6th Bead Soup Blog Party - Reveal Time!

Welcome to the 6th Bead Soup Blog Party!

Since there were over 400 sign ups for the Bead Soup Blog Party hosted by the fabulous Lori Anderson, it was decided that the reveal dates would be placed into three groups.  The first reveal was July 28th, this is the second (August 11th) and the third will be August 25th.

I'm proud to be a part of this party for the 2nd time.

Here is the soup that my new friend and my new partner in beadin' crime, Andra Weber, sent to me a little over a month ago:

I am going to try to keep this short since there are over 100 other blogs to visit this round sooooooo, here is the big reveal!

For the necklace using the focal, I used knotting cord to Macreme a silver neckwire using some of the bigger beads as accent points.  For the bracelet, using the clasp, I wirewrapped the accent beads and linked them together as I wrapped.  Last but definately not least, the earrings, I used the extra seed beads on embroidery thread to make the dangles and then I added the silver bead caps and attached them to the silver post earrings.

Here's a closer look at those earrings:

I can honestly say that I don't know how you seed beaders do it, I chased those little suckers EVERY stinkin' time I picked them up - because I'd drop them EVERY stinkin' time I picked them up.  I bow to you, bead embroidery masters!

Please be sure to stop by and see what my partner created with the soup I sent her, Andra Weber - I for one, am on pins and needles waiting for midnight to come around to see for myself!  Of course, it'll be tomorrow morning since I haven't seen midnight in about two years - ahhhh, the joys of parenthood - it's exhausting.

Until next time,

Bryna

Here is the list of the souper's for the 2nd reveal, have a gander at all the creativity that's in this reveal:

Hostess, Lori Anderson, Pretty Things

Adlinah Kamsir, Dream Struck Designs

Adrienn Lukacs, Raszputyin Designs

Agata Grygiel, Cytherea Bijoux 

Alenka Obid, Pepita Handmade 

Amy Dickerson, Damyjo Designs 

Amy Schmidt, Amy's Treasure 

Amy Severino, Amy Beads 

Ana Krepel, Cat's Pajamas, Dog's Tuxedos

Andra Weber, Andra's Joyful Journey   <~~~~ THAT'S MY PARTNER

Andrea Trank, Heaven Lane Creations

Anke Humpert, Anart Island Studios

Ann Rishell, My Critical Eye

April Grinaway, Brooklyn Bead Goddess 

Ashley Bunting, Miss Ashely Kate 

Astrid Boyce, Astrid Boyce Beads 

B.R. Kuhlman, Mixed Mayhem Studios 

Barb Fernald, Barbara S. Fernald Jewelry 

Barbe Saint John, Saints and Sinners

Beata Benkone Meggyesi, Beahobbi

Brandy McNair, Bella Vita Handmade Jewelry 

 Bryna Lumb, Bryna's Bead Box    <~~~~ THAT'S ME

Carmen Lau, Little Maketto

Cate van Alphen, Fulgorine

Cathie Carroll, Cathie Carroll's Studio

Cathy Khoury, Touch Jewelry 

Christina Stofmeel, Feng Beads 

 Collette Collins, Fire Fly Myst Artisan Jewelry

Courtney Breul, Beads by Breul 

Crystal Thain, Here Bead Dragons

Cynthia Abner, Created Treasures

Deana Hager, Just Deez'Art & Life

Debbie Davis, Natural Treasures by Deb

Debbie Phenes, Deb Joy Sing

Debbie Rasmussen, A Little of This, A Little of That

Dhea Powers, Java Bead

Diana Welte, Lilyweeds

Dita Basu, alankarshilpa

Dorota Zeranska, gdymamczas 

Dot Lewallwn, Speedie Beadie

Eleanor Snare, The Magic Square Foundation

Elisabeth Auld, Beads For Busy Gals

Ema Kilroy, Ema K Designs

Emma Todd, A Polymer Penchant

Eva Sherman, Eva Sherman Designs

Evie and Beth McCord, EB Bead and Metal Works

Francy Inman, Francy's Studio

Ginger Bishop, lilmummy likes...

Giorgia Rossini, Jo in Wonderland

Ine Vande Cappelle, Jewels by Ine 

Iveth Caruso, Creative Atelier 

JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions

Jackie Ryan, Kydo Jewellery

Jeannie Dukic, Jeannie's Blog

Jelveh Jaferian, Jelveh Designs

Jenna Tomalka, Twin Birch Studio

Jenni Connolly, Jenni's Beads

Jennifer Van Horn, Jennifers Jewels and Junk

Jo-Ann Woolverton, It's a Beadiful Creation

Johanna Rhodes-Nash, Fire Phoenix Creations 

 Joyce Blair, Bent Wire West Coast

JuLee Wolfe, The Polymer Penguin

Karen Vincent, Swallow Tail Jewellery

Karin Slaton, Backstory Beads

Kayla Potega, The Eclectic Element 

Kim Dworak, CianciBlue

Krafty Max, Krafty Max Originals

Kris Lanae Binsfeld, Cherish Designs by Kris Lanae

Kristen Latimer, MJM Jewelry Designs

Kumi Fisher, Malie Kai Designs

Kym Hunter, Kym Hunter Designs

Lennis Carrier, Windbent

Leslie Wayment, AA Beads & More

Linda Florian, Lilys of the Valley Jewelry Creations

Linda Murphy, Bonita Bead

Lisa Johnson, Whimsey Wonders

Lisa Lodge, Pine Ridge Treasures

Lisa Sittniewski, Love, Yesterdays

Lois Moon, Que Onda, Q'Town?

