Framing Photos in Jewelry

Here are the main ingredients to making a fun piece of photo jewelry! This chain is "open link burnished silver" by Blue Moon Beads from the local craft store.

The fun frame is a "pewter oval label holder" by Making Memories which came from Michael's craft store.

Now all it needs is a photo and a crafty glue product to seal it up!

Have you ever had a project in your mind and no matter how many jewelry or craft websites or local stores you visit, you can't find EXACTLY what you need?

That is what happened while I was putting the gnome necklace together the first time around. After some calming breaths and probably a little meditation, I got back up and went on one last shopping trip where I found everything I needed! Ahh, what a great feeling and well worth the determination! :)

Jewelry that Begins with a Photo

I have been waiting to share this project with you until all the rain showers and ups and downs of spring weather had subsided. The time has come and I think warm weather is here to stay!

I LOVE having an opportunity to use photos or images in jewelry projects. It was important to me to include a garden gnome project in my jewelry making book, so a photo seemed just the right method.

My family of gnomes were assembled on the deck in the back yard and, hopefully the neighbors weren't paying too much attention, we had a photo shoot!

I have to admit to this turning into a guilty pleasure. Once I had all the gnomes photographed with different backgrounds (yes, really), I discovered my camera had the ability to run them on screen as a slideshow. Here's the best part...the camera added in different types of music. I settled on a classical number and think the humor in this stayed with me for quite some time! :)

I want to share the experience of how this project evolved so on Sunday I can share the final project with instructions, etc.

So, here is the photo it all started with... Tomorrow, the chain and Wednesday, the most important ingredient, the frame! :)

This Week's Project: Long Awaited Summery Bracelet

I am proud and happy to announce that I have completed my new summer bracelet!! Yay!

I had the foundation completed using 3 strands of white hemp cord, knotted up with a number of vintage and glass beads from Artbeads.com and provided a sneak peek earlier this month.

I didn't want to leave it at that, even though I have to admit, it was cute and sweet. I wanted some jingle/jangle going on!

So, here's the finished product, it took me a while to figure out how to attach that last line of dangles.

I could have done it while knotting it up initially, but since I didn't, they are sewn on! FUN!

I wore it today and just LOVED it!! Thanks for your patience!

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

Peace, Love, Bead Bloggers & Swarovski Winner

GREAT news everyone! The winner of the mystery swarovski crystal is our friend Courtney of the blog, Beads by Breul. Yay! I'll wait until she receives the "mystery" crystal before revealing it!

I love popping over to visit Courtney's blog and see what's on her beading table at the moment. The BEST part is seeing that her table is like mine...a dixie paper plate!!

I happen to have an out of control pile of beads at the moment on the exact same plate! :) On top of the beads are two pairs of pliers, a cutter, pair of scissors and scotch tape (since I'm working on a hemp cord macrame project).

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to comment on that post. Here is some more good news, this is now going to be a monthly giveaway! I am so excited!! There is just nothing like sharing swarovski crystal sparkle!!

And now, here are some fabulous giveaways, tutorials and fun new projects from our bead blogger friends! Enjoy!!! :)

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew hosts one of the biggest Thursday Giveaways EVER! You could win TWELVE coin pendants from his Shop!

Cindy Gimbrone, The Lampwork Diva
It's a Tangle Tutorial. Come make a pair of "Well-Loved" earrings!

Beading Arts
Cyndi has been featuring wonderful wire artists all this month...take a look at what these folks are doing!

Art Bead Scene
Art Bead Scene is having a giveaway. Come check it out!

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Lumber everywhere! Melanie's wood-grain components are popping up in Beads 2011, on the Vintaj blog as the Art Bead Partner of the month, and at Art Bead Scene in a huge giveaway!

Carmi's Art/Life World
An acorn is the inspiration for a new ting in epoxy clay.

The Bead Dreamer
Stick beads, gemstones and wood earring findings inspire a necklace and matching earrings - both made using the same wood findings!

About.com Jewelry Making
Find out how you can use your beading skills to help raise money for an Autism center.

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
It's jewelry "Re Do" time and a giveway of the finished piece

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean had a wonderful time creating a necklace set using both Artbeads and Earthenwood Studio components together, as she a blogging and design partner for each! See what she designed ! You might think the end result is as as yummy as she does !!!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei's birthday brought big changes to her jewelry studio this week, come on over and watch her vlog

Resin Crafts!
Resin + chocolate = great new bezels!

