Friday, November 15, 2013

Charm Exchange and Benefit for Beads of Courage®



Again this year I joined in on the Art Charm Benefit for Beads of Courage® hosted by Jennifer Cameron of Glass Additions

Here's how it worked: Bead Artists were challenged to create a charm using this year's theme of "Love". We were broken up into groups of ten artists and asked to each make 11 charms. Ten of the charms were to be exchanged with other members of our assigned group. Jennifer's goal was for us to have fun and get miniature pieces of art from fellow artists.  A lovely idea.

But her plan for that one remaining charm is the most important part of the challenge. Each of these charms will be auctioned off with all proceeds to benefit Beads of Courage®.


According to their website - "The Beads of Courage® Program is designed to support and strengthen children and families coping with serious illness. Through the program children tell their story using colored beads as meaningful symbols of courage that commemorate milestones they have achieved along their unique treatment path."

Meet one of these beautiful children -


This is Ryley. Ryley is the grandson of fellow artist Jean Peter. He is three years old. His condition is called Hypo-plastic left heart syndrome. Ryley has had three open heart surgeries, his first when he was only one week old. This photo was taken after his second, when he was around 2 years old. His third surgery was June 2012 and was hopefully his last.



Here is the charm I created. I made it using a black heart shaped bezel. I filled it with a mix of pink seed beads and glitter and encased it in 3D Crystal Lacquer . I added a dangle of waterpearl and silver bead cap.



Now that you know more about this great event I hope you will join us at the online auction  beginning TODAY!  ALL proceeds to benefit  Beads of Courage® CLICK HERE to support this effort - and please be generous!
Beads of Courage, Inc. is an approved public charity under I.R.S. Code Section 501(c)(3), based in Tucson, Arizona.

Check out all the great artists and their designs by visiting their blogs:

Caroline Dewisonhttp://blueberribeads.co.uk
Alicia Marinachehttp://www.allprettythings.ca
Shelley Graham Turner:  <<<--- YOU ARE HERE
Terri Del Signorehttp://artisticaos.blogspot.com
Cheryl (Lee) Koopman: http://stregajewellry.wordpress.com
Jacqueline Carlson: http://www.beadgypsy.blogspot.com
Charlene Bausinger Jackahttp://clay-space.com/blog/

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Trying to remember that BLUE is one of my favorite colors!

I been feeling a bit blue lately, can't pinpoint exactly why. I been taking some time "off" to ponder things. LOTS has happened in my life over this past year. Not sure what has caused this, probably a combination of things, whatever it is I KNOW I have to shake this before it takes over!

So I have been thinking. First, I decided that I will make a change to my business. I was attempting to sell my jewelry at the local Farmer's Market but find although my designs are what I call "nature-inspired", they are probably too high end for this venue. SO after talking with my husband  we decided to rent some space at the gallery in North Carolina where I currently have some pieces on consignment. I will be setting up my space there very soon - more on that at a later date.

For the Farmer's Market, I am taking this month off to get my ideas together. During my days sitting there I had LOADS of time to watch people. Here's what I observed:

  • there are TWO other jewelry vendors (and their prices are quite low compared to mine -  BUT hey, ALL my pieces include artbeads made by myself or my artist friends!)
  • there were quite a few families with children visiting the market.
  • the children were my BEST visitors - very talkative, asked me lots of questions and wanted to try things on (made their parents cringe when they picked up my pieces but I told them no worries, it's fine!) 
  • I liked interacting with the children. I have worked with kids my whole life but in recent years I had gotten away from it.
  • My space is located near the entrance to the Visitor's Center (where the bathrooms and sitting benches are located LOL!) I actually have loads of traffic!






Since my older grandkids are visiting this summer I decided WHY NOT gear things towards the kids? 













First Saturdays at the market are geared to families - they have a petting zoo, live music and other special activities. I want to take full advantage of it!                              

I'm busy now researching, gathering new supplies (bright colored glazes!) and trying out some designs. I want to make some jewelry, kits and "try me" activities. I'm planning on getting my granddaughters* into the act too! Thinking they can make some magnets, pinchpots and such things. Maybe I can even get some teaching gigs out of the deal! 

* my grandson will be there too, he's the eye-candy for the teen girls being dragged along!  LOL.

We'll see how it pans out BUT in the meantime all this planning HAS picked up my spirits a bit! Fingers crossed!












