tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29860631366221623252024-02-18T21:02:52.228-06:00A Work in Progress"One should either be a work of art, or wear a work of art."
- Oscar WildeTanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674909712418596942noreply@blogger.comBlogger264125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986063136622162325.post-77781241241714922602017-03-25T00:00:00.000-05:002017-03-25T10:17:12.080-05:00Bead Soup Blog Party - Bead Hoarders EditionOnce again, the wonderful <a href="http://www.prettythingsblog.com/" target="_blank">Lori Anderson</a> created a bead swap and blog/pinterest party.<br />
<br />
This time around, Lori asked that we send hoarded beads to our partners -- the ones we kept around year after year, promising to use them, but never found the right project.<br />
<br />
She also made it easier for those who don't have blogs to participate<br />
<br />
I was partnered with Joelyn Bissing. Her pinterest entry is <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/nanajob/bead-soup-2017/" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
<br />
Lori asked that we package up our beads and have them ready to send when we were matched up. After narrowing down what I wanted to send, I wrapped and boxed up the goodies ... and forgot to snap a photo. So, you'll have to hop on over to Joelyn's post to see what I sent.<br />
<br />
Joelyn sent me a gorgeous bead.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9X4lbsTPF9OsTYhT_9wynVeKYDh-L08Fx_vXix-fT_RCNGsoOwbXeeWIgkwCwVwbkK0IJjldnKYZ40HEygvLcnRgm3lleHQRFwpK5geR0SvHxLgSBYJ_rRqahUM8l0ufaukz5nY2dk0/s1600/bead_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9X4lbsTPF9OsTYhT_9wynVeKYDh-L08Fx_vXix-fT_RCNGsoOwbXeeWIgkwCwVwbkK0IJjldnKYZ40HEygvLcnRgm3lleHQRFwpK5geR0SvHxLgSBYJ_rRqahUM8l0ufaukz5nY2dk0/s320/bead_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
She said it reminded her of Napa Valley and I can totally see why. When I saw it, my first thought was grapes and vines.<br />
<br />
The back of it is just as beautiful.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFccCrBM3IjZnHwcWNGMiD-v4iOyKgtpddGn1co9ySMAOj46_7LtWOpUhzNevOTv7Z7wp4djPkcJNgJp4R-_bm-nnm-LrN_swOVutBvp_djrKKZRIN1OK5fKJaVco3nIK0ClH8j1LjZ4/s1600/bead+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFccCrBM3IjZnHwcWNGMiD-v4iOyKgtpddGn1co9ySMAOj46_7LtWOpUhzNevOTv7Z7wp4djPkcJNgJp4R-_bm-nnm-LrN_swOVutBvp_djrKKZRIN1OK5fKJaVco3nIK0ClH8j1LjZ4/s320/bead+2.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: left;">I struggled for a while as to how to compliment the bead. I wasn't sure how I wanted to hang it or what kind of bail to use. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: left;">I briefly thought about bezeling it with seed beads, but dismissed the idea because I didn't want to cover any of the bead.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: left;">I finally settled on a celini spiral.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHQMWT-AMHe9p19vsCgO1_rqkzypK0OBvI8DV9L9tspNk3qWqY4tP_b-RyLbAmQWmk3PWte9AuSWOjls_MRETuN50BOlG1D_Pmq1O1bZfJ0zVqi1uusblGzNmw2Jbc81sUluMdvtBpfM/s1600/rope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHQMWT-AMHe9p19vsCgO1_rqkzypK0OBvI8DV9L9tspNk3qWqY4tP_b-RyLbAmQWmk3PWte9AuSWOjls_MRETuN50BOlG1D_Pmq1O1bZfJ0zVqi1uusblGzNmw2Jbc81sUluMdvtBpfM/s320/rope.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br />
At first, I was going to use the celini spiral in the back of the necklace and create something with chain maille in the front. That didn't work, or, at least, I couldn't find something that looked right to me.<br />
<br />
After a while, I decided to make a long beaded rope. I didn't have enough of one of the size 8 seed beads, so I switched to size 11s in the front and back of the rope. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBjYg4F1_xX-OYEGeh1EgwG0LFeePZIQI-yXb22oGpKk3eSA7ZRWqtcIALWId_XCv2KBmoYD0h5Mu-6Z0UQj6AsXVTIrNI8hGxCt1shnJF9q_1k7HpbSr0iO7UB22tpB-oGs8gnOx9-U/s1600/necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBjYg4F1_xX-OYEGeh1EgwG0LFeePZIQI-yXb22oGpKk3eSA7ZRWqtcIALWId_XCv2KBmoYD0h5Mu-6Z0UQj6AsXVTIrNI8hGxCt1shnJF9q_1k7HpbSr0iO7UB22tpB-oGs8gnOx9-U/s320/necklace.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You can't tell from the photo, but I hid a small magnetic clasp in the beadwork. It's in the back of the necklace where the beads come to a "V."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since I couldn't just suspend the bead, I decided to add an element of chain maille. I had this <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/386385810/tutorial-for-twisted-lantern-pendant-in?ref=shop_home_active_5" target="_blank">twisted lantern</a> bead laying around, so I used it to help suspend the focal bead.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGft8ATAjnIEMJj4E5NM-EyKV8fmhHfie25hCdvv6uVA-bqplvXisQhwj9HHcEXSdnJ7KYQ5SlXJoMJPwmUTawTGVPvq4FDjt6Scnbfbt3wO0J5NvnuNbygZu88sJ2_XdN2yl8qAkCtwY/s1600/chain+maille.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGft8ATAjnIEMJj4E5NM-EyKV8fmhHfie25hCdvv6uVA-bqplvXisQhwj9HHcEXSdnJ7KYQ5SlXJoMJPwmUTawTGVPvq4FDjt6Scnbfbt3wO0J5NvnuNbygZu88sJ2_XdN2yl8qAkCtwY/s320/chain+maille.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As I changed my mind and direction in the course of this project more times than I care to admit, I didn't have time to patina the copper. I need to make the lantern embellishment darker so it blends better with the rest of the necklace.<br />
<br />
All in all, though, I'm happy with how it turned out and I hope my beaded rope does justice to the gorgeous focal bead.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Xhv0vY9uugXX9UHCwmVDdDdKrp7A0ycgKlVTKL25GHdnPy1QIkHPB372YEtCYAdUSGizjXK7ggZ0f8hekHYJOBeV6zXfWQNx7IpfQnHHsIlgZMtYBfK-e-ldKjZKnJAZlbjSCQk-fPM/s1600/bead+pendant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Xhv0vY9uugXX9UHCwmVDdDdKrp7A0ycgKlVTKL25GHdnPy1QIkHPB372YEtCYAdUSGizjXK7ggZ0f8hekHYJOBeV6zXfWQNx7IpfQnHHsIlgZMtYBfK-e-ldKjZKnJAZlbjSCQk-fPM/s320/bead+pendant.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>
<br />
Lori, thank you again for hosting! Bead swaps are so much fun!<br />
<br />
Joelyn, thank you again for such a gorgeous bead to play with!<br />
<br />
If you are interested in hopping, you can find the list of participants <a href="http://www.prettythingsblog.com/2017/03/welcome-to-bead-soup-blog-party-bead.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Many of them are using pinterest. Just an fyi .. you need to be logged in to pinterest to be able to comment. I about tore my hair out trying to figure out why I couldn't see the "comment" button under a photo.Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674909712418596942noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986063136622162325.post-17669137696439314552016-10-17T00:00:00.000-05:002016-10-17T00:00:42.488-05:00Ziggy cuffMy latest <a href="https://beadmobile.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">contemporary geometric beadwork</a> project is <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/467010577/beading-pattern-tutorial-instructions?ref=shop_home_feat_3" target="_blank">this bracelet</a>, designed by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HeatherCollinBeading" target="_blank">Heather Collin</a>. I love that Heather uses two different sizes of rick rack in this bracelet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEcRJHYZda8ddcqURxExfMdI49gidw2j2Mb0KrZ9TkPFnj0qXA5kY94SEBBJIoEVKNmXdFNt2SiQ8c4cX8yA3h9HC2PydtKjkc3kQsZqyctUGogYaMi3kTvJ5HKEtNRqXpcbblsTBelU/s1600/ziggy+cuff+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEcRJHYZda8ddcqURxExfMdI49gidw2j2Mb0KrZ9TkPFnj0qXA5kY94SEBBJIoEVKNmXdFNt2SiQ8c4cX8yA3h9HC2PydtKjkc3kQsZqyctUGogYaMi3kTvJ5HKEtNRqXpcbblsTBelU/s320/ziggy+cuff+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
When I work from a tutorial, I almost never use the same color pattern. I couldn't imagine this bracelet in any other color scheme, though. Luckily, Heather was kind enough to list her colors in her tutorial.<br />
<br />
And the best part about the bracelet? It's reversible!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPboPrxxGXaCudm1nkh4T3gxEYDrGj7wLOHiLgtBb5QU2CW9xT9PSnKKOfq54tNrE24DEoOYR2TQWRNytGEgyI6saPYXzgyLC0lkafeI9Y0fO-DbWM-26X340nuEynf2cpgcN1xSSn4w/s1600/ziggy+cuff+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPboPrxxGXaCudm1nkh4T3gxEYDrGj7wLOHiLgtBb5QU2CW9xT9PSnKKOfq54tNrE24DEoOYR2TQWRNytGEgyI6saPYXzgyLC0lkafeI9Y0fO-DbWM-26X340nuEynf2cpgcN1xSSn4w/s320/ziggy+cuff+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Because it is double sided, the bracelet takes a bit longer to bead. The end result is totally worth it, though.<br />
<br />
As always, Heather's tutorial is easy to follow. You can find it <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/467010577/beading-pattern-tutorial-instructions?ref=shop_home_feat_3" target="_blank">here</a> and you can see more of Heather's patterns in her shop, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HeatherCollinBeading?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">here</a>.Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674909712418596942noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986063136622162325.post-30380679569992982052016-10-13T00:00:00.000-05:002016-10-13T00:00:20.813-05:00Just a few more beaded beadsI wanted to show you the last of the beaded beads I made using <a href="http://www.beadorigami.com/index.html" target="_blank">Cindy Holsclaw</a>'s patterns.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
First up is the <a href="http://www.beadorigami.com/patterns/tila_garden.html" target="_blank">Tila Garden Pendant</a>. I really like the way this bead uses tila beads to make little walls around the embellishments.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5spwEhtea7fqvdFGBjfLNVgS4UdKxxFz5Qi55HZCtMXPWQZI1qFWWq-r84KmZo1aS1keRwtF9SFXVexNxKD-YTBF5eQp_EpUmEM7mNgBNiEQHPq4Iu_ypCq489qYO5IU4hFXF-vVm9M/s1600/tila+windows+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5spwEhtea7fqvdFGBjfLNVgS4UdKxxFz5Qi55HZCtMXPWQZI1qFWWq-r84KmZo1aS1keRwtF9SFXVexNxKD-YTBF5eQp_EpUmEM7mNgBNiEQHPq4Iu_ypCq489qYO5IU4hFXF-vVm9M/s320/tila+windows+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In my last post, I mentioned that many of Cindy's beads have the same base structure. The tila garden pendant also starts with a dodecahedron. The tila beads make it a bit trickier, but luckily for me, I was a pro at dodecahedrons by this time. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It really is a gorgeous bead.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHuB4Ot6jhEZ5YV8OVjxK7HzLwbEpW-UZQVXabdkAbqRA257dDCoRW39xMdkBoM4gvlEnd2qg1ZH_EaugP2x1BSfx9AHYy08l3Ns7aqaSvcg1blNgOqZK-IltXQM4z-Io-A-BoNMalzA/s1600/tila+windows+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHuB4Ot6jhEZ5YV8OVjxK7HzLwbEpW-UZQVXabdkAbqRA257dDCoRW39xMdkBoM4gvlEnd2qg1ZH_EaugP2x1BSfx9AHYy08l3Ns7aqaSvcg1blNgOqZK-IltXQM4z-Io-A-BoNMalzA/s320/tila+windows+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The final beaded beads I have are from Cindy's <a href="http://www.beadorigami.com/patterns/raindrop_flower.html" target="_blank">Raindrop Flower Necklace</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZaLTmu5qaTo2CeoG8AIkNqUCnMcIiC8x4pNl0IjscjCvJe4MPFuFyZmPUIfqRFciCoCi7PIGof6y3WF1YrCx2Z4lkc1I16JadPB-J1rgWvtrIm5duS3nCnVydtsgZK6YTlMYUsELGP0E/s1600/raindrops+beads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZaLTmu5qaTo2CeoG8AIkNqUCnMcIiC8x4pNl0IjscjCvJe4MPFuFyZmPUIfqRFciCoCi7PIGof6y3WF1YrCx2Z4lkc1I16JadPB-J1rgWvtrIm5duS3nCnVydtsgZK6YTlMYUsELGP0E/s320/raindrops+beads.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This necklace features four different types of beaded beads, including a stunning pendant that encloses a swarovski pearl.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjEBSzHyrEDsVmq2j8RXwqWbmNsoFeiL5Ibj5FKlxwbQ7qqcnluq-OPJCbcosa7nKds996OJnVjFjXqS_Z1sS9SfOm_hpzvIKzTaIqhWpt04IWNecm4YobXhkpKOGmbeEYsjsTpLIQsI/s1600/raindrops+pendant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjEBSzHyrEDsVmq2j8RXwqWbmNsoFeiL5Ibj5FKlxwbQ7qqcnluq-OPJCbcosa7nKds996OJnVjFjXqS_Z1sS9SfOm_hpzvIKzTaIqhWpt04IWNecm4YobXhkpKOGmbeEYsjsTpLIQsI/s320/raindrops+pendant.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: left;">I only used three types of beads in my necklace because I wanted to make an extra of the medium beads. I think it will make a great pendant.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxuZYMCT6et7UjfnXrPuu1v_b7bF3xZ4ZTD3DB0s-U9mBDZhmiNnSw70WXMk_1ntonO6sIr0bUXGwnfnqLw5l2kGxEd_H_NlkaJdkKPKkH8QJj4tZOP5C82ybOcICrXluP5abqAhaFaaY/s1600/raindrops+medium+bead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxuZYMCT6et7UjfnXrPuu1v_b7bF3xZ4ZTD3DB0s-U9mBDZhmiNnSw70WXMk_1ntonO6sIr0bUXGwnfnqLw5l2kGxEd_H_NlkaJdkKPKkH8QJj4tZOP5C82ybOcICrXluP5abqAhaFaaY/s320/raindrops+medium+bead.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love the finished necklace. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHE5Ik1HKxoHfJqFtPbGsWqadVMb_DcygtoDsMtxaMKtlao7wKEtvPso-CuDnPqjuJF1omZUpThr13HrUzzmm9MBylCqdL2HqCLIQZwsqeZV1lC2xbKJWRRbYl79zo5-Oa-KY1bqDbh8I/s1600/raindrops+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHE5Ik1HKxoHfJqFtPbGsWqadVMb_DcygtoDsMtxaMKtlao7wKEtvPso-CuDnPqjuJF1omZUpThr13HrUzzmm9MBylCqdL2HqCLIQZwsqeZV1lC2xbKJWRRbYl79zo5-Oa-KY1bqDbh8I/s320/raindrops+necklace.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you are interested in any of Cindy's patterns, they can be found <a href="http://www.beadorigami.com/patterns.html" target="_blank">here</a>. They are all very clear and have illustrations and photos, which help tremendously. I'm not sure you could go wrong with any of them.</div>
Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674909712418596942noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986063136622162325.post-47848960462158020752016-10-08T14:47:00.001-05:002016-10-08T14:52:59.053-05:00More beaded beads and charmsIn my last post, I mentioned that I have been working on more patterns from <a href="http://www.beadorigami.com/" target="_blank">Cindy Holsclaw</a>. I am almost up to my ears in beads and charms. <br />
<br />
I think my favorite bead is the <a href="http://www.beadorigami.com/patterns/supernova.html" target="_blank">supernova pendant</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBIxh_cv1YG35eu5A2FMsrjFUyneZsWmTkyMOt1VYy4r3DcHLdGp8-uHt_8Ns4up6Xl_J5oqippcKd0gQskU04k-c6Leowribt6FE6Sb3rS823WEEZM-jUsDbug5O0e8zPxbwaSQkn7Ic/s1600/supernova+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBIxh_cv1YG35eu5A2FMsrjFUyneZsWmTkyMOt1VYy4r3DcHLdGp8-uHt_8Ns4up6Xl_J5oqippcKd0gQskU04k-c6Leowribt6FE6Sb3rS823WEEZM-jUsDbug5O0e8zPxbwaSQkn7Ic/s320/supernova+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As I was beading trough these beaded beads, I realized that the base structure is the same in many of Cindy's beads. The embellishments are what makes each one different.<br />
<br />
Once you've beaded a few dozen dodecahedrons, it becomes easier and you can whip through the base structure and get to the good part.<br />
<br />