Featured Designer: Davinia of Deez News

Congratulations everyone, it's Friday and for many of us, it's a 3-day holiday weekend, yay!

I stopped over to visit the blog, "Deez News", this evening and when you think about the fact I am in the United States and she is in Australia, all it took was about 1 second to click on her blog to bring up her latest post, THAT is amazing!

Davinia is such a neat person, she is always experimenting with different mediums as a creative outlet and finding a way to work her art into jewelry pieces!!

I was so impressed with her landscape art polymer clay work, I got very excited and could not pass this by without sharing with all of you!! I had to chuckle at the first sentence of her post, "I’ve gone a bit overboard with the landscape thing"!

That cracks me up because that is exactly how I feel when I get in the groove of something. It is truly a gift to be able to get into that almost meditative state....very cool! Then you wake up, look at what you have done and think, "what am I doing with my life, I just spent 4 hours playing with _____"!

Okay, obviously I have been there before myself!! :)

Enjoy! Make sure to check out Davinia's Artfire shop, she mentioned she might be posting some of her new pieces soon!

Swarovski Love...Prisms!

Question: Is it wrong to use prisms in jewelry pieces?

Answer: Not as long as they are swarovski crystal prisms!!

How would you like to wear this 38mm crystal around with you all day? Mmmm, sounds like a great idea to me!

After posting the 40mm Swarovski Sun prism on Monday that I used in a necklace design a while back, it dawned on me that maybe they aren't supposed to be used in jewelry. Then I got my wits about me and started searching for MORE prisms!

Here are a couple of great links in case you are interested. Just imagine the fabulously large and sparkly jewelry you can make with these! Check them out here: Rings-Things and the Sundrop Crystal Giftshop.

The above prism is the 38mm Aspen Swarovski Crystal!

Please remember to COMMENT HERE TO WIN a mystery swarovski crystal!

Swarovski Crystal Admiration (Day 3)

CRYSTAL VOLCANO! Wow, what an exciting name for a swarovski

crystal pendant!

It must be so great to sit in a room and name new swarovski colors! :) I wonder if the person who came up with crystal volcano got some kind of bonus or special gold star award. It sure is unique and stands above many of the rest and not just in name alone.

The crystal volcano bead appears to be some kind of prism or aurora borealis type finish so you can see various different colors when the light shines on it.

This particular bead is 24 x 12mm and quite perfect! :)

GIVEAWAY REMINDER: Comment here for a chance to win a mystery swarovski crystal!

Favorite Swarovski - Day 2 (The Rivoli!)

Wow, if you have never seen a Swarovski Rivoli up close and personal, I encourage you to do that.

The shine and sparkle is really incredible!!

Unlike the other swarovski beads, the rivoli has unique qualities.

It is rounded and slightly faceted on the top with something very similar to a button shank on the back.

This has the makings of the perfect sparkly ring!

The blue of this rivoli really captures my attention and I can't stop staring at it!

Just a reminder, share your favorite swarovski on yesterday's post through Saturday to win a mystery swarovski product! :)

Favorite Swarovski Bead! - Comment to Win

Have you ever met a swarovski crystal that you didn't like? I would have to say that has never happened to me!

In fact, I would have to say I like them all and there are PLENTY to choose from. I highly doubt that I have even seen all the different swarovski beads and elements that are out there in the world!

Sometimes when I come across a smaller bicone, I don't get excited right away, however, when that happens all I have to do is take them closer to a window, outside or in flourescent light. My goodness, even the tiniest little bead can overcome you with sparkliness!

Now imagine a swarovski prism that is 40mm! I would have to say the swarovski sun prism takes this award for me! Here's a link to a project I made with this prism and a bicone mix called the watermelon crawl from Rings & Things a couple years ago!

I would LOVE to hear from all of you about your favorite swarovski bead or crystal element! From now until Saturday, please leave a comment with the swarovski name or a link to enter this little contest to win a fabulously special Swarovski crystal.

New Project Sneak Peek!

I have finally made progress on my summer bracelet project!! Yay!

I've knotted up these great vintage beads from Artbeads.com (along with a little swarovski sparkle) using white hemp cord and a 5 strand clasp. I LOVE bracelets that are a bit like a cuff. These are the beads I mentioned the first week in may.

Several of the vintage beads would not fit on the hemp cord to knot them in, so I am using some ingenuity and have a plan to use a needle and clear beading line to attach them in some way.

