Saturday 10 May 2014

Bead Soup Blog Party 8 REVEAL!

Well, it's here folks, the moment you've all been waiting for! Well. maybe not all of you but with over 500 participants in this years Bead Soup Blog Party there are a fair few.

Firstly I would like to say a huge thanks to Lori Anderson, founder of the Bead Soup Blog Party who has managed to run the event (with a little help from some friends) despite struggling with ill health.

A HUGE THANKYOU LORI!

For those of you who don't know what a Bead Soup is you can read all about it here: http://lorianderson-beadsoupblogparty.blogspot.co.uk/p/what-is-bead-soup-blog-party.html

I love doing the Bead Soup Blog Party as I find it really stretches me to use beads and components that I wouldn't normally use, last year was my first time and I was teamed up with a lady from Canada If you would like to see what I made then here is a link to my blog post: http://earth-shinedesigns.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/bead-soup-blog-party-reveal.html

This year I have been teamed up with Sam Waghorn of Pale Moon Creations who lives in the UK. Here is a reminder of what she sent me and a link to the blog post I made about getting them: http://earth-shinedesigns.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/bead-soups-arrived.html


The gorgeous copper work is by Sam herself. Sam told me the focal, the cute little bead caps and the ring were made using deco emboss folders on her Vintaj Big Kick.

The green starfish pendant, beads and cream toggle flower came from Grubbi and the urchin beads from BlueberriBeads.

Rustic freshwater pearls, butter jade chips, vintage coral and puffed agate coins. I had so much fun with these. I always try and use as a much of the soup as I can and a lot of the items I made almost made themselves. You know when you have that perfect bead that has been kicking around forever just waiting for the perfect project, well that is how a lot of my creations came about.

I started with those cute little bead caps. I wish I had taken a close up of them as they are just yummy! A short while ago I was playing around and made these yellow glass discs, had no idea what I was going to do with them at the time but they were just crying out to be used with these bead caps and Sam's gorgeous headpins.

So first up is this pair of earrings, they have a lovely movement to them as I made them so that the disc's and bead caps could spin freely. I used a pair of Sam's headpins to make the earwires.


I had some more discs left so I made this necklace to go with the earrings using the gorgeous antique copper textured ring that Sam had made and these have movement too. I found this antique brass chain in my stash that has little disc's on it and seemed to go perfectly to hang the pendant from and then I took the last disc I had and made it into a little clasp. I just love the contrast between the dark antique copper and the yellow.


I have to say that the next piece was a real challenge for me. I loved the rectangular antique copper focal with the embossed fern design on it and had a rough idea of how I wanted to use it as soon as I saw it but I had one little problem. Sam hadn't put any holes in it and I couldn't see any other way of hanging it. I did ask Sam's advice about this and she said that she hadn't been sure that I would use it and offered to send me another one with holes in but I told her I would have a go a drilling them myself and I managed to do it! I did a blog post about how I did it and you can read about that adventure here: http://earth-shinedesigns.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/i-did-it.html

I would love to say I came up with this design all on my own but the truth is I love scouring charity shops for unusual designs and components that I can break up and use with my own beads and that is how this necklace came about.

The necklace is pretty much the same as it was when I bought it but with a few modifications. I loved the leaves and thought they went very well with the focal. I thought about hand painting them with patina to match the copper but decided that I liked the contrast of the steel colour.  The necklace originally had amethyst coloured beads on it and I couldn't decide at first whether to go with the amethyst or change to amber. I made 2 batches of glass leaf headpins but still couldn't decide. I had some family come over to the Isle of Wight where I live and asked them what they thought and they said go with the amber so that's what I did! I think it was the right decision, what do you think?


Ok, next up is a bracelet. I have to say I am not a big fan of freshwater pearls, I think it is the rustic nature of them that I don't like, the fact that they are not all the same shape offends the perfectionist in me. Funnily enough I had them in my last soup as well and I am ashamed to say that I ended up making a similar bracelet to the one I did last time. My excuse is that someone liked that bracelet so much they bought it at fair I did so there's no harm in making another one.

This time I used Sam's amazing bead caps but I took two and turned them so that they faced each other and put them in between each of the pearls, I got the idea from the way Sam sent them to me. I picked out several of my lampwork beads in ivory and amber colours and added some of my new butterfly wing beads made using gorgeous Double Helix silver rich glass. I then took some more of Sam's bead caps and added a little pearl to the centre and wire wrapped all the beads onto some Vintaj antique brass chain. I finished the bracelet off with one of Sam's lovely textured clasps.


