Bead Soup Blog Party: Bead Hoarder's Edition

A blog about life's challenges and how to address them, beading challenges, bead love, and a bit of silliness.

My first thought was, "boy those red ceramic beads are big, what am I going to make with those?!" I thinking about making a choker style necklace and pulled out large nuggets of turquoise from my stash (can you tell I like turquoise from what I'd made so far?). Then I pulled out some mother of pearl arrows and pewter ovals. While I was moving bits and pieces around, I remembered I had a Mayan inspired pendant I'd received in another swap, and then my necklace was no longer a choker necklace.

My hoarded bead (or in this case pendant). A green gorgeous goodie that rocks! Literally. Look at all those different shades of green. Green means spring. And spring means new life. I pulled out faceted jade I've had for awhile to represent the new buds of life emerging from winter's slumber. Then I pulled out the oxidized sterling silver plated brass connectors whose circles symbolize Mother Earth. Something was m

The first piece I made from the bead soup my partner, Bev Petrucci Breisinger, sent me was a fun pair of earrings using the feathers I received and pairing them with turquoise bears and lampwork beads from an Oregon artist, both of which I've been hoarding for awhile. Love wearing them.

The third piece I made, uses wood beads that I received and paired them with faceted turquoise and jasper leaves. I even made the head pins by hammering the end of a piece of wire in a teardrop shape. I love this color combination.

The final piece I selected to send to my partner Bev was something I made to harken back to the theme of this shin dig, something from the heart. It can be an ornament or a pendant. A copper heart and circle both embossed, with Vintaj patina, a brass ring, silver ox flower and Swarovski flat back.

Lovely soft orange paisley bracelet bar from Blu Mudd that was part of my winnings from Blu Mudd's Black and White Victorian design challenge. Some additional goodies to go along for the ride are golden freshwater pearls, turquoise, silver toned spacers and dyed silk from Marsha Neal Minutella. Can't wait to see what Bev might create with these pretty pretties.

The second piece I created for the party is a cute pair of earrings using the wood beads I received and bee charms. A nod to spring as the wildflowers here are starting to burst out with all the rain we've had over the past few months.

Now I couldn't let the Staci Louise Original focal to Bev go unescorted, so I included some copper colored pearls, Woolywire, and Marsha Neal ceramic discs to keep the focal company.

After selecting my hoarded bead and other goodies, I wrapped them up all pretty in pink and green, then sent them on their way to their new home. I can't wait to see what Bev does with her new pretty pretties.

My partner Bev Petrucci Breisinger rocks! Literally and figuratively. I LOVE the beautiful gemstone pendant she sent. How did she know I love green? Also included were brass findings, copper, wood and ceramic beads. What to do, what to do? Thank you Bev!

A little teaser of what I put together to send to my partner. Are you certain those are the colors of what was sent? You'll just have to wait for the reveal to find out.

On the eve before the party begins this March 25, I'm so excited! Can't wait to see what everyone has created.