Octoberfest!!

One of my favorite blog hops to read last year was Octoberfest-2012 hosted by Rita of Toltec Jewels. Celebrating the turning of the season with either food, family, scenery, or jewelry is also a time to reflect on the turning seasons of what is happening in everyday life as well. Thank you, Rita, for hosing the Octoberfest blog hop again for 2013.

There are so many ways to commemorate what Octoberfest means to each person, but for me it was a time of reflection of what has been happening in my life, the turning and changing of events, for as we know, change is inevitable. I had been "Muse-less" for several weeks, now, and the fog just seemed to get denser with each passing day. My creativity had taken a vacation, and I hoped it would not be permanent. I had not produced one thing during that time, and could not even visualize a simple pair of earrings! For the most part, I knew that personal challenges were taking priority, but I had always been able to get through those by creating with my hands and mind. I was determined to get out of the funk by creating anything for the hop today.

My sweet granddaughter thought that I should make Barbie clothes for her Barbie. I did help her learn to hand sew, and gave her some "sewing lessons". But I needed to make something for me. So....I got out some things to work with that might not be too difficult, and some ideas began to take shape, trying to keep the focus on "Octoberfest".

I used Ranger patinas, alcohol inks, and Lumiere metal paints, along with some Brass stampings from B'Sue Boutiques to make this bracelet.

I added more colorized brass stampings to this etched brass bracelet, along with a discarded, broken earring for the focal.

I love Ranger Alcohol Inks, and the color that appeared on these brass leaves, combined with glass pearls.

These aren't exactly Octoberish, but they were very simple to put together with copper ear wires.

Just couldn't resist a pair of earrings that resembled pumpkins!

Enjoy the hop as I hope you take a look at the rest of the participants below- and thank you for stopping by!


Caroline                                       http:// Carolynscreationswa.blogspot.com
Andrea Glick-Zenith                     http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/
Dolores Raml                               http://craftydscreations.wordpress.com/
Karla Morgan                               http://TexasPepperJams.blogspot.com
Susie Harris                                 http://jewelleryjunkie.blogspot.com/
Susan                                          http://libellulajewelry.com
Mischelle                                      http://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com/
Billi                                               http://billi-rs-rothove.blogspot.com/
Kay Thomerson                           http://kayzkreationz.blogspot.com/
Jean Yates                                  http://prettykittydogmoonjewelry.blogspot.com/
Kelly Hosford Patterson               http://travelingsideshow.blogspot.com
Kathy Lindemer                           http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com
Liz E                                            http://beadcontagion.blogspot.com
Jasvanti Patel                              http://jewelrybyjasvanti.blogspot.com
Christie Murrow                           www.charisdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com
Jodie Marshall                             http://marshalljodie.blogspot.com/
Andrea Trank                              http://heavenlanecreations.com/
Dini Bruinsma                              http://angazabychanges.blogspot.nl
Elsie Deliz Fonseca                     http://ladelizchica.blogspot.com/
Pepita                                         www.pepita-handmade.blogspot.com
Karla Morgan                              http://texaspepperjams.blogspot.com/
Kathleen                                     http://99bobotw.blogspot.com/
Vera Lynn                                   http://veradesigns.blogspot.com/
Rana Wilson                               http://ranaleadesigns.blogspot.com/
Catherine King                           http://catherines-musings.blogspot.com/
Lily Vincent                                 http://thecreativeklutz.blogspot.co.uk/
Janice Hidey (Janimar)               http://drawingthelinesomewhere.com/
Cory Tompkins                           http://TealwaterDesigns.blogspot.com
Candida Castleberry                  www.spunsugarbeadworks.blogspot.com
Cynthia Kent Machata                http://antiquitytravelers.blogspot.com/
Alicia Marinache                         http://www.allprettythings.ca
Linda Anderson                          http://fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com
Leah Curtis                                 http://beadyeyedbunny.blogspot.com/
Jennifer Reno (JenRen)              http://jenrenjewelry.blogspot.com/
Robin Reed                                 http://willowdragon.blogspot.com/
Tanty Sri Hartanti                        www.tjewellicious.blogspot.com
Lisa Lodge                                  http://gratefulartist.blogspot.com/
Ingrid A.                                      http://lilisgems.wordpress.com/
Judy Turner                                www.silver-rains.blogspot.com
Gina Hockett                               http://freestyleelements.blogspot.com/---You are here!!
Nelly May                                    www.smellynelly.blogspot.com
Tanya McGuire                           http://tanyamcguire.blogspot.com/
Ahowin                                        http://www.blog.ahowinjewelry.com
Sonya Stille                                 http://dreaminofbeads.blogspot.com
Pam                                            http://www.klassyjoolz.blogspot.com
Carol D.                                      http://dillmansdallies.blogspot.com/
Asri Wahyuningsih                      http://asribeadwork.blogspot.com/
Ginger Bishop                             http://lilmummylikes.blogspot.com
Janine                                         http://www.esfera.me/travel/blog/travel-stories
Shaiha Williams                          http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com/
Toltec Jewels (Rita, your hostess)  www.JewelSchoolFriends.com

