinresidence.blogspot.com/

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

Regina Wood                     http://www.gina-design.blogspot.com/

Sue Kennedy                     http://suebeads.blogspot.com/

Kathleen Breeding             https://www.facebook.com/99BOBOTW

Anklet Blog Hop - The REVEAL!!!

In April, I heard about the Anklet Blog Hop that Kashmira Patel was hosting. How fun! Since, I've never made an anklet before, I  HAD  to join in!  Yes, it has been a blast!   &  Very interesting too! I've never looked at my ankles so much :)))

The first anklet I did out of chainmaille. It's the European Rosette pattern. Next I added coral & tiger's eye chips. It dangles on the skin so nice!  This anklet turned out to be 10 inches, which from everything I've read is average for an anklet or else I just have big ankles!

At first, I added only a few beads, but then decided it didn't look finished so.....

Added more beads to finish the bracelet. I think it looks better on the ankle & it definitely feels great.


Since I was on a roll, I still had time before the reveal & was looking at a new book that Kalmbach sent me to do a book review on: Metallic Seed Bead Splendor. (Book Review will be coming soon!) I couldn't resist making another project! Page 41 is "Going Baroque with Pearls". Well.....

The pearls and seed beads I have didn't really look right together, therefore.... it was time for adaptations!  Purple crystals & iridescent pink/purple seed beads.  Sorry seed beaders - I'm still learning the names of all the crystals & seed beads. There are sooo many!!!!

This anklet is also about 10 inches long. It looks so good on the ankle and is so pretty, I think I'll make earrings & a bracelet to match.

This was fun! I've learned some new techniques & a new style of beading that I love. Thank you Kashmira! :)))

Here is a list of our wonderful hostess and the 27 participants. HAPPY BLOG HOPPING! :)
Name  Blog Kashmira Patel http://sadafulee.blogspot.com Kaushambi Shah Will post on Kashmira's blog Jean Wells http://jeanawells.blogspot.com/ Mischelle Fanucchi http://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com/ Shellie Grindie http://www.creativeeclectica.com/ Ginger Bishop http://lilmummylikes.blogspot.com/ Monique U http://ahalfbakednotion.blogspot.com Cynthia Machata http://antiquitytravelers.blogspot.com Libellula http://libellulajewelry.blogspot.com/ Kay Thomerson http://www.kayzkreationz.blogspot.com/ Mimi Gardner http://othercuriosities.blogspot.com/ Anindita Basu http://alankarshilpa.blogspot.com/ Rita (Toltec Jewels) http://www.jewelschoolfriends.com/ Gina Hockett http://freestyleelements.blogspot.com/ Tammie Everly http://ttedesigns.blogspot.com Jessica Murray http://whimsicalweavings.blogspot.com/ Dyanne Cantrell http://deelitefuljewelrycreations.blogspot.com/ Ema Kilroy http://emakaye.blogspot.com/ Emma Todd http://www.apolymerpenchant.blogspot.com/ K Morgan www.TexasPepperJams.blogspot.com Sharyl McMillian-Nelson http://sharylsjewelry.blogspot.com/ Cheri Reed http://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com/ Rochelle Brisson http://acreativechelle.blogspot.com/ Michelle Buettner http://www.misheldesigns.blogspot.com/ Sandra McGriff http://www.skyescreativechaos.blogspot.com/ Stephanie Weiss http://uniquelymebwd.blogspot.com/ Shelley Graham Turner http://shelleygrahamturner.blogspot.com/ Vickie Foley http://ohabbyday.blogspot.com/ Lynda Carson Roxanne Mendoza Dagi http://freshbakeddesigns.wordpress.com/ http://roxidesigns.blogspot.com/ http://kokopellidesign.blogspot.com/
Sorry for the long length of "blank" that follows but it has something to do with the way the list of participants copied & I can't get it to delete off. :(

Book Review!

Multistrand Jewelry Secrets for Success

Published by Kalmbach Books

Kalmbach sent me this book at the end of March to review. Unfortunately, my mother developed Macular Degeneration at the same time but we didn't know what it was. After weeks of doctor visits and tons of tests, we got the bad news. At the same time, I was working on the "Diamonds in the Rough" Znet Design Team project. This book couldn't have come at a better time AND it is fabulous! So many ideas & creations! My muse had taken a nose dive due to LIFE and this was just what the Doctor ordered! My muse got going! Woohoo! :)))

It is 87 pages packed full of Design Alternatives, Techniques, Supply Lists, and "Secrets for Success" for each of the 31 projects. The step-by-step instructions have wonderful photographs and pictures that can walk you through each project.  Also, the extra tips and design alternatives are wonderful for getting the creative thinking moving!

The book begins with information on How To Use This Book, Basic Techniques, Tools & Materials, and Multistrand Secrets for Success. This is all very helpful especially for the beginner or less experienced enthusiast. 

Each of us who design, create, and develop jewelry know how important it is to keep everything we do fresh and unique. This book is designed to help with "ideas" and "imaginative creating". I feel it does that very well! The possibilities for multistrand jewelry are endless. 

To wet your appetite: 

 

Mint Medley pg 16

Gemstone Twist pg 60

Blue Ribbon Style pg 40