Saturday, June 1, 2013

REVEAL: Sadafulee's Summer Anklet Blog Hop


My friend Kashmira Patel of Sadafulee challenged us to make our own summer anklet. Since I now live near the beach I do wear a lot of sandals, and I wear anklets too!

I decided to make a floral design using a cute little flower lampwork bead along with some sweet little iridescent leaves,  all strung on a wire filled with violet seed beads.


 




I can't wait to rock it...now to see what everyone else came up with... MAYBE I can find a few to add to my collection!

Special thanks to Kashmira for being our hostess! 

Kashmira Patel
Kaushambi Shah
Will post on Kashmira's blog
Jean Wells
Mischelle Fanucchi
Shellie Grindie
Ginger Bishop
Monique U
Cynthia Machata
Susan
Kay Thomerson
Mimi Gardner
Anindita Basu
Rita (Toltec Jewels)
Gina Hockett
Tammie Everly
Lynda Carson
Dyanne Cantrell
Ema Kilroy
http://www.emakdesigns.com/blog
Emma Todd
K Morgan
Sharyl McMillian-Nelson
Cheri Reed
Rochelle Brisson
Michelle Buettner
Sandra McGriff
Stephanie Weiss
Shelley Graham Turner
Roxanne Mendoza
Dagi








Monday, May 20, 2013

REVEAL: Whimsical Monkey Earring Swap


Oh Lord, I can not believe I am LATE for this reveal, AND being late or not showing for a blog hop is one of my pet peeves too!
I apologize! I TOTALLY forgot about this! [Technically my post isnt late as I got it up on reveal day but mailing was 😪 ]


A while back I signed up to take part in the Whimsical Monkey Earring Swap hosted by Jessica Murray

My very patient partner for this swap was Laura Medeiros. We went back and forth via e-mails and agreed we'd swap three pairs of earrings. I asked a few questions to try and figure out her style. She told me she liked dangles, but not too long (me either); she liked all colors but wasn't into pastels (me either); and she didn't like anything with a "manufactured look" (me either!)

I also took a look at her Facebook photos and saw that she has a unique style, seems into steampunk and she ALSO belly dances!, or so it appears from her photos - YOU GO GIRL! Overall I'd say she seems like a fun-loving person!


So here is what I created for her -

Pair #1  
I used my brass coils and some silver and brass findings - mixed metallics are some of my favs.




Pair #2
I've had these pretty lampworks for a while - think they give these little swirlies a real sassy look!




Pair #3
I paired up some of my polymer clay roses with some brass findings to which I wired a few beads, just for a different look. 



I hope she likes them. They probably aren't steampunk exactly but I think they are unique.Because I forgot the date I haven't mailed them out but will get them in the mail TONIGHT!

If you want to see what she created for me (very yummy copper creations!!) check them out by CLICKING HERE.

You can also visit all the other participants below.   
                            Jessica Murray (Hostess): http://whimsicalweavings.blogspot.com

Mischelle Fanucchi : http://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com/
Deanna Cox: www.deannaaki.WordPress.com
Shelley Graham Turner: YOU ARE HERE!
Ingrid McCue: www.wrappedinsilver.com
Lennis Carrier: http://windbent.wordpress.com
Ginger Davis Allman: http://thebluebottletree.com/
Mary Anne Flesch: www.handcraftedserenity.blogspot.com
Nicole Valentine Rimmer: www.nvalentine.blogspot.com
Stephanie Weiss: uniquelymebwd.blogspot.com/
Silvia Sernicola: http://pipa-the-latest.blogspot.it/
Karla Morgan: www.TexasPepperJams.blogspot.com
Kay Thomerson: http://KayzKreationz.blogspot.com
Paula Hisel: http://simplybeadiful.weebly.com/simply-stated.html
Carol Dillman: http://dillmansdallies.blogspot.com/
Spun Sugar Beadworks: Spunsugarbeadworks.blogspot.com
Tara Plote: http://newbiebeader.blogspot.com/
Rachel Baron: http://rbarondesigns.blogspot.com/
Laurie Keefe: http://treeofliferootedinmysoul.blogspot.com/
Kashmira Patel: http://sadafulee.blogspot.com
Gina Hockett: http://www.freestyleelements.blogspot.com
Shellie Grindy: http://www.creativeeclectica.com/
Shai Williams: http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com/
Dyanne Cantrell: http://deelitefuljewelrycreations.blogspot.com
Mimi Gardner: www.OtherCuriosities.blogspot.com
Jessica McMullen: http://pheonixgatedesigns.blogspot.com/
Jennifer LaVite: www.drygulchbeadsandjewelry.blogspot.com
Laura Medeiros: http://zoeowyn.blogspot.com/
Alenka Obid: www.pepita-handmade.blogspot.com
Elsie Fonseca: http://www.ladelizchica.blogspot.com/
Cheryl Dunham: www.renaissance-jewelry.blogspot.com
Sandra McGriff: http://skyescreativechaos.blogspot.ca
Tania Spivey: http://moobiegrace.blogspot.com/
Mowse Doyle:  http://mowsemadethis.blogspot.com