Pearls, Pearls, Pearls!

Michelle Buettner of MiShel Designs is a real Pearl Girl! She loves pearls, and makes most of her jewelry from.....Pearls! It was only natural that she decided to host a blog hop that showcased items made from pearls. Thank you, Michelle, for the chance to show off some pearl creations!

I am pretty sure that pearls are one of those universal beads that every jewelry artist has in their stash, and that every woman has in their jewelry box. The array of pearls that are available to the artist is amazing, ranging from glass to plastic to shell to the real deal! Some of my favorite pearls are vintage pearls. There are pearls with no holes, with half-drilled holes, little bitty holes, and now there are even some with big holes, and they come in every size and shape.

My creations used just a few of the above kinds of pearls. The first pink and silver necklace has pink glass pearls, pink cultured sea glass, and pink crystals from ZNETSHOWS.

The second one used red and white glass pearls in two different sizes, also from ZNETSHOWS

The necklace shown below used one strand of glass pearls from B'Sue Boutiques, and two strands of real pearls from Integrity Pearls. The big off-white plastic pearl cabachon, as well as the brass stampings, crystals, and chain also came from B'sue Boutiques. The small pearl was a button that I had in my button stash.

This long necklace can be worn several different ways, and used large white glass pearl rondelles from ZNETSHOWS. 

Want to check out the other participants' pearl creations? Just click on the links below, and you will be taken to Pearl Heaven!! Have a great day!

MiShel Designs - Pearls! Pearls!! Pearls!!! Blog Host 

Sadafulee,…Always in Bloom 

Antiquity Travelers

Jewelry By Jasvanti

Bead Contagion

 Back Story Beads

Sharyl’s Jewelry and Reflections

Silver Niknats

Fresh Baked Designs

Lisa Yang Jewelry

Designed by Vera

Serena Trent

Amy Bright

Carefree Jewelry by Lisa

Agape Creations Jewelry

Klassy Joolz

Beautifully Broken Me

One Kiss Creations

Stories from the City of  Brass

Make Bracelets!

Carolyn’s Creations

Raindrop Creations Jewelry

Freestyle Elements------You are here!!!

ZNET Shows Summer Challenge and Giveaway

Earlier this spring, I was invited to participate in a Summer Challenge and Giveaway for ZNET Shows. We were teamed with partners that picked out seven items from a list sent to us by Bill of ZNET Shows. My earlier picture of the items that Gretchen McKillip, my partner, sent me wasn't very clear. Here are a few items that she picked for me: Mini gray glass pearls, sea glass flat rounds in a peacock color, and crystal strands in hues of clear, blue, purple, and blue jade. Other items were a strand of kyanite barrels, a labradorite focal, gunmetal clasps, and a strand of black button sea glass. Our theme was "The Beach".

There are many beaches around the world, and each one provides a different inspiration and visualization. There are dark sands, light sands, a spectrum of water colors, and rocky beaches galore! But my first inspiration piece has to do with----Treasure Hunting!!! When I was a little girl, I always dreamed of finding a lost treasure on the beach or around the rocks.

My first piece is with the labradorite focal accessorized with chain, from ZNET. I added wrapped clear crystals from the stash I was sent, as well as the kyanite barrels, crystals, and grey pearls made into dangles from the focal. The focal had some great flash!  The inspired treasures remind me of gold, diamonds, pearls, and valuable stones! And a golden beach with blue water treasures!

