Friday, May 9, 2014

Time For Soup!

Aaah, soup! There's nothing quite as comforting or delicious. Or, if it's Bead Soup, more fun to make jewelry with...And when you have a partner who's incredibly generous, you can have a full smorgasbord of soup -- eleven courses, with leftovers!

** Giveaway alert (okay, blatant ploy for comments and followers) -- read all the way to the 
bottom of this post, and you can find out how to get one of these courses for your very own!**

My lovely partner, Rita of Toltec Jewels, spoiled me rotten with gorgeous artisan beads and gemstones. Yes, I hit the jackpot, and I realize how lucky I am. Just to remind you, here is the soup I got.



Yes, I fell over in a full-on swoon.

Some pieces came together immediately, as I was opening the packages.  Others revealed themselves more slowly. But since I know you have another 499 blogs to look at as part of BSBP8, let's get to the goodies, shall we?


This, one, I must say, is my favorite of the bunch. Rita was great to include a cabochon, since she knows I do a lot of beadweaving. This beautiful cab from BeadFreaky was the perfect centerpiece, and I surrounded her with blue freshwater pearls, and an embellished herringbone rope of the twins, rollos, and brick beads Rita had sent.


The other piece that has some beadweaving in it also uses a focal with a dramatic backstory -- as Rita was wrapping this lovely lampwork cylinder from Maryse, the bead took a spectacular swan dive to Rita's floor and broke in half. Maryse made another in the same colorway and sent it directly from her shop in Europe (extra kisses to her!). There are all kinds of lovely shades of pink in the focal, and I tried to highlight them with the garnets in the tassel, the rose quartz and garnet in the spiral rope on the shorter strand, the beautiful freshwater pearls in the longer strand, and the truly lovely sterling/garnet two-strand clasp.


Back to the blue soup -- this time with a necklace that practically built itself as it came out of the package. The lovely ceramic nest focal from Blu Mudd was a natural match with the fantastic organic feeling ceramic blue/brown beads and leaf from Thea Elements. Added to that are blue flower buttons, blue Czech whirligigs (they remind me of the seed pods that are dropping like helicopters from the maple trees all over my neighborhood), a patinaed toggle clasp, and a cute little frog that hopped out of my stash, all on a macrame woven waxed linen cord.


Another pink necklace, this time with a focal that Rita ordered and sent as a backup for the broken Maryse focal. This one reminded me of a rosy sunset, and I was happy to pick up those colors with the extra fun purple Czech glass mushrooms that nestle together so beautifully, other pink Czech glass, a very special brass bird from Leslie Watt, and a clasp that Rita made herself with a lampwork bead from SueBeads. The asymmetry allowed me to show off all of the gorgeousness at once.


This piece of spring features another lampwork cylinder from Maryse, suspended on a lampwork leaf headpin. The necklace picks up the gorgeous spring shades of blue in the blue topaz, variegated quartz, and blue freshwater pearls, with pops from pewter discs and freshwater stick pearls.


And now for some glitz! Look at these spectacular, sparkletacular Slovakian glass faceted six-sided beauties! I paired them with garnet leaves, crystal, Czech glass, Swarovski elements bead caps, and a luxurious vermeil clasp with crystals. It truly is so sparkly, you may need to wear shades.  Here's a closeup of the clasp and the bead caps -- they are too pretty not to see clearly.


These beautiful freshwater pearls look like the deep blue I imagine the Aegean Sea to be.  What better beads to pair them with than the rich, lustrous 24k gold dipped Naas ceramics? The recycled sari silk was from my stash, where it had been waiting for a beautiful oceanic setting to come along.


More sari silk here, this time with a Czech glass, pewter discs, and a focal with crystal in pewter. Using fiber in my work is something I don't necessarily feel comfortable with, but I think this turned out pretty well.  I did give it a test wearing one day, so I can attest that it's very comfortable!


Another beautiful pendant with crystals, this time in a lovely blue that matched faceted bicones that Rita had included in her copious soup mix.  Ooh, elegant sparkle!

And finally, some earrings.  First, enameled rings with carved amethysts underneath.  Then, enameled flowers from Sue Beads, lampwork headpins from Southern Girl Designs, and Bali sterling beads.  I was a little worried about the patina on the headpin metal, but I kind of like the mix of rustic and shiny.



Phew! You made it! If you look back at the photos of the soup, you'll see that there's still plenty leftover for me to continue to work with.  I can't wait to get back into it...after I visit the other participants in the BSBP8 for abundant inspiration.  Thank you, Lori, for hosting this fabulous party, especially this year.  And thank you, thank you, thank you, Rita, for being such a fantastic partner and fun new friend!

Here's the payoff for reading this far -- if you leave a comment, you'll get a chance to win your choice of the two pairs of earrings from this challenge.  If you become a new follower of my blog AND leave me a comment, you'll get an additional chance to win. 

Thanks for stopping by!  Here are the rest of the fabulous participants in the hop -- see you there!

