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