One of the things that makes the supernova pendant different is that the embellishments sit on the corners rather than on the sides of the structure. This means that there are twenty embellishments instead of fifteen.<br />
<br />
Also, the pendant is embellished with crescent beads, making the bead look like it's exploding out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2hHnx3RFQBNywlo1sqgia4MuT8dQTkh0ZDsqbxJLUddHCej9s-q1UElvLrh6UNTSCtA7mKX8I6VjbE7t9GtLUTMzs7MsC1ZS_7pVmCtfLnNznZcxDX9PHQBNZpgYSyUlfWQ6b3yRsr4/s1600/supernova+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2hHnx3RFQBNywlo1sqgia4MuT8dQTkh0ZDsqbxJLUddHCej9s-q1UElvLrh6UNTSCtA7mKX8I6VjbE7t9GtLUTMzs7MsC1ZS_7pVmCtfLnNznZcxDX9PHQBNZpgYSyUlfWQ6b3yRsr4/s320/supernova+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I really want to make a few more of these.<br />
<br />
I also finished the charms for my <a href="http://beadorigami.blogspot.com/2013/08/sakura-bouquet-necklace.html" target="_blank">sakura bouquet necklace</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimR1yNUlqgaNDFEs3KxECo9sve5piA7swdVunzhnBC1vsDCJCSmh9sIosEZKflAgYFig37G4WBlh8dibfigZE_apMbJNGl3Qm-izdak5gVmDjpc0ahi23BALvxg0TMAV8RzH3G0DXaHb4/s1600/sakura+beads+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimR1yNUlqgaNDFEs3KxECo9sve5piA7swdVunzhnBC1vsDCJCSmh9sIosEZKflAgYFig37G4WBlh8dibfigZE_apMbJNGl3Qm-izdak5gVmDjpc0ahi23BALvxg0TMAV8RzH3G0DXaHb4/s320/sakura+beads+4.jpg" width="320" /></a>\</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had been eyeing this pattern and kit for almost three years now and was so excited to have a chance to work on it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There are four different types of charm. Each is beaded with a similar technique and they work up very quickly. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cindy's tutorial provides several inspiration photos. This arrangement is similar to one in the tutorial, using all forty charms in the kit. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLM5FX1Wpo0e8GpilroehZ4CGwhdqcJnxBqrShVjDlCRFLnKYK5JQ785A4QWTiUuGQaGNOCGh4Lo9rnxCFsPsrr6atEOz0UgVdFLL1kS324KVP-zm08fUNySKjw_Oxv_pw8Y0TkrybC0/s1600/sakura+beads+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLM5FX1Wpo0e8GpilroehZ4CGwhdqcJnxBqrShVjDlCRFLnKYK5JQ785A4QWTiUuGQaGNOCGh4Lo9rnxCFsPsrr6atEOz0UgVdFLL1kS324KVP-zm08fUNySKjw_Oxv_pw8Y0TkrybC0/s320/sakura+beads+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Did I mention that the kit makes *forty* charms? I can't wait to finish the necklace. :)<br />
<br />Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674909712418596942noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986063136622162325.post-14355624438986817002016-09-29T20:41:00.000-05:002016-09-29T20:41:01.171-05:00Classes with Cindy HolsclawA month or so ago, <a href="http://beadorigami.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cindy Holsclaw</a> posted on Facebook that, thanks to the <a href="http://www.kcbeadsociety.org/" target="_blank">Kansas City Bead Society</a>, she would be teaching several classes in Kansas City. It took all of 5 minutes for me to clear the couple of days with my husband and email the class coordinator for the bead society.<br />
<br />
I had been putting off joining the bead society and had a momentary panic that only members would be allowed to attend the classes. It turns out I had nothing to worry about. The coordinator was sweet and welcoming.<br />
<br />
After a short wait, the weekend arrived. Cindy taught four classes: <a href="http://www.beadorigami.com/gallery/rizo_triangles.html" target="_blank">Rizo Triangle Necklace</a>, <a href="http://www.beadorigami.com/gallery/botanical_cells.html" target="_blank">Botanical Cells Bracelet</a>, <a href="http://www.beadorigami.com/gallery/brain_chemistry.html" target="_blank">Brain Chemistry Earrings</a>, and <a href="http://www.beadorigami.com/gallery/highland_garden.html" target="_blank">Highlands Gardens Necklace</a>.<br />
<br />
Friday's class was the Rizo Triangle necklace. It was also my first introduction to the Bead Society ladies. All of the ladies were nice and welcoming and we were all excited to meet Cindy.<br />
<br />
Cindy took a few minutes to tell us about herself and her background as a biochemist. Cindy is a warm and kind person and a good teacher. <br />
<br />
Beaded beads and components are not always easy to visualize. Cindy's explanations in class made it easier.<br />
<br />
The Rizo Triangle necklace is composed of several separate components and a rope made with seed beads and rizo beads.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOV4XA4p5p0jxA71SsWwwgPcw9lxjl5qRc8CuZixuGMageqOodJsCFzLbn9lzCFTigKkZYcDPY1u4GYrAoGeuzLPs189-wOul1yDcrdE2nP2rYQC3a4jUcYGo_h5UAlUi5l9sAZ5tCgj0/s1600/rizo+triangles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOV4XA4p5p0jxA71SsWwwgPcw9lxjl5qRc8CuZixuGMageqOodJsCFzLbn9lzCFTigKkZYcDPY1u4GYrAoGeuzLPs189-wOul1yDcrdE2nP2rYQC3a4jUcYGo_h5UAlUi5l9sAZ5tCgj0/s320/rizo+triangles.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The components were fun to make and worked up quickly. They are also very versatile. You can combine big and small components to make all sorts of different things.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The rope looks complicated, but it really isn't. It also works up quickly.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52xBx5HttFzAg-b-N_bTIDuYP5jCZsHIzWcVEcseEyp2Kk2FJwCM3fr0xV7ZVOQ97EW-40zsP5oPYKNnUdifxmrFwntTWplzyA93u0SmpEUPeZtRNFcaFgOCKdlUeCf4gGznYGqgV34Q/s1600/rizo+triangles+rope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52xBx5HttFzAg-b-N_bTIDuYP5jCZsHIzWcVEcseEyp2Kk2FJwCM3fr0xV7ZVOQ97EW-40zsP5oPYKNnUdifxmrFwntTWplzyA93u0SmpEUPeZtRNFcaFgOCKdlUeCf4gGznYGqgV34Q/s320/rizo+triangles+rope.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
<br />
Sadly, my daughter had a previously scheduled class on Saturday, so I wasn't able to attend the classes that day. They looked amazing, though.<br />
<br />
Sunday's class was the Highland Gardens necklace, a class I had been wanting to tale for a while.<br />
<br />
Again, this class was focused on beaded beads. Cindy brought a ton of examples for us to see, many in different stages of completion.<br />
<br />
We started on the smaller bead.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFZJkUAWwB3IfE0vmu104ezemfWr__csG-x6P3cxvSz0N5J8cvw8-ax5OtgQ9gPX3QmrizVNnTjnyWdX6b8qTHJ9alb1jNip-KZW6fShmZQ6gjl6qj-1tfwkLBRQyjLcpBRi2NRPeAJw/s1600/highland+gardens+little+bead+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFZJkUAWwB3IfE0vmu104ezemfWr__csG-x6P3cxvSz0N5J8cvw8-ax5OtgQ9gPX3QmrizVNnTjnyWdX6b8qTHJ9alb1jNip-KZW6fShmZQ6gjl6qj-1tfwkLBRQyjLcpBRi2NRPeAJw/s320/highland+gardens+little+bead+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After lunch, we started on the larger bead. This is somewhat more difficult. The result, though, is amazing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-yNYukRZbP_g9n5rLqhRwhcxKhuumtR3A2aEOddIjiu1kT7hvPjRhJKTJQKgcPbUQLbMoMg5xMShrKJniBy2zybU8QVSIbrLc8bg0qSbZ9WUkRt9goRmwbEFsli9Su9lzdBAsrMEatk/s1600/highland+gardens+big+bead+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-yNYukRZbP_g9n5rLqhRwhcxKhuumtR3A2aEOddIjiu1kT7hvPjRhJKTJQKgcPbUQLbMoMg5xMShrKJniBy2zybU8QVSIbrLc8bg0qSbZ9WUkRt9goRmwbEFsli9Su9lzdBAsrMEatk/s320/highland+gardens+big+bead+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqSwrY957MsxQJ-Rv_fkQHaad-4PkimbEh7NqAxiTjgr2EA94hAiF7pfAxilDcN7aNzKqj40Gn_iRHZXPH4bwvmFyCJCCcM-n7vR6paCRmGQETFGpt5J32dQABwkQ-A-GnSug-3VH_BA/s1600/highland+gardens+big+bead+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqSwrY957MsxQJ-Rv_fkQHaad-4PkimbEh7NqAxiTjgr2EA94hAiF7pfAxilDcN7aNzKqj40Gn_iRHZXPH4bwvmFyCJCCcM-n7vR6paCRmGQETFGpt5J32dQABwkQ-A-GnSug-3VH_BA/s320/highland+gardens+big+bead+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Cindy had four colorways for this necklace and all of them were stunning. All of us had at least two or three favorites.<br />
<br />
I haven't strung my necklace yet. I want to make a small chain mail chain for the large bead. The smaller beads will also be pendants. My daughter already claimed one.<br />
<br />
Cindy also brought samples and kits from her <a href="http://www.beadorigami.com/index.html" target="_blank">online shop</a>. As amazing as her photos look, the pieces look even more amazing in person. I bought a few patterns that had been on my wish list, including the <a href="http://beadorigami.blogspot.com/2013/08/sakura-bouquet-necklace.html" target="_blank">Sakura Bouquet necklace</a>. <br />
<br />
I've been working on these patterns and am happily surrounded by beaded beads and charms. I'll be writing about those next week.<br />
<br />
Along with the samples of current patterns, Cindy also brought samples of her upcoming workshops and recent work. All of these were amazing. I was particularly taken with the <a href="http://www.beadorigami.com/gallery/twirling_waltz.html" target="_blank">Twirling Waltz necklace</a> as well as a few others that used a coiled CRAW technique.<br />
<br />
If you are able to take a class with Cindy, I highly recommend it. Her instructions are very well written and Cindy is a great teacher. Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674909712418596942noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986063136622162325.post-10818682081333955862016-06-19T01:00:00.000-05:002016-06-19T01:00:13.158-05:00And even more chain maille<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm going to have to think of a better post title for here on out. "Even more more chain maille" doesn't have a good ring to it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The items I have to show you today are all tutorials from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BrilliantSkulls" target="_blank">Brilliant Twisted Skulls</a> on etsy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
First, I have the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/245865572/tutorial-for-ravens-braid-and-adjustable?ref=shop_home_feat_1" target="_blank">Raven's Braid</a>. The rings I had for the middle were the correct size according to the tutorial, but were slightly too thick. I had to go one gauge smaller to make it work. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love how it turned out! It just goes to show that, for some weaves, different vendors and different metal types make a difference. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ63WO1VPfiTPKoxZWBBOKgYiL2tbNzsDF-4sw14s-1QoazsQ5REPDa20Lg102nXnL-62xlbxavjXndz2xWdqxDRNIqDQtuyeHW03ez2xWJNJWaDRZuxXyJpXo4U7UcWqeKoQ0Qs0eA6c/s1600/IMG_8688-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ63WO1VPfiTPKoxZWBBOKgYiL2tbNzsDF-4sw14s-1QoazsQ5REPDa20Lg102nXnL-62xlbxavjXndz2xWdqxDRNIqDQtuyeHW03ez2xWJNJWaDRZuxXyJpXo4U7UcWqeKoQ0Qs0eA6c/s320/IMG_8688-10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This is the only piece that I patinaed. The others are waiting for me to get a few more pieces together.<br />
<br />
Next up is the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/253497073/tutorial-for-wyvern-back-weave-by?ref=shop_home_active_11" target="_blank">wyvern back weave</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLILeXT9evlo3DOFF0nO2iNAC40pnHVYk-8HJNHK4IqX1z9lT9fz_r8vT78SGikxCDbM71Cx0YARww9gV5TTIrx43uCRvL3Ig1AGdH777guUFbj1-PbO9zNKfHt3pj1ZrA-ffoK7r7SLs/s1600/IMG_8730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLILeXT9evlo3DOFF0nO2iNAC40pnHVYk-8HJNHK4IqX1z9lT9fz_r8vT78SGikxCDbM71Cx0YARww9gV5TTIrx43uCRvL3Ig1AGdH777guUFbj1-PbO9zNKfHt3pj1ZrA-ffoK7r7SLs/s320/IMG_8730.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
I had done something similar, but I love the doubled persian rings on the edges. This one used smaller rings and is light and delicate. I might have to sit down and see if I could do it in a heavier gauge and bigger rings.<br />
<br />
Finally, I have a few <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/266342605/tutorial-for-atomic-chain-maille-pendant?ref=shop_home_active_4" target="_blank">atomic beads</a>. These little guys are adorable, but a pain in the you-know-what. I must have put the bead down a number of times before "getting it". <br />
<br />
The beads start out with a mobius, then, somewhere, there is chain maille magic that I can't even begin to explain. I have no idea how Kirk came up with it, much less explained it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhlCxOFid3wRHfRRUIAjP-KCdiKc3lOr2svu0PYnoqNHBcyfIDIogBQmaGfFFBdoFLP5hGxO56P1s1YmtQJW-G0EFiaRiqGLwqB7hNfsIcusDwVjGXI-GrUpQE_SnXohEET_sQBPttGk/s1600/IMG_8738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhlCxOFid3wRHfRRUIAjP-KCdiKc3lOr2svu0PYnoqNHBcyfIDIogBQmaGfFFBdoFLP5hGxO56P1s1YmtQJW-G0EFiaRiqGLwqB7hNfsIcusDwVjGXI-GrUpQE_SnXohEET_sQBPttGk/s320/IMG_8738.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vj0Tkjt6KRBuqcpwBbGoWLj3iUrslP_lRbDnzL72rSGdDirfxVNRRmJpV2iCwvvS8wpoPxFC3Z7mVd4o1Jk_ugYrn4GJf1RfoOVX34T-MB1Lj4zdsMCNeKGY42Isj4gps74molUzeOo/s1600/IMG_8742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vj0Tkjt6KRBuqcpwBbGoWLj3iUrslP_lRbDnzL72rSGdDirfxVNRRmJpV2iCwvvS8wpoPxFC3Z7mVd4o1Jk_ugYrn4GJf1RfoOVX34T-MB1Lj4zdsMCNeKGY42Isj4gps74molUzeOo/s320/IMG_8742.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
You can tell these little guys have been sitting around for a while. The copper has dulled. I really need to get them cleaned up, dunked in liver of sulphur and tumbled.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BrilliantSkulls" target="_blank">Brilliant Twisted Skulls</a> has quite a few tutorials in the store. If you like these, check it out.Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674909712418596942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986063136622162325.post-19832878438721056352016-06-17T00:00:00.000-05:002016-06-17T00:00:06.497-05:00More Chain MailleI was proud of myself for making the following <a href="http://www.mailleartisans.org/weaves/weavedisplay.php?key=1325" target="_blank">kitsune</a> bracelets by <a href="https://www.themetalmark.com/about" target="_blank">Amy Leggett</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pi0kWAOB1n5ZP0ercx5R0joXY0-ouA4bOqwIcG7mYml_PcmCnGvLH3Y7pkah5n2zsiixmzU7Smt5KEkKYcxypFu71Y-GRgrkrnvmAuVfnOSZSUevnGmJxooYCXMcORgIH-ezfQw_ZaI/s1600/IMG_8714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pi0kWAOB1n5ZP0ercx5R0joXY0-ouA4bOqwIcG7mYml_PcmCnGvLH3Y7pkah5n2zsiixmzU7Smt5KEkKYcxypFu71Y-GRgrkrnvmAuVfnOSZSUevnGmJxooYCXMcORgIH-ezfQw_ZaI/s320/IMG_8714.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's one of the only weaves that I didn't have a tutorial for. I had to do a bit of "trial and error."<br />
<br />
I really like the weave. It's fluid and feels nice to wear.<br />
<br />