Lori Anderson, Hostess     www.PrettyThingsBlog.com

Tina Bosh                                  http://bookbug-somanybookssolittletime.blogspot.com/
Kristina Hahn Eleniak                 www.peacockandlime.wordpress.com
Kari Asbury                               www.hippiechickdesign.blogspot.com
Kris Binsfield                             www.cherishdesigns.wordpress.com
Cheryl Gangle                            www.RockCandyJewelryDesign.blogspot.com
Amber Dawn                             www.InventiveSoul.blogspot.com
Michelle Wigginton                     http://adornedonadelaide.weebly.com/
Kayla Potega                              http://teejewelry.blogspot.com/
Becky Pancake                           www.beckypancakebeaddesigns.blogspot.com

Debbie Rogers                             http://debbiestreasuresandgems.wordpress.com/
Jenny Kyrlach                             www.anafiassa.blogspot.com
Genea Crivello-Knable                 www.geneabeads.blogspot.com
Deborah Read                             www.deborahreadcom.blogspot.com
Julianna Cannon                          http://julsbeads.blogspot.com/
Lisa Liddy                                  www.lisaliddy.wordpress.com
Debbie Rasmussen                      www.Kepirasmussen.blogspot.ca
Iveth Caruso                               www.creativeatelier.net/blog
Rana Wilson                               http://ranaleadesigns.blogspot.com/
Corrie Williams                           http://thecedarbeader.blogspot.com.au

Linda Anderson                          http://fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com
Miranda Ackerley                       http://blog.mirandack.com/
Andra Weber                             www.andrasjoyfuljourney.blogspot.com
Loretta Carstensen                      http://www.designsbyloretta.blogspot.com/
Penny Houghton                         www.smellynelly.blogspot.com.au
Tania Hagen                               http://pelimadesign.blogspot.co.nz/
Robin Reed                                www.willowdragon.blogspot.com
Laurie Vyselaar                           www.Lefthandjewelry.wordpress.com
Rachel Baron                              www.rbarondesigns.blogspot.com
Erin Guest                                   www.renlish.com

Emma Todd                                            www.apolymerpenchant.com
Kelly Schermerhorn                            http://meanderingwithkelly.blogspot.com/
Dana Hickey                                            http://magpieapproved.blogspot.com
Rebecca Ednie                                       http://eclecticendeavours.blogspot.com
Marybeth Rich                                       http://forestofjewels.blogspot.com/
Sherri Levinton                                      www.cuttergazette.blogspot.com
RaMona Woolson                                www.jerseygirlsbeadwork.blogspot.com
Jo-Ann Woolverton                             www.Itsabeadifulcreation.blogspot.ca
Audrey Belanger                                  http://esperianterra.blogspot.ca/
Candida Castleberry                            http://spunsugarbeadworks.blogspot.com

Renetha Stanziano                              https://www.lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com/
Carolyn Chenault                                  www.carolynchenault.wordpress.com
Toltec  Jewels                                        www.JewelSchoolFriends.com
Diana Welte                                            http://lilyweeds.blogspot.com
Jean A. Wells                                          www.jeanawells.blogspot.com
Bev Breisinger                                       http://countryfrogcreations.blogspot.com/
Autumn Adams                                     www.autumndawns.blogspot.com
DiYana Alcalde                                       www.agapecreationsjewelry.blogspot.com
Patty Gasparino                                    www.mylifeunderthebus.typepad.com
Karen Mitchell                                       www.overthemoon-design.com

Regina Santerre                                    http://reginaswritings.blogspot.com/
Dhea Powers                                         http://javabead.blogspot.com/
Jayne Capps                                           https://mamasgottodoodle.blogspot.com
Keri Lee Sereika                                    www.pinklemonade.typepad.com
Melissa Trudinger                                www.beadrecipes.wordpress.com
Elsie Deliz-Fonseca                              http://ladelizchica.blogspot.com/
Jeanne Steck                                          www.gemsbyjeannemarie.blogspot.com
Carolyn Lawson                                     http://carolynscreationswa.blogspot.com
Kay Thomerson                                     http://KayzKreationz.blogspot.com

Maybeline Tay                                       http://thejewelrylarder.blogspot.sg/
Jackie Locantore                                   http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/blog/MorningStarSanctuaryStudio
D'Arsie Manzella                                   http://thisherenowmamacita.blogspot.com
Jacqueline Marchant                          http://jaacquelinesjewels.blogspot.com/
Lori Bergmann                                       www.LoriBergmann.blogspot.com
Beccy Peterson                                     www.yanasmom.blogspot.com
Katie Nielson-Nunez                           www.Vikingcraft.blogspot.com
Heidi Kingman                                       http://heidikingman.blogspot.com
Andrea Glick                                           http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/
Rose Johnson                                        http://swtrosethorn.blogspot.com/

Nicole Demore                                      http://healingbeading.blogspot.com/
Marti Conrad                                          http://marticsclay.blogspot.com
Marianna Boylan                                  www.stargirlshop.blogspot.com
Mitzie Crider                                          www.needfulluxuries.com
Christa Murphy                            www.adventuresofwonbeadywoman.blogspot.com
Alisa Siceloff                                           www.armoredmermaid.blogspot.com
Maria Rios                                               http://mlourdes24.blogspot.com/
Tracy Martin                                           www.nutkittensjewelry.blogspot.com
Nan Emmett                                           www.spiritrattles.blogspot.com

