Warm Summer Sunshine!

Dare to dream!! Here is my thought...On the count of 3, everyone conjure up a wonderful memory of a perfectly warm sunny day!

Maybe if we all focus on warmth, this snow storm that is supposed to be coming by morning will just hang out in the clouds and dissipate....

In the mean time, try focusing in on this great sun-shiny yellow shell bead. This came from Joann, Etc. and I believe it was in the button aisle!

As I was looking through photos, I also came across these funny paper earrings that I made a couple years ago. I wish I knew where they were now. They are full of imperfections, but that is what makes me laugh! I loved them and wore them A LOT!!

Okay, one more time, THINK WARM SUN-SHINY DAY!

Peace, Love & Bead Bloggers!!

I hope everyone is getting themselves dug out of the large mountains of snow that have fallen in the last few days!!

Regardless of the fact I know it is winter, it is always amazing to see it fall and fall and fall with no end in sight!

As long as you know all your people are safe, groceries are in the fridge and there are plenty of beads to play with, it is not a horrible thing!

So there lies the silver lining... forced hibernation takes the guilt out of hanging out and skipping the usual errands or scheduled committments. More time to BEAD!

There is so much going on out in the beading world with CHA just a recent memory and all the great reports back from Tuscon trickling in here and there. Sunday is a great time for catching up with fellow bead bloggers and I'm looking forward to checking out all the links below.

I hope you will join me!! HAVE A GREAT WEEK!! :)

Katie's Beading Blog Katie introduces her new line of findings: Katiedids™ Creative Components. Look what you can do!
Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio Lorelei's blog has a new look. And she heads to cooking school!
Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Kim Miles! Who makes prettier Valentine's day, or "just for yourself" gifts than Kim? Wait til you see what she has up her sleeve...the Ace of Hearts, so to speak!
About.com Jewelry Maing Catch up on the latest jewelry web news from contests to free tutorials with this handy list of links.

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts Are you a follower? Barbe has a giveway for her blog readers.

Beading Arts A beautiful glass bead becomes the focal point of a Valentine's Day necklace!

Art Bead Scene Searching for a way to achieve an etched metal look? ABS has a free tutorial for you!

Strands of Beads Melissa is giving away a $25.00 gift certificate from Artbeads.com this week!
Carmi's Art/Life World Carmi did "knot" stress out making this new necklace!
Cindy Gimbrone aka the Lampwork Diva With the help of Vintaj brass, Cindy whips up a set of tethered butterfly earrings with her bronze floral charms.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles Melanie reveals the delicious ingredients she received for the Bead Soup Party.

This Week's Project: Bright Red Stoneware

This week's project is a necklace incorporating a bright red stoneware pendant from Artbeads.com.

I originally thought about beading the entire necklace, but then I saw the midnight black econoflex beading wire... I love using this in necklaces because it allows the pendant to stand out!

I just happened to find a heart & arrow toggle clasp to finish it off which made me happy!

As usual, my use of beads often has to do with the supply available.... Since I had these 6mm black diamond bicones in the same container as the red bicones, when I ran out of red, it made sense to use them. :) I just love swarovski crystal beads...what would I do without them? Let's hope I never have to find out!

I have one more adorable stoneware pendant left from Artbeads.com. It's the small swirly one...!!

I was going to make it into a dangle on a bracelet when I realized it would be nice to share the bead love.

If you would like to use it in a project and wouldn't mind if I shared a picture of it with everyone here, let me know in the comments and it will be sent to the first person who mentions they would like it!

I hope everyone had an opportunity to see the sun today, it was GREAT! I think it might have helped to melt a little of the 10-12 inches of snow that has fallen since yesterday. Yay!

FTC compliance disclosure: the item in this post from Artbeads.com was provided as a promotional gift as part of their bead blogger program for review or design purposes.

Featured Designer: Mamasakio Jewels of Creation

This week's featured designer, Mamasakio, really caught my eye with her lariat necklaces. Not only are the colors and materials striking and voluminous, they can be worn in a number of ways.

They can be worn as a lariat, wrapped around the neck with the dangles coming down either side of the neck like a scarf, OR having one as a center hanging lariat with the other dangle off center.

So cool!!

She also has so many fabulous rings that are very diverse, from some that look like fireworks exploding to some like this turquoise ring that are chunky and fun!

Mamasakio, otherwise known as Shirley, also features earrings for every design taste and color combo.

I recommend checking out her etsy shop if you have a minute! Her motto reads, "DARE TO BE DIFFERENT. DARE TO WEAR MAMASAKIO." I love it!

I hope everyone made it home safely with all the snow, slush, ice and rain.

Have a great weekend! If you find yourself hibernating, it's a great excuse to spend hours with beads!! Have fun!!

"Beads in Time"

I want to warn you up front that you might need a tissue...I did!

I probably should have waited until the weekend to blog about these beads since they have only been in my possession for a few hours.

I haven't really processed how special they are or gotten over the emotional experience, BUT I just couldn't wait to share them!

These beads came in the mail today as a surprise from my friend and fellow bead blogger, Mikki Ferrugiaro of the Beaded Carpet.

When I saw her name on the package, I started tearing at it trying to get it open before I even took off my coat and scarf.

I left a huge pile of torn box and bubble wrap in my wake and finally got to see what was inside and my jaw dropped open!

The letter inside was SO SWEET! Mikki said she was proud of me and, in keeping with the message in my book, wanted to help me remember this time. She made beads inspired by my book cover!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my gosh! She has called these "Beads in Time". Awww!!

She has taken polymer clay and you can see in the focal bead and the two beads to either side that the clay is wrapped around what looks like coral. I have no idea how in the world she did this, but it is the coolest thing I have ever seen, the colors and beachy vibe are PERFECT!!

Mikki, I'm sending out a great big hug!!! I am just so in awe of your creativity, thoughtfulness and generosity!! THANK YOU!!

Okay, tissue please....!

Crackle Bead = Sparkle!

When I looked at these beads, the word "sparkle" came to mind. What I meant to think was "crackle", but what kept coming out was "sparkle".

These crackle beads are so great and will be a perfect complement to any white beads or crystals. They really look like tiny crystal balls!!

AND, they are VERY sparkly, almost like they have glitter inside!!

I love the idea that the crackle is made just as it happens with ice cubes. They are taken from the molten glass stage into a cold bath which makes the glass crack. Simple concept, who knew! Oh, I just had another design thought.

How about taking colorful softflex wire and creating a multicolor band with all clear crackle beads!!

I hope you are having a great week so far!!

Bright White Glass Flowers

These beads are so white, they remind me of a brand new white car. There is something so smooth and sharp about the color, they seem very peaceful.

I was thinking these would work great in a needle and thread beading project similar to the one I mentioned a couple weeks ago.

I would just need a base line of 8/0 seed beads and then I could just start sewing these bright white glass flowers on using tiny toho seed beads in the "cone" to adhere them to the base line.

Sounds like fun...where's my fireline!!???

It's been a while since I was hooked on needle and thread beading, but I bet it wouldn't take long to get right back in the groove.

I'd love to hear other ideas for using these flower beads. The "cone" part is not as deep as some, but can still be used in similar ways I think.

Please send ideas!! :)