On the beach is a multitude of wildlife. One of my favorite beach friends is the turtle. All three turtles in this piece are from ZNET, I used some Gilder's paste and Lumiere paints to colorize them. Representing the water that turtles love so much is the peacock colored seaglass and crystals, along with some yellow ZNET crystals.

Next on the agenda was a bracelet. I had an idea that didn't work and I kept working with it, using teal crystals, chain, the Kyanite, grey pearls, and clear crystals with a the black seaglass buttons. I think it fits, as the sea and the beach have many colors of moodiness, so does this bracelet.

Beach jewelry doesn't need to be worn at the beach to evoke thoughts and memories about your favorite beach. The next necklace reminds me of the beach in so many ways, and has become one of my favorite pieces to wear. The bluesy waters, the light brown waxed linen cord, the greys of a cloudy day and waves washing over the rocks, and a casual feeling. Does this necklace evoke beachy memories for you?

What would a beach theme be without earrings? I used the clasp as part of the earring components, in both the dangle and the "bow" at the top. These remind me of a stormy day, with wind, water splashing, waves rolling, and rocks getting pounded--and I love these!!

Be sure you go over to the ZNET blog and enter the give-away they are having for a selection of their beads.

You can enter in several ways.

• First leave a comment on the ZNET Blog. 
• Follow the ZNET Shows Facebook page.
• Follow the ZnetShows blog (either through a FeedReader, Google Friend Connect, or some other method.) (Leave comment to let them know you did this)
• Tweet, Share on Facebook, or Blog about the giveaway. Each of these methods will earn you an entry. (Leave a comment with your link for each way you did this.)

That's SIX chances to win!!
The giveaway will be open until 5pm (Eastern time) July 19th.
Good luck!!

Thank you,

Gina

Znet Shows Mini Conch Shells Mini Challenge

I received four pairs of  Mini Conch Shells from Znet Shows cultured sea glass collection---and oh, what beauties they are!  They went so well with other specimens of Znet's sea glass that I had in my possession, I loved designing with them! Thank you Bill and Znet!

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Here is a sneak peek at the beads that were picked out for me by my partner, Gretchen McKillip, for the next Znet Shows Design Challenge, with the theme of "The Beach". I can't wait to show you what I am doing with all the lovely beads that I received for the challenge---stay tuned!!

Summer Elements Blog Hop

Welcome to the Summer Elements Blog Hop, hosted by Rita, of Toltec Jewels  What is your favorite thing about summer? There are so many elements of summer that evoke such good memories or provide pleasurable moments, it is hard to pick just one! Since I live in the mountains, and our growing season is very short, one of my favorite summer elements just happens to be flowers!

I also think of swimming, though the pools up here are all indoors. So I will settle for beaches with lot of seaglass! 

Something I made to commemorate both beaches and flowers.....Lampwork flower by Marianna Boylan, which was sent as part of my earlier Bead Soup.

Yellow sea glass from ZNETshows.

I enjoyed making the necklace that has some awesome Summer Elements in it. Thank you, Rita! I can't wait to see what everyone else is celebrating as their Summer Element--take a look at all the participants below, and you can see, too! Have fun!!

The Summer Elements Blog Hop Participants: 

Toltec Jewels (Hostess)     http://www.jewelschoolfriends.com/

Marlene Cupo                   http://amazingdesigns-marlene.blogspot.com/

Cheri Reed                        http://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com/

Ailsa Cordner                    http://www.bramalfiebeadsetc.co.uk/

Robin Reed                       http://willowdragon.blogspot.com/

Nan Smith                         http://www.wirednan.blogspot.com/

Sherri Stokey                     http://www.knotjustmacrame.com/

Christie (Charis Designs)    http://charisdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com/

Carolyn Lawson                 http://carolynscreationswa.blogspot.com/

Susie Harris                        http://jewelleryjunkie.blogspot.com/

Andrea Glick-Zenith           http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/

Nelly May                          http://smellynelly.blogspot.com/

Melissa Trudinger               http://beadrecipes.wordpress.com/

Dini Bruinsma                     http://angazabychanges.blogspot.com/

Kathy Lindemer                 http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/

Cory Tompkins                  http://tealwaterdesigns.blogspot.com/

Robin Reed                       http://willowdragon.blogspot.com/

Gina Hockett                     http://freestyleelements.blogspot.com/  ---You are here!!