Ali McCarthy                                           www.northwoodscreativestudio.blogspot.com
Jennifer LaVite                                      www.drygulchbeadsandjewelry.blogspot.com
Dolores Raml                                          www.craftydscreations.wordpress.com
Valerie Kravette                                   http://gettingabeadon.blogspot.com
Bobbie Rafferty                                    www.beadsong.blogspot.com (you're here!)
Kathleen Breeding                               http://99bobotw.blogspot.com
Kristi Brokaw                                          www.Kristibrokawdesigns.blogspot.com
Lisa Suver                                                http://fanceethat.blogspot.com/
Natalie Moten                                       http://runningoutofthread.blogspot.com/
Jami Shipp                                     http://celebratinglifewithdamamashipp.blogspot.com/

Diana Shiraishi                                       www.JasmineTeaDesigns.blogspot.com
Heather Otto                                         http://www.thecrafthopper.com
Ghislaine Kruse-van Erp                    www.kruseartllc.com
Lisa Knappenberger                            www.liraysadesigns.blogspot.com
Charlene Jacka                                      http://clay-space.com/blog
Patty Miller                                             http://pattymillerbeads.blogspot.com/
Sandi James                                            www.dobedobeaddo.blogspot.com
Marianne Hurley                                  www.Readsandbeads.wordpress.com
Cris Peacock                                           http://crispart.blogspot.com/
Andrea Rivers                                        http://turtlesoupcreative.blogspot.com/

Gloria Allen                                             http://gloriaallendesigns.blogspot.com/
Kandice Seeber                                     http://coloraddictionblog.blogspot.com
Janine Lucas                                           http://www.esfera.me/travel/
Sandy Richardson                                 www.SandyscoloringBox.blogspot.com
Hajer Waheed                                       www.mybeadedworld.wordpress.com
Cynthia Abner                                       http://createdtreasures.blogspot.com/
Peggy Johnson                                      http://charmbarn.blogspot.com/
Tina Holder                                             www.beadcomber.ca
Julie Bowen                                            http://blog.autochthonous-evolved.com
Heather Richter                                    http://desertjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/

Sarah Strover                                         www.beaupepys.blogspot.com
Kimberly Idalski                                     www.kimisjewelryandgifts.blogspot.com
Sandi Volpe                                            www.sandivolpe.com
Tandra Boyer                                         http://alittleinkalicious.blogspot.com/
Klaudete Koon                                      http://www.klaudetekoon.blogspot.com
Michaela Pabeschitz                           http://der-lamardebonita.blogspot.co.at/
Mea-B. Uebler                                      http://schmuck-der-gut-tut.blogspot.de
Mandi Effron                                          www.craft-o-licious.blogspot.com
Evelyn Shelby                                        http://raindropcreationsbyevelyn.blogspot.com/
Shai Williams                                          http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com/

Natalie Davidson                                  http://www.northshoredays.com
Evelyn Duberry                                     www.Shebamakeda.com
Cindy Pack                                               http://CindyPack.blogspot.com
Eszter Czibulyas                                    http://bigyogyar.blogspot.com
Sylvia Lupberger                                   http://www.lusyls-kreativseite.blogspot.de/
Divya N                                                     www.jewelsofsayuri.com
JJ Jacobs                                                   www.comingabstractions.blogspot.com
Blanca Medina                                       www.peru-medesigns.com
Ginger Davis Allman                            http://thebluebottletree.com
Chris Eisenberg                                     http://www.wanderware.blogspot.com

Katja Benevol Gabrrijelcic                 http://slovoni.blogspot.com
Jodie Marshall                                       www.marshalljodie.blogspot.com
Margareta Saari                                    http://magsinhelmet.blogspot.fi/
Menka Gupta                                        http://menkag.blogspot.com/
Dian Hierschel                                        www.mydias.de
Kashmira Patel                                      http://sadafulee.blogspot.com
Christina Miles                                       http://wingsnscales.blogspot.com/
Inge von Roos                                        www.ingetraud.wordpress.com
Sam Siegel                                               http://samsbeadshopandjewelry.blogspot.com/
Gina Hockett                                          http://www.freestyleelements.blogspot.com

Linda Newnham                                   http://earth-shinedesigns.blogspot.co.uk/
Enikö Fabian                                           www.perleni.blogspot.com
Dorota Å»eraÅ„ska                                   http://gdymamczas.blogspot.com
Shalini Austin                                         http://jewellery-by-shalini.blogspot.co.uk
Maryse Fritzsch-Thillens                    www.glassbeadart.blogspot.com
Silke Groeber                                         http://just-beads.blogspot.com
Birgit Klughardt                                     www.gitesbeads-gite.blogspot.com
Rebecca Anderson                              www.songbeads.blogspot.com
Niky Sayers                                             http://silverniknats.blogspot.co.uk
Stefanie Teufel                                     http://stefaniessammelsurium.blogspot.com

Rosantia Petkova                                 http://bairozan.blogspot.com/
Alenka Obid                                            www.pepita-handmade.blogspot.com
Jacqueline Keller                                  www.creartelier.blogspot.com
Sam Waghorn                                        http://palemooncreation.blogspot.co.uk
Jackie Ryan                                             http://kydojewellery.blogspot.co.uk/
Kumi Fisher                                             www.kumifisher.blogspot.com
Joan Williams                                         www.lilrubyjewelry.com
Stephanie Weiss                                   http://uniquelymebwd.blogspot.com/
Elsbeth Fuchs                                         www.acrimbolda.blogspot.com
Johanna Nash                                        http://http://firephoenixcreations.blogspot.co.uk