I ended up doing a test model in brass, brown and teal annodized aluminum.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDM6c6JFW8vyBTW68USxJIlKa5xMB2X9iC8EK0UNAr7zgISumlCEP3dhz_Rb2Za_Gq0AYSxjobWcspYHiT-wvfUCfrslc6ZAku1WDqb_zJead97O8dyLq1hyU1CKuhsXUx-cJCnEE18Cc/s1600/IMG_8717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDM6c6JFW8vyBTW68USxJIlKa5xMB2X9iC8EK0UNAr7zgISumlCEP3dhz_Rb2Za_Gq0AYSxjobWcspYHiT-wvfUCfrslc6ZAku1WDqb_zJead97O8dyLq1hyU1CKuhsXUx-cJCnEE18Cc/s320/IMG_8717.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Next, was a bronze and stainless steel version.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZb4ems3mgKxwFw581BO0ZeWRhrmeWarBPveJh4pIYjKddUrCE5t2rCTeh84tjohtEAcsyxS6kebmbcF_PCt1hvlgXwD2u9kCuie08RtkRsIKz_vY72sTFgDCIS0dU4YnsEwZayziphQ/s1600/IMG_8711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZb4ems3mgKxwFw581BO0ZeWRhrmeWarBPveJh4pIYjKddUrCE5t2rCTeh84tjohtEAcsyxS6kebmbcF_PCt1hvlgXwD2u9kCuie08RtkRsIKz_vY72sTFgDCIS0dU4YnsEwZayziphQ/s320/IMG_8711.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Finally, an aluminum with purple and violet annodized aluminum.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSIuaRy4Xx-PGLnkQAI7Z0qo2rYmYRy-ie8ZlXyrxXbHKohfhxRNOgDxK4DluHvtVXHNJ87gF5tUd_Xa3RkxWZDC69ot8GDAaMnL2oBdmu-6jYR7Oe8pHuD4BU4JoeE08-zsBLpj4onk/s1600/IMG_8716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSIuaRy4Xx-PGLnkQAI7Z0qo2rYmYRy-ie8ZlXyrxXbHKohfhxRNOgDxK4DluHvtVXHNJ87gF5tUd_Xa3RkxWZDC69ot8GDAaMnL2oBdmu-6jYR7Oe8pHuD4BU4JoeE08-zsBLpj4onk/s320/IMG_8716.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
Ever since I've made them, I'be been trying to think of a way to make a sheet. I'm not sure it would work, but it might be really cute if you joined two kitsune bracelets with a european 4 in 1 middle.Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674909712418596942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986063136622162325.post-14730788154161290472016-06-14T00:00:00.000-05:002016-06-14T09:26:31.999-05:00What else have I been up to?As I mentioned in my last post, I've been doing quite a bit of chain maille. I'm going to split the projects up into a few posts, just so this one doesn't become a monster post.<br />
<br />
There is no way I will remember these in chronological order, so we'll just get to these in no particular order.<br />
<br />
The first thing I'll show you is this viperscale bracelet. It's a Viperscale 2.0 from Blue Buddha. Unfortunately, I cannot link anything for you because Blue Buddha closed recently. You should be able to find viperscale instructions, though, if you google.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjko3eIWazpkIqgD5t1AWrGvQ0jdgtR4KlcPPwe18vQ-ZB5mdeCR5L9N5qhq1P9KH4X4qbQUk99Vo6snCmKBQGFp_cAWIrV1pga6gGdO0v4n7OEzDPSP2LbbCSRxK-QPKSg2Y6c5ccb3BI/s1600/IMG_8662-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjko3eIWazpkIqgD5t1AWrGvQ0jdgtR4KlcPPwe18vQ-ZB5mdeCR5L9N5qhq1P9KH4X4qbQUk99Vo6snCmKBQGFp_cAWIrV1pga6gGdO0v4n7OEzDPSP2LbbCSRxK-QPKSg2Y6c5ccb3BI/s320/IMG_8662-2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What makes this bracelet different from your typical viperscale is the smaller ring in the middle next to the bigger ring. The rings need to have a slightly larger aspect ratio to accommodate the smaller ring.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I loved viperscale so much, I decided to do a few in niobium. <a href="http://www.candtdesigns.com/" target="_blank">C and T designs</a> has wonderful niobium rings. I miscalculated the ring size and could not do the 2.0 version, but I think these are lovely anyway.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguFSM5qxR05vjrPlmMhqmfnyejDLLl3Y8ztJ0lSUbHbSIi8TEnw1OxMCpwPf1YtMEKzEKb1KdrL47O8OE504j5hRVlRgie8gGunmX3KzJpGfdg1PlDBb2bnjDeIiFzJv6ANRiXvhVuFk8/s1600/IMG_8659-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguFSM5qxR05vjrPlmMhqmfnyejDLLl3Y8ztJ0lSUbHbSIi8TEnw1OxMCpwPf1YtMEKzEKb1KdrL47O8OE504j5hRVlRgie8gGunmX3KzJpGfdg1PlDBb2bnjDeIiFzJv6ANRiXvhVuFk8/s320/IMG_8659-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In addition to viperscale, I finally (and I mean finally -- it took me about 6 months off and on) learned moorish rose. This weave interlocks six ring mobius units. I looked at tutorial after tutorial until something clicked. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIAWa3balHGhOQcSRnZcryLsLoK-weVRXQwZZD5Gw-WrpeLj7nG0Vrxl1BT7H_1F02WsjygOci8DqNEnN3HySKc1fWmQX7sUXC9srNijMID8r5q0lUB3SF6eK6azElnbpoREgTCtC50g/s1600/IMG_8686.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIAWa3balHGhOQcSRnZcryLsLoK-weVRXQwZZD5Gw-WrpeLj7nG0Vrxl1BT7H_1F02WsjygOci8DqNEnN3HySKc1fWmQX7sUXC9srNijMID8r5q0lUB3SF6eK6azElnbpoREgTCtC50g/s320/IMG_8686.CR2" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I've never had an arch enemy, but I think this bracelet came close. I love how it turned out, though. It's all copper and it has a nice weight to it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22-i0LlD0jVDvhyrlgpMUBNkKdxn1kaLhCp9yFgmY1FOTIE0Bp74obmlCx1mL3MmVDJWNdgDjvWAlIueYF41QSxJ52Wn0ayjk5kUQ1zLBOWZ4zxXNSFsBcnwV3REsGkubJtFLTP26EZc/s1600/IMG_8685-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22-i0LlD0jVDvhyrlgpMUBNkKdxn1kaLhCp9yFgmY1FOTIE0Bp74obmlCx1mL3MmVDJWNdgDjvWAlIueYF41QSxJ52Wn0ayjk5kUQ1zLBOWZ4zxXNSFsBcnwV3REsGkubJtFLTP26EZc/s320/IMG_8685-9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I made the s hooks on the ends. They're not perfect, but I don't mind.<br />
<br />
That's it for now, but I have more on the way.Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674909712418596942noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986063136622162325.post-41970012627914994622016-06-12T20:13:00.002-05:002016-06-12T20:14:12.042-05:00What have I been up to?It seems I've taken a bit of a break from my blog. I guess it's one of those things. Life gets in the way, pictures seem like a bit of a chore instead of something fun.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's been about a year and a year and a half since I was posting regularly. Let's see if I can get myself back into the game, so to speak.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've still been beading .. a bit. I love Kate McKinnon's <a href="https://beadmobile.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><i>Contemporary Geometric Beadwork</i></a>. The techniques are amazing and the pieces I've seen are wonderful.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I started a fortune teller bangle early last year, but got only so far.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqiPsm79CLsmcG8IDI5s6W20ajGjJZCvk-WhliG5G0toALfuU2gGnY7-XjHOhD42PNsXy1BqdxNR2mS3oTyfunwliLZsN902ZT3hL_l62VxoaPYT6SX1nCk4pG_W3woEbfAUB9uV2yVoM/s1600/IMG_8700-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqiPsm79CLsmcG8IDI5s6W20ajGjJZCvk-WhliG5G0toALfuU2gGnY7-XjHOhD42PNsXy1BqdxNR2mS3oTyfunwliLZsN902ZT3hL_l62VxoaPYT6SX1nCk4pG_W3woEbfAUB9uV2yVoM/s320/IMG_8700-15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hadn't sized the bangle properly and a bit of it split off. I ended up taking a several rows out and also removing a bit from the inside. I haven't gotten back to this, however, because my attention wandered to a few other projects.</div>
<br />
You see, my wonderful husband somehow procured tickets to the San Diego Comic Convention last summer. Of course, I needed something awesome to wear. <br />
<br />
I finished these next two bracelets about a week before we left for San Diego.<br />
<br />
This <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harley_Quinn" target="_blank">Harley Quinn</a> bracelet is an example of what can happen if the wings are left unchecked.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzytQgztdGO9FMUfoSI86BCEAy_CVGk1fN3jrzLGM8J3-BJi4CpW45GA4jv3v2iGzB9prLfs46W0Hm54rJm1r4sxvDydz9Suy1E1ZBB-ra7hceTpRTkXTv5Eihn3zveSCohflect7Ht4/s1600/IMG_8672-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzytQgztdGO9FMUfoSI86BCEAy_CVGk1fN3jrzLGM8J3-BJi4CpW45GA4jv3v2iGzB9prLfs46W0Hm54rJm1r4sxvDydz9Suy1E1ZBB-ra7hceTpRTkXTv5Eihn3zveSCohflect7Ht4/s320/IMG_8672-5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Granted, this bracelet is not an "every day" sort of thing, but I love how it turned out. I am somewhat proud of the snap cover I came up with.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ywoiYhg2pfCsSk8CLl7ThMJTEYlMtmJbHbWSdD8zOA0MYZzSFfnyQ-XoqPsfk7yULTR7x-tFThzTNBi3CXfYirUw4Phz3_D__e5nO9VqUzsKCq3kpkGIkwTUAiPzYDUbewW40iEhtME/s1600/IMG_8675-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ywoiYhg2pfCsSk8CLl7ThMJTEYlMtmJbHbWSdD8zOA0MYZzSFfnyQ-XoqPsfk7yULTR7x-tFThzTNBi3CXfYirUw4Phz3_D__e5nO9VqUzsKCq3kpkGIkwTUAiPzYDUbewW40iEhtME/s320/IMG_8675-6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The little warped squares have snaps on the bottom and attach to both sides of the cuff. I love how it blends in to the rest of the cuff.<br />
<br />
I've worn this a few times and I'm surprised at how many people don't realize it's beaded.<br />
<br />
The next cuff I made is a rick rack bracelet and not quite as wild as the Harley cuff. I styled it with Wonder Woman in mind<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxd8eWwwZ5_uYD8XbVI5evdX_KCEEejM_gMtVw2qsvymk7LJblkzrEen0ht_u1op4R6Ux9epkmK0du_HI9uHqDFQpPL23wHQw7K0SiZkcCC05c4U7jg7JddgkFH4XHqfukWL0cT21h3A/s1600/IMG_8663-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxd8eWwwZ5_uYD8XbVI5evdX_KCEEejM_gMtVw2qsvymk7LJblkzrEen0ht_u1op4R6Ux9epkmK0du_HI9uHqDFQpPL23wHQw7K0SiZkcCC05c4U7jg7JddgkFH4XHqfukWL0cT21h3A/s320/IMG_8663-3.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It also uses snaps for a closure. You can see the little snaps on the left of the picture below. The other half of the snap is on the underside of the bracelet.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvqP5Eq_t-2nPto5sm7UePB7qqInHXhgIyJkr6QppuF8vwXf7x-k3YAWNIJ5mBTY-l3bgqndf2NvLtOpsl1r3tJpEUbRVcCdxF22s_xzH0ZxqpXYrX7KkRD4e7nsTn5L6haedTqvhwvM/s1600/IMG_8666-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvqP5Eq_t-2nPto5sm7UePB7qqInHXhgIyJkr6QppuF8vwXf7x-k3YAWNIJ5mBTY-l3bgqndf2NvLtOpsl1r3tJpEUbRVcCdxF22s_xzH0ZxqpXYrX7KkRD4e7nsTn5L6haedTqvhwvM/s320/IMG_8666-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I really love the techniques in <a href="https://beadmobile.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><i>Contemporary Geometric Beadwork</i></a>. I'd like to do a bit more with it, but, I seem to have trouble coming up with an idea. My daughter suggested a <a href="http://everafterhigh.wikia.com/wiki/Madeline_Hatter" target="_blank">Madeline Hatter</a> cuff (<a href="http://play.everafterhigh.com/en-us" target="_blank">Ever After High</a> is a favorite of hers), so I may look into that.<br />
<br />
Aside from last year's <a href="http://pixiloo.blogspot.com/2015/12/handmade-ornament-swap.html" target="_blank">ornament swap</a>, I'm pretty sure this is all the beading I've done. Instead, I've been working on chain maille. I have quite a few pictures to show you in my next post.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674909712418596942noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986063136622162325.post-48805379748110092462015-12-20T01:00:00.000-06:002015-12-20T01:00:23.407-06:00Handmade Ornament SwapWow, I can't believe it's been a year since I last posted. I've been busy and have been making things, but I guess photos and posting really got away from me.<br />
<br />
Hopefully, I'll get the energy over Christmas to break out the camera again and show you what I've been up to.<br />
<br />
But that's not what this post is about.<br />
<br />
I joined a handmade ornament swap hosted by <a href="http://blog.baublicious.me/" target="_blank">Karen Williams</a> and was partnered with <a href="http://www.judyjacobsart.com/" target="_blank">Judy Jacobs</a>. After I looked at Judy's website, I was a bit intimidated, to say the least. Look at all her gorgeous paintings. Seriously, they are fabulous. And she's a glass artist also? <br />
<br />
Luckily, Judy is very sweet and insisted she would love anything beady I might send. <br />
<br />
I ended up making two ornaments for Judy, but before I show you what I sent, I would like to show you the wonderful ornament Judy gifted to me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZ98BAm1l4-MmJgHx7HOd9SoJpASsib8YKetZqV7KcV3qXjbm09QakmNF9viIzEwXFJntsXX1tuQ8I1xt7YlQZGQVy3AthNjMxE2hv_vyZ64aeFUj0PkXYNaSqmz957G1xAkRc7H28sM/s1600/peace+ornament.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZ98BAm1l4-MmJgHx7HOd9SoJpASsib8YKetZqV7KcV3qXjbm09QakmNF9viIzEwXFJntsXX1tuQ8I1xt7YlQZGQVy3AthNjMxE2hv_vyZ64aeFUj0PkXYNaSqmz957G1xAkRc7H28sM/s320/peace+ornament.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
How gorgeous is that? Judy made the beads dangling and the rest, she said, is fused. <br />
<br />
The colors are gorgeous and so bright and cheery. Here's a close up of Judy's beads.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidis6gH_OIvI7UgJRmbQcHoNDYUxLktfzKsL9tCJuNFmpuplp8gkHB1OhoawdIv7I6RZYI8KnQF-W3nTAbal-hQ6P4c9TuNrjrdlCRfUKVAn_SWiLE5WEprwgytsc3jyg06T_z1UBMbdU/s1600/peace+ornament+close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidis6gH_OIvI7UgJRmbQcHoNDYUxLktfzKsL9tCJuNFmpuplp8gkHB1OhoawdIv7I6RZYI8KnQF-W3nTAbal-hQ6P4c9TuNrjrdlCRfUKVAn_SWiLE5WEprwgytsc3jyg06T_z1UBMbdU/s320/peace+ornament+close+up.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My daughter helped me open the package. Before I could do or say anything, the ornament was on the tree, very high up, where all her favorite ornaments hang. <br />
<br />
We'll keep it in the office after Christmas, so we can enjoy it all year round.<br />
<br />
Judy also sent a mini painting of a seascape that will reside on my desk so I can watch the waves every day. :)<br />
<br />
Now, on to what I sent Judy.<br />
<br />
I knew I wanted to make a beaded ornament, but couldn't decide on a design. After a a bit of back and forth, I decided on <a href="http://threadabead.com/3850/1/Double-Sided-Polar-Star-Ornament-Pattern-Bead-Pattern" target="_blank">this pattern</a> by <a href="http://threadabead.com/" target="_blank">threadabead</a>. I liked the simplicity of the design and I loved that it was double sided.<br />
<br />
The front:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5IY7ImRKp32r9aV1tWi5q_W0IqPpElkIPJvthALhxWAKywRslXPfZleK2WMN0o7HNw6hyphenhyphenmUZKpc8COR4B6wRouMQvcaqavN4-uQ_uBfRuZsUJ3HuAysK9o9bHNMlabjY-OaAkbzxQ8Ns/s1600/star+ornament+blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5IY7ImRKp32r9aV1tWi5q_W0IqPpElkIPJvthALhxWAKywRslXPfZleK2WMN0o7HNw6hyphenhyphenmUZKpc8COR4B6wRouMQvcaqavN4-uQ_uBfRuZsUJ3HuAysK9o9bHNMlabjY-OaAkbzxQ8Ns/s320/star+ornament+blue.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
and the back:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivof684ggIPwXIWdPcujAk-fcip4kYaHoeGQGdTkHiN7CQjy72VW5uToz1SjtSo0W5semik6YlB0xyoV75G-HqYwEwNVs1Zls6_ND0xCB4LgP9T9FjEk6VQUQkYh5ZEII6-FG0kLSoEt0/s1600/star+ornament+gold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivof684ggIPwXIWdPcujAk-fcip4kYaHoeGQGdTkHiN7CQjy72VW5uToz1SjtSo0W5semik6YlB0xyoV75G-HqYwEwNVs1Zls6_ND0xCB4LgP9T9FjEk6VQUQkYh5ZEII6-FG0kLSoEt0/s320/star+ornament+gold.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This was fun to make and I loved how it came together.<br />
<br />
I also sent this chain maille ornament, the maillers choice for December from <a href="http://www.bluebuddhaboutique.com/" target="_blank">Blue Buddha Boutique</a>. :<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sJMMopfkRbUBJ1GG8eJsSmdHg71APWxrnsrLHxlB1k4GHykmqusuD5nnZH5xAd8JrvRaiDc6T0ZG0qtlraB9AJuNl1gIIt94neZBDN0uGSmvhMUAjr7BVcrCzEIurzlVE3G6_8Tox8Y/s1600/tree+ornament.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sJMMopfkRbUBJ1GG8eJsSmdHg71APWxrnsrLHxlB1k4GHykmqusuD5nnZH5xAd8JrvRaiDc6T0ZG0qtlraB9AJuNl1gIIt94neZBDN0uGSmvhMUAjr7BVcrCzEIurzlVE3G6_8Tox8Y/s320/tree+ornament.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