Karen Martinez                 http://www.fairiesmarket.blogspot.com/

Liz                                    http://beadcontagion.blogspot.com/

Jasvanti Patel                     http://jewelrybyjasvanti.blogspot.com/

Solange Collin                    http://www.blog.ahowinjewelry.com/

Gerda                                http://gerdascraftsblog.blogspot.com/

Karla Morgan                    http://texaspepperjams.blogspot.com/

Anindita Basu                     http://alankarshilpa.blogspot.com/

Alicia Marinache                http://www.allprettythings.ca/

Andrea Trank                    http://heavenlanecreations.com/

Dyanne Everett-Cantrell     http://deelitefuljewelrycreations.blogspot.com/

Mischelle Fanucchi             http://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com/

Tanty Sri Hartanti               http://tjewellicious.blogspot.com/

Shaiha Williams                  http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com/

Mary Govaars                    http://mlhjewelrydesigns.com/

Becca Sirevaag                  http://godsartistinresidence.blogspot.com/

Lennis Carrier                    http://windbent.wordpress.com/

Regina Wood                     http://www.gina-design.blogspot.com/

Sue Kennedy                     http://suebeads.blogspot.com/

Kathleen Breeding             https://www.facebook.com/99BOBOTW

Anklet Blog Hop

Hello, and welcome to Kashmira Patel's Anklet Blog Hop. This is her first blog hop, and what a great idea it is, as anklets are very popular in the summer, at least in my neck of the woods. There are no partners that swapped anklets, just some awesome anklets that everyone made from their own stash of beads. A big shout out to Kashmira, for hosting this fun blog hop that I am sure will be filled with eye candy for the ankles and feet.

My sister volunteered to swap views of her feet modeling the first anklet that came from my hands only, so she was allowed to pick the colors --pink and gold. She wanted an "ankle dress" so to speak, so this design had it's way with me as I played with the little crystals and pearls and chain. It is adjustable, just in case swollen legs make their appearance on the day it is to be worn. My sister loves it!!!

The large lobster clasp makes it easy to put on and take off for an "older" person's hands.

Thank you for stopping by, and hope you can visit the blogs below to see the gorgeous creations that everyone else made for this hop!

Kashmira Patel	http://sadafulee.blogspot.com
Kaushambi Shah	Will post on Kashmira's blog
Jean Wells	http://jeanawells.blogspot.com/
Mischelle Fanucchi	http://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com/
Shellie Grindie	http://www.creativeeclectica.com/
Ginger Bishop	http://lilmummylikes.blogspot.com/
Monique U	http://ahalfbakednotion.blogspot.com
Cynthia Machata	http://antiquitytravelers.blogspot.com
Libellula	http://libellulajewelry.blogspot.com/
Kay Thomerson	http://www.kayzkreationz.blogspot.com/
Mimi Gardner	http://othercuriosities.blogspot.com/
Anindita Basu	http://alankarshilpa.blogspot.com/
Rita (Toltec Jewels)	http://www.jewelschoolfriends.com/
Gina Hockett	http://freestyleelements.blogspot.com/---You are here!
Tammie Everly	http://ttedesigns.blogspot.com
Dyanne Cantrell	http://deelitefuljewelrycreations.blogspot.com/
Ema Kilroy	http://www.emakdesigns.com/blog.
Emma Todd	http://www.apolymerpenchant.blogspot.com/
K Morgan	www.TexasPepperJams.blogspot.com
Sharyl McMillian-Nelson	http://sharylsjewelry.blogspot.com/
Cheri Reed	http://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com/
Rochelle Brisson	http://acreativechelle.blogspot.com/
Michelle Buettner	http://www.misheldesigns.blogspot.com/
Sandra McGriff	http://www.skyescreativechaos.blogspot.com/
Stephanie Weiss	http://uniquelymebwd.blogspot.com/
Shelley Graham Turner	http://shelleygrahamturner.blogspot.com/
Lynda Carson Roxanne Mendoza Dagi	http://freshbakeddesigns.wordpress.com/ http://roxidesigns.blogspot.com/ http://kokopellidesign.blogspot.com/

Earring Swap Blog Hop

UPDATE!!!!!!

