What started it all.

A little bit of Bead Soup. Lori Anderson from Pretty Things blog holds the Bead soup party. Next one will be January or February next year and this is the final reveal for this cook off. I sent these lovelies to my partner Miko Wirapati who is in Indonesia. That was WAY BACK when.

In return Miko sent me these.

Not the best pic but it is here.

So I have been thinking and thinking.What to do? In the meantime I fell through my floor in my office.The timber gave way and we had to move out of upstairs to replace the floors.

Dust and dirt EVERYWHERE for about 3 weeks. So my soup lay still on my bench while I worked on the Web site for reveals and madly commented on all the other participants blog posts.

The third page is underconstruction and should be done tomorrow if I am on time. 250 hours to edit and assemble the page. It has been fun.

In the meantime if you want to recap the 1st and 2nd reveals they are here.
https://sites.google.com/site/beadsoupparty2012/

Reveal 3 participants are here.

Hostess, Lori Anderson, Pretty Things

Agi Kiss, Moonsafari Beads 
Alice Peterson, Alice Dreaming

Alison Sachs, Beads by Earthtones

Amanda Dittloff, Passion Smashin'

Andra Marasteanu, Bijoux de Monanage

Angie Szlovak, SweetBeads

Anitra Gordy, Leelu Creations

Ann Sherwood, Ann's Blog

Arlene Dean, A Glass Bash

Audrey Belanger, Dreams of an Absolution

Barb Solem, Vivi Magoo Presents

Barbara Blaszczyk, laboratorim Flory

Becky Pancake, Becky Pancake Bead Designs
Beth Emery, Stories by Indigo Heart

Bianca Odenthal, Zydies Glasperlen

Birgit Klughardt, GitesBeads
Bobbie Rafferty, Beadsong Jewelry
Bonnie Coursolle,  Jasper Gems
Cece Cormier, The Beading Yogini
Charlene Jacka, Clay Space
Cherrie Fick, En La Lumie're
Cheryl Foiles, Get Your Bead On
Christie Murrow, Charis Designs Jewelry

Christina Miles, Wings n Scales
Christina Stofmeel, Feng Beads
Christine Stonefield, Sweet Girl Design
Cindy Cima Edwards, Live to Design
CJ Bauschka, 4 His Glory Creations
Claire Smith, Embergrass Jewelry
Cynthia Riggs, Cynth's Blog
Dana Fowler, Trunk Full of Treasure
Dawn Pierro, Turtle Moon Designs
Dee Elgie, Cherry Obsidia
Donetta Farrington, Simply Gorgeous

Dot Lewallwn, Speedie Beadie
Eileen Snyder, Dorset Hill Beads
Elizabeth Bunn, Elizabeth Beads
Eva Kovacs, Ewa gyongyos vilaga!
Evelyn Duberry, Sheba Makeda
Fay Wolfenden, Torch Fairy
Fen Li, Bead Flora Jewels
Gail Zwang, Angel Moose Enterprises
Geneva Collins, Torque Story
Grace Dorsey, Fan of the Flame
Gretchen Nation,  Art Food Lodging

Hannah Annear, Squintessential
Hajer Waheed, My Beaded World
Heather Goldsmith, As I Bead It
Heather Otto, The Craft Hopper
Heidi Kingman, My Bead Therapy
Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
Isolina Perez, Isolina Perez
Jacqueline Keller, CreARTelier
Jane Haag, Did You Make Something Today?
Janeen Sorensen, Wild Vanilla Designs
Jean Peter, Jean P. Designs

Jennifer Judd, Jen Judd Rocks
Jennifer L Justman, Soul's Fire Designs
Joanna Matuszczyk, Bizuteria z filcu
Joanne Brown, Jo's Jewels
Joanne Lockwood, Jo Bunkum
Joyce Becker, Joyce's Joyful Gems
Judy Riley, Three Red Beads
Karen Mitchell, Over the Moon Design
Karen Williams, Baublicious
Karin von Hoeren, Creative Ideen

Karla Morgan, Texas Pepper Jams
Kashmira Patel, Sadafule .. always in bloom!
Kate Richbourg, We Can Make That at Home

Katrin Lembke, AllesPerle
Kathy Combs, Torched in Texas
Kathy Lindemer, Bay Moon Design
Kay Thomerson, Kayz Kreationz
Kelley Fogle, My Life, One Bead at at Time
Kelly Hosford Patterson, Traveling Side Show

Klaudette Koon, Only Road
Lara Lutrick, Lampwork Beads by Lara
Laura Guenther, Blue Antiquities

