February Bead Journal Project

My new motto:  Better Late Than Never!  For my 2011 Bead Journal Project, I am creating 3"x3" bead embroidered art pieces around my dichroic glass cabochons for each month of the year.  I just finished my February BJP piece (only 10 days late).

For February, I wanted to make a dichroic glass heart to bead around and I was quite pleased with how it turned out.  For some reason, abstract swirls came to my mind, so using the pinks, reds, golds and purples in the glass, I came up with this design.

It will be interesting to see how all these different "bead paintings" look together at the end of the year.  I'm sure I will hear my husband's most used comment when he views my bead work, "That's different."  But that's OK because I'm having such fun with these!

 

Winter Enchantment Beading Fun from Artbeads

I'm not a winter loving gal!  Give me the same old sunny dry days every day and I'm a happy camper.  But I must admit it was so much fun to design this Winter Enchantment necklace using these awesome beads and findings from Artbeads.com.

Artbeads offers Swarovski Crystal Pearls in many different sizes, shapes and delicious colors.  But for the winter theme, I chose cream colored Swarovski crystal round and asymmetrical pearls and some sterling silver Mirage S cut beads along with a sterling silver toggle clasp.

I decided to create a freeform necklace using silver and cream colored seed beads and Czech firepolished glass beads to combine all of the pearl and sterling silver beads.  I also ordered an awesome Swarovski crystal pearl baroque drop from Artbeads to use as the focal of the necklace.  I am officially in love with Swarovski pearls!

I think all the components knew just what part they were supposed to play in this Winter Enchantment necklace.  They played so nicely together and the necklace was a joy to create.

I think the necklace would be perfect for a bride on her lovely, enchanted wedding day.

I will be selling my Enchantment Wedding Necklace in my BeadsForever Etsy shop.  Stop by and check out all the details and to see more pictures.

Much appreciation to Artbeads.com for supplying many of the beautiful components used in this necklace.  I am a part of the Artbeads blogging group, and I receive no compensation from them for writing about their products.

Winnings from Beaded Impressions Contest

A package from Beaded Impressions (abeadstore.com) arrived yesterday full of beading goodness and I just had to share pictures of my contest winnings with you.

I'm always looking for interesting and well made closures, end caps and findings and I'm delighted with all the sterling silver, silver plated, copper and copper plated pewter items I received. 

Sterling Silver and Silver Plated Findings

  

Copper and Pewter/Copper Findings

I also chose a variety of beads (of course) in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes.  I have some specific projects in mind for some of them.  Other I chose simply because I liked them.  I'm sure they will speak to me and tell me how they want to be used.  We all know, one can never have too many beads!

Iolite Heishe, Labradorite Heishe and Teardrops, and Tiny Button Pearls

Flat Square Glass Beads, Czech Flowers, and Glass Peridot AB Daggers

Chinese Turquoise Heishe and 2mm rounds, and Rosebud beads

Tourmalinated Quartz Chips and 2mm Carnelian Agate Beads

I promised all my facebook friends that I would share my joy at winning 1st place in the jewelry category with them (thanks to their votes) - so stay tuned to find out more details about my "Thank You Giveaway."

Beaded Impressions 2011 Beading Contest Winners Announced

Beaded Impressions announced the winners of their 2011 Winter Beading Contest. There were two categories:  Beaded Jewelry and Beadwork.  Two winners were chosen from each category.  The judges selected the winning entries from those that received the most votes from the public. 

Thanks to all who voted, my "Rhythm and Blues Bracelet" won first place in the Jewelry Category.

The first place winner in the Beadwork Category was "In the Autumn of my Life Hat" by Leslie Ann Campbell

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 Second place winner in the Jewelry category was "Woodsy Florals" by Nancy Celeste.

Second place winner in the Beadwork Category was this "Beaded Victorian Lampshade" by Adrienne Herrick.

You can find out more about the winners and view all the entries here.   Beaded Impressions can also be found on facebook.


I am very thankful to Beaded Impressions and abeadstore.com for providing this opportunity to beaders.  I cannot lie - I had so much fun on my shopping spree in their online store.   I'll share pictures of what I chose after I receive them later this week.