Natascha Marty                                    http://www.sommerlicht.ch
Sarah Goode                                          www.pookledo.blogspot.com
Agata Grygiel                                         http://www.inaurem.pl/
Jeannine Vetsch-Bokstaller                  www.jevebo-art.blogspot.com
Rebecca Sirevaag                                 www.godsartistinresidence.blogspot.com
Magdalena Sikora                                http://www.porannagazeta.blogspot.com/
Ana Krepel                                              http://catspajamas-dogstuxedos.blogspot.com/
Saskia Letta                                             www.puenktliundanton.blogspot.com
Beth Emery                                             www.storiesbyindigoheart.blogspot.com
Lizzie Clarke                                            www.theneedtobead.blogspot.com

Evie and Beth McCord                        http://ebbeadandmetalworks.blogspot.com/
Marcia Dunne                                        www.thealternativefoundry.blogspot.co.uk
Agi Kiss                                                     http://moonsafaribeads.blogspot.com
Esterina Jagiella                                     http://ekleijar.blogspot.com/
Judith Johnston                                    http://www.judith-johnston.com/blog/
Jenny Vidberg                                       http://shymessmycken.blogspot.se/
Klaudia Toth                                           http://www.klaudiabizsu.hu
Merja Sundström                                 http://suntsan.blogspot.fi/
Colleen Vinthagen                               http://www.thewireworkshop.com/blog
Leah Curtis                                              http://beadyeyedbunny.blogspot.co.uk/

Giorgia Rossini                                       http://joyblonde.blogspot.it/
Sandra Wollberg                                   www.city-of-brass-stories.blogspot.com/‎
Annica Larsson                                      http://zestyfrog.wordpress.com/
Johana Nunez                                        www.artincendi.com
Krafty Max                                              http://kraftymax.blogspot.com/
Lori Schneider                                        www.beadaddicted.blogspot.com
Mary Govaars                                        www.mlhjewelrydesigns.com
Mischelle Andrade Fanucchi            http://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com
Maddison Langford                             www.maddy-moo.blogspot.com
Ginger Bishop                                        http://lilmummylikes.blogspot.com/

Birgitta Lejonklou                                 www.lejonklou.blogspot.se
Lesley Watt                                             www.thegossipinggoddess.blogspot.com
Doris Stumpf                                          www.glaszwerg.blogspot.com
Marjolein Trewavas                            http://roomforchangemeuk.blogspot.co.uk/
Silvia Sernicola                                       http://pipa-the-latest.blogspot.it/
Roxanne Blanc                                       http://strikesmyfancy-2013.blogspot.com/
Wendy Chamberlain                           http://wendy-essentialbears.blogspot.co.uk/
Siobhán Keogh                                      www.vovsjewellery.blogspot.ie
Claire Fabian                                           www.saraccino.blogspot.com
Katrin Fenzke                                         http://perlhuehner-schokojunkie.blogspot.de/

Eva Wills                                                   http://quiltingpug.blogspot.com/
Kathy Lindemer                                    http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/
Bridget Torres                                        www.shears58.net
Marina Passarella                                 http://annodarte2013.blogspot.it
Christina Hickman                                http://vintagetreasuresjewelry.blogspot.com/
Tammie Everly                                       http://ttedesigns.blogspot.com/
Ana Cravidao                                          http://acbeads.blogspot.com
Keren Panthaki                                     www.vasdea.wordpress.com
Jennifer VanBenschoten                     http://www.vanbeads.blogspot.com

Solange Collin                                        http://www.blog.ahowinjewelry.com
Marina Kosović                                      http://machoopko-design.blogspot.com/
Michelle Tucker                                    www.michelleannstudio.com
Sue Rennie                                             http://moonandsevenstars.blogspot.co.uk/
Claire Lockwood                                   www.somethingtodowithyourhands.com
Barb Solem                                             www.ViviMagooPresents.com
Caroline Dewison                                 http://www.blueberribeads.co.uk
Noemi Baena Roman                          http://blog.noemibaena.com/
Nancy Dale                                              www.nedbeads.blogspot.com
Marsela Schroth                                   www.marselita.de

Amy Severino                                        http://www.amybeads.blogspot.com/
Vonna Maslanka                                   http://justvonna.blogspot.com/
Andra Marasteanu                              http://bijouxdemonange.blogspot.com
Cherrie Warzocha                                www.colorsofshae.blogspot.com
Amanda Wacasey                                www.Mandyinmystic.blogspot.com
Marcy Lamberson                                www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com
Lisa Johnson                                           http://spudandmrsbutters.blogspot.com/
Gail Vanderster-Zwang                      www.Angelmoose.blogspot.com
Laurie Keefe-Cecere                           http://cecerelyyours.blogspot.com
Asri Wahyuningsih                               http://asribeadwork.blogspot.com/

