Pine Ridge Treasures Gemstone and Metal 2014 Blog Hop

This was a real challenge. I was sent some "Candy Jade" to work with. (I completely forgot to take a photo. Sorry.) I sat with those beads on my desk for a very long time. No inspiration. Nothing. They did not fit into my usual design esthetic. What was I going to do. By the time I decided what I wanted to create with these lovely beads time was running out. There was no time to wire wrap all these beautiful (but small) beads. So stringing it was.

I pulled some larger metal beads from my stash as well as a few spacers. The longer strand is very symmetrical with a vintage pendant at the centre. The second stand is completely random. I really like how they create a somewhat delicate but still in your face design.

Thanks Lisa of Pine Ridge Treasures for a great challenge.

Please enjoy the rest of the hop. Click here for a full list of participants.

Thanks for visiting. Enjoy the hop!

We're All Ears: July Challenge

The inspiration and challenge for July was a tough one. I am not an American so I am not familiar with all the patriotic traditions. The photo below was the inspiration for the monthly challenge.

http://www.allposters.com/-sp/Two-Sailing-Boats-Puget-Sound-Washington-Posters_i3511549_.htm

Click here or here for more details regarding the hop. This image only spoke to me of colour. I rarely work in multi colours but I had no choice in my mind other than to use red, white and blue. I have been collecting all of my vintage trade beads in preparation for some new necklaces and these beads popped out. I realize they are extremely simple but this is what I like to wear. Light and simple.

Thank you EARRINGS EVERYDAY for this challenge.

Thanks for visiting. Enjoy!

Tuesday Eye Candy

Hi all! Wow what a summer!

Just finishing off a garden rehab that was started last summer. I have put in a vegetable garden for the first time in my life (potatoes, tomatoes, lettuce, spinach, various herbs.....) and they need way more attention than I ever imagined. Oh where do the weeds come from?

I signed up for a once a month night market. I cannot seem to shake the urge to make "all new" stock for each event. I have been busy with experiments and prep that will hopefully see the light of day soon. (It definitely does not pay to try to reinvent yourself each time out.) 2 nights are complete and 2 more to go.

Hope these pieces intrigue you.

Enjoy!