Saturday, September 14, 2013

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!

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

Saturday, July 6, 2013

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

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

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!!



Saturday, June 15, 2013

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




Saturday, June 1, 2013

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 Patelhttp://sadafulee.blogspot.com
Kaushambi ShahWill post on Kashmira's blog
Jean Wellshttp://jeanawells.blogspot.com/
Mischelle Fanucchihttp://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com/
Shellie Grindiehttp://www.creativeeclectica.com/
Ginger Bishophttp://lilmummylikes.blogspot.com/
Monique Uhttp://ahalfbakednotion.blogspot.com
Cynthia Machatahttp://antiquitytravelers.blogspot.com
Libellulahttp://libellulajewelry.blogspot.com/
Kay Thomersonhttp://www.kayzkreationz.blogspot.com/
Mimi Gardnerhttp://othercuriosities.blogspot.com/
Anindita Basuhttp://alankarshilpa.blogspot.com/
Rita (Toltec Jewels)http://www.jewelschoolfriends.com/
Gina Hocketthttp://freestyleelements.blogspot.com/---You are here!
Tammie Everlyhttp://ttedesigns.blogspot.com

Dyanne Cantrellhttp://deelitefuljewelrycreations.blogspot.com/
Ema Kilroy                                                                  http://www.emakdesigns.com/blog.
Emma Toddhttp://www.apolymerpenchant.blogspot.com/
K Morganwww.TexasPepperJams.blogspot.com
Sharyl McMillian-Nelsonhttp://sharylsjewelry.blogspot.com/
Cheri Reedhttp://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com/
Rochelle Brissonhttp://acreativechelle.blogspot.com/
Michelle Buettnerhttp://www.misheldesigns.blogspot.com/
Sandra McGriffhttp://www.skyescreativechaos.blogspot.com/
Stephanie Weisshttp://uniquelymebwd.blogspot.com/
Shelley Graham Turnerhttp://shelleygrahamturner.blogspot.com/

Lynda Carson
Roxanne Mendoza
Dagi
http://freshbakeddesigns.wordpress.com/
http://roxidesigns.blogspot.com/
http://kokopellidesign.blogspot.com/

Sunday, May 19, 2013

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

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Holiday Bling Blog Hop 3.5--A Very Merry Un-Birthday!

Marlene Cupo and Shelley Graham Turner have collaborated once again to bring us another Holiday Bling Blog Hop! But wait...which Holiday is to be celebrated? It is no other than the Very Merry Un-Birthday celebration! Since it wasn't quite time for HBBH number 4, we are celebrating 3.5! Each participant is paired up with a partner to swap gifts that commemorated the partner's birthstone. My partner for this hop is Chris Eisenberg, who makes beautiful beaded jewelry! You can find her gorgeous creations at her Wanderware company website. 

Chris's birthday is in March which is represented by the beautiful Aquamarine. My birthstone is Amethyst, since my birthday is in February.

 I had this gorgeous Aquaramarine Swarovski focal that I wanted to use for Chris, but beading bezels is not my forte. What could I do? Well, this is what I came up with, and hoped that Chris would like it.


I colored the large brass filigree with Bronze Gilder's paste, then folded it around the stone. I then attached that to another brass filigree that had been gilded Gold. I used brass chain, copper jump rings, and a bronze toggle, and wrapped other crystals with more brass filigree, gilding some of them in Copper.  The earrings used some of the same components.



 When I received Chris's gift, the packaging was in a beautiful purple box and included an Un-birthday Card, as well as a scrumptious Birthday Cake Batter chocolate bar.


I had never had this flavor of chocolate, but it was some of the most delicious chocolate that I had ever eaten!! When I opened the purple package, this gorgeous bracelet was nestled inside.


 The amethyst colored beads just shimmered with an Aquarian aura. The crystal focal was the perfect touch! Thank you, Chris, for such a beautiful bracelet. I know how much work went into creating it, and am so appreciative of your thoughtfulness and creativity. I love it!! Isn't it beautiful?


Thank you, Marlene and Shelley for another successful HBBH. I have enjoyed participating in these so much, and I can't wait for the next one. Have a look at what everyone else created for their partners! 

Ali McCarthy

Alicia Marinache

Anzia Parks

Audrey Belanger

Cheri Reed

Cheryl Dunham

Chris Eisenberg

Christine Schlicht

Cynthia Machata

D Lynne Bowland

Dyanne Everett-Cantrell

Gina Hockett--you are here

Ginger Bishop

Gloria Allen

Janeen Burlingame

Joana Perez Stribel

Lori Schneider

Mary Govaars

Mischelle Fanucchi

Paula Gaskill

Renetha Stanziano

Robin Reed

Sherry Baun

Shirley Moore

Sierra Barrett

Susan Bowie

Susie Harris

Mowse Doyle

Cindy Muse

Ellie Grossman

Marlene Cupo

Shelley Graham Turner