Lola Surwillo, Bead Lola Bead

Lorelei Eurto, Lorelei's Blog

Lori Bowring Michaud, Artfully Ornamental

Lori Callahan, Dancing Wire and Beads by Lori

Lori Finney, Using My Beads

Marcia Dunne, The Alternative Foundry

Margareta Saari, Mags-koruja

Maria Horvath, Horimarika Beads

Marian Hertzog, M's Place

 Mary Ellen Parker, BeeTree by m.e.

Mary K McGraw, MK's Creative Musings

MaryLou Holvenstot, time2cre8 

Martha Aleo, Ornamento

 Maybeline Tay, The Jewelry Larder

Megan Collins, Churchy & Her Sailor

Melissa Meman, Art. Life. Love.

Melissa Mesara, One-Eared Pig Beads

Melissa Muir, Kelsi's Closet Jewelbox

Paige Maxim, Paige Maxim Designs

Pam DeBoer, Purple Notes from the Studio

Pam Farren, re-maker

Pam Hurst, Pam Hurst Designs

Patricia Handschuh, The Color of Dreams

Patty Miller, CabariBeads

Penney Klapoth, Faerie Acres

Regina Santerre, Regina's Writings

Rhea Freitag, starrgazer creates

Rochelle Brisson, A Creative Chelle

Sabine Dittrich, PerlenDschungel

Sandra McGriff, Creative Chaos

Sandra Neights, Petalo Azul

Sandra Young, It's a Bead Life!

Sara Oehler, SoftFlex Girl

Saturday Sequins, Saturday Sequins

Shanti Johnson, Sunshine Bliss

Shari Replogle, Plays With Paper

Sonya Stille, Dreamin' of Beads

Stefanie Teufel, Stefanies Sammelsurium

Tammie Everly, TTE Designs

Tania Spivey, Moobie Grace Designs

Tanya Wiles, Tenebrous Hollow Studio

Therese Frank, Therese's Treasures

Tina Holden, Polymer Clay Bytes!

Toltec Jewels, Jewel School Friends 

Tracey Nanstad, A Beadiful Mess

Tracy Choy, BumbleBeads Designs

Valerie Norton, Hot Art



Bead Soup Blog Party 2012! Swap complete.

Bead Soup Blog Party 2012!

Swap complete

Well, it's that time again!  I'm very happy to say that I'm participating in my 2nd official Bead Soup Blog Party!  My partner and I are both on the 2nd reveal date of 8/11.  The details of what we swapped are below. 

My partner this time is Andra Weber a very sweet, generous lady from Georgetown, Delaware.  Andra is a multi-talented bead maker, she has delved into lampwork and fusing but mainly works with seed beads.  I don't know how anyone can work with those tiny beads, although I am about to find out as Andra sent me some vials of seed beads to go with her beautiful focal.  I know I won't be able to accomplish anything near what she did but I'm sure I'll come up with something for those tiny little buggers.  This is going to be interesting!

Andra went way beyond generous with her soup package, I think I'll be using the contents for years to come in my jewelry making! 

Swap received from Andra

Andra sent her gifts in this adorable little bag, which she said that she thought Cassie, my 18 month old daughter would like a little bag to carry around.   

And, like it she did, look at that joyful expression on her face!  She's a little wiggle worm lately so it's hard to get a still shot of her. 

Inside the package was a card that was made last year by Andra's 98 year old Aunt Edna using one of her own photos.  Isn't it pretty?

Here's a shot of the focal that Andra hand embroidered with seed beads.  Andra said the seed beading around the focal took her about 5 1/2 hours to do, amazing.   Andra also sent a package of assorted carnelian stone beads and both a copper and a silver clasp because she just couldn't decide.  Bonus for me since I get to choose which metal tone to use in my creations!

Here's a shot of the entire contents including the extra goodies she sent that weren't meant for the swap but just out of her own generosity!  Thank you, Andra! 

Swap sent to Andra

Bill and I celebrated our 5th anniversary in June and to celebrate we went on vacation to Cozumel, Mexico. 

I like to talk via email to my partner before I make the lampwork focal with them in mind.  Since we were in Cozumel when the partners were announced, Andra and I didn't get as much email time as we would have liked but I came home with an idea in mind since she asked me to soak up some extra sunshine for her.  That idea turned out to be perfect because in a later email, after I already had the focal made, she told me how much she likes the sea.  I made the focal with a tropical theme in mind since I was still day dreaming about our wonderful vacation.  Who am I kidding, was still day dreaming..... shoot, I still am!