ChristineMurrow                                  www.charisdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com
Laurie Ament                                         http://isinglassdesign.blogspot.com/
Lilik Kristiani                                            http://pcbylik.blogspot.com/
Stephanie Haussler                             www.pixybugdesigns.blogspot.com
Deb Fortin                                               www.studiok24.blogspot.ca
Kelly Hosford Patterson                    www.travelingsideshow.blogspot.com
Katy Heider                                             www.onthepondcreations.blogspot.com
Christine Stonefield                            www.sweetgirldesign.blogspot.com
Dagmar Liebisch                                    http://kokopellidesign.blogspot.de
Sandra McGriff                                      http://skyescreativechaos.blogspot.ca

Sheila Daniels                                         http://www.cheekymagpie.com
Rossana De Gaspari                             www.Rdegas.blogspot.com
Cory Tompkins                                      Www.tealwaterdesigns.blogspot.com
Sonya Stille                                             www.dreaminofbeads.blogspot.com
Judy Riggs                                                www.rigglettes.blogspot.com
Lora Bright                                               www.labweorc.wordpress.com
Tina Noonan                                           www.wingedimp.blogspot.com
Shawn Price                                            http://silkyshaven.blogspot.com
April Grinaway                                       http://brooklynbeadgoddess.blogspot.com
Cheryl Roe                                              www.beadroe.blogspot.com

Pam Hurst                                               http://pamhurst.blogspot.com
Shirley Moore                                        www.beadsandbread.blogspot.com
Emmanuelle Roué                               www.ashentara.blogspot.fr
Tammy Adams                                      http://paisleylizard.com/blog.html
Kristin Oppold                                        http://www.yayjewelry.blogspot.com
Catie Doman                                          http://drcatie.blogspot.com/
Sheila Prosterman                               www.catswithbeads.blogspot.com
Cheryl Foiles                                           http://cherylsartisticendeavors.blogspot.com/
Stephanie Perry                                  www.mustardbeadbystephanieperry.blogspot.com
Barbara Fernald                                    www.BarbaraSFernald.com

Debi Dufrene                                         http://debideauxdesigns.blogspot.com/
Kathy Stemke                                        http://vintagememoriesjewelry.blogspot.com/
Anne Betenson                                     www.crystalriverbeads.blogspot.com
Chris Haussler                                        http://pixybugdesigns.blogspot.com
Catherine King                                       www.Catherines-Musings.blogspot.com
Andria Poole                                          www.jewelleryartiste.blogspot.co.uk
Sherri Stokey                                         www.knotjustmacrame.com
Sharyl King                                              http://catchenthesun.wordpress.com
Donna Millard                                        http://fyrebeadz.blogspot.com/
Gayle Dyck                                              www.dragonflydreamweaver.wordpress.com

Gen Smith                                               http://www.gennysworld.blogspot.com
Deanna Cox                                            http://deannaaki.wordpress.com/
Beti Horvath                                           www.stringingfool.blogspot.com
Rose Rushbrooke                                 www.roserushbrooke.com/blog/
Arlene Dean                                           http://aglassbash.blogspot.com
Maria Rosa Sharrow                            www.willowstreetshops.blogspot.com
Deborah Apodaca                                www.deborahapodacadesigns.blogspot.com
Veralynne Malone                               www.veradesigns.blogspot.com
Stacy Alderson                                      http://iridalsattic.blogspot.co.uk
Eva Sherman                                          http://evashermandesigns.blogspot.com/


Cassi Paslick                                            http://cassisbeads.blogspot.com/
Cindy Boissonneault                              www.dziar.com
Linda Sadler                                            www.idalouisejewelry.blogspot.com
Louise Glazier                                        http://lilyandjasmine.blogspot.com/
Susan McClelland                                 http://mistheword12.wordpress.com/
Kathrin Lembke                                    http://allesperle.blogspot.de/
SusanneStelljes                                    www.Pearlify.blogspot.com
Terry Jeanette Carter                            www.tappingflamingo.blogspot.com
Susan Kelly                                              http://midlifegreaterexpectations.blogspot.com

Kim Paige                                                 http://www.redtree-studio.com/blog/
Dyanne Everett-Cantrell                   www.deelitefuljewelrycreations.blogspot.com
Annita Wilson                                        http://awjewelryandbeadwork.blogspot.com/
Tracey Leeder                                        http://abeadifulmess.blogspot.com/
Elizabeth Bunn                                      http://elizabethbeads.blogspot.com
Allison Fitzpatrick                                 alspolkadotsandpaisley.blogspot.com
Tania Spivey                                           www.moobiegracedesigns.blogspot.com
Ilenia Ruzza                                             http://ile1974.blogspot.it/
Lauren Potts                                           www.lpsjewelry.blogspot.com
Lynn Jobber                                            http://thecreativeklutz.blogspot.co.uk/

Lee Koopman                                        http://stregajewellry.wordpress.com
Carol Wilson                                           http://jetadorn.blogspot.com/
Elizabeth Woodford                            www.Elizabethcreates.blogspot.com
Deb McKinnis                                         www.willowbridgebeads.wordpress.com
Rochelle Brisson                                   http://www.acreativechelle.blogspot.com
Shari Replogle                                        www.playswithpaper.blogspot.com
Janeen Sorensen                                 www.wildvanilladesigns.com
Kat Barron Miller                                  http://mkpbeadart.blogspot.com/
Elaine Robitaille                                     http:/www.tooaquarius.com
Darlene Fortier                                      www.darliciousrejuvenations.blogspot.com

