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.