<br />
I really like the rubber rings in this. (I liked it so much, I made a ton of ornaments and a pair of earrings that the kiddo immediately claimed as her own.) <br />
<br />
Please check <a href="http://www.judyjacobsart.com/blog.html" target="_blank">Judy's blog</a> to see her entry. <br />
<br />
If you want to see what the others made, check out <a href="http://blog.baublicious.me/" target="_blank">Karen's blog</a>. She will have links to those participants with blogs and entries for those participants who don't have blogs.<br />
<br />
Karen, thank you for hosting. It's such a wonderful idea!<br />
<br />
Judy, the ornament is beautiful! Thank you so much! It was so nice getting to know you!Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674909712418596942noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986063136622162325.post-44579112112389645912015-01-01T11:17:00.001-06:002015-01-01T11:17:19.565-06:00A Brand New YearMy husband and I were talking to the kiddo last night about the "new year" and the symbolism behind it. Many people look to the new year as a fresh start and resolve to do many things in the coming year.<br />
<br />
I'm still thinking about how I want to approach this year and what I'd like to focus on.<br />
<br />
I do know that I've neglected my blog and my blogging friends. I didn't carve out the time to post to my blog or comment on other blogs as I might have liked.<br />
<br />
I was thinking about this as I was making cookies for the kiddo this morning and I thought maybe some of you might like the recipe, even if it flies in the face of so many new year's resolutions.<br />
<br />
I found this recipe over a decade ago on all recipes and it's still a favorite. I warn you, though, it's not for the faint of heart. You *must* <strike>like</strike> ... <strike>love</strike> ... adore chocolate and peanut butter. You cannot shy away from sweets. Finally, you must have the patience to wait 12 minutes for them to bake.<br />
<br />
So, it's a chocolate peanut butter cookie chock full of peanut butter chips, chocolate chips and Reese's peanut butter cups.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXwf1smBJO67MqpfvBREj8necO9ueZkRAYxDy-ZQt7YRhqbukKkx48It-tHvTWrZlRDeZMLZMJbzJD1E4X0R1ybUSfWtbVKeZ3dsveduYDMPaRI_LGRqbxqJMNyQeRobYOqywM-tLdi4/s1600/cookie+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXwf1smBJO67MqpfvBREj8necO9ueZkRAYxDy-ZQt7YRhqbukKkx48It-tHvTWrZlRDeZMLZMJbzJD1E4X0R1ybUSfWtbVKeZ3dsveduYDMPaRI_LGRqbxqJMNyQeRobYOqywM-tLdi4/s1600/cookie+1.jpg" height="225" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Can you see those peanut butter cups? Yummy!<br />
<br />
Here they are ready to go into the oven. These do not spread much (probably because there are more chips and cups than dough), so I don't worry about spacing them out too much on the cookie sheet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyNo6eoiTfk4LeXL1btMUWiR1NiJIzQmJ44HUBC52mKql_U_nnrQoXZY6Wqlvk0RX_hDJOFWytbf9ifyZJ_wvecerRd4ZPFnvEPn11M6Of9B-Fz1lGqBq5E72v0V0itaahHFeRkFfVvs/s1600/cookie+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyNo6eoiTfk4LeXL1btMUWiR1NiJIzQmJ44HUBC52mKql_U_nnrQoXZY6Wqlvk0RX_hDJOFWytbf9ifyZJ_wvecerRd4ZPFnvEPn11M6Of9B-Fz1lGqBq5E72v0V0itaahHFeRkFfVvs/s1600/cookie+2.jpg" height="185" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And here they are freshly baked.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHlYRfA8iOJadlGc3eYUejvq-_kLTu0QrswcjrYxg5HD0SYgeNFALqsdVB8c_yaBT67Xe3g68Ppqb7E4HpPto57tpd_q8-DyulSM4aPWtm07OQc-7-18EBVrp1xJCtItuqgal-Z-YG10/s1600/cookie+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHlYRfA8iOJadlGc3eYUejvq-_kLTu0QrswcjrYxg5HD0SYgeNFALqsdVB8c_yaBT67Xe3g68Ppqb7E4HpPto57tpd_q8-DyulSM4aPWtm07OQc-7-18EBVrp1xJCtItuqgal-Z-YG10/s1600/cookie+3.jpg" height="197" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Peanut buttery goodness!<br />
<br />
Have a happy new year!<br />
<br />
<b>Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies</b> (taken from <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chocolate-Peanut-Butter-Cup-Cookies/Detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Thumb&e11=chocolate%20peanut%20butter%20cup%20cookies&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page&soid=sr_results_p1i1" target="_blank">this recipe</a> by Joanna Knudsen)<br />
<br />
1 cup butter, softened<br />
3/4 cup peanut butter *<br />
3/4 cup white sugar<br />
3/4 cup brown sugar<br />
2 eggs<br />
1 tsp vanilla<br />
1/3 cup cocoa powder<br />
2 and 1/3 cup flour<br />
1 tsp baking soda<br />
1 bag mixed peanut butter and milk chocolate chips **<br />
Reese's peanut butter cups, chopped ***<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350.<br />
<br />
Cream butter and peanut butter with white sugar and brown sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla.<br />
<br />
Stir together the cocoa powder, flour and baking soda. Add to the butter mixture. Stir in the chips and peanut butter cups.<br />
<br />
Bake for 10 - 12 minutes.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
* I usually use creamy, but sometimes, if I am feeling wild, I'll use chunky peanut butter<br />
<br />
** I was so excited to see this was actually a thing. You can buy a bag of peanut butter chips and a bag of chocolate chips and use half a bag of each.<br />
<br />
*** The original recipe calls for 10 cups, but I usually use way more than that. This morning, I used 20 snack size cups. Basically, if you think you have enough, double it. Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674909712418596942noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986063136622162325.post-64222919840165075152014-12-20T01:00:00.000-06:002014-12-20T01:00:07.094-06:002014 Holiday Ornament Swap and Blog HopWow! I can't believe it's been four months since I've posted. I'll give you a run down on what's been going on at a later time, though. Today, it's all about the holiday ornament swap!<br />
<br />
The ornament swap is organized by <a href="http://www.sallyrussick.com/" target="_blank">Sally Russick</a> and is something I look forward to each year.<br />
<br />
This year, I was excited to have Sally as my partner! Sally is a master of many trades: metal work, seed beading, photography. Sally is also the mastermind behind the <a href="http://www.sallyrussick.blogspot.com/2014/12/focus-on-life.html" target="_blank">focus on life series</a> that I participated in last year.<br />
<br />
You can see that mastery in the ornament she sent.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjIRCbpNXmVUZe57FlZ8bYFOnloJPpQyvA6HMy35NjYGu8gQsrJqjVphcDMGZJyuOBauRTLYb54pQ5OB8d4CFEmu9ojKwzs5ShA8hjx6Vm3jAPQEvLnP6c6XpSJFm5Ez6JLFucUaHbLg/s1600/ornament+swap+2014+sally.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjIRCbpNXmVUZe57FlZ8bYFOnloJPpQyvA6HMy35NjYGu8gQsrJqjVphcDMGZJyuOBauRTLYb54pQ5OB8d4CFEmu9ojKwzs5ShA8hjx6Vm3jAPQEvLnP6c6XpSJFm5Ez6JLFucUaHbLg/s1600/ornament+swap+2014+sally.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a></div>
<br />
It's so gorgeous! I may or may not have squealed a bit when I opened the box. <br />
<br />
I can imagine the hours of work that went into it. It's too fabulous to pack away after the holidays, so I plan to keep in in my office all year long (next to <a href="http://pixiloo.blogspot.com/2013/12/3rd-annual-handcrafted-ornament-blog.html" target="_blank">Sandi's ornament</a> from last year).<br />
<br />
Thank you, Sally! I am beyond grateful.<br />
<br />
I also sent Sally a beaded ornament. I beaded a bezel around a bead from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/DonnaMillard" target="_blank">Donna Millard</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3bjQSXTdmjCXJavCs49Pvee0sHFAADNZiGJLfxEtSDQzQ52CXfqNTRqxtBp6zPgSUkViK9kpn7lnfJRvkRKWCxqjVCvJXypLWVsw8dCyL0UeAVhFx_vGe1M6OzrVqUHrj1bhuz7m1lU/s1600/ornament+swap+2014+my+ornament.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3bjQSXTdmjCXJavCs49Pvee0sHFAADNZiGJLfxEtSDQzQ52CXfqNTRqxtBp6zPgSUkViK9kpn7lnfJRvkRKWCxqjVCvJXypLWVsw8dCyL0UeAVhFx_vGe1M6OzrVqUHrj1bhuz7m1lU/s1600/ornament+swap+2014+my+ornament.jpg" height="217" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I loved Donna's work and really wanted to do this bead justice. My photo isn't the best. I bet Sally takes a better one.<br />
<br />
I also sent Sally a chain maille ornament. It's a larger version of the <a href="http://www.bluebuddhaboutique.com/b3/projects/Celtic-Visions-Star" target="_blank">Celtic Visions Star</a> from <a href="http://www.bluebuddhaboutique.com/" target="_blank">Blue Buddha</a> and was the December mailers choice kit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYL8zfbSjV3qBLR2-Nh4O7kYtApyvEwLs4OhZ9-8CbWqhOSwxA3yja8WPWIeCcHlhIPdvhIG4J6yafZTcRPKPkaS7DfgQsHbLPax01-DHOCWu88SlsBNC7XoKDHulK3Dwd8T1gwSOqqI/s1600/ornament+swap+2014+chain+maille.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYL8zfbSjV3qBLR2-Nh4O7kYtApyvEwLs4OhZ9-8CbWqhOSwxA3yja8WPWIeCcHlhIPdvhIG4J6yafZTcRPKPkaS7DfgQsHbLPax01-DHOCWu88SlsBNC7XoKDHulK3Dwd8T1gwSOqqI/s1600/ornament+swap+2014+chain+maille.jpg" height="204" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Sally said Wyatt snapped it up. I'm so glad he liked it!<br />
<br />
Sally, thank you again and thank you for hosting this blog hop.<br />
<br />
Please take some time and visit the other participants. You will see some fabulous ornaments!<br />
<br />
(To the other participants, I'm out of town this weekend, so I may not get hopping until this week, but I can't wait to visit everyone.)<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. <a href="http://www.sallyrussick.blogspot.com/">Sally Russick</a> and <a href="http://pixiloo.blogspot.com/">Tanya Goodwin</a> (you are here)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2. <a href="http://veradesigns.blogspot.com/">Veralynne Malone</a> and <a href="http://www.sallyrussick.blogspot.com/">Sally Russick </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3. <a href="http://beadrecipes.wordpress.com/">Melissa Trudinger</a> and <a href="http://www.beadsforbusygals.com/">Elisabeth Auld</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4. <a href="http://treasures-found.blogspot.com/">Erin Prais-Hintz</a> and <a href="http://thegossipinggoddess.blogspot.com/">Lesley Watt </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
5. <a href="http://www.jdaviesreazor.com/blog">Jenny Davies-Reazor </a>and <a href="http://myaddictionshandcrafted.blogspot.com/">Patti Vanderbloemen </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
6. <a href="http://www.kimmykats.com/">Kim Bender-Hora</a> and <a href="http://ebbeadandmetalworks.blogspot.com/">Beth and Evie McCord</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
7. <a href="http://beckypancakebeaddesigns.blogspot.com/">Becky Pancake</a> and <a href="http://www.islandgirlsinsights.blogspot.com/">Lynne Bowland </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
8. <a href="http://theresestreasures59.blogspot.com/">Therese Frank </a> and <a href="http://baublicious.blogspot.com/">Karen Williams</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
9. <a href="http://melissameman.blogspot.com/">Melissa Meman </a> and <a href="http://www.craftygallindadesigns.blogspot.com/">Linda Hanes </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
10. <a href="http://www.sandivolpe..com/">Sandi Volpe</a> and<a href="http://www.lindasbeadblog.com/"> Linda Landig </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
11. <a href="http://www.allprettythings.ca/">Alicia Marinache </a> and <a href="http://www.suebeads.blogspot.com/">Susan Kennedy</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674909712418596942noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986063136622162325.post-74159512594395724942014-08-27T01:00:00.000-05:002014-08-27T01:00:02.471-05:00Pretty Palettes August RevealIn November of last year, <a href="http://treasures-found.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Erin Prais-Hintz</a> started a Pretty Palettes color challenge on the <a href="http://www.halcraft.com/blog/" target="_blank">Halcraft blog</a>.<br />
<br />
Each month, Erin picks a set of beads that coordinate with a color palette and invites her readers to create something using those beads. <br />
<br />
A few months ago, Erin started partnering with guest bloggers. It's always fun to see how two people use the same set of beads.<br />
<br />
The inspiration for August comes from <a href="http://www.notioncreative.com/the-color-of-street-art-x/" target="_blank">notion:creative</a>, which showcases street art.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.halcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/PP_thecolorofstreetartX_notioncreative.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.halcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/PP_thecolorofstreetartX_notioncreative.jpg" height="185" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Erin picked a variety of beads<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.halcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/august2014-beads-268x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.halcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/august2014-beads-268x300.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
As much as I tried, I couldn't get those beads to play with each other. I ended up doing a few pieces, each using some of the beads.<br />
<br />
The first necklace uses those delicious brown rondelles and the red beaded beads.<br />
<br />
I made a small <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/189075857/tutorial-conway-bead-beaded-with" target="_blank">Conway Bead</a>, designed by <a href="http://gwenbeads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Gwen Fisher</a>, with red and brown seed beads. It went perfectly with the brown and red beads.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzgO3LkRS81cEiTC7NxAyT4QR-7GYW0wI7o5UTGagLiIas10rfmgc0UKKHclaxDr7vzVmz0Z98dfXQ5Ks5ohwnXgMY5rZaiU-gqLTNwItSl1FHTQKCljoY0PR0i7GTKxxh5ZuBLYSO2Q/s1600/pretty+pallettes+brown+close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzgO3LkRS81cEiTC7NxAyT4QR-7GYW0wI7o5UTGagLiIas10rfmgc0UKKHclaxDr7vzVmz0Z98dfXQ5Ks5ohwnXgMY5rZaiU-gqLTNwItSl1FHTQKCljoY0PR0i7GTKxxh5ZuBLYSO2Q/s1600/pretty+pallettes+brown+close.jpg" height="194" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The rest of the necklace is made using part of <a href="http://www.silverartglassjewelry.com/" target="_blank">Catherine Hamilton</a>'s <a href="http://www.bluebuddhaboutique.com/b3/projects/Orbital-Ensemble" target="_blank">Orbital Ensamble</a> necklace. I like how the chain maille orbits echo the beaded beads.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg720I4jW4YDHH0j7Q1H2gbGF7dIOSY_znWkroBb7d-Rmc391gATbzVwXf6GEsqXINr2b8TS_3S0XaM0G_TaZYcuF5GgSSCpL3ESKd6H53T1KllbphtYTvy8LKWXKcUizHGZ1-lsVtcDA/s1600/pretty+pallettes+brown+full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg720I4jW4YDHH0j7Q1H2gbGF7dIOSY_znWkroBb7d-Rmc391gATbzVwXf6GEsqXINr2b8TS_3S0XaM0G_TaZYcuF5GgSSCpL3ESKd6H53T1KllbphtYTvy8LKWXKcUizHGZ1-lsVtcDA/s1600/pretty+pallettes+brown+full.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The second necklace is similar to the first one, but I used the pink and white beads. I also used small green/teal beads from Michael's that matched the larger teal disc beads from Erin.<br />