Laurie Lalonde, Simply Mod Jewelry
Lilik Kristiani, Soul of My Embodiment
Linda Younkman, Lindy's Designs
Lisa Chapman, Beach Cat Beads
Lisa Lodge, Pine Ridge Treasures
Loretta Carstensen, Designs by Loretta
Lori Bergmann, Lori Bergmann Design
Lori Dorrington, Lori's Adventures in Etsy Land
Lupe Meter, Gem's PC Corner
Lynn Davis, LLYYNN

Malin de Koning, Beading by Malin
Mandi Effron, Craft-o-licious
Mandy Williamson, Mimi's Beading
Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter
Maria Rosa Sharrow, Willow Street Shops
Marianne Baxter, Simply Seablime Jewelry
Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre
Marjolein Trewavas, Room for Change
Marelene Cupo, Amazing Designs
Marsha Neal, Marsha Neal Studio

Marta Kaczerowska, uhuhu
Mary Govaars, MLH Jewelry Designs
Melissa Trudinger, Bead Recipes
Menka Gupta, Menka's Jewelry Blog
Michelle Burnett, Reverie and Revival
Michelle Escano-Caballero, The Cabby Crafter
Miko Wiropati, Uniquely Yunikua
Milla Hope,  LB Creative Arts and Crafts
Mimi Gardner, Other Curiosities
Miranda Ackerley, MirandackArts
Natalie McKenna, grubbi

Noemi Baena, fuego, metal, y color
Pam Ferrari, Ferrari Originals
Pam Sears, Crazy Creative Corner
Penny Neville, Copper Penny
Rachel Baron, R. Baron Designs
Rachel Myers, Rockabead Jewelry
Rana Wilson, Definitive Designs by R. Wilson
Rebecca Anderson, Song Beads
Rebecca Sirevaag, Becca's Place
Riki Schumacher, Riki Jewelry 

Rose Binoya, Ahtee's Blog
Rossana De Gaspari, Rdegas Blog
Sally Anderson, Wild Sally Road
Sandi James, Do Be Do Bead Do
Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe
Sandra Wollberg, City of Brass Stories
Sarah Goode, Pookledo

Sarah Small, blog by salla
Shai Williams, Shaiha's Ramblings
Shawn Mills, Shawn Marie Designs with Bent Wire
Sheila Davis, Stone Designs by Sheila

Sheryl Stephens, Babble Bead
Shiraz Biggie, Secret Song Designs
Solange Collin,  Ahowin Handcrafted Jewelry
Sonya Stille, Dreamin' of Beads
Stephanie Dixon, The Dixon Chick
Susan Kennedy, Sue Beads
Susan Sheehan, Strands of Thought
Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Beadphoria
Sweet Freedom, Sweet Freedom Designs
Tabatha Dinger, Modernly Created
Tania Hagen, Pelima Jewellery Design

Tanya Boden, Fusion Muse
Terri Gauthier, Blooming Ideas
Terry Carter, Tapping Flamingo 
Tracy Stillman, Tracy Stillman Designs

Ok back to my bench.
Two different workers fell through the floor upstairs dislodging the suspended ceiling and as a result there was a layer of dirt on all my tools, beads and what a mess on my bench.

You can see some of the dirt in the top left hand corner and parts of my poor soup peeking out in the bottom right corner.

So I spent 5 hours cleaning it and much better now.

So what did I make?
Well it was a CHALLENGE. I havent used wood beads ever. I havent used ceramic focals ever. I have not really ever used anything but metals and gemmies and glass, so let me show you what came out.
First up is the Dragon focal. I made this for my daughter because she loves Dragons and I made it very long because she wont wear short. It is simple stringing on a brass wire because my tiger tail that I usually use rusts way to fast.I used one of the toggles here as well.

Then the butterfly focal.Its a chunky solid piece and quite heavy to wear so needed balancing with a lighter stringing. I have not used string before so knotting was fun.

I added some small black agate beads to the lampwork barrels so that they stayed in place better. Another toggle used with another focal.


The wood....the wood....what do I do with the wood? The rings had no drill holes, the others all had huge holes and I have not ever worked with wood before. To me they felt kind of fly away light so I added a couple of huge Black agate and wire wrapped them with heavy weight brass.
A three piece set emerged.

The necklace finishes in the back with a Brass chain and a simple lobster clasp as it is long (approx 24 inches) and doesnt need to be opened as it will slip over your head. I hand made the brass wires as well. The Black Onyx matte finish rondelles add a little bit of weight to the wooden beads.
This set is for give away. How to enter ? Join my new FB group Fusion and Muse and leave a comment. Looking forward to see you there.