The other beads I were struggling with a bit were the urchin beads from BlueberriBeads. Obviously a sea theme was called for so I trawled through my stash and found this antique bronze fish lobster clasp and starfish charm. I found some of my glass beads in earthy colours and used some of my Saki spacer beads to cap them. Then I made them all into a handbag charm just for a change.


I'll come back to the other urchin bead later.

Still on the earthy colours I had this egg shaped lampwork bead in my stash that was made using ivory glass that has been wrapped in silver leaf and then fine silver wire. I love that each side has a different colour and I must have another go at replicating it. Anyway there it has been for about 2 years sitting in my stash and I also had this Saki toggle clasp and spacer beads that I bought at The Gathering last year all just crying out to be used with these puffed agate coins and some more of Grubbi's ceramic beads. This bracelet virtually made itself!



I decided to use some more of the puffed agate coins to make a couple of pairs of earrings. The first  pair I made I used some of my butterfly wing beads made using an Effetre glass called Cool Kiwi and I used a pair of Sam's headpins as well.


The second pair of earrings I made this time with a pair of my etched glass rings and some Vintaj leaves. I also used another pair of Sam's headpins.


Now, let me see what else was there? Oh yes I know, the gorgeous ceramic starfish focal from Grubbi along with some of her beads. A seaside theme was definitely called for and this was another of those moments when I had the perfect glass bead that I had made a couple of years ago sitting in my stash. I made this one using enamelled stringer and have since tried to replicate it with no success - I must have another go. It reminds me of a watermelon or beach ball and the little pieces of coral that Sam sent me just picked out the orange nicely. I also had these cute little discs and headpins that I had made and some matching spacer beads.

I used some of my Fibrewire and some gorgeous hand dyed silk sari ribbon from Smitten Beads to connect the starfish focal and my lampwork bead to one of the discs. I used the sari ribbon to connect to 2 more discs and then used my disc headpins through the centre of the discs and wire wrapped all the components to create the chain. I used one of Sam's hooks and wire wrapped some little seed beads to it and then took another one of my disc headpins to make the clasp. I must admit it was nice to be working with some bright colours after all the earthy colours of the previous pieces.



Now, I still had another of those urchin beads left and I didn't want to do another earthy coloured piece so I had a look through my stash and found this red hollow glass bead that I had made and a headpin which had a turquoise frit decoration. I decided to try and tie in the bead a bit and used some patina to decorate it and then connected the three together using the wire of the headpin.

I was quite pleased with this chain design I came up with using some cotton cord and glass donuts from Smitten Beads and finished it all off with one of my glass rings to make the clasp.


I think we are nearly there but I still have a toggle bar and some headpins left that Sam has made for me.
I had this big hole ring bead that I had made and discovered that the toggle bar was a perfect fit to make it into a toggle clasp. I used some matching purple spacers beads that I had made and some cute ceramic coins from Smitten Beads which I strung together with some waxed linen wire from The Curios Bead Shop. To finish it off I made a spiral and some bellflower headpins. I think this is one of my favourite pieces of the lot.


And then to finish off I made a couple of pairs of earrings to use up the last of the headpins using some lovely daisy beads from Bo Hulley Beads, some Czech glass from Smitten Beads and my own headpins.



And this is all that I have left.........


.......didn't I do well?

Many thanks for to Sam for her wonderful soup. I hope she enjoyed using her soup as much as I enjoyed using hers and I can't wait to see what she has made.

Now don't forget to pop and see what Sam has made http://palemooncreation.blogspot.co.uk/ and please leave us both a comment.

You can visit all the participants (but you may be a while lol!) by clicking on this link:
http://lorianderson-beadsoupblogparty.blogspot.com//2014/04/welcome-to-8th-bead-soup-blog-party.html

Thanks for looking.

Linda
x

61 comments:

  1. Wow Linda!! You've done a fantastic job. So many gorgeous pieces to admire. I used some of your butterfly wings in my reveal, too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What a co-incidence, I was just leaving a comment on your blog the same time as you were leaving a message on mine! Great minds eh!

      Delete
  2. Wow! I can't believe how prolific you've been! Amazing work Linda. I love all the colours you've used, a really cheery post to read.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Rebecca, I had my soup quite quickly so had lots of time to play.