I can't wait to see how it turns out since I've never done that before!

I look forward to sharing the final product in the near future! :)

I want to wish you all a WONDERFUL week with lots of sun and happiness! Thank you so much for stopping by!

Saturday, the New Bead Blogger Day!

It's certainly been a fun packed weekend on this end and I hope it's going that way for you too! So many people are doing yard work and enjoying a sunny day without rain, yay!

It seems that Saturday is making for a better day to share our bead blogger links than Sunday, so I'm officially making a change. :)

Sunday is now project day, yay! I can't wait to share!

The Bead Dreamer

Charlene shares a bracelet made with moon beads, owl charms and thoughts

on how we are more alike than different

Resin Crafts!

Carmi creates a ring combining Envirotex Lite resin and resin clay!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean received the most wonderful email from Pasty Evins! You must read it --it will make you, as an artist, think!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi tests a package of Shrinky Dink for ink jet printers in order to make a new bracelet.

Beads & Books
If you're in a creative rut, you might want to read what Michelle learned from interviewing bead artist Betsy Youngquist.

Cindy Gimbrone, The Lampwork Diva
Bright Colors are everywhere - here's a rewind on how to put some color into your designs!

Art Bead Scene
Copper is the new silver! Here are some copper-y ideas for you!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton

Andrew dishes on his secret ingredients for making affordable, but beautiful silver coin pendants!

About.com Jewelry Making
It's hot, and it's here - summer time! Enjoy our summer with these jewelry making and other crafting ideas.

Beading Arts
And yet another chance to win a fabulous bead package giveaway!

Featured Designer: Genea Crivello-Knable

Yay, we made it!!! I can't wait to get this weekend rolling!

Our first order of happy business is the Featured Designer!!!

Genea Crivello-Knable creates some of the happiest beads I've seen! I also had to share this pair of earrings she created because they are so fabulous!

I can't stop looking at them and studying them to figure out all the different pieces and parts that went into this design.

Genea's website profile reads: "Genea Beads specializes in the creation of handmade lampwork glass beads and finished jewelry. Each glass bead is made on an oxygen and propane torch and then put into a kiln to anneal.

When the beads have finished their annealing cycle they are cleaned and masterfully assembled into breath taking pieces of art to be worn and enjoyed for years to come."

I love that and would have to agree, they are breathtaking!

I am so glad to have "met" Genea, her gorgeous beads and wonderful creations!

You can see more of Genea's work on her blog and Etsy site.

Enjoy!

The Family Photo

I feel so proud of this little bead family for some reason. It all started with the green bead that seems to be smiling!

I love the diversity of shapes, sizes and textures...

AND the fact that they seem to work so well together! Hopefully that's true for all families.

While pondering this concept, I was reminded of a website

that I couldn't resist telling you about. I just headed over there to make sure it was still an active site and once again was pulled in and went through at least 10 pages of photos.

Awkward Family Photos is a unique website that allows anyone to submit photos that seem a little awkward. My favorites are the ones from the same time period that I was a kid. I can relate to the hair and clothing styles and the awkwardness that sometimes goes with being a kid in a family. :)

You might even dig up a photo to share on that site. There is one in my family that would be perfect, standing in my Grandma's driveway behind my parent's 1970's conversion van with the awkwardness and attitude only the teenage years can bring! :)

Enjoy!

Brother Bead

It's bead mix-day 3!

This bead brother is the only one in the package that is smooth!

All the others are either faceted, encrusted with sparkles or metallic spacers.

Luckily there are at least two of these in the package so it won't be all alone and get a complex!

The entire bead mix family photo will shared in tomorrow's post.

It was great hearing about your bead mix love in yesterday's comments!

Since Mandy mentioned that her favorite bead mix was the jewel mix from Fusionbeads.com, I thought it would be fun to share that as well.

This is the swarovski version of the jewel mix...all I can say is....YUM!

Bead Family

I wanted to show you some of the other members of this week's bead mix family and got a kick out of taking these "family photos"! :)

I didn't want to share the whole lot of them yet, but thought this was a cute combo of some of the siblings.

So, just imagine yesterday's giant puffy cube and Monday's happy, smiling bead and you can probably see a bright summery (and chunky) necklace coming together!

I've been on a bead mix kick lately so I'd love to hear stories about your fave bead mixes if you've got them! :)

Hooked on Cubes

I admit that I am very drawn to oversized cubes and this one in particular has puffy sides...very unique!