<br />
I paired these with more <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/189075857/tutorial-conway-bead-beaded-with" target="_blank">Conway Bead</a>s. I went a bit off here when I grabbed dark green seed beads in an attempt to match the teal discs from Erin. Those beads have dark greens, blues and teals in them. The green isn't quite the right shade. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOAGiJMFgkclIycanFoTQ2jtWS-S91-jdO4iXaApwli6kwcEFG6Zme1GggKzt8mS31aRGLXxx2SctpA09fY2x-F9H7QrgihAnZeDlpcn4N7QeNb9ium8KpkSIzqr3JCludsDvNB7Yo8E/s1600/pretty+pallettes+pink+close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOAGiJMFgkclIycanFoTQ2jtWS-S91-jdO4iXaApwli6kwcEFG6Zme1GggKzt8mS31aRGLXxx2SctpA09fY2x-F9H7QrgihAnZeDlpcn4N7QeNb9ium8KpkSIzqr3JCludsDvNB7Yo8E/s1600/pretty+pallettes+pink+close.jpg" height="320" width="205" /></a></div>
<br />
The rest of the necklace is made using different part of the <a href="http://www.bluebuddhaboutique.com/b3/projects/Orbital-Ensemble" target="_blank">Orbital Ensamble</a> necklace. I had thought that a teal patina would work, but it didn't match. Instead, I used a laurel green patina from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/missficklemedia" target="_blank">Miss Fickle Media</a>. While the green matches the beaded beads, it is a bit off from the palette.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNGVyoLoSWxx1EwDOY-wSCdQAcv0DL-GPvHWSVtFVATW1l5_K06tXy2JvMpdIQL3x_iPIymAOyE3P4CYqoribbXCh3q7i-5Dw3Km7rJbgVuw79z_9u1Z6Ak1fXy2onFtZ_4SOXowTWgM/s1600/pretty+pallettes+pink+full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNGVyoLoSWxx1EwDOY-wSCdQAcv0DL-GPvHWSVtFVATW1l5_K06tXy2JvMpdIQL3x_iPIymAOyE3P4CYqoribbXCh3q7i-5Dw3Km7rJbgVuw79z_9u1Z6Ak1fXy2onFtZ_4SOXowTWgM/s1600/pretty+pallettes+pink+full.jpg" height="320" width="243" /></a></div>
<br />
As with <a href="http://pixiloo.blogspot.com/2014/07/another-michaels-challenge.html" target="_blank">Heather's Michaels challenge</a>, I used the smaller pink beads to make <a href="http://try-to-be-better.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sabine Lippert</a>'s Granada pendant. (You can find the pattern for this in Sabine's book, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sabine-Lipperts-Beaded-Fantasies-Beadweaving/dp/145470246X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1404685192&sr=8-2&keywords=sabine+lippert" target="_blank">Beaded Fantasies</a></i>.)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This time around, I used white in the center and I *love* how it looked.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GihZ3RqqEaG15zzOKCs7w9rbrssEIwQHBuQT4OkrjlKsGdcQ_c2r-cDnGgqswQwQxVM-pezsSdRU9AwBCmrZM9ABs5BicTgxWbVFUbO579ImFvY0DU9F-NuT-nPoBne3ijUfdcj8d1s/s1600/pretty+pallettes+granada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GihZ3RqqEaG15zzOKCs7w9rbrssEIwQHBuQT4OkrjlKsGdcQ_c2r-cDnGgqswQwQxVM-pezsSdRU9AwBCmrZM9ABs5BicTgxWbVFUbO579ImFvY0DU9F-NuT-nPoBne3ijUfdcj8d1s/s1600/pretty+pallettes+granada.jpg" height="194" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I actually used red and pink together! I was amazed at how well they worked together.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
I liked the design I used for the pendant in Heather's Michael's challenge, so I did something similar here.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I beaded a spiral rope using pink, red, teal, and brown, then hung the pendant from a brass chain.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_CdDPJvwPsnPg_TZ1HZ1bh0qNVzN9-mdBT9FkHMf9gHnA-RZ43XfQEaXqptuJ758b2gJi5tGu2_3p4J6WJCTtkmIBk_S3d-euoVcO1ML9RQy1c6fCe4CQryTmdNyalmDfFUwir8rVRFw/s1600/pretty+pallettes+granada+full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_CdDPJvwPsnPg_TZ1HZ1bh0qNVzN9-mdBT9FkHMf9gHnA-RZ43XfQEaXqptuJ758b2gJi5tGu2_3p4J6WJCTtkmIBk_S3d-euoVcO1ML9RQy1c6fCe4CQryTmdNyalmDfFUwir8rVRFw/s1600/pretty+pallettes+granada+full.jpg" height="320" width="231" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The spiral rope shows off the jewel tones.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24h3fxv1Slyd6omfAre-hblVDJY6nNNI1qlX7x5pr9rpXBPdmZS2jeDulpFvAACsc4a84mF_sG2A638mQzhzrTMhKxzJFUHubbLgQuUVvmKCZgJhdRpKRFljcia67tGRaH6tZeiHDt8k/s1600/pretty+pallettes+granada+strap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24h3fxv1Slyd6omfAre-hblVDJY6nNNI1qlX7x5pr9rpXBPdmZS2jeDulpFvAACsc4a84mF_sG2A638mQzhzrTMhKxzJFUHubbLgQuUVvmKCZgJhdRpKRFljcia67tGRaH6tZeiHDt8k/s1600/pretty+pallettes+granada+strap.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Finally, I used the teal discs to try an idea that had been swirling in my head.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I threaded three of them on a headpin and hung it like a pendant, similar to how I used one of Erin's beads <a href="http://pixiloo.blogspot.com/2014/02/new-years-necklace.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSaq46VfjUD4DQi0caV9LQhwxmaAEcJgu0UGQqvaXj7WxsSxpTILk9N2aLjvJ17h2Uo7nlLLXpsob_kGjCNvn4HGzWOKLZmXltg0p4EuyJa7uC-vjRmPz95YrwO5EEh1HqQtmZjXkCn9g/s1600/pretty+pallettes+green+close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSaq46VfjUD4DQi0caV9LQhwxmaAEcJgu0UGQqvaXj7WxsSxpTILk9N2aLjvJ17h2Uo7nlLLXpsob_kGjCNvn4HGzWOKLZmXltg0p4EuyJa7uC-vjRmPz95YrwO5EEh1HqQtmZjXkCn9g/s1600/pretty+pallettes+green+close.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then, keeping it simple, I made another spiral rope. I couldn't find the right shade of teal to work with the disc beads, so I went with emerald. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyQQ5E0H1uGeBijh0aI2qx53rEWc7SLhy7CylhlYEAaZhOi3xrXxfSa_9wvoOFHie69aSfSSsLA5uamBhQgdHUDDCbz3Nr4hh3rwHGp-DsGGceLbpKFfjwiohNdGCwv0dppuIKDsoMIQ/s1600/pretty+pallettes+green+full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyQQ5E0H1uGeBijh0aI2qx53rEWc7SLhy7CylhlYEAaZhOi3xrXxfSa_9wvoOFHie69aSfSSsLA5uamBhQgdHUDDCbz3Nr4hh3rwHGp-DsGGceLbpKFfjwiohNdGCwv0dppuIKDsoMIQ/s1600/pretty+pallettes+green+full.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't know if you can tell, but I used a teal seed bead for the base of the rope. I also incorporated white and brown tones.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfzs53QBW5MDzkRyhLszGX3s6nO4Bb8CaYI9sCJHCnvqWII6FprDN6Wks3Qm-LxWc7c0cFD0B8rYzd953MYBGRvk-lerFO_hfrXjv-adB7YJAMn6_b0Va4uvkR1VFRuF4efwMLVO4EOs/s1600/pretty+pallettes+green+strap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfzs53QBW5MDzkRyhLszGX3s6nO4Bb8CaYI9sCJHCnvqWII6FprDN6Wks3Qm-LxWc7c0cFD0B8rYzd953MYBGRvk-lerFO_hfrXjv-adB7YJAMn6_b0Va4uvkR1VFRuF4efwMLVO4EOs/s1600/pretty+pallettes+green+strap.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I still have an idea for the other two beaded beads. I ran out of time to try it before the reveal, but it's banging around in my head, so you might see it soon.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Erin, I can't tell you how much of an honor it was to be chosen to work with you. I had so much fun with these beads. Thank you so much.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you want to see what Erin made with these beads, check out the <a href="http://www.halcraft.com/blog/" target="_blank">Halcraft blog</a>. I know she made something fabulous that you will want to see!</div>
Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674909712418596942noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986063136622162325.post-88638048087758405942014-08-17T01:00:00.000-05:002014-08-17T01:00:01.835-05:00A very chain maille birthdayIt seems my birthday was all about chain maille. <br />
<br />
My parents gave me a very nice wubbers flat nose pliers which came in handy when my husband surprised me with a kit for <a href="http://www.bluebuddhaboutique.com/b3/" target="_blank">Blue Buddha</a>'s <a href="http://www.bluebuddhaboutique.com/b3/projects/Chunky-Cuff" target="_blank">Chunky Cuff</a> bracelet, designed by <a href="http://www.macmullen.com/art/" target="_blank">W. John MacMullen</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvX4TDbPW4BHGkHTWGyDL2lCGvkNlpMNbEdaR6UT5RzLuwu-c_cZuBueAML8ZjT1QQyE1RsrhSYwCZcu_SCTwk4DjFz4hGyi1gexTTpV2BRg6CnkkY4QzVlY51LcHLJFWB3_wgxlsij0/s1600/chunky+cuff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvX4TDbPW4BHGkHTWGyDL2lCGvkNlpMNbEdaR6UT5RzLuwu-c_cZuBueAML8ZjT1QQyE1RsrhSYwCZcu_SCTwk4DjFz4hGyi1gexTTpV2BRg6CnkkY4QzVlY51LcHLJFWB3_wgxlsij0/s1600/chunky+cuff.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
When I first saw this bracelet, I wasn't sure about it, but after seeing it in person, I just *love* it. John used a layering technique I hadn't seen before and the result is fantastic. I have plenty of ideas using this technique.<br />
<br />
I had a few leftover rings and made a simple pair of earrings.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhft8YdI_VhrFtPQHVuPuwcIQm2RHsdtqGWKDwBX2yXXLWkopK9YWYmkB8_q0MSR7CuIWxytabUgD5sFpSPeoMuK5OWv8eSvh-ZawGxrq-ZOwYBmvRDTQDrwyAXypzKGAyHEJ53GJgdUOg/s1600/chunky+cuff+earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhft8YdI_VhrFtPQHVuPuwcIQm2RHsdtqGWKDwBX2yXXLWkopK9YWYmkB8_q0MSR7CuIWxytabUgD5sFpSPeoMuK5OWv8eSvh-ZawGxrq-ZOwYBmvRDTQDrwyAXypzKGAyHEJ53GJgdUOg/s1600/chunky+cuff+earrings.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
<br />
In addition to the <a href="http://pixiloo.blogspot.com/2014/08/sunburst-pendants.html" target="_blank">sunburst kit</a>, my in-laws gave me the <a href="http://www.bluebuddhaboutique.com/b3/projects/Nouveau-Earrings-and-Necklace" target="_blank">Nouveau pendant and earrings</a> kit, designed by April Hannah Llewellyn.<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrzHvPd6l2q1Rkwdlg9b2D-FLmpiI6z2VyFxnLandUcTokQfy0VfxUhsJ4n3F5JWIzOyX6KJngKIA_SbGaEqrbBobdBWt0g9YXIwgtjJ_rDjeLRSifvUoAsYF6KU_mYBkCm1DPS6LmbY/s1600/nouveau+earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrzHvPd6l2q1Rkwdlg9b2D-FLmpiI6z2VyFxnLandUcTokQfy0VfxUhsJ4n3F5JWIzOyX6KJngKIA_SbGaEqrbBobdBWt0g9YXIwgtjJ_rDjeLRSifvUoAsYF6KU_mYBkCm1DPS6LmbY/s1600/nouveau+earrings.jpg" height="320" width="220" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioL5o6riH-eXr1HTD3rxDxAt0oRwaDZlepA3VK0r3XLdp_N_ak0y8s3iKLLdItpPvqqDpGojtzOwdz87PILUe5ChbyuJElWMjE_vcQEVZ2pu_IWQ9KmNLwCR3T4oUNM9WS0n67CZFIKEI/s1600/nouveau+pendant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioL5o6riH-eXr1HTD3rxDxAt0oRwaDZlepA3VK0r3XLdp_N_ak0y8s3iKLLdItpPvqqDpGojtzOwdz87PILUe5ChbyuJElWMjE_vcQEVZ2pu_IWQ9KmNLwCR3T4oUNM9WS0n67CZFIKEI/s1600/nouveau+pendant.jpg" height="320" width="219" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I just love the colors -- so bright and fun! The earrings are awesome to wear. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I haven't worn the pendant yet because I haven't decided exactly how to build a necklace around it. The kit came with a chain, but I want to make something special, so stay tuned!</div>
</div>
Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674909712418596942noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986063136622162325.post-36320003788945587082014-08-13T01:00:00.000-05:002014-08-13T01:00:02.712-05:00Halcraft Pretty PalettesIn November of last year, <a href="http://treasures-found.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Erin Prais-Hintz</a> started a Pretty Palettes color challenge on the <a href="http://www.halcraft.com/blog/" target="_blank">Halcraft blog</a>.<br />
<br />
Each month, Erin picks a set of beads that coordinate with a color palette and invites her readers to create something using those beads. A few months ago, Erin started partnering with guest bloggers. It's always fun to see how two people use the same set of beads.<br />
<br />
I was honored when Erin asked me to be her partner for the <a href="http://www.halcraft.com/design/pretty-palettes-august-inspiration/#more-4135" target="_blank">August Pretty Palette challenge</a>. Erin has such a way with color and design. She can find inspiration in virtually anything: <a href="http://treasures-found.blogspot.com/2013/12/4th-annual-challenge-of-color.html" target="_blank">color</a>, <a href="http://treasures-found.blogspot.com/2013/10/inspired-by-reading-my-mother-she.html" target="_blank">literature</a>, <a href="http://treasures-found.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-challenge-of-music-reveal.html" target="_blank">music</a>, and <a href="http://treasures-found.blogspot.com/2013/08/2nd-annual-challenge-of-travel-stevens.html" target="_blank">travel</a>, just to name a few.<br />
<br />
The inspiration for August comes from <a href="http://www.notioncreative.com/the-color-of-street-art-x/" target="_blank">notion:creative</a>, which showcases street art.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.halcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/PP_thecolorofstreetartX_notioncreative.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.halcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/PP_thecolorofstreetartX_notioncreative.jpg" height="185" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Erin picked a variety of beads<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.halcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/august2014-beads-268x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.halcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/august2014-beads-268x300.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm so excited to play!<br />
<br />
You are more than welcome to play along. Erin offers a link up every month.<br />
<br />
The beads are from <a href="http://www.michaels.com/" target="_blank">Michaels</a>:<br />
<br />
99042 Bronze Iris 10x14mm rondel<br />
95109 Teal Dyed Jasper 9x14mm<br />
93286 Dyed agate pink round 10mm<br />
59593 Round dyed pink quartzite 6mm<br />
89899 Bone carved melon 8x10mm<br />
93359 Dyed red bamboo coral 14mm beaded beads<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Check back on August 27th for the reveal, both here and on the <a href="http://www.halcraft.com/blog/" target="_blank">Halcraft blog</a>.</div>
Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674909712418596942noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986063136622162325.post-3880358266925849332014-08-08T01:00:00.000-05:002014-08-08T01:00:01.082-05:00Sunburst pendantsA few months ago, Paula from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/FlutterbyKissis" target="_blank">Flutterby Kisses</a> created a chain maille pendant that mimics wirework.<br />
<br />
After much begging (and not just from me), she created a tutorial for her <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/190653688/sunburst-chainmaille-pendant-tutorial?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">Sunburst Pendant</a> and it has gone viral. <br />