      Delete
  3. Wow - you certainly rang every last drop out of your soup Linda - great variety too - esecially like the pearl bracelet.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thankyou Lesley, I certainly did! I had a couple of headpins left over that I could have made another pair of earrings with but I just ran out of time.

      Delete
  4. Hi Linda, i am gobsmacked at how many wonderful pieces of jewellery you have made.
    I am afraid mine was not so prolific but very enjoyable.
    I love each and every piece you have made.
    And considering you dislike rustic pearls you have made a wonderful bracelet with them
    Sam

    ReplyDelete
  5. So many lovelies! You created such wonderful surprises from your soup - I kept thinking I had a favorite, but then I'd find a new one :) Love the leaves necklace and the pearls bracelet is beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow, so many unique pieces of jewelry. Each one more beautiful than the other from a single soup. You've done a fantastic job. I'm excited!
    Jeannine

    ReplyDelete
  7. One amazing piece after another! I have to admit, that purple and orange piece does steal the show for me!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Those are all so beautiful! I think the red earrings are possibly my favourite, though.

    One of my partners sent me some of your headpins and I thought they were the most exciting thing ever :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. WOW! How talented way you used the comprehensive soup! You are an amazing artist!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Such a great job you did with that lovely soup. I in awe with that starfish necklace and that bracelet with the blues and oranges. Wonderful pieces, indeed!
    Sabine

    ReplyDelete
  11. You have done a lovely job with your lovely soup :-)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Did you do well? Holy Cow, did you ever. They're just fabulous - all of them!

    ReplyDelete
  13. All of your pieces are delicious. My personal favorite is that bracelet you call Earth shine. the colors are so vibrant.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Please forgive me. I'm such a bumbler. Someone called on the phone, I came back to finish my comment and lost my train of thought apparently. The blog I visited before yours had each piece named, I looked at my favorite piece which was up on the screen, thought that was the name until I went back to my main list. OMG, I think it may be time to take a break! Anyhow, my favorite is that blue and orange one. I love those colors! It is just beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Wow, you have been busy and what lovely pieces. The handbag charm is a great idea and works so well. Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Did you do well?!!! Um.. that's an understatement. Wowie wowza! Gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  17. This is a stunning bead soup and you totally rocked it, I'm practically drooling over your jewelry photos. Amazing job!

    ReplyDelete
  18. so many pieces!!! I'm impressed! my fav is the most colorfull necklace with fabric! superb.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Gorgeous designs Linda, you got a wonderful soup!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Wow Linda you sure made great use of your soup. So many lovely pieces you created, I am impressed. The dark copper and yellow look great together. The silver colored leaves do look good with the copper focal. Using the bead caps back to back was clever. They look great that way. All three of your bracelets are lovely. Your purse charm is very unique. and all of your earrings are cute. My favorite of your designs is the urchin bead used with your hollow red glass bead. I would like to say your lampwork is wonderful and you have a great eye for color and design.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thankyou for your lovely comments Becky, it was lovely to wake up to this morning. It's funny, your favourite is my least favourite! Linda x

      Delete
  21. Each piece is absolutely stunning! I love the splash of yellow in the first pieces, especially the necklace with the big focal is stunning! Also th eother necklaces are awesome with the sari silk and the multiple focal cascade. You are truly talented.

    ReplyDelete
  22. You mae so many wonderful pieces and you are so bold with colors! Inspiring! (:

    ReplyDelete
  23. It was such fun to scroll through your post -- it was wonderful to discover each piece as it appeared. The colors are great, and those urchin beads must have been a treat to work with!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Absolutely stunning pieces! I can't make a decision whats my favourite. Every piece is great on its own way. Perfect soup.

    ReplyDelete
  25. woah! I liked what I saw initially - all the designs with the pops of yellow color - and then it kept getting better and kept going! I really love the earth tone bracelet with the Grubbi beads! And the periwinkle and orange piece is just so springy!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Oh my gosh! You made so many amazing pieces with your soup. I love the way the yellow really sets off the copper discs. The necklace with the square focal and the bracelet with the pearls are my two favorite pieces.

    ReplyDelete
  27. You did well, Linda! You did! :0)) What an amazing cooking! There are so many beautiful pieces, you've created: the yummy yellow disc-necklace - great, how you bring the discs in the focus; the charming bracelet with the pearls and your beautiful lampwork beads - great idea with the beadcaps btw...; the green-orange-yellow necklace - perfect outfit for a beach-walk; and the blue-red necklace with it's creative way you wave through the donuts ..... and so on, and so on....
    Love your cooking!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Oh yes, well done :-D Lovely pieces, all of them!

    ReplyDelete
  29. WOW Linda, great great designs!! Love the way you use texture and color. My favorite is the charm bracelet, but all your designs are beautiful

    ReplyDelete
  30. What lovely designs. I like every one of them

    ReplyDelete
  31. I'm so inspired by the way you use yellow components in your designs to make them pop but still achieve a sophisticated look. When I use bright colour like yellow or orange it ends up looking like the aftermath of a childrens' workshop :-(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thankyou. To be honest I think it is the first time I have used it! I was inspired by the thought of the upcoming summer I think. x

      Delete
  32. So impressed with how many unique pieces you created. Beautiful designs.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Splendid! I love the pearly bracelet and the orangey necklace. I love how you combined different techniques in all of your pieces - using a little of this - a little of that...well done!

    Linda A.
    http://fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com
    http://cherryOnTopDesign.co

    ReplyDelete
  34. I am so impressed. I love every single one of your designs, and you made so many! I also love how the yellow looks against the darker metal, and I love the little bead caps from your soup! One of my favorite pieces is with those freshwater pearls that offend your perfectionist ways. The very fact that they aren't all the same shape is what makes me love them. I have to go back now and take another look at everything! That's for a wonderful post.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Such lovely work well done!

    ReplyDelete
  36. I really love the leaf necklace! You did so much with the gorgeous soup you got - beautiful! :)

    ReplyDelete
  37. Wonderful designs. I was feeling soothed by all the earth tone designs and than Bam! the last half of your designs really woke me up with fresh and vibrant colors. Great work and nice presentation.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Wow, you made so many gorgeous pieces from your soup!!

    ReplyDelete
  39. You did do Oh so well with your soup! Your designs are not only stunning but very artistic as well. Soooo much eye candy! Really Soup-er!

    ReplyDelete
  40. You really stretched your bead soup and made so many pretty things! I'm very drawn to the purple and orange bracelet, the necklace with the starfish pendant (love how colorful this one is!) and the necklace using red & turquoise colors together. However, every single thing you made is worthy of the word beautiful. So well done.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Wow, those are all such wonderful designs! It's impossible to pick a favorite, they are all so pretty :-)

    ReplyDelete
  42. OMG, Linda, this is a stunning collection! I love all your pieces, but very attracted to the designs featuring the bright yellow components (which surprises me) :) Everything is simply gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Wow, Stunning designs, and a beautiful soup!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Wow, so much creativity ! Yellow is one of my weak spots, I have to admit - I don't usually use it much, and I tend to end up stuck when I have to (my soup this year being the notable exception) So mad props for using that color, and all the others, so well !

    ReplyDelete
  45. Oh, my, what creativity and prolificacy! I don't know where to start - there is an ingenious use of bead caps, gorgeous color contrast and combos, clever assembly solutions. Fabulous collection! And congrats on tackling the hole issue - I have to take a go on my dh's Dremel, I've been having plans about it for quite a while!

    ReplyDelete
  46. I love your jewelry and especially the very sophisticated way you use colour.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Stunning, wonderful ♥focals and lots of colours... very artistic ♥designs!

    ReplyDelete
  48. WOW! You got so very many pieces created from that one soup. I'm impressed. . .more impressive are the quality of each of the items you made. It doesn't look like you just threw something together to try to use up the beads. You spent time and consideration on each of the designs and it shows. Beautiful work, all of it but my favorite has to be the bracelet with the freshwater pearls. It's so soothing and calming. Wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Wow! So many designs and they are all incredible! I do have to say that I love the pearl bracelet. Definitely not a common style and you rocked it. Heck you rocked them all. Just love your designs and lampwork.

    ReplyDelete
  50. I would just like to say how much I have enjoyed reading everyone's comments, they have given me a big boost. Thankyou x

    ReplyDelete
  51. OMG Wow so many many pieces and they are all so beautiful and so unique. Fabulous designs. The first set are just so unique and stunning.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Wow so many beautiful creations! You were one busy gal! The bracelet you made with the clasp you received is my fav! What a great idea to use two bead caps to make a bead!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Wow! You made so many wonderful pieces--and everything looks so unique and lovely! I am extremely impressed... thank you so much for sharing! :)

    ReplyDelete
  54. The last two pair of earrings are my favs but my goodness the yellow was completely unexpected. Such a bright and happy color, well done!

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...