Mother Nature's Night Out

I finished the ISGB Convergence project last week, but hadn't had a chance to photograph it & post until now. Last week wasn't such a good week for the stress level, so I'm trying to start this week off on the right foot!

The Convergence project encompasses the 4 elements. My collaborator and creator of the fabulous beads I got to use was Joyce Rooks. Joyce created 5 beads, called "Planetscapes," that swirled and moved the way one would imagine the jet stream or ocean currents move. I feel so blessed to design a piece around these beads.

In working on the necklace, I wanted to be literal in the representation of the elements, so there's fire, a flower for earth, wind and a drop of water. Each component was created in peyote, including the back copper band. The necklace includes Japanese cylinder beads, Czech glass seed beads (11/0 & 15/0), dyed freshwater pearls, and a sterling clasp. The centerpiece is a circle (for the earth itself) which has 4 tails, one of each of the elements. I'm really pleased with the results. I just need to get some more info from Joyce, but then our entry is off.

Giveaways and More

I meant to post this earlier, but it completely slipped my mind! The Bluegrass Etsy Street team blog is currently having a contest to win a beautiful pair of Swarovksi earrings from Kim Ries of Creative Eye Studio. Just visit Kim's shop and leave a comment on the B.E.S.T. blog about which item you like best. The winner will be chosen at random from the comments left over the course of the month.

I didn't get to my remodeling over the weekend. I was all ready, but my mother begged me to wait until I had someone here helping me out. I think she forgets sometimes that I've been out at 10pm with power tools working on houses before. But, that's a mom for you! So, we've scheduled the 24th & 25th to tear into this place. I'm taking measurements this week and headed to Lowes for the supplies. I'm looking forward to having more space. Maybe I won't hear beads rolling around in my keyboard anymore after this! (And no, you're not getting before pictures! This place is a MESS!)

I've been busy working on my ISGB Convergence project. I'm pretty pleased with the way it's coming along. I've got the major peyote portion of the necklace done and getting ready to add some dyed pearl accents and, hopefully, I'll be done. It's due 2/1 and I want to make sure I get some faboo pics. Joyce Rooks just rocked these lampwork beads. Beautiful!

Treasury!

I got a note from Maunakeamoonlight that I was included in a treasury she put together. It's a really beautiful treasury and it's rather funny, because I'm familiar with Larry Watson's pottery through shows here in Kentucky. Fun!

I want to turn GREEN!!!! - http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=27519

I've started working on my piece for the ISGB/Bead&Button Convergence project. The beads that I got from Joyce Rooks are absolutely incredible, but I'm not showing photos til I get some work done :)