The size is probably over 20mm's and came in the bead mix with yesterday's smiley green bead!

I know you can't tell from this photo, but this cube is bigger than the big happy green one!

I'm impressed with these bead mixes that include glass, plastic, metal and epoxy resin clay (according to the comment by our polymer clay expert, Cindy Lietz, on yesterday's post). I found this at Joann's and the packaging reads,"www.jessejamesbeads.com".

Now this mix would make an oh-so-fabulous and over the top necklace for ALL your sparkly summer outfits! There are 2 of the smiley greens and 3 of these giant puffy cubes.

I'll post the rest this week AND will share my summer bracelet project as soon as it is finished!!!! :)

Sunday Bead Feature

Wow, the weekend flew right by!

If only the weekend had one more day in it!

I'm still working on my vintage bead project. I had this really great idea to make a hemp cord bracelet, but I am still knotting and taking it apart to get the right thickness and figuring out which beads have large enough holes. I'm getting excited though because it's starting to come together!

In the mean time, it's bead sharing time! Yay!!

I have been saving another adorable bead mix that I found at Joann's a few weeks ago and now is the perfect time to share!

Check out this green bead with happy sparkles and metally sequins! This is a very large hole bead! I am not sure what it is made of...it sort of looks like painted wood, but it could also be made of clay or even some other kind of pressed material. Regardless of the material, it is SO FUN!

To me, it looks like it's smiling and that is ALWAYS a wonderful bead trait! :)

I want to wish you all a wonderful, fun and smiley new week!

Peace, Love & Bead Bloggers (a day early)

I hope everyone is having a great Saturday! I JUST had the light bulb moment I was hoping for!

I've been working on my summer bracelet project and each design was okay, but didn't speak to me at all.

About 10 minutes ago, it finally hit me that I needed to go a completely different direction. So far, it looks like its going to work. However, it's going to take me another day to get this posted!

So, for a special Saturday treat, please join me on a trek through the bead blogs below! :) Enjoy!

About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy is having fun with filigree and brass charms, which includes a new bracelet tutorial.

Art Bead Scene
Want to personalize your jewelry designs? Here are some suggestions from the Art Bead Scene.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
The Earthenwood Design Team has been hatching up some beautiful jewelry designs using Melanie's ceramic egg charms and pendants!

Barbe Saint John
Barbe talks about Lark Books latest Call for Entries

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi has a new pendant to work with to create the copper rose necklace.

Beads & Books
Michelle shares the pearl and crystal necklace she made for the Artbeads.com challenge.

Beading Arts
Cyndi shares her method of making a charm necklace from a vintage button!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew debuts several new items in his Shop, including these NEW skeleton keys!

The Bead Dreamer
It's not always easy to get the length of a bracelet correct - especially if large beads are involved. Charlene shares a tool that can help.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean discusses the giveaways--Go for it!!!-- and the call for Entries from Lark Publishing Company

Resin Crafts!
To launch a week of pouring resin into bezels Carmi showcases two different floral techniques.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
The Earthenwood Design Team has been hatching up some beautiful jewelry designs using Melanie's ceramic egg charms and pendants!

Cindy Gimbrone, The Lampwork Diva
Cindy's come up with a primary color variation on the double dip ring.

Featured Designer: Barbara Lewis of Painting w/Fire

Yay! It's the weekend! F R E E D O M!!

I am so excited to introduce you to my new friend, Barbara Lewis!

She has just finished working on her first book, "Torch-fired Enamel Jewelry: A Workshop in Painting with Fire"

How exciting!! In between finishing a book and the actual release date is a great time and wonderful feeling even with all the anxiousness that naturally goes along with it!

I had a chance to get to know Barbara through email exchanges and reading her blog and website updates.

She is a well known "torch" instructor and creates BEAUTIFUL objects in enamel!

I am in awe of all her hard work, focus and dedication to her craft!!

I want to thank Barbara for allowing

us to take a look into her life and work! Enjoy!! :)

Vintage Glass

Yay, blogger is back up! I wanted to get back to my jingly/jangly bracelet project for summer because all of a sudden in Ohio, IT'S SUMMER!! 78 degrees, amazing!

So, I need some fresh new colors and jingle!

Here is another of the vintage beads from Artbeads.com that I have on my beading table (a.k.a. a container that I put on my lap in the living room).

This vintage glass cone has a bit of an art deco vibe which I thought would be a fun accent.