<br />
Every day, it seems, someone posts a rendition of Paula's design. Both <a href="http://www.bluebuddhaboutique.com/" target="_blank">Blue Buddha</a> and <a href="https://candtdesigns.com/" target="_blank">C and T Designs</a> have created kits for a smaller version of Paula's pendant.<br />
<br />
My in-laws were kind enough to give me Blue Buddha's copper and brown sunburst kit for my birthday. I love Blue Buddha's kits because there always seem to be extra rings. Instead of the three pendants promised, I made five!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEsTuzra8yBSLZtpiE0gIi6GDwTYcBPkpPdpp6cf_O7IL3MmNM5Il7GBQiBzowKmIIKJSapLAfm7bI3lMHzf9z-RU5u4i3of1b63OYwYKF6BLW9XfE9ZZO3S7-l3okfOtrahLTCh_tKY/s1600/sunburst+necklace+close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEsTuzra8yBSLZtpiE0gIi6GDwTYcBPkpPdpp6cf_O7IL3MmNM5Il7GBQiBzowKmIIKJSapLAfm7bI3lMHzf9z-RU5u4i3of1b63OYwYKF6BLW9XfE9ZZO3S7-l3okfOtrahLTCh_tKY/s1600/sunburst+necklace+close.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I played around with the pendants and liked the way they looked linked together.<br />
<br />
I added two herringbone ropes and a necklace was born.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHnko6VNki0BTBv6KwzGFwdvOrV1tkcSWl8OA_mx5SSDGISDtjPz5AIt87-4EWCGCJKq0I5vNYZe86sxZRFhLJSKQCu3jXuNsiEMXal3fyLflagUPXNFK_xKS9Y6lwL16Ijth_0z2nBoo/s1600/sunburst+necklace+full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHnko6VNki0BTBv6KwzGFwdvOrV1tkcSWl8OA_mx5SSDGISDtjPz5AIt87-4EWCGCJKq0I5vNYZe86sxZRFhLJSKQCu3jXuNsiEMXal3fyLflagUPXNFK_xKS9Y6lwL16Ijth_0z2nBoo/s1600/sunburst+necklace+full.jpg" height="320" width="220" /></a></div>
<br />
I wanted to use a sunburst for a clasp, but it just didn't work. Instead, I tried a little wire wrapping.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnCbGEseEGrtkFf1m21QJD3WfVUEKAeupygvVc5DaB2wytvnRaLomtD9ruHvRMkMzOftb0ZyP-Y1-Ff5ndNarf39LdedGNs0nVtc2AEwHhKcfSJBvpSekHXoazU5aTVHEQGeDGhfaD3g/s1600/sunburst+necklace+clasp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnCbGEseEGrtkFf1m21QJD3WfVUEKAeupygvVc5DaB2wytvnRaLomtD9ruHvRMkMzOftb0ZyP-Y1-Ff5ndNarf39LdedGNs0nVtc2AEwHhKcfSJBvpSekHXoazU5aTVHEQGeDGhfaD3g/s1600/sunburst+necklace+clasp.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
If you want to make a sunburst of your own, you can find Paula's tutorial <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/190653688/sunburst-chainmaille-pendant-tutorial?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">here</a>. You do need the tutorial if you buy the kits from Blue Buddha or C and T designs.Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674909712418596942noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986063136622162325.post-24203480316851494952014-07-21T01:00:00.000-05:002014-07-21T01:00:02.230-05:00In love with Cylon (not the one you think, though)My mom asked me to create a watch band using a watch face that she liked.<br />
<br />
I looked at different weaves and settled on the <a href="http://www.mailleartisans.org/weaves/weavedisplay.php?key=832" target="_blank">cylon weave</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQq0SqD9QGJhnEjKFSbOwkkBp1VI7eskFpFKGoPQwbscsmlNtU6kMLPQqpJqp4SAOmYQUpN-QIxcBt88KW3OhXts-8BHzpCO2j78uTJanIlAnp8a0erzs9jiBuqFCKEjnRzd2aqps1Vs8/s1600/cylon+watch+full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQq0SqD9QGJhnEjKFSbOwkkBp1VI7eskFpFKGoPQwbscsmlNtU6kMLPQqpJqp4SAOmYQUpN-QIxcBt88KW3OhXts-8BHzpCO2j78uTJanIlAnp8a0erzs9jiBuqFCKEjnRzd2aqps1Vs8/s1600/cylon+watch+full.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
This is a mini version of cylon, using smaller rings. And I do mean "smaller." The blue rings in the middle are 3/32 inch -- the smallest rings I've ever used.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajsi3KXH1I2xnHT3kBAyJhKuonfEuRT3v8246yUgow9IyA8A7S4ERcWPpw3s71kfO2OYav8iBaTA_MnEYM7xFT9MC3f8PVJg9hOmMboBFOVuWo-kLyBQD9u1dzuDy08RPCBZjq2lXoUw/s1600/cylon+watch+close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajsi3KXH1I2xnHT3kBAyJhKuonfEuRT3v8246yUgow9IyA8A7S4ERcWPpw3s71kfO2OYav8iBaTA_MnEYM7xFT9MC3f8PVJg9hOmMboBFOVuWo-kLyBQD9u1dzuDy08RPCBZjq2lXoUw/s1600/cylon+watch+close.jpg" height="192" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I am so proud of how it turned out, though. I think it's perfect and am already planning a cylon cuff for myself.<br />
<br />
You can find instructions for the cylon cuff <a href="http://www.bluebuddhaboutique.com/b3/projects/Double-Cylon-Cuff" target="_blank">here</a> on <a href="http://www.bluebuddhaboutique.com/b3/" target="_blank">Blue Buddha</a>'s site. The instructions give ring sizes for the regular version (using larger rings) and this version.Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674909712418596942noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986063136622162325.post-45885625763476214652014-07-16T01:00:00.000-05:002014-07-16T01:00:01.053-05:00Another Michaels Challenge!I was so excited to see <a href="http://humblebeads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Heather Powers</a> and <a href="http://lorelei1141.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Lorelei Eurto</a> were hosting another <a href="http://www.michaels.com/" target="_blank">Michaels</a> challenge.<br />
<br />
Heather picked out the beadss using this as her inspiration.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-KI60L7tEDSyr-UXBUp9XNnCqiT15oGi8cDLfFqbTrucT8qG2ztUeIY0w6KvFqpL_hSIDmjkLFS-WZw-_-hs2wQUejv6sBERuqPuZuf6KYcXPKNQOt4qir1LagdP5sSzUjafiZeBwIUM/s1600/challengecolors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-KI60L7tEDSyr-UXBUp9XNnCqiT15oGi8cDLfFqbTrucT8qG2ztUeIY0w6KvFqpL_hSIDmjkLFS-WZw-_-hs2wQUejv6sBERuqPuZuf6KYcXPKNQOt4qir1LagdP5sSzUjafiZeBwIUM/s1600/challengecolors.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
The colors in the paisley fabric are so awesome! And Heather picked out the perfect beads to match!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDew2cPINsnhu6lP2EC_k-McGE8oqEtdTeB6F-M0swjPuAJQWj-vQbcaKYASs4p8ctrz62oVM_ktRlMndWATOSOjmevB_sFs9IzcVEReH7Kc6O3ND5_czj51cTlw73LoeJoRrgh1Cd43kr/s1600/challengebeads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDew2cPINsnhu6lP2EC_k-McGE8oqEtdTeB6F-M0swjPuAJQWj-vQbcaKYASs4p8ctrz62oVM_ktRlMndWATOSOjmevB_sFs9IzcVEReH7Kc6O3ND5_czj51cTlw73LoeJoRrgh1Cd43kr/s1600/challengebeads.jpg" height="200" width="177" /></a></div>
<br />
(Both of these are Heather's photos. I completely forgot to take a photo of the beads before I started playing.)<br />
<br />
I love the fuschia and the blues and greens -- gorgeous colors and ones I seldom choose for myself.<br />
<br />
When I got these beads, I had been playing with <a href="http://gwenbeads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Gwen Fisher</a>'s <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/189075857/tutorial-conway-bead-beaded-with" target="_blank">Conway Bead</a> design. I whipped up a few, thinking it would be fun to include them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmQFSxqqiqUrR42meBnov2CaoMEYnY_ojEl6krcT_zdGDp6a8004qbyB25ag671p11m8i3Ha9zsgjXgxHOvid2NFaQ4MZDw0VZy54gC1cyIBKM32cv3U6gJhivqK-SHfPPs82xv6wuhw/s1600/michaels+challenge+3+conway+necklace+close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmQFSxqqiqUrR42meBnov2CaoMEYnY_ojEl6krcT_zdGDp6a8004qbyB25ag671p11m8i3Ha9zsgjXgxHOvid2NFaQ4MZDw0VZy54gC1cyIBKM32cv3U6gJhivqK-SHfPPs82xv6wuhw/s1600/michaels+challenge+3+conway+necklace+close.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
The Conway beads are slightly bigger than the large green beads, but I think they work well. <br />
<br />
I also used the white rondelles and the brown cube beads along with the green ones.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02oWfXhCraHuoBkA3vFfLLcU61o2nAIyjWqTMWAIepr_N-iZ8Y-IJ0FPmEZ2C4ulZLjiYTrqj7AnJ1RvQ64xOOzYZ9Zinmme7hE10F03ZvrtheaCMp2Opl6rIA5xPl67AF2xduPfuAOw/s1600/michaels+challenge+3+conway+necklace+full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02oWfXhCraHuoBkA3vFfLLcU61o2nAIyjWqTMWAIepr_N-iZ8Y-IJ0FPmEZ2C4ulZLjiYTrqj7AnJ1RvQ64xOOzYZ9Zinmme7hE10F03ZvrtheaCMp2Opl6rIA5xPl67AF2xduPfuAOw/s1600/michaels+challenge+3+conway+necklace+full.jpg" height="208" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I made a half Persian 3 in 1 chain to go with the beads and managed to create a necklace. :)<br />
<br />
After I finished this, I realized that I pulled the beads I was most comfortable with -- green, brown, earthy tones. I added a bit of pink to the beaded beads, but conveniently forgot the pink and blue Michaels beads.<br />
<br />
I grabbed those beads -- jewel tones I don't usually work with -- and decided to create something with those.<br />
<br />
I turned to a favorite pattern from <a href="http://try-to-be-better.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sabine Lippert</a> and used the pink beads to create a Bollywood version of her Granada pendant. (You can find the pattern for this in Sabine's book, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sabine-Lipperts-Beaded-Fantasies-Beadweaving/dp/145470246X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1404685192&sr=8-2&keywords=sabine+lippert" target="_blank">Beaded Fantasies</a></i>.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dWasLDlVUr27LoqIrH51azdfl7ZFMQ1rFYSYSOROdhFWSHQw1jjdcKAYj8P2Hl8POr72in7oPaE81Mg9d6O5LRZpAmmDWN-gW25agPnEZU5CR9e1jeUelJgBHLp5vkcXrmrErlU0dbc/s1600/michaels+challenge+3+necklace+close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dWasLDlVUr27LoqIrH51azdfl7ZFMQ1rFYSYSOROdhFWSHQw1jjdcKAYj8P2Hl8POr72in7oPaE81Mg9d6O5LRZpAmmDWN-gW25agPnEZU5CR9e1jeUelJgBHLp5vkcXrmrErlU0dbc/s1600/michaels+challenge+3+necklace+close.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I wanted to make an elaborate necklace to showcase the pendant and tried several different things, none of which seemed right to me.<br />
<br />
In the end, I went with something simpler.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUi55IAkz6YLE8U-MjJSvpPpV6luhc8Y-0YzbPxTym7hNk3Qvzjqxzo2d8UblR-gxdfgSqpsvXxDELR-uKoKor_zry9cCFNmYHa9bhdyqBF-Si0XQ-m_SH9eYRy7lGxEqKvnTuRppM1dY/s1600/michaels+challenge+3+necklace+full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUi55IAkz6YLE8U-MjJSvpPpV6luhc8Y-0YzbPxTym7hNk3Qvzjqxzo2d8UblR-gxdfgSqpsvXxDELR-uKoKor_zry9cCFNmYHa9bhdyqBF-Si0XQ-m_SH9eYRy7lGxEqKvnTuRppM1dY/s1600/michaels+challenge+3+necklace+full.jpg" height="320" width="223" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I love the green sari ribbon. <br />
<br />
These are colors I never ever .. ever would have chosen and I am so pleased with how this turned out. <br />
<br />
I took a part of the Granada pendant and made a single components. They made great earrings.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwm25P2qpzSGgaIl7n9GulsNwQltNCcnZwolEqwN-V2endmhI3uUSzMTGL2NjHI5rc8CXxc2WPJMpytNVNVgBvpw1kbmRP-J2lMhUQgtTHKcJZ0ofX5HtvMIgGOjDHwvsvTIufoVPdwpc/s1600/michaels+challenge+3+earrings+two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwm25P2qpzSGgaIl7n9GulsNwQltNCcnZwolEqwN-V2endmhI3uUSzMTGL2NjHI5rc8CXxc2WPJMpytNVNVgBvpw1kbmRP-J2lMhUQgtTHKcJZ0ofX5HtvMIgGOjDHwvsvTIufoVPdwpc/s1600/michaels+challenge+3+earrings+two.jpg" height="320" width="217" /></a></div>
<br />
At one point during my necklace trials, I made a few drops with the blue/gold beads. Not one to let anything go to waste, I whipped up this simple pair of earrings.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdo_oW9gukypjvW4Ym6mqXmw0d32ZSNG6FzjH6EuLnwNf2CmtjUQXzImxODHPu6NfMSKSdfzlrGJH49wudmhZqF5L3l4Lb2lgNt19g5MchLCr41vv2yqC_MXcXXPvaIjkpMH8Pi35JHE/s1600/michaels+challenge+3+earrings+one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdo_oW9gukypjvW4Ym6mqXmw0d32ZSNG6FzjH6EuLnwNf2CmtjUQXzImxODHPu6NfMSKSdfzlrGJH49wudmhZqF5L3l4Lb2lgNt19g5MchLCr41vv2yqC_MXcXXPvaIjkpMH8Pi35JHE/s1600/michaels+challenge+3+earrings+one.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
<br />
I was sad that I didn't find a use for the brown rectangle flower beads. However, I did use them in the <a href="http://pixiloo.blogspot.com/2013/08/loreleis-second-michaels-challenge.html" target="_blank">last Michaels challenge</a>. That counts, right?<br />
<br />
Heather and Lorelei, thank you for a fun challenge! I have a new favorite necklace thanks to the two of you!<br />
<br />
Please check <a href="http://humblebeads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Heather's blog</a> for the link up and see what the other participants did with these beads.Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674909712418596942noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986063136622162325.post-26410487248468775762014-07-08T01:00:00.000-05:002014-07-08T01:00:01.546-05:00Pinwheels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Recently, I've been playing around with <a href="http://beadorigami.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cindy Holsclaw</a>'s <a href="http://www.beadorigami.com/patterns/double_pinwheel.html" target="_blank">Double Pinwheel Beaded Beads</a>.<br />
<br />
These guys are so cute and bead up in a snap.<br />
<br />
Cindy gives directions for five different sizes, which is great for something like this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeB_FfA4gU6Phk2iGGZZ_doli8-SEGt533eKdl7AIJd6NXWRrPlU1Vyp9uNbdNyPMKW6rczucScJp6thIWKG2CHsrtkpOAoCp2DulKtn6Jh0d3-eFUiAL4t5oC0BHeHQOjtzuvs_m1ejc/s1600/pinwheel+necklace+close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeB_FfA4gU6Phk2iGGZZ_doli8-SEGt533eKdl7AIJd6NXWRrPlU1Vyp9uNbdNyPMKW6rczucScJp6thIWKG2CHsrtkpOAoCp2DulKtn6Jh0d3-eFUiAL4t5oC0BHeHQOjtzuvs_m1ejc/s1600/pinwheel+necklace+close.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This necklace is inspired by <a href="http://erinsiegeljewelry.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Erin Siegel</a>'s "Greenwish Punk Necklace" in her book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KIWTRYK/ref=pe_385040_118058080_TE_M1T1DP" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Punk Chic Jewelry</a>. I loved the design and whipped up a quick half Persian 3 in 1 chain to complete the necklace.<br />
<br />
However, the pinwheel beads seemed to large for the smaller chain.<br />
<br />
I made a larger chain using the same weave and I think it works much better.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbuBISPnaXp4EO23UnHAq769qTsPW5iPpLvMkewUKo3tucJ_GxEiFhIvuZM0_HlCq7XXeeTOWKEZqcHFXbyjOgHvyDBcbNa9HoSAw1M5UPx6OcsIEly5TRF_FRxrTbxwXLr9meZvR6LJA/s1600/pinwheel+necklace+second.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbuBISPnaXp4EO23UnHAq769qTsPW5iPpLvMkewUKo3tucJ_GxEiFhIvuZM0_HlCq7XXeeTOWKEZqcHFXbyjOgHvyDBcbNa9HoSAw1M5UPx6OcsIEly5TRF_FRxrTbxwXLr9meZvR6LJA/s1600/pinwheel+necklace+second.jpg" height="222" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I also made a small pair of pinwheel beads and paired them with charms from <a href="http://sharylsjewelry.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sharyl's Jewelry</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAeljdZG3vNmpoPFe8BWlQCvjR7Wywby8KHunVzwA4TrLUrnR9d4swLhH7Nx448iF35NdqGRQ23C-hM39FW1CfEp39cpZul2lO3a7U3WnSU9mAQqAHXF1uVyEIv0rphisp9wpZozDMhk/s1600/pinwheel+earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAeljdZG3vNmpoPFe8BWlQCvjR7Wywby8KHunVzwA4TrLUrnR9d4swLhH7Nx448iF35NdqGRQ23C-hM39FW1CfEp39cpZul2lO3a7U3WnSU9mAQqAHXF1uVyEIv0rphisp9wpZozDMhk/s1600/pinwheel+earrings.jpg" height="320" width="219" /></a></div>