Leslie Schenkel                                      http://twistedchicken.wordpress.com/
Kym Hunter                                            http://kymhunterdesigns.blogspot.com/
Leslie Wayment                                    http://www.aabeadsonline.com/blog/
Beckie Robison                                      http://spiralfirestudios.blogspot.com
Hannah Trost                                         www.pzdesigns.blogspot.com
Kim Hutchinson                                     www.jumbledhutch.wordpress.com
Liz Engriser                                              www.beadcontagion.blogspot.com
Diah Anggreni                                        https://mymaniks.wordpress.com
Monique Urquhart                              http://ahalfbakednotion.blogspot.com/
Kim Williams                                           www.kimmwilliams.blogspot.com

Theresa Buchle                                     http://www.bead-mused.blogspot.com
Susan Bowie                                           http://susanbowie.wordpress.com
Pam DeBoer                                           http://pamelas-studio.blogspot.com/
Skylar Bre'z                                             http://brisingbeads.blogspot.com/
Janet Loomis                                          www.anvilartifacts.blogspot.com
Tari Kahrs                                                 http://brush.typepad.com/my-blog/
Nancy Smith                                           www.wirednan.blogspot.ca
Erin Grant                                                www.ErinsJewelryCreations.blogspot.com
Barbara Mason                                      www.Adorninglyyours.com
Karin King                                                www.maverickbeads.blogspot.ca

Mary K. McGraw                                  www.mkaymac.blogspot.com
Mandi Ainsworth                                 www.beadcircle.com
Jasvanti Patel                                         http://jewelrybyjasvanti.blogspot.com
Donna Conklin                                       www.PrimaDonnaBeads.com
Karen Jones                                            http://offthetopcreations.blogspot.ca/
Lori Finney                                              www.lori-finney.blogspot.ca
Sheila Davis                                    http://www.stonedesignsbysheila.blogspot.com/
Sabine Dittrich                                       www.perlendschungel.blogspot.com
Helen Simon                                           http://helensharvest.blogspot.com/

Nicole Valentine Rimmer                  www.nvalentine.blogspot.com
Marge Beebe                                         www.rockcreekcreations.blogspot.com
Michelle McCarthy                              Www.fireflydesignstudio.blogspot.com
Chandra Merod                                    www.Junipergoods.blogspot.com
Nancy Olliver                                          http://nancyolliver.com/blog/
Alison Sachs                                            http://beadsbyearthtones.blogspot.com/
Kay Mallery                                             www.kaymreflections.blogspot.com
Beth Petricoin                                        http://createmyworlddesigns.blogspot.com/
Marta Grabalowska                             http://galeriakota.blogspot.com/
Clare Etheridge                                     http://www.catseatdogs.com

Heather Marston                                 http://cswdesignsbyhehe.blogspot.com
Ann Rishell                                              Http://mycriticaleye.com
Cece Cormier                                         http://www.thebeadingyogini.com/
Shannon German                                 www.Missficklemediacom.blogspot.com
Mary Ellen Merrigan                           http://www.maryellenbeads.com
Cheryl Brown                                         www.dragonflybeads.ca
Mary Hicks                                     http://uptwnsh-fallingintothesky.blogspot.com/
Judy Robinson                                       http://judyrobinsondesigns.com
Danielle Kelley                                       http://imbuethemuse.blogspot.com/
Cate van Alphen                                   http://fulgorine.wordpress.com/

Patricia Buchanan                                 www.braceletstoo.artfire.com
Billi R.S. Rothove                                   http://www.billi-rs-rothove.blogspot.com
Laura Blanck                                           www.laurablanck.blogspot.com
Pam Traub                                               http://www.klassyjoolz.blogspot.com
Fay Wolfenden                                     www.torchfairy.blogspot.com
Kristi Harrison                                        http://kristibasket-itsanewday.blogspot.com/
Karen Martinez                                     http://fairiesmarket.blogspot.com/
Sarah Singer                                           http://singingsongsofsixpence.blogspot.co.uk
Megan Tillery                                         http://cherryonion.wordpress.com/
Dana James                                            www.danasjewelrydesign.blogspot.com

Rachel Stewart                                      www.bluefinchjewelry.blogspot.com
Valerie Cook                                           www.kimisjewelryandgifts.blogspot.com
Debra Gibson                                         http://debrasheart.blogspot.com/
Pat Haight                                                http://wigglebuttblog.blogspot.com/
Rachel Stanley                                       www.2catchahummingbird.blogspot.com
Sandra Pendragon                               www.SandraPendragon.blogspot.com
Anja Schultz                                            www.Anjas-perlenwelt.blogspot.de
Sharon Driscoll                                       www.sharondriscoll.blogspot.com
Lecia Woessner                                     https://www.copperroses.blogspot.com
Kitty Durmaj                                           www.perlesandlife.blogspot.com

Donetta Farrington                              http://simplygorgeous-donetta.blogspot.com/
Bonnie Coursolle                                  http://jaspersgems.blogspot.ca/
Laurie Wirth                                            www.mermaidtreasuresart.blogspot.com
Lori Callahan                                           www.Dancingwireandbeads/blogspot.com
B.R. Kuhlman                                         www.mixedmayhemstudios.com
Karin Grosset Grange                         http://ginkgoetcoquelicot.blogspot.fr
Rebekah Payne                                     http://www.treewingsstudio.com/
Lori Bowring Michaud                         http://artfullyornamental.blogspot.com