Still had more soup pieces to go.
A breakfast break was needed and so we have a Breakfast Bracelet with fried Eggs and Fruit Loops. After all no day is complete without a decent brekkie.

Delicious. This one is mine LOL

I spent a little time at my bench while the floor was in progress and made a prototype design to use the other big focal and toggle clasp. It is my Goddess Bracelet. Using beautiful seed beadies I got in another swap for Pantone colours I matched the lampwork rondelles with loads of seed beads and lost of brass wire. This one turned out very chunky but it looks awesome.

and yes lucky last. I can hear you...but you had that skull focal.

I wondered how to honour it.

Tada.....

A little bit of silky thread wrapped about on some small gauge Brass wire and floating baby skullies. I made the hook and loop toggle (not really seen well) out of heavy brass wire and added a "diamond" to his front tooth and forehead as the anchor point for the dual strands. A funky style semi bangle that is definitely One of a Kind LOL.
And this guy is for give away as well. So take the time to comment,Share my blog post about my give away of 60 + carats of Emeralds and Sterling silver set (link is here) and I will pop you in the draw.
Both pieces for this give away will be drawn on the Blue Moon 31st August 2012.

Thank you for reading my ramble.Come back and often and see what I am doing.
Love and hugs Tanya

60 Carats of Emeralds and Sterling silver.......

Sneak Peek.

But first let me feature the lady I am doing this give away for.

Liss Silverwing is the name she goes by in Facebook. Felicia Ciobota is her full name and she is trying to raise funds for her Dad to have a procedure for his heart.

You can find Liss here , here and here. Liss also runs auctions on Outbid and can be found here. Check the times out and see if you can get a great piece at a great price.

Liss is a creative artist designing handcrafted pendants of selective and custom made artwork at affordable prices.

In her words....
"I draw my inspiration from my desire to provide a decent living for 4 year old. Being a single parent makes me realize I need to put every ounce of effort into my designs for him.
I've been making pendants and painting them for several years, and I find painting and crafting to be my escape and a very beautiful work.
I have all kinds of ideas that I want to explore for my art and start making more than pendants  but I need a lot of encouragement and support for that.
I recently took up digital painting as well so if you want a totally original painting done after a photograph of loved ones or just some other picture that you love, you can let me know and we can work it out."
If people want to buy, go here  , and mention the code FusionMuse to obtain 10% off the purchase.

So that is Liss. My give away is so that you might want to support her. 

How to enter?

1. One entry is to go and like her FB page.

2. Another 5 entries can be added if you make a purchase.

3. Another entry can be obtained if you come back here and tell me which of her pieces or artworks you like best.

Thats it. 

Ok now for the Emeralds. 

60 carats of Emeralds with Picture jasper and Sterling silver.24" Long graduated necklace and Earrings set. All securely Wrapped and the chain is handmade by me as well.

This set has a retail value of $900.

Give away closes on 15 Sept.So get your entries in and I will randomly choose a winner on 15th.

Thank you

Looking forward to seeing your comments.

Love and hugs

Tanya 

This is a VERY quick one.

Rubies and Pearls

In this post  I said I would give this hand made set away on 15th August.

Well time has screamed on past and it is the day

Drum roll please.......

And the Winner is......

( As proudly chosen by Ross from http://www.sinarinsilver.com )

Solange C... So Miss Solange I will be in touch by email.

Stay tuned because tomorrow I begin the next giveaway..

Sneak Peek...will tell you all about it in the post.

Thanks all for entering and please check back soon.

Oh and quick update. The baby has been called Allen and he is home. Within 3 weeks of being delivered 8 weeks early. He now weighs approx 2000 grams (about 5lbs) and is thriving on mothers milk, love and hugs. We did make a difference.

Love and hugs Tanya 

Free Beads for blogging is going great guns and I am happy to say all five spots were filled last week.
Yes I am late again. My head and a little bit of life got in the way.Let me explain.

Suglite Cab

This lovely stone as cut for me by an inexperienced cutter who unfortunately cut the rough the wrong way to get the best colour. This is one of the rejects and looks a little black when not in full sun but has divine purple colour otherwise. I have this and few more if you are interested email me.

So I was introduced to a new guy.....Well he promised me as part of the contract we made he would only cut the rest of the rough to get the best colour out of the stone that was left. I figured there was about 20-40 carats of colour in the stones I left him with. I was excited because Sugilite is a beautiful stone and quite rare and expensive. I went back when they rang to say they were done and he had cut all the rough and ALL the stones were black.Only one had a streak of colour that was in the middle and NO purple in the others. I told him I was not paying and he suggested he recut it for me to see if there was anyway to improve on his work. I told him not to bother but he did anyway.

