Bead Soup Countdown

Follow this post/blog for more on the above.  Write these dates on your calendar, be prepared to be wowed by all of the fantastic art pieces to be made with beads gifted from surprise partners. Tomorrow, sign up day.
This will be my 3rd opportunity to be a bead soup chef.  :-)  Let's get cookin'  

joyfully yours....

New Wire Wrapped Pendant

The book titled Build Your Own Wire Pendants by Kimberly Sciaraffa Berlin (page 31) was where I got my inspiration to make this 2" long pendant.  Funny, I think the handmade glass lamp work bead pictured is from the very first set I ever bought years ago.  This is a great way to use single beads from left over projects.  I have tons and have put my wire skills to use making this and also sun catchers for the window.  Only thing left to do is to make a metal bail for hanging on chain, leather or ?

one lampwork bead
several white and pink pearls
clear quartz rondelle
hot pink swarovski in 2 sizes
gold tone wire and 24g wire for wrapping.  (next time I'll use finer, 26 g)

This is an exercise in photographing (using my phone), editing (using Picmonkey) and figuring out the Google/photos world.  Computers are always a challenge for me, but this turned out ok and it worked.  (coming from the Microsoft world, supposedly this Google world is easier).

Also getting ready for the next Bead Soup - next Saturday, 1/26/2017 is signup day.  This will be my 3rd, and I have really enjoyed being a part of such a big group of talented folks.  Thank you Lori!


have a JOYFULGEM day

What to do with coloring book pages?

Last year was the year of trying new things.  I started creating pages in adult coloring books.  As people found out this was an interest of mine I was gifted more books, coloring pencils, etc.  This year I have tried to figure out what to do with some of these fun pages.  Four bookmarks later, the result.  All are different, and could be used as greeting cards (with your favorite message) or perhaps earring cards for gifting (earrings can be attached inside of the card).  It is joined at the top and opens to mark your spot in your favorite book.  My hubby said with a grin, "what's a book", as most reading is done online or Kindle. These are fun to make with no pattern,  and I'm trying to exercise my artistic skills, teaching new ways to use color and shade.  Lots of free materials out there on Pinterest.

Cut to size card making heavy stock in complimentary colors
Round the corners
Find small ribbon to tie it all together at the top
Hole punch top (try to center it) (or glue together)
Top paper colored original is glued to the top sheet of colored paper with Beacon 3 in 1 glue
You can open up this card and write your own message, inspiration, thought or mantra for the day

So fun to make, and every time the giftee picks up a book, they will think of you, the gifter.

Just a thought for today...

a joyful gem for you....

Testing, prep for 2017 Bead Soup....

Testing (can I still remember how to post stuff?)  These are several years old (no longer in my collection) but were some of my favorites, using many techniques.  Embossed, painted, hammering, drilling, etc.  1" square, Vintaj components and just plain cute.  For the last 6 years I have primarily made just earrings.  Lived in a community where artsy stuff was appreciated and collected, I was grateful to move jewelry from my art table to others' homes (ears).

Am glad to see I can still remember how to post stuff (testing, testing, 1, 2, 3)

Be joyful....
January 7th, 2017