Jael Thorp                                                http://jaelsjewels.blogspot.com/
Patty Woodland                                    http://brokenteepee.com
Eleanor Burian-Mohr                          http://cornerstoregoddessjewelry.blogspot.com/
Susanna Lehto                                       www.othellehto.blogspot.fi
June Butt                                                 http://www.onewhiteswan.blogspot.co.nz/
Melissa Muir                                          http://Design.kcjewelbox.com
Laney Mead                                           http://laney-izzybeads.blogspot.co.uk/
Tamera Norris                                        www.beadsinspireme.com
Andrea Trank                                         www.heavenlanecreations.com
Catharine Temaluru                            http://ienmaginationsjewelry.wordpress.com

Marie Covert                                          http://thistledown-and-swaddlings.blogspot.com/
Valerie Tilghman                                   www.Artjewelzdimensions.blogspot.com
Jean Baldridge Yates                           http://prettykittydogmoonjewelry.blogspot.com/
Sierra Barrett                                         www.Giraffecanhas.wordpress.com
Patricia Robitaille                                  http://www.banglesandbrew.blogspot.com/
Leanne Loftus                                        www.firstimpressiondesign.blogspot.com
Sally Russick                                            http://thestudiosublime.com
Mallory Hoffman                                  http://rosebud101-fortheloveofbeads.blogspot.com/
Dini Bruinsma                                         www.angazabychanges.blogspot.nl
Marde Lowe                                           www.fancimar.com

Hannah Annear                                     www.quirkyhannah.wordpress.com
Patty Johnson                                        http://patricialjohnsonglassart.blogspot.com/
Valerie Norton                                      www.hot-fused-glass.com
Ann Sherwood                                      http://ann-sherwood.blogspot.com/
Staci Smith                                              www.stacilouiseoriginals.com
Jen Purple                                               www.purplefishstudio.blogspot.com
Ruth Szapa                                              www.trulytrudi.blogspot.com
CJ Bauschka                                            www.Fool4Jewels.blogspot.com
Karla Morgan                                         www.texaspepperjams.blogspot.com
Suz Hamel                                               http://cardandjewelrycorner.blogspot.com/

Laura Guenther                                    www.Blueantiquities.blogspot.com
Elisabeth Auld                                        www.beadsforbusygals.com
Martha Aleo                                           www.ornamento.wordpress.com
Shiraz Biggie                                           www.secretsongdesigns.blogspot.com
Brendalee Astells                                    www.silverbee.ca
Heather d'Entremont                             http://frugalmacdougall.wordpress.com
Kelly Morgan                                          www.silverparrotdesigns.blogspot.com
Lesley Lane                                             http://phoebedreamsjewellery.blogspot.co.uk/
Lori Blanchard                                        www.alainnjewelry.wordpress.com

Susan Kennedy                                     www.suebeads.blogspot.com
Rain Hannah                                           http://honeyandollie.com
Janice Warden Bergeron                   http://thejewelryroom.blogspot.ca/
Melissa Packer                                      www.melissascheapfrills.com
Jana Haverty                                          http://handlcreations.blogspot.com/
Cindy Ritchie                                          http://mooseriverglass.blogspot.com/
Marianne Baxter                                  www.simplyseablimejewelery.blogspot.com
Denise McCabe                                     www.cabewoman.blogspot.com
Sharon Palac                                           www.sharonsjewelrygarden.blogspot.com
Cathy Buckley                                        www.cathybuckleycatsmeow.blogspot.com

Jennifer Van Horn                                http://jennifersjewelsandjunk.blogspot.com/
Crystal Rector                                        Www.autumnskyadornments.com/blog
Susan Walls                                             http://susansartcircus.com/blog
Penny Neville                                        http://copperpennydesigns.blogspot.com
Lisa Cone                                                 http://inspiredadornments.blogspot.com/
Heather Davis                                        http://www.blissfulgardenbeads.com/blog
Michelle Escano                                    www.cabbycaft.blogspot.com
Carmen Lau                                            www.tlemake.blogspot.com
Janet Borzecki                                       www.jaybeejewelry.blogspot.com
Rhonda Hagerman                               http://mustardseedbeads.blogspot.com/

Katrina Taylor                                         www.iwannagoout.wordpress.com
Molly Alexander                                   http://beautifullybrokenme.blogspot.com
Nicole Rennell                                       www.nicolerennell.com/blog
Chris McGilvery                                     www.mmmomentos.blogspot.com
Erin Prais-Hintz                                      http://treasures-found.blogspot.com
Dawn Williams                                       www.sadiejewelrydesign.blogspot.com
Kate Dufour                                            https://mixfolios.wordpress.com/
Robin Lynne Showstack                     http://heartsdesiresjewelryforyou.blogspot.com/
Elizabeth Hodges                                  www.thewhisperingseas.blogspot.com
Cynthia Tucker                                      www.seaofglassbeads.blogspot.com

