A Cornucopia...

Since I have an abundance of things to mention, it seemed appropriate to call this the cornucopia post!

I realized today that I've been wearing this "cornucopia" bracelet, but never posted an updated photo of the final project.

This is my Artbeads.com fall beading project that I mentioned back in early October's posts. Originally I had used the same brown hemp cord for the band, but I had used some fabric glitter glue to sparkle it up a bit.

I personally enjoyed the glitter especially when I found it everywhere I had been when wearing the bracelet, however, I realized it was a little more "basket like" without the glitter and dangles and felt like what I was going for. So, here is the final version and I have to say I LOVE the Swarovski sparkle!!

I also wanted to THANK everyone for participating in the Artbeads.com book giveaway for "A Bead in Time" on facebook! The first winner will be announced on Monday, so please stay tuned! :)

The last thing I wanted to mention is Margot Potter's debut on JTV's jewel school today, how cool is that? For the part I saw, she had this very cool wire tool for making easy jump rings. I can't wait to see what she has in store next!

Rose Colored Chain

Isn't this great chain?!!

Let me re-phrase that...It's inexpensive chain that I found at Michael's on clearance and it was just what I had in mind when I stopped by.

The plan is to use this one with some new shrinky dink designs!! ! I LOVE the rose colored effect! Reminds me of "rose colored glasses"

I'm off work tomorrow which is perfectly timed for me to work on some of these shrinky dinks!! I'll keep you posted!! Have a great evening!!

Olivine Metal & Glass

Today's bead is an interesting component I found at Michael's over the weekend. After hearing that my book has made it to the shelves of Michael's Craft store, I couldn't help myself...I stopped in to check it out and there it was, sitting front and center on the shelf :)

Aww, the next thing I knew I was taking a picture of it with my cell phone. The next phone I get I need to make sure to have a good camera in it!

So, getting back to the beads...There are three of these double-stranded olivine components on the package. I would love to run a band on each side sort of like a watch.

I'm not sure if it will be made with beads or rubber tubing, but would love to get your thoughts! :)

Revisiting A Great Component & A Book Giveaway

Today's bead a sterling silver component from Artbeads.com that I received probably close to at least a year ago, maybe even 2 years ago. Time just flies right by when beads are involved.

I had used this component in a necklace and then ended up doubling the chain, adding a new clasp and turning it into a great bracelet. I didn't like the idea of other people seeing the beads when I couldn't!! :)

I'm now at a crossroads because I just came across the piece again last week and my first thought was to take this apart and create something fresh & new...Please let me know if you think I should!)

I also wanted to take a minute in today's post to let you know of a giveway going on over at Artbeads.com on Facebook. They are giving away two copies of A Bead in Time.

Yay!

Peace, Love & Bead Bloggers!

Our fun, creative weekend is winding down...

Rather than feel sad, I'm going to stay in a feeling of gratitude because it was a good one and I'd like to have many more just like it!

The best part about Sunday is sharing the bead blogger happenings for the previous week! As usual, you can find great info, giveaways and free how-to's! What a great bunch of beaders! :)

Cindy Gimbrone, The Lampwork Diva This week's Mad for Monday is all about the lotus.

About.com Jewelry Making Tammy is catching up on her book reviews. Take a look as some of her latest .

Beading Arts Cyndi has a SIGNED copy of the wonderful new book "30-Minute Necklaces" to give away!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton Indian Creek Studios has generously donated some rustic ceramic pieces to be featured in this week's Thursday Giveaway! Find out how you can win these beauties!

Carmi's Art/Life World Carmi makes some Peter Rabbit clay pendants using new rubber stamps.

Art Bead Scene Make a lovely autumn wreath with this Art Bead Scene free project!

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles Inspired by bones, Melanie experiments with some resin clays and silver noodle beads to create some boney, buggy pendants

Peace at the Circus

There is something special about creating a piece of jewelry that is different than anything you've ever done before.

HOWEVER, with that said, I don't usually enjoy creating the exact same thing twice or having to take it apart to resize or fix a boo-boo.

I would rather just leave it alone, whether that is wearable or not. Am I crazy? I've just decided that I must feel that way in order to honor "original creative thought". It's not as special the second time around for me. Maybe I've grown and know myself much better than I used to. The positive side to aging! :)

This piece definitely falls into that "original" category. While the word on the silver component reads "peace", it seems to have a circus-y vibe that makes me laugh!

I hope you are all having a great, creative weekend making lots of original and maybe even crazy things that make you smile!!

Featured Designer: Amy of Ponder & Stitch

It's Friday and I'm SO GLAD!

Please join me in admiring these ultra-cool fabric bracelets from Ponder&Stitch.

I have included a link to Amy's etsy site so you can take a quick peek and join me in "ooh-ing and aww-ing" over her work!

In her profile she writes: "I'm Amy. I ponder and stitch just for you. In this shop, you'll find items made with repurposed vintage fabric, or vintage-inspired prints.

Dainty florals are my favorite! I'll happily embroider a word or short phrase of your choosing onto a cuff. Convo me and I'll set up a custom listing!I'm convo friendly so come say hello!"

How cool!! I think my love for fabrics, considering I don't really sew, comes from my Mom lugging me and my sisters to Joann Fabrics for what seemed like hours at a time looking through pattern books. :)

I always take a quick tour through the fabric aisles before heading for beads now that I lug myself to Joann's!

Thanks a bunch to Amy for allowing me to share her work with you tonight!