I've started over on this one a couple times, but expect to have something fun to show you Saturday! Stay tuned :)

Gift Package Finale

I've mentioned the last two posts that I received a really special and eclectic package of beads, buttons, etc. from the Creative Goddess, Vicki O'Dell.

I'm packing a couple things into one post tonight because I can't wait any longer to share with you the package that she put together.

Isn't this so cool and sweet and special?!

It was truly a JOY to meet Vicki in person and to go through this special gift package and appreciate each piece and part!

Thanks so much Vicki!

This makes me so happy and gives me some GREAT ideas, not only for what I will make with these great pieces, but about being generous and making up special surprise packages for friends!! :)

Eclectic is the Best-ic

I LOVE an eclectic bead AND button mix!! Spilling all of these out on a white background got my crafting energy going! These are just calling out to be crocheted together!!

A close up look at a mix like this helps you to see how cool and unique each bead (and button) is.

There are times when you don't have an extra minute to really appreciate every bead which is why I enjoy pointing them out, not just to you, but to myself!

This is part of the sweet gift package mentioned in yesterday's post that I received from super crafter, "The Creative Goddess", Vicki O'Dell! THANKS VICKI!!

I wore my last crocheted bracelet until I could wear it no longer and somehow when my jewelry pieces get to that point, they sort of creep into the shadows and disappear.

I know that sounds really strange, but I have no idea what happens to some of them! As soon as I get the feeling that I'm done with them, they are gone. Has anyone else ever experienced something like that? It's okay if not, I do realize I have unique issues sometimes :)

Gift of Craftiness

I recently had the great pleasure of meeting and hanging out with one of my idols, Vicki O'Dell, the Creative Goddess!

Yes, the wonderful miracle of the internet brought us together and we discovered we lived in the same state. We kept saying, "we have to get together" and the planets just mysteriously aligned and it all clicked into place!

We had a wonderful time talking about creating, crafting, families, and future events...lots of brainstorming and dreaming big!!

Vicki was so great and thoughtful! She came prepared with gifts of craftiness. She had put together these great baggies full of wonderful surprises. LOVE IT!!

Here are a couple of the items included in the baggie that was

tagged with the word "JOY". I love the ribbons/fibers and the adorable bumpy button!

Thanks a million Vicki! I will be sharing all the other eclectic and fun pieces from this gift as the week goes on.

You can find Vicki on her NEW website, Vickiodell.com and you can read through all her archives here. ENJOY!!

Peace, Love & Bead Bloggers!

Here we go, another week is on deck! I wish you all the very best and hope we ALL get a little sunshine this week!

Right now it's time for a quick peek into the worlds of our fellow bead bloggers below, enjoy!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Celebrate Spring and the return of the weekly Thursday Giveaways with an assortment of components from Beadaholique!

Snap out of it,Jean! There's music to be done!
Jean reviews the stunning book, Vintage Jewelry Design. It's one hundred years of must-see beauty!

Resin Crafts!
Resin Crafts has a great idea for using leftover resin.

Cindy Gimbrone, The Lampwork Diva
How 'bout a mini-dip to go with your double dip?

Beading Arts
Don't miss our next giveaway package from the fabulous Cherry Tree Beads!

About.com Jewelry Making
Even if May 5th passed by you unnoticed, that doesn't mean you can't find an excuse to celebrate.

Art Bead Scene
Looking for a challenge? Art Bead Scene has two design contests for you!

This Week's Project: Mother's Day Cheer

I'm sure there are lots of Mothers out there who say, "no gifts please", just come on over to celebrate Mother's Day.

Mine was no different this year. We're heading over to visit tomorrow now that my parents are back from Florida for the summer.

I sort of think there is a loophole in that request regarding a handmade gift. While just as valuable and even more sentimental, it doesn't seem to get you in trouble by breaking the "rules".

So, I'm guessing many of you crafty folks are doing the same for your Moms this year.

I'd love to see your projects if you wouldn't mind adding a link to your site in the comments or sending me an email!

Hopefully my Mom isn't reading this blog tonight :) I thought she might like this very eclectic, colorful and whimsical bracelet made from the craft store bead mix I wrote about a couple of weeks ago. I used the Softflex Econoflex Spring Green bead wire for this one since it seemed to be just right for the job!

To all you Moms out there, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! :)

Minty Swirly Goodness

I wanted to round out the week with two more great vintage-y beads from Artbeads.com.