Candida sent me the most beautiful earrings----In Candida's words, they look like "sunset on the beach! I love them!!! Thank you, Candida!

Today is the day for the Earring Swap Blog Hop. Jessica Murray of Whimsical Monkey decided to host this fun blog hop where partners were paired to swap a pair of really cool handmade earrings. Thank you, Jessica! This hop really challenged me to think outside of the box, and try a new metal coloring technique that I had never tried before. My partner is Candida of Spun Sugar Beadworks.

I am so excited to receive a pair of earrings from Candida, she is a very talented artist. Unfortunately, her earrings for me did not arrive on time, but the tracking number assures me that they will be here Tuesday. I will update this post when they arrive.  In the meantime, have a look at what I sent to Candida:

I wire wrapped metallized seed beads aroun a copper frame, and added a crystal teardrop with bronze niobium earwires. I also sent her a bonus pair, as I was trying out a new technique and wanted to share what I had done.

This was the first time that I had tried the Swellegant patinas. I added a butterfly onto the earring drops with  blue shades of crystals. I hope they made it through the mail okay! Me and the Post Office have not been friends lately, as they arrived at her house two days later than the promised delivery date. Of course, I shouldn't have waited so long to mail them out, either!!!!!!

Thank you again, Jessica for hosting this Earring Swap Blog Hop! Have a look below at what everyone else sent to each other, I can't wait to see what creations were made!

Jessica: http://whimsicalweavings.blogspot.com/2013/05/earring-swap-blog-hop.html
Inge von Roos: ingetraud.wordpress.com

Nancy Smith: wirednan.blogspot.ca
Marianne Baxter: http://www.simplyseablimejewelry.blogspot.com/
Leah Tees: mybeadylittleeyes.blogspot.ca
Andrea Trank: www.heavenlanecreations.com
Miranda Ackerley: http://blog.mirandack.com/
Cheri Mitchell-Reed: http://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com/
Susan Kennedy: www.suebeads.blogspot.com
Michele Dotson: http://star-jewels.blogspot.com/
Deanna Cox: www.deannaaki.WordPress.com
Shelley Graham Turner: www.shelleygrahamturner.blogspot.com
Ingrid McCue: www.wrappedinsilver.com
Lennis Carrier: http://windbent.wordpress.com
Ginger Davis Allman: http://thebluebottletree.com/
Mary Anne Flesch: www.handcraftedserenity.blogspot.com
Nicole Valentine Rimmer: www.nvalentine.blogspot.com
Stephanie Weiss: uniquelymebwd.blogspot.com/

Kay Thomerson: http://KayzKreationz.blogspot.com
Paula Hisel: http://simplybeadiful.weebly.com/simply-stated.html
Carol Dillman: http://dillmansdallies.blogspot.com/
Spun Sugar Beadworks: Spunsugarbeadworks.blogspot.com
Tara Plote: http://newbiebeader.blogspot.com/
Rachel Baron: http://rbarondesigns.blogspot.com/
Laurie Keefe: http://treeofliferootedinmysoul.blogspot.com/
Kashmira Patel: http://sadafulee.blogspot.com
Gina Hockett: http://www.freestyleelements.blogspot.com--You are here
Shellie Grindy: http://www.creativeeclectica.com/
Shai Williams: http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com/
Dyanne Cantrell: http://deelitefuljewelrycreations.blogspot.com
Mimi Gardner: www.OtherCuriosities.blogspot.com
Jessica McMullen: http://pheonixgatedesigns.blogspot.com/
Jennifer LaVite: www.drygulchbeadsandjewelry.blogspot.com
Laura Medeiros: http://zoeowyn.blogspot.com/
Alenka Obid: www.pepita-handmade.blogspot.com
Elsie Fonseca: http://www.ladelizchica.blogspot.com/
Cheryl Dunham: www.renaissance-jewelry.blogspot.com
Sandra McGriff: http://skyescreativechaos.blogspot.ca
Tania Spivey: http://moobiegrace.blogspot.com/
Mowse Doyle:  http://mowsemadethis.blogspot.com

Facebook:
Beccy Peterson: Beccy's Baubles
Mischelle Fanucchi: www.facebook.com/micheladasmusings

Marde Lowe: FanciMar Designs