Copper Creations

Yes, I've been neglecting Blogger lately.  :(  I do have a few new pieces to show off and these are in copper (my fav).

Copper, copper, copper with Norma Brink lampwork and a few Swarovski thrown in for added color.  Can't decide if I like that wire wrapped piece in the middle or not but for now it stays.

I had the "Love is the Key" pewter piece from Green Girl Studios that I was dying to play with.  I added some leftover lampwork from the Bead Swap Party and some others I had lying around with, once again, Swarovski crystals.  

I'm working on a giveaway that I hope to be blogging about shortly so stay tuned for that and enjoy your Monday!  :)  

Black Dog and Brown Dog

Are you kidding me? How am I supposed to take my pictures if this keeps happening?

Ok, I understand Miss Em would like her picture taken too but I don't need a nose print on my camera. Each time I venture outside to set up for photos I get a nudge in my side. Hum, wonder who that could be?

And because I feel like I keep leaving poor Miss Molly out, I will add her photo as well. She could care less about having her 15 minutes of fame. Leave her be with a good bone and she's just fine. Oh, and that mud pit she is standing in is my backyard.  It use to be beautiful before the hounds took over.

And one more pick of "Em" because she was looking at me with those big puppy eyes.  I lovingly refer to these two as "brown dog" and "black dog".

Here's what I was trying to take photos of when I was so rudely interupted.

Am I going Swarovski crazy or what? I guess there's something about that sparkle. And Norma Brink's lampwork is kinda translucent in the light. Love the browns and blues with the sterling silver. I'll be throwing this one into the Bei Mondi Etsy shop later today.

And here's a mystery photo for you.

It's been metal etched but apparently not long enough. I think my etching solution is getting weak. Maybe I accidentally left it in the light. Can you make out the picture? This, of course, will take some more time but not bad for a first try on such an elaborate stamp.

I need to absorb some of the sunshine outside before it's all gone. See ya!

Sharing My Love for Artisans

Just a few months ago I was likely to purchase beads from the internet from any number of beading businesses out there.  I would get my items and be thankful to have more stock to play with.  I would try to create something from the ordinary hum drum beads everyone has and try to mold them into something with some character.  As I spend more time on my favorite blogs I realize there is a whole world of beading out there to explore.  It's not from the shop down the street carrying another color of the same Swarovski crystal or even the big bead business that offers every shape and size imaginable of yet again the same old beads.  No, these are simply little works of art.  I thought I would show off some of the latest purchases I've made from such talented artists recently.

Do you remember the Narnia charm bracelet I mentioned a while back?  It will be a special present for my daughter in remembrance of the time we've spent reading the books together.  My first charm for this bracelet is from Hint Jewelry.  Beth Hemmila is incredible!  I don't know how else to put it.  Each one of her charms tells a story.  She's also a wonderful person with a big heart!  For each purchase at her Etsy shop she will donate 10% of the profit to a nonprofit organization.  This was the perfect starting piece to this charm bracelet project.  The detail in these pieces is remarkable and each one is made by hand.  And I had to buy something for myself, of course, so I purchased this spooky but fun sugar skull.

And take a look at these!

Gaea makes some rockin' beads!  She is one funky chic!  Love her style, just so happy and fun.  I ordered a few focal pieces from her and asked if she would be kind enough to find complimentary beads to match.  She did a great job!  My favorite is the heart with the lock in the middle.  These have a cool vintage look to them.  And I have to mention the little owl.  Big fan of owls as you know.  He's so sweet!  And the sugar skulls, they are a favorite too.  Ok, so I love them all!  Oh, but there's more.  I asked her to make a large focal bead for me with my business name and colors.  She not only made me one, but she sent three different designs.  I plan on making a little decoration for my studio with these.  Once again, Gaea, you rock!

And I've mentioned several times one of the best glass artists there is (in my opinion).  Norma Brink has a way of catching the light and having it dance around in her beads.  The colors are gorgeous and even though each bead has it's own style they all fit so well together in the set.  These were a special order and I'm so happy with the way they turned out.

Ok, and last but not least, the yummy copper.  Big, big fan of copper right now and I've been purchasing from Bopper on Etsy.  I've been extremely happy with the items I've received so far.  Her seletion of sizes and styles is great and she'll custom cut pieces for you as well.  She also does sterling and brass as well.  And the shipping is always super quick.  Oh, and the copper links in this picture are from Gaea.  Super cool!

I'll add in just one more.  This one doesn't have anything to do with beads but I'd like to mention her because I love the product.  I bought soap from Osayin Holistics recently and I've really enjoyed it.  Please try the Limon Rosa if you are looking for something to brighten your spirits during that morning shower.  Her soap is very creamy and lathers up well.  Love it!

I'm going to try to put all these lovely beads to use today.  I have so much to work with and I haven't made anything in over a week.  I think I'm going through beading withdrawal!  Need to bead!  Must bead now!  Bye!