The swirly bead is very perfectly called, "vintage mint swirl Japanese fin bead", love it!!

I have been playing with all of the beads I've shared through the week in preparation for assembling a fun and springy charm-like bracelet!

I'm hoping it all comes together very magically this weekend so I can share the end result!

The other bead today is actually a "Czech glass bead matte opaline green button". The color gives this button a fabulously vintage vibe!

I hope everyone has something fun and crafty planned for the weekend!! :)

Cotton Candy Pink

This bead makes me think about cotton candy!!

There is something about the bright pink color that will be a perfect contrast to the blue beads from yesterday!

I can't wait to see how this bracelet comes together!

In the Artbeads.com catalog, this is called Czech Glass Small Pink/Crystal Spade.

They also have these in yellow, amethyst and several other colors.

These are perfect for stacking up on bead wire!

Shades of Blue

The color blue always makes me sigh in a good way! No matter what the shade, it seems to evoke a feeling for me.

These two very different vintage beads from Artbeads.com both give off their own blue aura.

The flower is so cheerful and kitschy while the blue drop bead is a gorgeous sky blue making me feel like I'm relaxing on a summer vacation!

Czech Glass Bead-Large Flat Flower-Turquoise Grey

20x11mm Blue Teardrop Pendant

Both of these beads will become part of my vintage charm bracelet, I can't wait to get started!!

I am HOPING to have something to share on Saturday!

Have a great evening! Catch you all tomorrow :)

Vintage Spring

Based on the calendar, we all know spring is here or at least right around the corner.

While in real life, here in Central Ohio, it doesn't exactly feel like spring with temperatures in the 40's, we have to cling to the fact that the calendar says it's SPRING!

We are hopeful the sun will shine very soon! In preparation for that, I am working on a charm bracelet for the next Artbeads.com blogger challenge called, "What's Old is New Again"!

SO, I chose LOTS of vintage beads from the Artbeads.com online catalog!! I can't wait to share them all with you this week.

When I photographed tonight's beads together, I have to admit, the old Nuprin commercial crossed my mind..."little, yellow, different". Cute, but so true! These beads are both yellow, but SO different!

The vintage yellow crackle pinch nugget bead seems sort of modern in comparison to the Czech glass bead yellow small spade.

Both are adorable and will complement each other perfectly in a very eclectic and jangly charm bracelet for spring! :) Thanks ARTBEADS.COM!!

Polymer Clay Blending

You know what the best thing is about having my own blog? Being able to change the rules as needed!

I received an email today from our good friend and polymer clay tutor, Cindy Lietz, with a special offer for everyone.

While this kind of info is usually saved for Friday's post, I didn't want to waste any time sharing!

Cindy is granting free access to one of her video tutorials for a limited time and as a "wanna-be" polymer clay designer, I got over there as soon as I could!

I am very intrigued by polymer clay, but have discovered I need step by step instruction! For some reason it doesn't come naturally to me as I think it should.

After watching this 12 minute video entitled, Teardrop Blend Shift, I GET IT!

Cindy takes you through the color choices, forming the clay and a number of trips through the pasta machine to get a beautiful rainbow effect. She then introduces another color for "shift" blending. Very cool and very simple!!

Thanks a million Cindy!!

Peace, Love & Bead Bloggers!

Here we are again, preparing for a brand new week! I'm excited to share the beads I received on Saturday for my charm bracelet project. Many of them are vintage glass beads!!

In the mean time, I'm getting ready to check out the blogs below to see what everyone's been up to!

Take care and I'll catch you tomorrow!! :)

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew gives a heads up about a great giveaway from Lark Jewelry & Beading!

The Bead Dreamer
Vintage inspired jewelry components and a vintage pin from her grandmother come together in this special necklace from Charlene

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
In this A to Z blogging challenge entry, Jean is surprised by "W" for a Wonderful thing which happens to her!

Resin Crafts!
Carmi turns a feathered butterfly in a pendant with resin.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie uses an unusual find of vintage leather postcards to craft a leather cuff bracelet

Cindy Gimbrone, The Lampwork Diva
The week, Cindy's tangled up in a re-do of her studio.

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi has some eye candy featuring scarves and a big bauble.

Beading Arts
Don't miss your chance to win giveaway package #2 from Cherry Tree Beads!

Barbe Saint John - Saints & Sinners
Barbe reviews Jen Cushman's "Explore Create Resinate" Book.