Saturday, April 20, 2013

REVEAL: HBBH 3 1/2 - A Very Merry UnBirthday Party


Yup, it's another blog hop hosted by myself and my partner in crime - MARLENE CUPO. Here's how we introduced this blog hop...


It’s time to have a VERY MERRY UNBIRTHDAY PARTY via our extra special HBBH 3 ½ Blog Event! Yes, we are at it again. Just like the "March Hare", the "White Rabbit", and the "Mad Hatter" invited "Alice" to their party, we are inviting you to ours!
We will assign partners, and send out e-mail notifications so you can contact one another and find out what month you each celebrate your birthday. 


So now its FINALLY party time! Time to tear open our gifts!

YEAH, right, did you really think I would wait to open my gift? I ripped that sucker open as soon as it arrived! Heeheehee...

My party partner is Janeen Burlingame. What a sweetie she is! Before we get to the gift she sent let me tell you about the wrapping. She had it wrapped so-o-o beautifully. It came in a very pretty floral bag with ruby-colored organza ribbon. Inside with the gift was a bar of CHOCOLATE, yummy Dagoba Roseberry Dark Chocolate with raspberries and rosehips! (tore that open in a New York second! - munch, munch, munch!) - wasn't sure what "rosehips" was but I ate it! 

She also enclosed a gorgeous card made from handmade paper with pressed flowers..LOVE! The message inside was sweet as well.



OKAY so now I have made all the nice comments that are expected...let's get to the goodies!
INSIDE WAS....





THIS beautiful necklace! Nice, right? The focal flowers are made from carved wood. I'm not sure if she knew, but my favorite style is nature-inspired boho so this was perfect! Turquoise and ruby colored beads (my birthstone!) ALL wrapped in antique silver findings. I LOVE IT. I love the color palette, the texture, the style, and even the weight of it! PERFECT!






Thank you Janeen, I love it, absolutely LOVE it!






So now.
What. did. I. send. Janeen?

Well,  I like to think of myself as a bit of a detective (aka nosey person). Yeah, well ANYWHO I scoped out her online presence, specifically her Pinterest. I found out she likes a certain chocolate. Dagoba's Organic Chocolate, CHAI flavored. Chocolate CHeCk!


Purchased at Abe's Market

And she seems to like Buddhas...well I found some pretty soap and since her birthstone's  Emerald- she was born in May -  I got her the GREEN tea scented ones.  Buddha, CHeCk!



Purchased at Aroma Creek on Etsy


And I also made her a little something- something. In GREEN, CHeCk!


TORI SOPHIA Designs


So that's my story. Go, mingle, meet the rest of our guests. Me? I'm going to see if I can find out what the hell ROSEHIP is! 




Ali McCarthy

Alicia Marinache

Anzia Parks

Audrey Belanger

Cheri Reed

Cheryl Dunham

Chris Eisenberg

Christine Schlicht

Cynthia Machata

D Lynne Bowland

Dyanne Everett-Cantrell

Gina Hockett

Ginger Bishop

Gloria Allen

Janeen Burlingame
http://www.marshellswaps.blogspot.com/p/visiting-bloggers-reveal-day.html

Joana Perez Stribel

Lori Schneider

Mary Govaars

Mischelle Fanucchi

Paula Gaskill

Renetha Stanziano

Robin Reed

Sherry Baun

Shirley Moore

Sierra Barrett

Susan Bowie

Susie Harris

Mowse Doyle

Cindy Muse

Ellie Grossman

Marlene Cupo

Shelley Graham Turner
YOU ARE HERE!













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