So I went back and now even the one that had colour has no colour and this man wants me to pay $1.20 a carat for cutting.There is about 500 carats in the bundle. I refuse because he still hasnt done what he said he would do and I left.

This was about 2 weeks ago. Since then the phone has not been quiet and the threats started so I went to the police to sort it all. Truth has prevailed and he is in trouble if he doesnt leave me alone. 

The biggest problem was that the stress set me off.My head has had really bad days and I was not able to focus on anything more complex than a simple FB posting for many days. Sleep was had but it didnt help much. I think the last giveaway blog post was the biggest thing I did in a short while (check that out too and go in the draw for the Rubies and Pearls). So now I am back on track.

Oh and we had baby bunnies.Will post about them another day. 

Here are the winners from last week. This weeks will be announced on Sunday and cut off day for this week is today. If you have tried before and want to still be in the running then please comment on a post  and I will put you in the draw for the week. Fair's fair. 

So who this time? 

Beti of Stringing Fool  

Her pieces are lovely and here is a peek.

Tammie of TTE Designs 

Wow her pieces just jump off the page. 

Linda of Lily's of the Valley Jewelry Creations and Designs 

Linda does other crafts not just Jewelery 

And Amanda of AWJewelry

With her lovely pieces and such helpful Tutes.  

And last but not least 

Lisa of Pine Ridge Treasures

Go and check out her page for giveaways and fun as well.

Ok all from me for today.I will catch up more soon.Got a web page to complete for the first Bead soup reveal and that is FUN FUN FUN.

Love and hugs

Tanya

I have been greatly saddened by so many passing and so many young ones being taken of late.
I want to give some sort of help......to be there in some way....to hold a hand.....be a shoulder.....to be allowed to show I care. Know that feeling?

This is NOT a nice feel good topic so if you want to please just close the page and come back again another day. Having said that I want to share what I CAN do.

I have so many pretties sitting in plastic baggies waiting patiently for me to list or to sell or do something with and it occurred to me that with something I have sitting I can help someone who needs some support.

I am acquaintances with the lovely fellow who owns the Sinarin Silver web site. He and his wife lost two out of three of their triplets about two weeks ago.The third little fellow is in the ICU and will possibly be there for about another 6 weeks. ICU is expensive when you have little or no insurance.

So how do these things connect?

I am going to give away this set of Rubies and Pearls (approx100 carats of Rubies and rows of Freshwater Seed pearls all set in Sterling silver) to one of you. It has a retail value of $1400. The rubies are actually more red in person.My pics do leave a lot to be desired I am afraid to say but who ever get this set will not be disappointed.It took me about 3 weeks to make.

The SET.

The necklace measures approx 30 inches at the longest strand and the shortest one is about 24 inches. The Earrings are lever back sterling silver hooks and measure approx 2 inches from the curve of the hook to the end of the longest part.

Why is she doing this? Because I can.

How do I get in the give away ? 
There are a few ways.
1. Go and check out the web page and choose your favourite. Come back and comment here. (That's one entry)
2. Buy something and come back and comment here ( That is technically two entries cause you visited and purchased.)
3. Share the link.(please tell me in the comments where you did and that can be another entry for you)
4. Write a quick post on your blog about the site (this is a 5 entry thing because it will go out there so much further) and come back and comment here please.

I will run this until August 15th to give you all some time to play.The more entries the more chance you get to win this lovely set. The winner will be randomly chosen.

Ready Set Go......
Love and hugs
Tanya

Yes I did send them, they are on the way. Only 4 out of 5 people finally responded to my request for a shipping address.I dont know what happened to the other lass but if she contacts me by the end of the month I will get her a bundle away.

So who got beads.

Lisa Lodge of Pine Ridge Treasures Blog page
Here is one of her lovelies. Go check out more.

Marlene Cupo
Here is her favourite piece.

As soon as I get her blog link (I must be getting old cause I lost it) I will post it here. EDIT UPDATE: Blog link for Marlene is here Thanks for being patient with me.

Jenny Vidberg
Her blog is Shyme Design

Her is one of her pretties.

Last but not least is Heather from The CraftHopper

Here is one of her pretties.

Enjoy the read and the eye candy and I will be back soon with the next round of winners to show you what they do. It wont be so long next time. Life got in the way a lot this week
Love and Hugs
Tanya

This is a really quick post. I have to run out to work and am still so far behind (who isn't? LOL ) So Lori is giving away bits and pieces (an understatment) and I want to win one (or more LOL ) Here is the news on it.

This is but one of the prizes. Go to Lori's page and take a peek Have fun and enjoy. More coming later

Love and hugs

Tanya