<br />
I thought they turned out nicely.<br />
<br />
You can find more of Sharyl's charms and beads in her <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/sharylsjewelry" target="_blank">artfire store</a>.<br />
<br />
Cindy sells her tutorials and kits in her store, <a href="http://www.beadorigami.com/" target="_blank">Bead Origami</a>.<br />
<br />
Erin has other tutorials for sale in her <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ErinSiegelJewelry?ref=em" target="_blank">etsy shop</a> and her book is available <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KIWTRYK/ref=pe_385040_118058080_TE_M1T1DP" target="_blank">here</a> on Amazon.Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674909712418596942noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986063136622162325.post-30782174080239745422014-07-02T01:00:00.000-05:002014-07-02T01:00:01.274-05:00Conway BeadsOne of the things I love about <a href="http://gwenbeads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Gwen Fisher</a> is the way she uses beads to create complicated mathematical shapes. Her <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/189075857/tutorial-conway-bead-beaded-with?ref=shop_home_active_2" target="_blank">Conway Beaded Bead</a> is a perfect example.<br />
<br />
The tutorial is aimed toward experienced beaders. Gwen designed the Conway bead using tetrahedrons and triangular prisms made with a modified cubic right angle weave (or, in this case, tetra right angle weave?). <br />
<br />
Gwen gives instructions for two different bead sizes, but suggests trying the larger size first (with good reason).<br />
<br />
Not one to go the easy route, I started on the smaller one.<br />
<br />
The first step gave me a bit of trouble because I couldn't visualize the shape or the beaded structure. Gwen's illustrations and photos were very helpful and I followed her thread path, confident that she wouldn't lead me astray.<br />
<br />
Step 2 was easier and, after the third step, it "clicked."<br />
<br />
After that, it was (mostly) smooth sailing. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyQZOLl0aive_ps-ySPhr2jvTPXpIQH1FDaX7IhC_42xiey352mnAgmdfMW9G40rsVk9OkUUNtK80CBwkqhrqKPCIJ0PkRjXHVcDoMo1M5xpgYLsCHR35WysHztYPgBnlOX5Mv6w0xtU/s1600/conway+bead+green+copper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyQZOLl0aive_ps-ySPhr2jvTPXpIQH1FDaX7IhC_42xiey352mnAgmdfMW9G40rsVk9OkUUNtK80CBwkqhrqKPCIJ0PkRjXHVcDoMo1M5xpgYLsCHR35WysHztYPgBnlOX5Mv6w0xtU/s1600/conway+bead+green+copper.jpg" height="219" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If you try this pattern (and I highly recommend that you do), remember that the first few stitches are fiddly, but it gets much easier (and faster) and you progress.<br />
<br />
The next bead went very quickly. The bigger beads were easier to work with and I had the pattern down. Gwen mentioned in her <a href="http://gwenbeads.blogspot.com/2014/05/tutorial-conway-bead-beaded-with.html" target="_blank">blog post</a> that the design is intuitive and she is totally right. I was able to do the second without double checking the pattern.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBck0rZ9oGKLKxnoRyNEGRyIylzhSj6XFycvIq2LCIh5GWXTKcdHwE4IIP4AnHpbC8FoJZyQp_AY67ktPyh5Xk-cZfD9wh4CVfbQ2ksRBVTWl36435LTsbr-TKZcODH1VU1vRzq1X7QAM/s1600/conway+bead+blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBck0rZ9oGKLKxnoRyNEGRyIylzhSj6XFycvIq2LCIh5GWXTKcdHwE4IIP4AnHpbC8FoJZyQp_AY67ktPyh5Xk-cZfD9wh4CVfbQ2ksRBVTWl36435LTsbr-TKZcODH1VU1vRzq1X7QAM/s1600/conway+bead+blue.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I even made a small one using size 15 seed beads.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrw6BScJnH_AMjOEu9g-RMa1u8jks_33i78ghW-eHgftx6IrLTj6G7k4EKnn7vs2ifAAxtPu0Jog61V5Fw2o9imkvmrWgaDf0Xus0TXSPSD2sLbSnV0SYr0Wmc8IdrlnTj4V5irNUpi4/s1600/conway+bead+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrw6BScJnH_AMjOEu9g-RMa1u8jks_33i78ghW-eHgftx6IrLTj6G7k4EKnn7vs2ifAAxtPu0Jog61V5Fw2o9imkvmrWgaDf0Xus0TXSPSD2sLbSnV0SYr0Wmc8IdrlnTj4V5irNUpi4/s1600/conway+bead+small.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
These little beads are fun to make and, once you get the hang of it, they work up very quickly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWxELQTUoceM_60jOh84icyU1a7mikHoQCR9saext7AXUAXpblygUIcGveKGUwlMwTrhFy4HfX2dTWOm2YmckVr-KPgfeAcP7deP87nVAQUyHqYFQJtMThhQI1f3ptNG96NnKGH5dVzE/s1600/conway+bead+all+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWxELQTUoceM_60jOh84icyU1a7mikHoQCR9saext7AXUAXpblygUIcGveKGUwlMwTrhFy4HfX2dTWOm2YmckVr-KPgfeAcP7deP87nVAQUyHqYFQJtMThhQI1f3ptNG96NnKGH5dVzE/s1600/conway+bead+all+2.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I might have a problem.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwnycxdIumCUz8f1pLxuj0W1O_NtDZxvOP9VWfnErLOSjRiemotYxb9eJh1qK7RNS3eLdvVNa3F-nJvN1Kl6jlDlHgN654rdejUlgJ5hAEwrjkaGQdeoi7l83ovU7YWMsEUDDyQVSuIE/s1600/conway+bead+all.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwnycxdIumCUz8f1pLxuj0W1O_NtDZxvOP9VWfnErLOSjRiemotYxb9eJh1qK7RNS3eLdvVNa3F-nJvN1Kl6jlDlHgN654rdejUlgJ5hAEwrjkaGQdeoi7l83ovU7YWMsEUDDyQVSuIE/s1600/conway+bead+all.jpg" height="207" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
You can find the tutorial for the Conway bead <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/189075857/tutorial-conway-bead-beaded-with?ref=shop_home_active_2" target="_blank">here</a>. You can find more of Gwen's patterns on her <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/gwenbeads" target="_blank">etsy shop</a> and you can find other designs by Gwen and <a href="http://florenceturnour.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Florence Turnour</a> on their website, <a href="http://beadinfinitum.com/" target="_blank">Bead Infinitum</a>.Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674909712418596942noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986063136622162325.post-42090433283031911042014-06-28T01:00:00.000-05:002014-06-28T01:00:00.472-05:00More Intricate Chain MailleI think this is quickly becoming my favorite weave.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTV0u1b4lUWpxrmCM46GqDxNTwdthM5IacW4MgtevwKxoWEb4BJ00np7VbG_uxzrsDi_J_M_XymS6wsd2ARDPjWDVCLbT0vcczwW7yajiShy9LLTXMv__7UYdzWthzvHsfIOv4t9jZuE/s1600/intricate+chain+maille+spring+colors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTV0u1b4lUWpxrmCM46GqDxNTwdthM5IacW4MgtevwKxoWEb4BJ00np7VbG_uxzrsDi_J_M_XymS6wsd2ARDPjWDVCLbT0vcczwW7yajiShy9LLTXMv__7UYdzWthzvHsfIOv4t9jZuE/s1600/intricate+chain+maille+spring+colors.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The colors are taken from <a href="http://www.bluebuddhaboutique.com/" target="_blank">Blue Buddha</a>'s Spring kit for "Large <a href="http://www.bluebuddhaboutique.com/b3/projects/Coiled-Butterfly" target="_blank">Coiled Butterfly</a>" (a building block for <a href="http://www.bluebuddhaboutique.com/b3/projects/Intricate-Maille" target="_blank">Intricate Chain Maille</a>).<br />
<br />
I think it will work for summer also. :)Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674909712418596942noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986063136622162325.post-11413699136266775542014-06-25T01:00:00.000-05:002014-06-25T01:00:01.262-05:00Jens Pind LinkageAs you know, I've been mailing as much as I've been beading.<br />
<br />
The other day, I decided to try my hand at a somewhat difficult weave -- <a href="http://cgmaille.com/tutorials/jpl.shtml" target="_blank">jens pind linkage</a>. From what I can tell, this weave can scare even the most experienced chain mailers.<br />
<br />
I started out with <a href="http://www.jewelrybysueonline.com/" target="_blank">Sue Ripsch</a>'s pattern from her book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Classic-Chain-Mail-Jewelry-Twist/dp/0871164833/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y" target="_blank"><i>Classic Chain Mail Jewelry With a Twist</i></a>. I was surprised that I was able to start the weave without any trouble. Keeping it going, however, proved to be harder.<br />
<br />
Jens Pind is a spiral weave and each new ring matches the orientation of the 3rd ring back. While this sounds straight forward, it's hard to see the emerging pattern (especially when using all copper rings). I took out more than a few rings in learning this weave.<br />
<br />
I finally turned back to <a href="http://zili.de/maille/tut/jpl3tut.htm" target="_blank">ZiLi's tutorial</a> (ZiLi is a chain maille genius and a regular on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Chain.Maille/" target="_blank">chain maille facebook group</a> I've joined) and something clicked.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcovAp87zYzLpXf-AgoQAIyD7l2Hz3exMg_nPxYVy66fnjKPPiPQWbj9WU2Gj8PhBfnDPoV_Pjzq58ud3sXBbvk4tZBnOcaSjR9doPe9DS7NgDd03XnNPHD3VHs8bJuVZfklcaC6dXhSc/s1600/jpl+bracelet+close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcovAp87zYzLpXf-AgoQAIyD7l2Hz3exMg_nPxYVy66fnjKPPiPQWbj9WU2Gj8PhBfnDPoV_Pjzq58ud3sXBbvk4tZBnOcaSjR9doPe9DS7NgDd03XnNPHD3VHs8bJuVZfklcaC6dXhSc/s1600/jpl+bracelet+close.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I am really taken with this weave. It's both delicate and hefty. The spiral pattern is amazing.<br />
<br />
I only had enough of the proper size rings to make a bracelet. I paired my chain with a focal from <a href="http://www.stacilouiseoriginals.com/" target="_blank">Staci Louise Originals</a>. Staci's bead looks amazing with the copper.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEl-YeXMf184cMaW-tB7uasrF5ytWNjbOAf_ka2iM6o2Lx2pF5BbseaZjP5Q8fmaAUQ41Dj8jrq6i3v3r_jP2kqOqeVwpjgIuXg1WGeGeCYmOrDPfkGGoq2iMY4b2McNl0Pso9WyPAuo/s1600/jpl+bracelet+full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEl-YeXMf184cMaW-tB7uasrF5ytWNjbOAf_ka2iM6o2Lx2pF5BbseaZjP5Q8fmaAUQ41Dj8jrq6i3v3r_jP2kqOqeVwpjgIuXg1WGeGeCYmOrDPfkGGoq2iMY4b2McNl0Pso9WyPAuo/s1600/jpl+bracelet+full.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The intimidating jens pind may now by my favorite weave. <br />
<br />
I'm excited to try JPL 5, which is the same weave, but using 5 rings instead of 3. (I think I need to order more rings.) :)<br />
<br />
As I menI've already ordered more rings. I can't wait for them to get here.Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674909712418596942noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986063136622162325.post-47917766613635575312014-05-31T10:30:00.000-05:002014-05-31T10:43:03.649-05:00Dancing RivolisI love reading reviews -- of books, make-up, iPad apps, recipes, and anything in between. (I even have the kiddo reading app reviews before asking if she can download an app. "Please, Mommy, all these people said it was good.")<br />
<br />
I really love the reviews, though, in which the reviewer "missed something." I'm sure you've all read the shrimp scampi review from the person who used chicken instead of shrimp, used butter spray instead of butter, didn't have scallions, so used dried something or other, and decided to bake the dish instead of sautee.<br />
<br />
That said, I'm not above "tweaking" a recipe from time to time, or even a design, though I try to remember that any difficulties result from user error.<br />
<br />
Case in point:<br />
<br />
When I saw <a href="http://theverdantedge.com/" target="_blank">Laura Luepke</a>'s "Dancing Cabs Necklace" in the <a href="http://www.beadingdaily.com/blogs/beadwork/archive/2014/04/17/beadwork-june-july-2014.aspx" target="_blank">June issue</a> of <a href="http://www.beadingdaily.com/blogs/beadwork/" target="_blank">Beadwork magazine</a>, I immediately wanted to try it -- like that minute.<br />
<br />
Of course, I didn't have cabs ... or brick beads, but I didn't let that stop me. I dug out some rivolis (not in the right sizes) and went to work.<br />
<br />
The centerpiece of Laura's necklace is embroidered. When I grabbed my bead backing, I realized that my rivolis wouldn't lie flat like a cab. Instead, I bezeled them. I ended up with a bit of funky stitching to attach the superduo beads (in place of the brick beads) to the bezel, but the result was worth it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9ReN_puHtu-NJ3DPYzSbDq8c_Emp_urg0256fhOB8D0LLyo5Z_GV4p3QJhoWAIjvgf5PpVFy17NdSHtE2-27MhSbZsjcaIF3szkZZqYDa2nkXY1wXHxIwIpBhu5cRkl4EG2-CWJb8WU/s1600/dancing+cabs+close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9ReN_puHtu-NJ3DPYzSbDq8c_Emp_urg0256fhOB8D0LLyo5Z_GV4p3QJhoWAIjvgf5PpVFy17NdSHtE2-27MhSbZsjcaIF3szkZZqYDa2nkXY1wXHxIwIpBhu5cRkl4EG2-CWJb8WU/s1600/dancing+cabs+close.jpg" height="320" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
I hope that I captured the essence of Laura's beautiful design, even if I went about it in a different way.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSx614WGL5ii1xHrS1o0F-xURFRTmhkMllUp55i1jGbEKhwmHK4Eg3txltfbGocLtesrCTRylUsD851yp3jpPkxXWP34XsWKnGpNDIZ-Kf-0YvfxkYUJD3kDA1FmbmRIWV3J9o2A0Gc70/s1600/dancing+cabs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSx614WGL5ii1xHrS1o0F-xURFRTmhkMllUp55i1jGbEKhwmHK4Eg3txltfbGocLtesrCTRylUsD851yp3jpPkxXWP34XsWKnGpNDIZ-Kf-0YvfxkYUJD3kDA1FmbmRIWV3J9o2A0Gc70/s1600/dancing+cabs.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
I really like the strap. It's a lovely variation on the daisy chain.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzOZDGKuPb9AWLv6INoechKkWWbKKNJe1GHUfu3_E6R3QwScqDkJyV3SGkOXpZaS6sya_9bQ_1qCTB03oaXIPwiSBOqgSivmbWMLuPEQ3-NCzCJcnx_BQz0wcHwVPIYxjAQWlhhimQMQ/s1600/dancing+cabs+rope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzOZDGKuPb9AWLv6INoechKkWWbKKNJe1GHUfu3_E6R3QwScqDkJyV3SGkOXpZaS6sya_9bQ_1qCTB03oaXIPwiSBOqgSivmbWMLuPEQ3-NCzCJcnx_BQz0wcHwVPIYxjAQWlhhimQMQ/s1600/dancing+cabs+rope.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a></div>
<br />
If you want to make a necklace of your own, but don't want to end up off the path like I did, Laura offers <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheVerdantEdge?section_id=13918287&ref=shopsection_leftnav_5" target="_blank">several kits</a> in her <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheVerdantEdge" target="_blank">etsy shop</a>.<br />
<br />
I had the good fortune to meet Laura at Bead and Button last year, and see a bit of her work in person. She is sweet and super talented. <br />
<br />
If you would like to see more of her work, check out her <a href="http://theverdantedge.com/" target="_blank">website</a> and <a href="http://www.theverdantedge.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>. You can also follow her on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheVerdantEdge" target="_blank">facebook</a>.Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674909712418596942noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986063136622162325.post-88694525143808645872014-05-14T10:48:00.000-05:002014-05-14T10:48:06.087-05:00World TravelerWow! It's been over two weeks since my last blog post. <br />
