Showing Thanks with Jewelry

Since the Thanksgiving holiday is coming up in the US next week, I thought it would be fun to share stories of giving thanks.

I LOVE to give thanks to my friends, family or people who have helped me with things by making them pieces of jewelry.

The fact that this kind of jewelry giving is usually a surprise to the recipient adds to the fun!

I would like to do a post on Thanksgiving day (next Thursday) that showcases all of the jewelry making and giving we do to thank people.

If you would like to have your story of giving thanks through jewelry and/or jewelry pictures included, please email at abeadaday@sbcglobal.net.

You can also feel free to leave a comment here with your story and I will incorporate it in the post next week.

THANK YOU! :)

Blue or Sky Blue?

What exactly is "sky blue"?

I have noticed some gorgeous colors in the fall sky lately including many variations of the color blue! The color of these crystals are close to the color I think of when I hear "sky blue".

I wonder if there is an "official" sky blue color. Who would be considered the "color" guru? How do we know we aren't all seeing slightly different versions of colors through each pair of eyes?

As I was on the way home this evening, a GREAT song was on the radio that I need to remember to put on my MP3 player, it was "I can see clearly now the rain is gone"! It really stuck in my head and when the part about seeing blue skies everywhere, I could actually see it in my mind even though in reality, it was getting dark already!

Here are the lyrics (what a perfect song for anyone looking for clarity or enlightenment)...

I can see clearly now, the rain is gone, I can see all obstacles in my way...Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind....It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)Sun-Shiny day. ...I think I can make it now, the pain is gone...All of the bad feelings have disappeared...Here is the rainbow I’ve been prayin for...It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)Sun-Shiny day.

Look all around, there’s nothin but blue skies...Look straight ahead, nothin but blue skies.....I can see clearly now, the rain is gone, I can see all obstacles in my way...Gone are the dark clouds that had me blindIt’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)Sun-Shiny day.

Ahh, moments like this are great reminders that Life is Good!

Using Beaded Trim

Oh my gosh, I just came back across this pre-fabricated beaded trim and think it is SO FUN!

The only thing I can think of doing with it is attaching it to a purse or something like that.

I would LOVE to hear any ideas you might have for using this in jewelry projects.

If you have a few minutes, PLEASE share your creativity, I can't wait. I'm going to dig this up right now.

The good news is that I actually know where this trim is hiding at the moment!! THANK YOU!!

Book Giveaway Winner!!

Artbeads.com has just announced one of the winners of my book, A Bead in Time, yay!

They had asked readers to write in about what inspires them to create.

The winner, Angelica R. wrote, "Some of my best jewelry designs have come from my kids inspiration and ability to portray different shapes and colors in their school work. Because they have no boundaries or limitations on putting together their ideas on paper, it has been a fun and liberating way for me to express my art through theirs."

Wow! What a GREAT idea! She has inspired me to go digging around on my niece's blog for some cool artwork that I can use for jewelry designing inspiration! This is one of my favorites that she has titled, "brightheart". (Thanks Raeven!)

AND, many thanks to Angelica for this great idea! I'd love to share some of your artwork inspired jewelry, just send me an email if you are interested. :)

The next Artbeads.com winner will be picked on Monday, November 29, 2010. Please stay tuned!

Peace, Love & Bead Bloggers!

It's time once again for some reflection....I hope everyone had a fun and crafty weekend!!

Below are some fun links to see what some of our crafty friends have been up to over the last week or so.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK! :)

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles ArtBeads.com and Pantone inspire Melanie to work with some new fall colors to create an asymmetrical autumn cluster necklace

About.com Jewelry Making Thanksgiving is not just about the turkey. It's a perfect time to make some fun themed jewelry as well.

Art Bead Scene November is here and so is the monthly challenge. This month it's Klimt's Tree of Life.

Beading Arts Registration has just opened for next year's Bead Journal Project! Don't get left behind!

Carmi's Art/Life World Carmi crafts a little joy brooch.

Cindy Gimbrone, The Lampwork Diva Cindy shares a handmade necklace that has special meaning for her.

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton Kathy Van Kleeck helps Andrew out with his medical bills by placing a magical, fairytale style fine silver and beach glass box up for auction. Check it out!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Artbeads inspires Jean to write about their Fall Inspiration Contest (you can win!), and also their FaceBook site!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio Tis the season for Craft Fairs! Lorelei had a great weekend at the Raise the Roof Fundraiser last weekend.

Featured Designer: Tammy Powley, The Crafty Princess

Aren't weekends great?!! I know, silly question... The answer is YES!

My husband and I were having a laugh earlier about the fact that local radio stations are already playing holiday music. Our question was, where are the Thanksgiving holiday songs? Are there any?

I'd like to throw the question out to all of you now, if you know of any Thanksgiving holiday songs, PLEASE send them my way!! :)

I just happened to click over to Tammy Powley's Jewelry Making website at About.com and noticed, as always, she had a current crafty holiday related project posted! What holiday, you ask? THANKSGIVING!! :)

Tammy is SO crafty which explains why she is nicknamed "The Crafty Princess" on her own personal blog!

Check out this project and more on About.com.

Shrink-firmation Chain

I just realized I hadn't shared the other plain silver tone chain and clasp I found at Michael's last weekend for use in my shrinky dink jewelry designs!

So, I will share those today and get back to a featured designer tomorrow. Yes, that's my executive decision! :)

Now I just have to run out for printer cartridges and I can get my shrink-firmation jewelry rolling!!

Everywhere I turn I seem to be finding or remembering little quotes or words that I can't wait to turn into wearable affirmation pieces or "shrink-firmations"!

Happy Friday....we made it! :)