What's Everybody Working On?

Just checking in to see what everyone is working on.

I've got a bee in my bonnet right now about using some awesome colorful chain in blue, pink and purple.

AND, these awesome connectors in the same colors. This is capri...yum! These are from Primabead.com.

For some reason I keep getting distracted with new ideas.

Everything seems to look good together, so what I need to do is commit already!

So, back to what YOU are working on.

Please jump in here and let us know what is happening on your beading table, even if it's actually your lap or your coffee table. :)

Feel free to leave details and/or a link...Especially if you have a messy work table, it would sure make me feel better. :)

Bead Blogger Inspiration

I so enjoy catching up with what other beaders are doing by checking out blogs and websites.

I love that everyone is so eager to share what they are up to and what they are learning along the way!

Here's some inspiration to end the weekend on a fun and creative note!

We're kicking things off with Carmi's rubber stamped clay pendants...nice! :)

Resin Crafts Blog!
Making textured, colored and rubber stamped pendants is a breeze with Jewelry Clay! 

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! 
It it National Children's Book week! Jean has a giveaway on her blog for a children's book written by a famous author, Elizabeth King Gerlach, which Jean herself illustrated! Come over and sign up! It is adorable!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Using the Now That's a Jig!, Andrew made some fun earrings for a local musician!

About.com Jewelry Making
A new "frame" necklace tutorial up that incorporate some amazing mirror crytal beads.

Art Bead Scene-Color Cord Mixes and a Free Bracelet Project
Are you looking for a place to start on a jewelry design to enter into our Art Bead Scene Monthly Challenges? Lorelei has been creating color cord combinations inspired by the art piece chosen by the Art Bead Scene team.

Beading Arts
Cyndi has worked out an easy way to hang odd-shaped pieces from wire! 

The Beauty of Blogging

So, the beauty of having a blog of your very own is that you can do or not do, say or not say and share or not share anything you like!

In other words, the beauty is FREEDOM!

I'm getting back on track after being on vacation last week. Just to catch things up a little bit, we visited the fabulous Niagara Falls, Canada last week.

It was such a wonderful trip, great weather, gorgeous view, great hotel, truly perfection! The only mentionable downfall was the excess of junk food. :)

If you have never been to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, check this out...www.fallscam.com.

The best time is early morning, but really any time will do. :)

Yes, it's live streaming feed of both the Canadian and American falls...NICE, eh?!

So, getting back to beads...

Guess what I found at Walmart in Niagara Falls. Really cool Cousin Corporation beads and components...how cool is that? I didn't realize they were across the border so of course, I got a quick pic to share of a few faves. :)

Speaking of Cousin Corporation, I can't urge you enough to apply for their Jewelry Making Ambassador program if you are looking for a way to expand your jewelry making skills and network.

Here are the details from last week's blog post. Any questions? Just holler :)

Bead Blogger Inspiration

Just in time to kick off a new week, here's some inspiration and info from our blogger friends. Enjoy!

Bead addicts, Jewelry Making Machines & Connoisseurs of Handmade
"Vase With Flowers in Window" by Ambrosius Bosschaert the Elder, 1620 is a vibrant inspiration for May's Art Bead Scene Monthly Challenge.

Here are some handmade art beads and components to inspire your designs for May! 

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! 

Jean reviews a great book by Anna Elizabeth Draeger: Crystal Play: Fun & Fabulous Designs for Stitched Jewelry 

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Trying to help out those who want sell their work in stores and galleries, Andrew sheds a little light on the process from the other side of the counter.

Beading Arts
Cyndi has kicked off "Wire Month" on Beading Arts by sharing a quick and easy earring project!

Resin Crafts Blog!
It is amazing what a little acrylic paint can do on resin clay pendants. Carmi focused on creating the look of a ceramic pendant without the kiln!

Winner Announced!

It's time to announce the winner of the fabulously sparkly mirror beads! First, a quick thank you to the Cousin Corporation for their generosity in supplying the sparkle! :)

And now, congrats to Kay of KayzKreationz! Yay! You can find her creations on her Etsy site and follow her journey on her blog, KayzKreationz.

Thanks so much to all of you for stopping by, don't worry, there will be more giveaways to come! :)

Since Cousin Corporation just announced they are looking for the next 5 Jewelry Making Ambassadors to join the Cousin Creative Circle, I'll be sharing some of my own journey as one of the inaugural members throughout the week. It's an exciting time!!

Big News & Opportunity!

The official announcement was just released from the Cousin Corporation this morning!

They are looking for 5 new Jewelry Making Ambassadors to join the inaugural five as part of the Cousin Creative Circle!

Yay! This news was just released today, so if you are interested, don't delay in submitting your application! This is the perfect time for me to share my experiences as one of the inaugural 5 ambassadors. I'll post more info and pictures over the next couple of days.

For now, here's an excerpt from the Cousin Corporation webpage where the application process is explained in detail:

What is the Cousin Creative Circle™? 

Cousin’s Creative Circle™ is a group of our elite supporters and rock star jewelry makers who choose to use Cousin products in their designs because they are the best in the industry. We support them with supplies and tools, provide plenty of inspiration, send them sneak peeks of new programs, and just about anything they request from us. Oh, and we give lots of motivation, encouragement and support. We value their feedback and opinions to help us with product development. They are an extension of the Cousin family.

Do you dream about jewelry? Are you crazy for components? Is a bead show your ultimate vacation?

Then you could be part of our Cousin Creative Circle™. We are now accepting applications for five U.S. based Cousin ambassadors for a one-year renewable term, beginning in August 2013 through July 2014. 

Application Process

1.    Fill out the online application.

2.    Provide us with 3 images of your best or most accomplished finished pieces.

Applications will be accepted thru Monday, June 17, 2013 at 11:59 PM EST. Both components of the application must be turned in to be considered.Cousin will not use or share information or images without your permission.

It's Giveaway Time!

Yay! What a great way to kick off the weekend!!

This giveaway is all about the sparkle...it's MIRROR BEADS!

Thanks to the Cousin Corporation's continued generosity, I have some great sparkly beads to share.

Here's a pic of the stash and I'm also going to throw in a couple of pendants just for fun! :)

If you are interested in winning these pieces, just leave a comment on this post by next Saturday, May 11, and make sure your profile leads back to an email address or leave it in the comment.

Have a fabulously creative and sparkly weekend!