<br />
Where have I been?<br />
<br />
Well, I'll give you a hint:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAe1n7GcRwolQ8T5MhQ9geeh1iHqzpvl8tgraM3sjRk8H0ePap8SY81bpdwB5I_V_J2z-pMxIt-Z2s4zRaLxvByhnG45xPHTV5EfeHiC9IUCi-0beO0NYdzhEItwnvYF2klgDfrt_ecU/s1600/IMG_7051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAe1n7GcRwolQ8T5MhQ9geeh1iHqzpvl8tgraM3sjRk8H0ePap8SY81bpdwB5I_V_J2z-pMxIt-Z2s4zRaLxvByhnG45xPHTV5EfeHiC9IUCi-0beO0NYdzhEItwnvYF2klgDfrt_ecU/s1600/IMG_7051.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a></div>
<br />
Last year, my husband came home with news: he had to travel to Europe on business AND he would be there on our anniversary -- our 10th anniversary.<br />
<br />
Before I could open my mouth to say anything, he added that since his trip and hotel was totally paid for, I should go as well. Happy anniversary to me!<br />
<br />
Our trip started in London. After a 9 hour flight, we walked almost 3 miles from our hotel to see Buckingham Palace and Big Ben.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2y3mgGNfUryQxzz-DSJAp33EpW5QiuiE9Khq-UyYkv3N4TolTAA74LC9UJH7WY1ZEJbq6T2l9M4GIvTvYr8vh59WL2s5RaNJIE8ONTag2PJlVvANNzwYRxgacV4hdfEW7Yr9y_Pp0ZYQ/s1600/IMG_6529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2y3mgGNfUryQxzz-DSJAp33EpW5QiuiE9Khq-UyYkv3N4TolTAA74LC9UJH7WY1ZEJbq6T2l9M4GIvTvYr8vh59WL2s5RaNJIE8ONTag2PJlVvANNzwYRxgacV4hdfEW7Yr9y_Pp0ZYQ/s1600/IMG_6529.jpg" height="200" width="135" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW68CZHnArIjC4_qudbCiIoDU5y9pFWWsnIfRzv5d2lXyXKXcni7mgLwM_wRZJEt_5-XYKo9Kp6jxVrxv_6aH23EHCXQIizre07N-1xTovr4sK32MgCbgbMZr0cIDKXNhTOeo307EAvhc/s1600/IMG_6636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW68CZHnArIjC4_qudbCiIoDU5y9pFWWsnIfRzv5d2lXyXKXcni7mgLwM_wRZJEt_5-XYKo9Kp6jxVrxv_6aH23EHCXQIizre07N-1xTovr4sK32MgCbgbMZr0cIDKXNhTOeo307EAvhc/s1600/IMG_6636.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
We also strolled around the outside of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._James's_Park" target="_blank">St. James Park</a>, which is just gorgeous. I couldn't resist a few macro shots.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_q4hAC61_uKcJtGzWSQ6Xg4hw2qXnzszcCLiA_VQePtcb2civEJMWvSYZwpkJjUY5CG7A0gFq_rsQSIF8fpo7q7D-l2exkvA6KcWIHbIssof3WzcTjh-XZKQ_A4THTQN-ZVJRZK66Po/s1600/IMG_6651-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_q4hAC61_uKcJtGzWSQ6Xg4hw2qXnzszcCLiA_VQePtcb2civEJMWvSYZwpkJjUY5CG7A0gFq_rsQSIF8fpo7q7D-l2exkvA6KcWIHbIssof3WzcTjh-XZKQ_A4THTQN-ZVJRZK66Po/s1600/IMG_6651-2.jpg" height="126" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcxW_eKEAezCH5hCvOO0_vLrY9AJabNvWijEcPTeTuB7D1FuQn9pV9E6sCeu0rOMcUA818FJRJfTgqnorAPcKPHLXO5r7JCDbMZbDmD0Kp-hr_dhzhqpNBVA0IBI4L2Ksg7NG_XD7hRs/s1600/IMG_6654-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcxW_eKEAezCH5hCvOO0_vLrY9AJabNvWijEcPTeTuB7D1FuQn9pV9E6sCeu0rOMcUA818FJRJfTgqnorAPcKPHLXO5r7JCDbMZbDmD0Kp-hr_dhzhqpNBVA0IBI4L2Ksg7NG_XD7hRs/s1600/IMG_6654-2.jpg" height="200" width="155" /></a></div>
<br />
The view from the park was amazing as well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTL0TtW8yF7rlhXsNbycoNcm2TmU0XqeN8Xs9pInkCeWRVY9ZJxTKfz6e4PM_4nSm4oozfuGB7SQ8tOiMce3ik6UyEnnzh9f6QRNeX-835mY1UTt8Zs0O3pXAedWpaNo95lQKX9Thnzbc/s1600/IMG_6604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTL0TtW8yF7rlhXsNbycoNcm2TmU0XqeN8Xs9pInkCeWRVY9ZJxTKfz6e4PM_4nSm4oozfuGB7SQ8tOiMce3ik6UyEnnzh9f6QRNeX-835mY1UTt8Zs0O3pXAedWpaNo95lQKX9Thnzbc/s1600/IMG_6604.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsjR6so3tU98z8NBA-ob7IZ5AEl3bT-6m5Gz-SclQigf0lInvZj6IseSG6nLGYhuZKY5OFc7YoP-rNtaPZjmgMD18RsRs3_JMY60W7h7Mk7ilfX1w-OXjzvzcrrfLmA0M95sygLWw8AE/s1600/IMG_6603-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsjR6so3tU98z8NBA-ob7IZ5AEl3bT-6m5Gz-SclQigf0lInvZj6IseSG6nLGYhuZKY5OFc7YoP-rNtaPZjmgMD18RsRs3_JMY60W7h7Mk7ilfX1w-OXjzvzcrrfLmA0M95sygLWw8AE/s1600/IMG_6603-2.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We only had a few days, but managed to make it to the <a href="http://www.britishmuseum.org/" target="_blank">British Museum</a> and the <a href="http://www.nhm.ac.uk/" target="_blank">Natural History Museum</a>.<br />
<br />
Of course, I couldn't resist visiting a few other museums: the <a href="http://www.sherlock-holmes.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sherlock Holmes Museum</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0XtW5rhAlHtG3A_ItWSWbfnvk6jG_CerlU1BElrS9XvnijsXl099z0ApMrUeWHWibvD3PzRtbbb91kqNUJFpVrvb6B6_YOQfQpg8Hd-MMQ5-dhQvuUWcbEVlrdATjfOuD3klz6pKkNE/s1600/IMG_6490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0XtW5rhAlHtG3A_ItWSWbfnvk6jG_CerlU1BElrS9XvnijsXl099z0ApMrUeWHWibvD3PzRtbbb91kqNUJFpVrvb6B6_YOQfQpg8Hd-MMQ5-dhQvuUWcbEVlrdATjfOuD3klz6pKkNE/s1600/IMG_6490.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
and the museum in the <a href="http://www.thewhoshop.com/" target="_blank">Dr. Who shop</a>. The entrance to the museum was an actual TARDIS. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAerJ25p6FpoWI03cflJT2_rUAs9Mh7CgGyDmCfUFrtpl4zaSkvtCz65oiXnaMGhEO2FU1V_1ws6XG_rG0rTOmT9zGkgR81w0iQu-I5IB_L81CYzoSAd4frCiEQYB5P0ZelOFLZtSO54/s1600/IMG_6512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAerJ25p6FpoWI03cflJT2_rUAs9Mh7CgGyDmCfUFrtpl4zaSkvtCz65oiXnaMGhEO2FU1V_1ws6XG_rG0rTOmT9zGkgR81w0iQu-I5IB_L81CYzoSAd4frCiEQYB5P0ZelOFLZtSO54/s1600/IMG_6512.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
The owner of the shop was really sweet and made sure to take a picture for me.<br />
<br />
We took the Eurostar train from London to Paris. The train ride was one of the best parts of the trip. The meal was amazing -- seriously amazing and the view of the French countryside was gorgeous.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi98imQDUu5CAK22E9kA1QRBDy92d4KOtX54TE2Leb9letYC8IpI93z8gvVLcdkZQ7HER1JYqfh4ry2ShZxD3H3tI5U7OPoWPWvlRrw3CwucURmyB9CWfkrtULFca4yYOrhcQDmB4gQSqw/s1600/IMG_20140430_165237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi98imQDUu5CAK22E9kA1QRBDy92d4KOtX54TE2Leb9letYC8IpI93z8gvVLcdkZQ7HER1JYqfh4ry2ShZxD3H3tI5U7OPoWPWvlRrw3CwucURmyB9CWfkrtULFca4yYOrhcQDmB4gQSqw/s1600/IMG_20140430_165237.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My meal was gone in seconds, but my husband was snapped a photo of his meal before finishing it: salmon, potatoes, wine, and a delicious dessert. (See that, Delta? This is how you should feed your passengers.)<br />
<br />
Our first day in Paris was May 1, or May Day (Labor Day in France) and almost everything was closed. <br />
<br />
It was also rainy and cold, so not the best day. Still, we managed to wander around, see a bit of the city and snap a few pictures of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe -- scratch those off of my bucket list.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvcNIRsDWqjE29qwvMjQAclINIF9KwHsI3UhHeWQrmmuUMO7jEX-1zjOkhKXTZxYCc9KAlrYtn0sTkgdjTqGau35yVprOOQK9Cpjn8g8Ip6JzkJrX8vNUoildF4hjIfppAVTYVxOKiXc/s1600/IMG_7053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvcNIRsDWqjE29qwvMjQAclINIF9KwHsI3UhHeWQrmmuUMO7jEX-1zjOkhKXTZxYCc9KAlrYtn0sTkgdjTqGau35yVprOOQK9Cpjn8g8Ip6JzkJrX8vNUoildF4hjIfppAVTYVxOKiXc/s1600/IMG_7053.jpg" height="126" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYMdSOAy8UPO4Oh8JHofjVpMAKaVzXE2IW8wGVg7dp65caxu9_eOxPZz47J8t6kCIfpz8WIrrQU9Q0mJQRgw7H-pFtYwWITvoV8qtCwdoFwjp27xevVM6HA18HgQFOV6vXpZqqZvprGQ/s1600/IMG_6771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYMdSOAy8UPO4Oh8JHofjVpMAKaVzXE2IW8wGVg7dp65caxu9_eOxPZz47J8t6kCIfpz8WIrrQU9Q0mJQRgw7H-pFtYwWITvoV8qtCwdoFwjp27xevVM6HA18HgQFOV6vXpZqqZvprGQ/s1600/IMG_6771.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Maybe because Thursday was a holiday, on Friday, we found that Paris was not just the city of lights, it was the city of lines. Everything was crowded and the wait times were several hours. <br />
<br />
We opted to take a train to Versailles and visit the palace and the gardens.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfEkIMDr-iWJ1hlpzdUpnD45tB7Bsisa3SDNNmHMwo5eZHAWqFn2PeQs4wnwd1jiqqN679MBq14uItUmu6Y3EOS22eKH9GSn1trLPBTY7LelZbMKqf93KPm2VtygqaEcAkZ5mW609YHw/s1600/IMG_6806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfEkIMDr-iWJ1hlpzdUpnD45tB7Bsisa3SDNNmHMwo5eZHAWqFn2PeQs4wnwd1jiqqN679MBq14uItUmu6Y3EOS22eKH9GSn1trLPBTY7LelZbMKqf93KPm2VtygqaEcAkZ5mW609YHw/s1600/IMG_6806.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gardens_of_Versailles" target="_blank">Gardens of Versailles</a> are gorgeous -- and huge. We didn't see a third of them before it started to rain. We were both cold and wet and ended up cutting our visit shorter than we would have liked.<br />
<br />
As we strolled along, we saw a bicycle rental station. Had the weather been better, we would have biked around every inch of those gardens. At least now we have a reason to return -- add one to the bucket list. :)<br />
<br />
The lines were shorter on Saturday and we were able to visit the <a href="http://www.louvre.fr/en" target="_blank">Louvre</a> and the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1604660226"></span>Musée de l'Orangerie<span id="goog_1604660227"></span></a>.<br />
<br />
Interestingly enough, while we liked the Louvre and were happy to have visited, my husband and I both preferred the impressionist art at the Musée de l'Orangerie. <br />
<br />
We also were able to walk around Notre Dame, which was beautiful inside. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMnCzHTj28EtUNZ9o0NvXmcwjllI3RuWrUu8NbZCzSkhNKAn259deESLmBM37EvRjgtibPE2F3NN9ZU0ZhyphenhyphengnCAmJ-IWKBkRzVvHBGy_s0nyIjr4MlojhvNH9B8CELWEGDKehygtUSIE/s1600/IMG_6993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMnCzHTj28EtUNZ9o0NvXmcwjllI3RuWrUu8NbZCzSkhNKAn259deESLmBM37EvRjgtibPE2F3NN9ZU0ZhyphenhyphengnCAmJ-IWKBkRzVvHBGy_s0nyIjr4MlojhvNH9B8CELWEGDKehygtUSIE/s1600/IMG_6993.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
I wanted to tour the towers of Notre Dame and was even willing to brave the almost 400 steps to do it, but again, the lines were longer than I wanted to wait.<br />
<br />
Instead my husband was kind enough to walk around with me as I looked for bead stores (didn't find any) and walked in and out of various shops.<br />
<br />
He was also a trooper in the evening and braved chilly winds with me so I could see the Eiffel Tower light up at night.<br />
<br />
It was so pretty.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMeKnW04SO16avXymfyJsTy9cBIzS6V9ZDJAaG9OzbHtK0Gyf-9enz1lyRcdLQ19uRY8NgHI9nDlj-oJ9UtUHkm0CZygoKIG8ypUR0KnUNnoXTQHPOpaNwwsc7JZ5odrB0SIfJViEjoI0/s1600/IMG_7071-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMeKnW04SO16avXymfyJsTy9cBIzS6V9ZDJAaG9OzbHtK0Gyf-9enz1lyRcdLQ19uRY8NgHI9nDlj-oJ9UtUHkm0CZygoKIG8ypUR0KnUNnoXTQHPOpaNwwsc7JZ5odrB0SIfJViEjoI0/s1600/IMG_7071-2.jpg" height="320" width="217" /></a></div>
<br />
Then, the light show began.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPef5a7gFr_Ye6bFLeqqgvsRqLyjCuEnaO_rVtH-p5gbBLZXHsjOj9_FBrbe2a0e8L8i0oKUWJcE8gSS7MQHQV4c1bDgP2fZiINUbiMU1JTcuaduRZSLHDKcXP8xrGAk6tGwyFyOJSGoQ/s1600/IMG_7098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPef5a7gFr_Ye6bFLeqqgvsRqLyjCuEnaO_rVtH-p5gbBLZXHsjOj9_FBrbe2a0e8L8i0oKUWJcE8gSS7MQHQV4c1bDgP2fZiINUbiMU1JTcuaduRZSLHDKcXP8xrGAk6tGwyFyOJSGoQ/s1600/IMG_7098.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
I must have taken 100 photos of the light show, just hoping to get one good one.<br />
<br />
Seeing the show was a fabulous way to end the trip, even if it was quite cold.<br />
<br />
All in all, it was a wonderful trip. We missed the kiddo terribly, but we knew she was having fun with my in-laws.<br />
<br />
She was a bit mad at us, though. She didn't mind us being gone, I don't think. She was made that she didn't get to go. I think her first words to us were: "I missed you! What did you bring me? When do I get to go to Europe?"<br />
<br />
At least "I missed you" was first, right?Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674909712418596942noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986063136622162325.post-2115311218553749382014-04-26T01:00:00.000-05:002014-04-26T01:00:00.189-05:00Pieces and Parts .. and HeartsAfter my last post about finding homes for the <a href="http://pixiloo.blogspot.com/2014/03/pieces-and-parts.html" target="_blank">pieces and parts</a> that didn't quite work as I had intended, I decided to finally finish something that had be laying around for quite a while.<br />
<br />
Do you remember me talking about the piece of chain maille I made (but didn't use) for <a href="http://pixiloo.blogspot.com/2014/02/fun-with-polymer-clay-beads-and-pendants.html" target="_blank">this necklace</a>?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE34wKBB6WxW7ppg1NuEdC6OU_jbA5g9hXNViY3ZO9FYmYxkeO2FemwWvzSK-Y29a5Kdm8wtemGA1TGnGNZi-48hTFd4UKeiGq30h124FHMORbOV2RBngrKGSDUm2XBn7iJP2_LkacFmY/s1600/classic+bead+green+pink+chain+maille.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE34wKBB6WxW7ppg1NuEdC6OU_jbA5g9hXNViY3ZO9FYmYxkeO2FemwWvzSK-Y29a5Kdm8wtemGA1TGnGNZi-48hTFd4UKeiGq30h124FHMORbOV2RBngrKGSDUm2XBn7iJP2_LkacFmY/s1600/classic+bead+green+pink+chain+maille.jpg" height="320" width="241" /></a></div>
<br />
Well, it finally found a home using a pendant by <a href="http://therabbitmuse.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nancy Schindler Adams</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSdJ7HqdHhYIkQEUPcqqHVK08zPka4P75Vk6qXAVgH78_mJFX3hTxRlIaTDA39ZHNfG91-GQlrbzE4eYtZmc-UwlyRpT26Vt-cvp9TrW8C_Z3XAKoVhgpcIob671zUJA5xhqmUGnMZzg/s1600/round+rabbit+heart+close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSdJ7HqdHhYIkQEUPcqqHVK08zPka4P75Vk6qXAVgH78_mJFX3hTxRlIaTDA39ZHNfG91-GQlrbzE4eYtZmc-UwlyRpT26Vt-cvp9TrW8C_Z3XAKoVhgpcIob671zUJA5xhqmUGnMZzg/s1600/round+rabbit+heart+close.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a></div>
<br />
The colors in the pendant are amazing and I echoed them in a cellini spiral (which is becoming my favorite way to highlight a pendant).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTdKjqoTS_Q9-Qfn_Py0_jCezV7sCoik5zh5QIYNXaEV14UzQ2O8UXLpY4i6pWmWV6gQGAOegKNDsP07F7hOG344aLS30HTSW8YdIXx-I4FLaGiGNhr1zOQBELISRMjyq9SDguYB7K3c/s1600/round+rabbit+heart+beading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTdKjqoTS_Q9-Qfn_Py0_jCezV7sCoik5zh5QIYNXaEV14UzQ2O8UXLpY4i6pWmWV6gQGAOegKNDsP07F7hOG344aLS30HTSW8YdIXx-I4FLaGiGNhr1zOQBELISRMjyq9SDguYB7K3c/s1600/round+rabbit+heart+beading.jpg" height="320" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm in love!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-k6r2gog7SCxYu2K3EC2BBipTBmmManXPapvpuHaSu-jPxiumqvv9sGvUdr2OGYuUVkRumBY2lJgzjb9-fo_9aGGG_OO82j2q79FGPfXB0U8xkJ5nVTwrtpfK5my4vcMxcqmJdkuXCY/s1600/round+rabbit+heart+full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-k6r2gog7SCxYu2K3EC2BBipTBmmManXPapvpuHaSu-jPxiumqvv9sGvUdr2OGYuUVkRumBY2lJgzjb9-fo_9aGGG_OO82j2q79FGPfXB0U8xkJ5nVTwrtpfK5my4vcMxcqmJdkuXCY/s1600/round+rabbit+heart+full.jpg" height="320" width="217" /></a></div>
<br />Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674909712418596942noreply@blogger.com8