I also sent her matching lampwork spacers, a fine silver textured clasp that I made, a pair of seashell dangles made by Suburban Girl Studio, some swarovski crystals, sterling silver spacers and coordinating ribbon.  The ribbon - Even though I have managed to mangle the ribbon sent to me in my previous swaps, I still love to see it in jewelry designs. 

I am on pins and needles waiting for August 11th to see what Andra created.  In the meantime, be sure and stop by her blog for a visit: http://andrasjoyfuljourney.blogspot.com/ 



Bead Soup Blog Party - REVEAL DAY!!!!

Remember, the bead soup blog party's purpose is to get a person out of their normal comfort zone using items they normally wouldn't. 

The participants have to have a blog.  They are carefully paired up by Lori Anderson of Lori Anderson Designs - who has spent countless hours and a ton of energy on this blog party.  THANK YOU LORI!  Once paired up, each partner sends a focal bead, a clasp (not just a lobster clasp) and some coordinating beads to create their new masterpiece(s).

This was my first BSBP and I was so lucky to be paired up with my new friend Barbara Bechtel of Second Surf.  Here's a recap of the bead soup I received from Barbara:

Here is the bead soup I sent to Barbara - go see http://www.secondsurf.com/ to see her masterpiece!

Bead Soup Blog Party Participants 

There are 362 participants in this fun blog party - go check out all the

wonderful creations using the link above.

AND NOW THE BIG REVEAL!

I actually made three pieces with the soup that Barbara sent to me.  I'm sure you saw the beautiful lace Barbara sent in the picture above.  Unfortunately I mangled it trying to incorporate it into one of my pieces.  :o(  I've never worked with lace before and it just wasn't my "cup of tea soup" this time. 

The rules of the BSBP are that we must use the focal and the clasp, using the extra beads is optional.  My goal was to use all of the little pretties that Barbara sent to me.  I came pretty close to my goal with the exception of the lace.

I am very proud of the pieces below - I hope you enjoy!

I used the majority of the extra beads along with the clasp in this necklace.  I made the chain using copper wire that I formed into jump rings and then antiqued.  The necklace is a choker length.

The extra beads went into this sweet little pair of earrings with my handmade ear wires - great match for the above necklace!

Last, but definitely not least, is the focal piece that Barbara sent me.  It's such a beautiful pendant that I didn't want it to get lost in the jumble of beads in the first necklace.  So, I paired the feather pendant with the ceramic piece and hung them on a simple silk cord necklace. 

Isn't it beautiful?

Here's the picture of all the pieces in one place

Now, off I go to look at 361 other blogs and all the creations!

Bead Soup Blog Party Participants

Click above to hop the blogs with me!

Thank you Barbara for making my first bead soup a great experience! 

I look forward to a long friendship!

Come visit me at:

Etsy Shop

My Facebook

Or email me at bryna.lumb@gmail.com



My first Bead Soup partner!

Whew, what a weekend! 

I saw "The Help" with my mom and my friends Donna & Betsy on Saturday - Hello, GREAT MOVIE.  I loved the book and have been on pins and needles for the movie to come out.  I was very impressed at how well the actors portrayed the characters in the book and how well the movie followed the actual book.  Five star recommendation to read the book and go see the movie!

After celebrating my parent's birthdays (happy birthday Mom & Dad!) and with the kiddo out for the night, I finally have time to introduce you to my first Bead Soup partner, Barbara Bechtel of Second Surf. 

I'm SO excited to be working with Barbara, she's very nice and since this is her third time participating in the Bead Soup Blog Party hosted by the tireless Lori of Lori Anderson Designs, she's been very helpful in walking this newbie through her first "Soup" experience. 

Barbara is from Merritt Island Florida and is a jewelry designer who makes her own beads, mostly out of polymer clay.  Barbara's beads and jewelry are absolutely BEAUTIFUL! 

Here are just a few of my favorites, let me tell you, it was hard to choose just a few.



Isn't her work gorgeous?  Seeing her work inspires me to continue my journey of learning polymer clay media.  I can not wait to see what she sends to me for my bead soup!

On a related note, I was severely disappointed when Barbara told me that she and her shop are about five and a half hours away from where Bill, myself and several girlfriends will be vacationing soon.  I was so hoping to be able to visit in person! 

I sent Barbara's bead soup off this weekend, I'm a nervous wreck hoping I chose the right collection to send to her after changing my mind countless times. 

Here is a teaser of what Barbara will be receiving next week, photo is skewed to keep it a secret until Barbara is ready to reveal her bead soup package after she receives it.  I was even mean enough to change the photo to a sepia tone so as not to give away the color scheme either.  Hee hee hee. 

What I can say is that Barbara will be receiving a lampwork focal, some lampwork accent beads and a sterling silver clasp all handmade by me along with some other accent beads that I didn't have the talent to make, someone or some machine, made. 

I will be sure to post my bead soup after it's received and of course what I make out of it on September 17th, the big reveal day. 

Be sure to visit Barbara at the following locations:

Etsy

Webstore

Blog

~STAY TUNED~