Adlinah Kamsir                                      http://dreamstruckdesigns.blogspot.sg/
Stephanie Price                                     http://www.stephaniepricedesigns.wordpress.com
Carol Dillman                                          http://dillmansdallies.blogspot.com/
Christine Hansen                                  http://intuitivesparks.blogspot.com/
Andrea Frank                                         http://andreajewelry.blogspot.com
Tracy Stillman                                         www.beadtrilogy.com
Denise Petersen                                   www.reinventedobjects.blogspot.com
Veronica Campos-Hallstrom                 www.clubcreativestudio.com/blog
Madonna Liza Cruz-Comia                http://crazy-notions.blogspot.com
Suzann Sladcik Wilson                        www.BeadphoriaBlog.com

Terri Gauthier                                        http://terrisbloomingideas.blogspot.com
Alicia Marinache                                   http://www.allprettythings.ca
Barbara Bechtel                                    http://secondsurf.com
Hannah Rosner                                     http://goodrivergallery.blogspot.com
Keren von Hoeren                                www.creativeideen.de
Lea Avroch                                              http://lajewelrydesign.blogspot.com/
Maire Dodd                                            http://mairedodd.blogspot.com/


Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Derby Weekend Is Over, and I'm Probably Lucky I Didn't Get Arrested For Stalking Hat Wearers With A Camera

It's been a few days, but I've finally recuperated from Derby weekend -- a day at Churchill Downs on Friday, house guests for the weekend -- apparently I am not the young filly I consider myself to be!

But as promised, here are some hats spotted while I was at the Oaks, the day before Derby. Keep in mind that it was a grey and chilly day, so you'll see lots of folks with sweaters and chill bumps. But we didn't get rained on, so all the hats were out in force. (Photo heavy, so I'll limit my comments to the captions - I know, I know, you'll miss my witty and lengthy insights....)  Do go all the way to the end -- some of the best are there!

This beauty sat next to us.  She was a great example of the pink theme of the day, and the big flowers that seemed
to be prevalent.  Not sure what the gold pacifier-looking thing toward the back is...oh well.
The one one the right was sheer simplicity in a fabulous color.  The orange delight on the left rocked the feathers,
which was another prevalent style theme of the day. They look a little chilly!

This was taken in the paddock (where they parade the horses before each race and the riders mount up.
 Did you hear Dr. J call "Riders Up" for the Derby?  This is where that happens.
And I apologize for the wonky angle -- it was so crowded, I just stuck my phone up over my head
 and snapped pictures, hoping to capture the feel of the area.

Another paddock shot.  I only see one woman in the shot who doesn't have some sort of hat on!
These three were ADORABLE! The could barely make it into their seats, because people(like me)
kept stopping them for pictures.
This was the view from our seats -- we were in the front row, right on the rail. Awesome!

Even in line for the ladies' room, people looked fabulous.  Check the hatinator the middle.

Another hatinator at the ladies' room. It was probably the most fashionable are of the Downs...
I don't know who she is, but she looked great leaving the paddock on the way to watch her horse race.
I'm a sucker for this color.

This was, hands down, my favorite hat of the day. Of the year. Perhaps of the century.
It was a glorious explosion of flowers both on the top and nestled under the side of this hatinator.
 I actually hollered at this young woman to ask if I could take her picture.
Amazing what a couple of mint juleps will help you do...
And me and my sweetie!

Best looking male hat model in the place, celebrating his winnings for the day.

Friday, May 2, 2014

Hat Week Friday -- The Kentucky Oaks

Happy Friday, everyone!  While you're reading this, I will either be at Churchill Downs, enjoying the festivities of the Kentucky Oaks, or somewhere quiet, recuperating from the festivities of the Oaks and letting someone else cook dinner.

Today's hat inspiration is what I'll be wearing at the Oaks -- it's a beautiful fascinator I won at a silent auction last Derby season.  It's completely appropriate for the Oaks, which has pink as its signature color and is called the Run for the Lilies.


Now, you may wonder why the necklace is not pink on pink, with a little pink thrown in for good measure. The green is the exact color of my Oaks dress, the bronze pearls match a tiny stripe on the dress, and the rose quartz is a soft reflection of the lily. I decided to be somewhat subtle at my neck, since there's no way having big ol' fuchsia flowers on your head can be considered subtle!


I'll be at the track today with my camera at the ready, prepared to capture all the hat wonderfulness that's roaming around (at least until someone smacks me for taking their picture)!  Since the reveal for BSBP has been postponed, I hope to have some pictures to share with you tomorrow. And since we lucked into seats right on the rail of the track (!), I might even have some closeups of some jockey silks!

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Hat Week Thursday - Netting

It's Thursday of Hat Week!

Short and sweet today, but it's a classic -- black and white.

Here's a hat I saw in two different stores. Do you think there'd be a fight if two women showed up wearing the same hat?  Probably not, because anyone classy enough to wear this would just channel her inner Audrey Hepburn and sail through.  And if you look carefully, you'll see that it's what is called a "hatinator" -- a combination of a hat with a fascinator. There's a headband to keep it in place so you don't have to glue and/or staple the hat to your head to maintain the jaunty angle.


The interpretation on this one was easy -- a little black and white netted centerpiece with a necklace of faceted Czech glass.  This was so fun that I actually finished it off this morning and wore it to a lunch meeting.


A few more black and white beauties for your day: