tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25436923876162374892024-03-19T01:22:08.013-07:00Sharon's Jewelry GardenJewelry, Nature, and Woodland Meanderings...Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07804759073542266127noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543692387616237489.post-10001745068454169932016-03-31T22:53:00.001-07:002016-05-09T17:05:54.700-07:00Build A Line Challenge Final Reveal: The Birds and the BeesIt's been a long, crazy ride through this challenge featuring components from <a href="https://www.bsueboutiques.com/default.asp" target="_blank">B'Sue Boutiques</a>. We've learned and discussed many topics in class, including just what the heck IS a line? Now I know through the guidance of Brenda and my classmates. A jewelry line consists of cohesive design elements, such as focal, theme, color, and era. I discovered my era is neo-Victorian. I love the feminine design elements of that period combined with a modern sensibility, so vintage modern, if you will.<br />
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I chose birds and bees because the brass stampings not only possess personality, they evoke the natural world combined with whimsy. If you read my last BALC blog post, you will notice that my style changed from shabby chic to neo-Victorian. My newly styled necklace is done in soft, muted cream and gold, the chain is lovely vintage rosary chain.<br />
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The focal and charm I chose for my bracelet is different, yet still encompasses the bird and bee theme, and the vintage chain is repeated for cohesion:<br />
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My second necklace and bracelet set is done in soft copper and pink colors and finished with an aged brass rollo chain:<br />
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Again, the same bird and bee in different hues as my first bracelet and the same brass chain as the necklace for cohesion:</div>
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And lastly, a coordinated pair of earrings:<br />
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This was a great learning experience for me, both fun and frustrating at times, but the end result is pure joy. Thanks so much for checking out my blog; I love comments! Please visit my classmate's blogs below to discover their new jewelry lines and leave them a friendly comment!<br />
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<a href="http://www.bsueboutiques.typepad.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">Brenda Sue Lansdowne Jewelry Making Outside the Box</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.bsueboutiques.typepad.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">http://www.bsueboutiques.typepad.com</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://butterflyemporium.indiemade.com/blog"><span style="color: #444444;">Diana Buynak Butterfly Emporium Ceramic Studio</span></a><br />
<a href="http://butterflyemporium.indiemade.com/blog"><span style="color: #444444;">http://butterflyemporium.indiemade.com/blog</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://heartsdezirebyirene.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">Irene Hoffman, Heart’s Dezire by Irene</span></a><br />
<a href="http://heartsdezirebyirene.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">http://heartsdezirebyirene.wordpress.com</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.craftingmagick.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">Clare Wells Nemeth, Creative Magick</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.craftingmagick.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">http://www.craftingmagick.blogspot.com</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://afrayedknot.net/"><span style="color: #444444;">Mary Reckmeyer, Afrayed Not</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.afrayedknot.net/"><span style="color: #444444;">http://www.afrayedknot.net</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://auroradesignsjewelryblog.me/"><span style="color: #444444;">Marcia Tuzzolino, Aurora Designs</span></a><br />
<a href="http://auroradesignsjewelryblog.me/"><span style="color: #444444;">http://auroradesignsjewelryblog.me</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://wearableartbylizzie.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">Elizabeth Wilks, Wearable Art by Lizzie</span></a><br />
<a href="http://wearableartbylizzie.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">http://wearableartbylizzie.blogspot.com</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.onecanvasatatime.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">Jeanette Rose Belmont, One Canvas At A Time</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.onecanvasatatime.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">http://www.onecanvasatatime.com</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://lnreeve00.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">Lyn Joy Reeve, A Journey From Jewels To Jubilation</span></a><br />
<a href="http://lnreeve00.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">http://lnreeve00.blogspot.com</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://thejourneyofjewelry.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">Beth Trubman, The Journey of Jewelry</span></a><br />
<a href="http://thejourneyofjewelry.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">http://thejourneyofjewelry.blogspot.com</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://beadsophisticate.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">Carole Carlson, Bead Sophisticate</span></a><br />
<a href="http://beadsophisticate.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">http://beadsophisticate.wordpress.com</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://janntague.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">Jann Tague, Clever Designs by Jann</span></a><br />
<a href="http://janntague.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">http://janntague.wordpress.com</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"></span><br />
<a href="http://slgdesigns.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">Shari Gardner, SLG Jewelry Designs</span></a><br />
<a href="http://slgdesigns.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">http://slgdesigns.wordpress.com</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"></span><br />
<a href="http://www.fernsplace.org/"><span style="color: #444444;">Susan Bolton, Fern’s Place</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.fernsplace.org/"><span style="color: #444444;">http://www.fernsplace.org</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://noodlepiebracelets.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">Chris Kemp, Noodle Pie Bracelets</span></a><br />
<a href="http://noodlepiebracelets.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">http://noodlepiebracelets.com</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.woodsidewireworks.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">Susan Bowerman, Woodside Wireworks</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><br />
<a href="http://woodsidewireworks.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">http://woodsidewireworks.com/</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://novegattidesigns.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">Pamela Anger, Novegatti Designs</span></a><br />
<a href="http://novegattidesigns.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">http://novegattidesigns.blogspot.com</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://haileyscottage.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">Joan Donovan, Hailey’s Cottage</span></a><br />
<a href="http://haileyscottage.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">http://haileyscottage.com/</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"></span><br />
<a href="http://www.allysbaubles.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">Alison Huie, Ally’s Baubles</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.allysbaubles.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">http://www.allysbaubles.blogspot.com</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.sharonsjewelrygarden.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">Sharon Palac, Sharon’s Jewelry Garden</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.sharonsjewelrygarden.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">http://www.sharonsjewelrygarden.blogspot.com</span></a><br />
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<a href="https://beebscloset.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">Erica Olmos, Beeb’s Closet</span></a><br />
<a href="https://beebscloset.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">https://beebscloset.wordpress.com</span></a><br />
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<a href="https://shatteredtimejewelry.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">Erin Whitacre, Shattered Time Jewelry</span></a><br />
<a href="https://shatteredtimejewelry.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">https://shatteredtimejewelry.wordpress.com</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"></span><br />
<a href="https://sittonupfront.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">Fran Sitton, Sitton Up Front</span></a><br />
<a href="https://sittonupfront.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">https://sittonupfront.wordpress.com</span></a><br />
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<a href="https://lynnleighdesigns.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">Ginger Hammond, Lynn Leigh Designs</span></a><br />
<a href="https://lynnleighdesigns.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">https://lynnleighdesigns.wordpress.com</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.lovelylaylabugjewels.com/Blog.php"><span style="color: #444444;">Paula Gaskill, Lovely LaylaBug Jewels</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.lovelylaylabugjewels.com/Blog.php"><span style="color: #444444;">http://www.lovelylaylabugjewels.com/Blog.php</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://theroseswordmdeis.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">Mary Deis, The Rose Sword</span></a><br />
<a href="http://theroseswordmdeis.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">http://theroseswordmdeis.blogspot.com</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"></span><br />
<a href="http://smallstuffdesign.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">Renee Webb Allen, Small Stuff Design</span></a><br />
<a href="http://smallstuffdesign.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">http://smallstuffdesign.com</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://artjewelzdimensions.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">Valerie Tilghman, ArtJewelsandGifts</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.artjewelzdimensions.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">http://www.artjewelzdimensions.blogspot.com</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"></span><br />
<a href="http://christinecravens.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">Chris Cravens, Vintage Cravens</span></a><br />
<a href="http://christinecravens.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">http://christinecravens.blogspot.com</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.adorndivinedesigns.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">Leslie Carver, Adorn Divine Designs</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.adorndivinedesigns.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">http://www.adorndivinedesigns.blogspot.com</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"></span><br />
<a href="http://jewelrydonna.typepad.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">Donna Parry, JewelryDonna</span></a><br />
<a href="http://jewelrydonna.typepad.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">http://jewelrydonna.typepad.com</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"></span><br />
<a href="http://tanglestwistsandtreasures.com/blog"><span style="color: #444444;">Gina-Marie Hammer, Tangles, Twists and Treasures</span></a><br />
<a href="http://tanglestwistsandtreasures.com/blog/"><span style="color: #444444;">http://tanglestwistsandtreasures.com/blog/</span></a><br />
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<a href="https://wingedwisdomenchantments.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">Kelly Wymer, Winged Wisdom Enchantments</span></a><br />
<a href="https://wingedwisdomenchantments.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">https://wingedwisdomenchantments.wordpress.com/</span></a><br />
<br />Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07804759073542266127noreply@blogger.com104tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543692387616237489.post-59473716116168816732016-02-25T16:08:00.001-08:002016-02-25T16:08:49.011-08:00The Birds and the BeesWelcome! This is blog hop number two for the Build a Line Challenge brought to you by Brenda Sue Lansdowne, of <a href="https://www.bsueboutiques.com/default.asp" target="_blank">B'Sue Boutiques</a> fame. I've never worked with brass stampings before so this is a new learning curve for me, but to my surprise, I found myself calming down when applying Lumiere paint and colorful patinas to the raw brass. It became a soothing meditation in the Zen Zone! Here are the components I chose to use this time around:<br />
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I spray painted the brass filigree in cream, but oddly it looked quite gray, so I switched to Lumiere Pearlescent white, and then patinaed the dogwood flower, bird, and bee with Vintaj Patinas. I added a brass flower cap and inserted a crystal chaton, and voila!<br />
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I am quite pleased with the overall effect of shabby chic vintage. The vintage rosary chain from my own stash complements the pearlescent highlights on the filigree.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzmgA7VrGJTkZlC0WTTcsq6xWszXzhUMZ4a0Odx4QbfaxbeTr2GNVmPrVguWdIVkCuy1U-n130dk8HqjXTal4ubM6JBVC0m4RE6qkvSD-Ci2ZDLyzrEOzDLeuSD6mVMd6HVDRK6C0Cyk/s1600/SAM_0351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzmgA7VrGJTkZlC0WTTcsq6xWszXzhUMZ4a0Odx4QbfaxbeTr2GNVmPrVguWdIVkCuy1U-n130dk8HqjXTal4ubM6JBVC0m4RE6qkvSD-Ci2ZDLyzrEOzDLeuSD6mVMd6HVDRK6C0Cyk/s640/SAM_0351.JPG" width="440" /></a></div>
Please hop on over to our blog participants beginning with our hostess with the mostest, B'Sue!<br />
<a href="http://www.bsueboutiques.typepad.com/"><span style="color: #45001e;">Brenda Sue Lansdowne Jewelry Making Outside the Box</span></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://butterflyemporium.indiemade.com/blog"><span style="color: #45001e;">Diana Buynak Butterfly Emporium Ceramic Studio</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://heartsdezirebyirene.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #45001e;"> Irene Hoffman, Heart's Dezire by Irene</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.craftingmagick.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #45001e;">Clare Wells Nemeth, Creative Magick</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://afrayedknot.net/"><span style="color: #45001e;">Mary Reckmeyer, Afrayed Not</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://auroradesignsjewelryblog.me/"><span style="color: #45001e;">Marcia Tuzzolino, Aurora Designs</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://wearableartbylizzie.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #45001e;">Elizabeth Wilks, Wearable Art by Lizzie</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.onecanvasatatime.com/"><span style="color: #45001e;">Jeanette Rose Belmont, One Canvas At A Time</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://lnreeve00.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #45001e;">Lyn Joy Reeve, A Journey From Jewels To Jubilation</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://voguerocks.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #45001e;">Belinda Reed-Ingle, Vogue Rocks</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://thejourneyofjewelry.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #45001e;">Beth Trubman, The Journey of Jewelry</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://beadsophisticate.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #45001e;">Carole Carlson, Bead Sophisticate</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://janntague.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #45001e;">Jann Tague, Clever Designs by Jann</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://slgdesigns.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #45001e;">Shari Gardner, SLG Jewelry Designs</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.fernsplace.org/"><span style="color: #45001e;">Susan Bolton, Fern's Place</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://noodlepiebracelets.com/"><span style="color: #45001e;">Chris Kemp, Noodle Pie Bracelets</span></a><br /><br /><a href="https://angelskeepbandbdotcom.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #45001e;">Barbara Kelley, Angels' Keep</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.woodsidewireworks.com/"><span style="color: #45001e;">Susan Bowerman, Woodside Wireworks</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://novegattidesigns.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #45001e;">Pamela Anger, Novegatti Designs</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://haileyscottage.com/"><span style="color: #45001e;">Joan Donovan, Hailey's Cottage</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.allysbaubles.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #45001e;">Alison Huie, Ally's Baubles</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.sharonsjewelrygarden.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #45001e;">Sharon Palac, Sharon's Jewelry Garden</span></a><br /><br /><a href="https://beebscloset.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #45001e;">Erica Olmos, Beeb's Closet</span></a><br /><br /><a href="https://shatteredtimejewelry.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #45001e;">Erin Whitacre, Shattered Time Jewelry</span></a><br /><br /><a href="https://sittonupfront.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #45001e;">Fran Sitton, Sitton Up Front</span></a><br /><br /><a href="https://lynnleighdesigns.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #45001e;">Ginger Hammond, Lynn Leigh Designs</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.lovelylaylabugjewels.com/Blog.php"><span style="color: #45001e;">Paula Gaskill, Lovely LaylaBug Jewels</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://theroseswordmdeis.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #45001e;">Mary Deis, The Rose Sword</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://smallstuffdesign.com/"><span style="color: #45001e;">Renee Webb Allen, Small Stuff Design</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://artjewelzdimensions.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #45001e;">Valerie Tilghman, ArtJewelsandGifts</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://christinecravens.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #45001e;">Chris Cravens, Vintage Cravens</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.adorndivinedesigns.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #45001e;">Leslie Carver, Adorn Divine Designs</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jewelrydonna.typepad.com/"><span style="color: #45001e;">Donna Parry, JewelryDonna</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://tanglestwistsandtreasures.com/blog"><span style="color: #45001e;">Gina-Marie Hammer, Tangles, Twists and Treasures</span></a><br /><br /><a href="https://wingedwisdomenchantments.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #45001e;"> Kelly Wymer, Winged Wisdom Enchantments</span></a><br />
Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07804759073542266127noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543692387616237489.post-32095831623987399382016-01-28T21:10:00.000-08:002016-02-25T16:10:04.402-08:00Let Me Tell You About...Welcome to my little corner of the B'Sue Boutiques Build a Line Challenge Blog Hop! I am participating to learn all about the fascinating history of jewelry, and to create a cohesive line of jewelry using <a href="https://www.bsueboutiques.com/default.asp" target="_blank">B'Sue Boutiques</a> brass stampings and components. <br />
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I began dabbling in jewelry about eight years ago just out of curiosity to see if I could really make something wearable; boy was I surprised when Stringing Magazine accepted my first submission comprised of my own polymer clay focal and wirework necklace. From there, I attended several semesters of community college silversmith classes, and now I'm embarking on a new journey with gorgeous brass stampings, shimmering crystals, and those luscious Miriam Haskell pearls.<br />
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As I mentioned in my last post, this is a new genre for me as my past work involves metalwork, wirework, and polymer clay focals:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHO7bbF_ebgG3O3yNXF645NWv8XyljCzX2DBSKFwOtM9T1pDAmKV2Zk8xv849mVwFZX9ha_Vp7GpXq9tQEfTrMuTvYN4s3BaFBJyrNKxcfcZQatrruTvxdfq7lL7wMDVNjgeKJjl6kfdo/s1600/2015-12-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHO7bbF_ebgG3O3yNXF645NWv8XyljCzX2DBSKFwOtM9T1pDAmKV2Zk8xv849mVwFZX9ha_Vp7GpXq9tQEfTrMuTvYN4s3BaFBJyrNKxcfcZQatrruTvxdfq7lL7wMDVNjgeKJjl6kfdo/s640/2015-12-07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have been attracted to sparkly baubles ever since I was five years old, when I became aware of my Hungarian Grandmother's Art Deco, Art Noveau, and trendy 1950's sparklers. I was hooked! Grandma made sure I was decked out every Easter, and my fondest memory was that gorgeous woman dressing me up in a white rabbit fur batwing jacket and matching pillbox hat. My frilly pink and white embroidered dress was not complete without the little gold and pearl duckling brooch with matching cufflinks. I was stylin'! I still have that pillbox hat, reminiscent of Jackie Kennedy. Those were the days.<br />
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Brenda Sue has made sure our challenge group is well versed in jewelry history, including such styles as Victorian, Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco. The stampings used in the challenge originate from vintage and antique dies and are crafted by expert casters. They hail from the historical periods mentioned, so the designs our group creates will have a certain historical flair. Here are a sampling of my components I will use to create my designs, can you guess my theme? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBRfrwpwV27XMviODDQUnMCinpgePE-mB15qT1bWMPpURIXVf-knO66Z1kgGl-MchT1hWeVfgEX7faBAk8_gKyUQmPzJU-X796bKEff2B7zDyKw6j5moXW5ENHI_OYnwdNqhdhKW4rxA/s1600/2016-01-283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBRfrwpwV27XMviODDQUnMCinpgePE-mB15qT1bWMPpURIXVf-knO66Z1kgGl-MchT1hWeVfgEX7faBAk8_gKyUQmPzJU-X796bKEff2B7zDyKw6j5moXW5ENHI_OYnwdNqhdhKW4rxA/s640/2016-01-283.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Let me tell you about the birds and the bees, and the flowers and the trees, and how I will love to put these components together into a romantic and feminine jewelry line. My theme is The Birds and the Bees! Please join me and the challenge group in our first of three blog hops charting our journey. Click on the links below! Tell us what you think!<br />
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<a href="http://www.bsueboutiques.typepad.com/">Brenda Sue Lansdowne Jewelry Making Outside the Box</a><br />
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<a href="http://butterflyemporium.indiemade.com/blog">Diana Buynak Butterfly Emporium Ceramic Studio</a><br />
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<a href="http://heartsdezirebyirene.wordpress.com/"> Irene Hoffman, Heart's Dezire by Irene</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.craftingmagick.blogspot.com/">Clare Wells Nemeth, Creative Magick</a><br />
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<a href="http://afrayedknot.net/">Mary Reckmeyer, Afrayed Not</a><br />
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<a href="http://auroradesignsjewelryblog.me/">Marcia Tuzzolino, Aurora Designs</a><br />
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<a href="http://wearableartbylizzie.blogspot.com/">Elizabeth Wilks, Wearable Art by Lizzie</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.onecanvasatatime.com/">Jeanette Rose Belmont, One Canvas At A Time</a><br />
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<a href="http://lnreeve00.blogspot.com/">Lyn Joy Reeve, A Journey From Jewels To Jubilation</a><br />
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<a href="http://voguerocks.blogspot.com/">Belinda Reed-Ingle, Vogue Rocks</a><br />
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<a href="http://thejourneyofjewelry.blogspot.com/">Beth Trubman, The Journey of Jewelry</a><br />
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<a href="http://beadsophisticate.wordpress.com/">Carole Carlson, Bead Sophisticate</a><br />
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<a href="http://janntague.wordpress.com/">Jann Tague, Clever Designs by Jann</a><br />
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<a href="http://slgdesigns.wordpress.com/">Shari Gardner, SLG Jewelry Designs</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.fernsplace.org/">Susan Bolton, Fern's Place</a><br />
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<a href="http://noodlepiebracelets.com/">Chris Kemp, Noodle Pie Bracelets</a><br />
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<a href="https://angelskeepbandbdotcom.wordpress.com/">Barbara Kelley, Angels' Keep</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.woodsidewireworks.com/">Susan Bowerman, Woodside Wireworks</a><br />
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<a href="http://novegattidesigns.blogspot.com/">Pamela Anger, Novegatti Designs</a><br />
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<a href="http://haileyscottage.com/">Joan Donovan, Hailey's Cottage</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.allysbaubles.blogspot.com/">Alison Huie, Ally's Baubles</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.sharonsjewelrygarden.blogspot.com/">Sharon Palac, Sharon's Jewelry Garden</a><br />
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<a href="https://beebscloset.wordpress.com/">Erica Olmos, Beeb's Closet</a><br />
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<a href="https://shatteredtimejewelry.wordpress.com/">Erin Whitacre, Shattered Time Jewelry</a><br />
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<a href="https://sittonupfront.wordpress.com/">Fran Sitton, Sitton Up Front</a><br />
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<a href="https://lynnleighdesigns.wordpress.com/">Ginger Hammond, Lynn Leigh Designs</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.lovelylaylabugjewels.com/Blog.php">Paula Gaskill, Lovely LaylaBug Jewels</a><br />
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<a href="http://theroseswordmdeis.blogspot.com/">Mary Deis, The Rose Sword</a><br />
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<a href="http://smallstuffdesign.com/">Renee Webb Allen, Small Stuff Design</a><br />
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<a href="http://artjewelzdimensions.blogspot.com/">Valerie Tilghman, ArtJewelsandGifts</a><br />
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<a href="http://christinecravens.blogspot.com/">Chris Cravens, Vintage Cravens</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.adorndivinedesigns.blogspot.com/">Leslie Carver, Adorn Divine Designs</a><br />
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<a href="http://jewelrydonna.typepad.com/">Donna Parry, JewelryDonna</a><br />
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<a href="http://tanglestwistsandtreasures.com/blog">Gina-Marie Hammer, Tangles, Twists and Treasures</a><br />
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<a href="https://wingedwisdomenchantments.wordpress.com/"> Kelly Wymer, Winged Wisdom Enchantments</a><br />
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<br />Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07804759073542266127noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543692387616237489.post-12326769369529288652016-01-20T15:59:00.001-08:002016-01-21T06:40:46.828-08:00B'Sue's Build a Line Challenge Blog Hop!<br />
<a href="http://bsueboutiques.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8348f44da53ef01b8d19375ca970c-pi" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://bsueboutiques.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8348f44da53ef01b8d19375ca970c-pi" /></a><br />
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Hi there, it's been a long time between blog posts, but here I am ready to jump in again through participation in B'Sue's BALC. Why B'Sue? Well, I have been collecting her yummy brass stampings and other delights for a few years now but never did anything with them. I guess you would call me a bead hoarder, right? That's a good thing, as bead hordes are pretty with lots of potential, whereas plain old hoarding is a horse of a different color. We won't go there!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7JpgHwkCBgncMz_pSneVZ7iwdRP5-pLzz4yZ0VAPwnvQey7WYTSX-R3RrWtZbdrs0D5_jO_2fhb_9mRzz7Q7cZgaOc7eV9-WEVbWA1KOZUirsdzy4fCL3jVi3n7w-N4uTW5f95Aw-74/s1600/yummy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7JpgHwkCBgncMz_pSneVZ7iwdRP5-pLzz4yZ0VAPwnvQey7WYTSX-R3RrWtZbdrs0D5_jO_2fhb_9mRzz7Q7cZgaOc7eV9-WEVbWA1KOZUirsdzy4fCL3jVi3n7w-N4uTW5f95Aw-74/s640/yummy.png" width="640" /></a></div>
Have you ever seen so much yumminess?<br />
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I have been creating some jewelry here and there, but this challenge will give me the proverbial kick in the butt. Keep Calm and Bead On will be my motto! I still love pounding on sterling silver and making my own polymer focals, but the vintage tooled brass stamping siren call beckons me to try my hand at a new jewelry genre, but I will strive to make it uniquely my own. Here are a few pieces that I crafted recently in silver and poly clay:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XKme48FTEX7wdxVO2Xf7Ui3hG544DzYXLLcBQTZqsUTUDKgkJDLkWtAJev7xFfDnsp6FZIbhAyfWKz0ajXj4Hgrt0px82PQt_un1Go0xURwc-5wS1ISJ3XMR8bzNEElXHblNZvMZCYE/s1600/2015-12-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XKme48FTEX7wdxVO2Xf7Ui3hG544DzYXLLcBQTZqsUTUDKgkJDLkWtAJev7xFfDnsp6FZIbhAyfWKz0ajXj4Hgrt0px82PQt_un1Go0xURwc-5wS1ISJ3XMR8bzNEElXHblNZvMZCYE/s640/2015-12-07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also reconfigured the necklace on the right by removing certain elements and adding a handcrafted solder stamped cross and new chain. Much improved, I think! </div>
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In anticipation of the first BALC blog hop commencing on January 29, 2016, here is a list of the participants. Please be sure to join us for the fun!</div>
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<ol>
<li>Brenda Sue Lansdowne Jewelry Making Outside the Box </li>
</ol>
<a href="http://www.bsueboutiques.typepad.com/">http://www.bsueboutiques.typepad.com/</a><br />
<ol start="2">
<li>Diana Buynak - Butterfly Emporium Ceramic Studio</li>
</ol>
<a href="http://butterflyemporium.indiemade.com/blog">http://butterflyemporium.indiemade.com/blog</a><br />
<ol start="3">
<li>Irene Hoffman - Heartsdezirebyirene</li>
</ol>
<a href="http://heartsdezirebyirene.wordpress.com/">http://heartsdezirebyirene.wordpress.com</a><br />
<ol start="4">
<li>Clare Wells Nemeth - Creative Magick</li>
</ol>
http://<a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.craftingmagick.blogspot.com%2F&h=eAQG4d4JR&s=1">www.craftingmagick.blogspot.com</a><br />
<ol start="6">
<li>Mary Reckmeyer - Afrayedknot</li>
</ol>
<a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.afrayedknot.net%2F&h=wAQGQDyCf&s=1">http://www.afrayedknot.net</a><br />
<ol start="7">
<li>Marcia Tuzzolino - Aurora Designs</li>
</ol>
<a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fauroradesignsjewelryblog.me%2F&h=3AQHuHJul&s=1">http://auroradesignsjewelryblog.me</a><br />
<ol start="8">
<li>Elizabeth Wilks - Wearable Art by Lizzie</li>
</ol>
<a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwearableartbylizzie.blogspot.com%2F&h=VAQHKtdxD&s=1">http://wearableartbylizzie.blogspot.com</a><br />
<ol start="9">
<li>Jeanette Rose Belmont - One Canvas at a time</li>
</ol>
<a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onecanvasatatime.com%2F&h=6AQG9EH2E&s=1">http://www.onecanvasatatime.com</a><br />
<ol start="10">
<li>Lyn Joy Reeve - A Journey from Jewels to Jubilation</li>
</ol>
<a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Flnreeve00.blogspot.com%2F&h=eAQG4d4JR&s=1">http://lnreeve00.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<ol start="11">
<li>Belinda Reed-Ingle - Vogue Rocks</li>
</ol>
<a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fvoguerocks.blogspot.com%2F&h=DAQFQsYkp&s=1">http://voguerocks.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<ol start="12">
<li>Beth Trubman - The Journey of Jewelry</li>
</ol>
<a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fthejourneyofjewelry.blogspot.com%2F&h=_AQHarAlJ&s=1">http://thejourneyofjewelry.blogspot.com</a><br />
<ol start="13">
<li>Carole Carlson - Beadsophisticate</li>
</ol>
<a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fbeadsophisticate.wordpress.com%2F&h=lAQEdRtMg&s=1">http://beadsophisticate.wordpress.com/</a><br />
<ol start="14">
<li>Jann Tague - Clever Designs by Jann</li>
</ol>
<a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fjanntague.wordpress.com%2F&h=1AQHjwVjq&s=1">http://janntague.wordpress.com</a><br />
<ol start="15">
<li>Shari Gardner - SLG Jewelry Designs</li>
</ol>
<a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fslgdesigns.wordpress.com%2F&h=FAQHI6XGp&s=1">http://slgdesigns.wordpress.com/</a><br />
<ol start="16">
<li>Susan Bolton - Fern’s Place</li>
</ol>
<a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fernsplace.org%2F&h=6AQG9EH2E&s=1">http://www.fernsplace.org</a> <br />
<ol start="18">
<li>Chris Kemp - NoodlePie Bracelets</li>
</ol>
<a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fnoodlepiebracelets.com%2F&h=9AQEFxB8H&s=1">http://noodlepiebracelets.com/</a><br />
<ol start="19">
<li>Barbara Kelley - Angels' Keep</li>
</ol>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fangelskeepbandbdotcom.wordpress.com%2F&h=ZAQEa5TuS&s=1">https://angelskeepbandbdotcom.wordpress.com/</a><br />
<ol start="20">
<li>Susan Bowerman - Woodside WireWorks</li>
</ol>
<a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.woodsidewireworks.com%2F&h=ZAQEa5TuS&s=1">http://www.woodsidewireworks.com/</a><br />
<ol start="21">
<li>Pamela Anger - Novegatti Designs</li>
</ol>
<a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fnovegattidesigns.blogspot.com%2F&h=eAQG4d4JR&s=1">http://novegattidesigns.blogspot.com/</a> <br />
<ol start="22">
<li>Joan Donovan - Hailey’s Cottage</li>
</ol>
<a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fhaileyscottage.com%2F&h=GAQE1yedg&s=1">http://haileyscottage.com/</a> <br />
<strong></strong><strong>23. </strong>Alison Huie - Ally’s Baubles<br />
<a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allysbaubles.blogspot.com%2F&h=GAQE1yedg&s=1">http://www.allysbaubles.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<ol start="24">
<li>Sharon Palac - Sharon’s Jewelry Garden</li>
</ol>
<a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sharonsjewelrygarden.blogspot.com%2F&h=SAQEOn1h1&s=1">http://www.sharonsjewelrygarden.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<ol start="25">
<li>Erica Olmos - Beeb's Closet</li>
</ol>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbeebscloset.wordpress.com%2F&h=MAQGbM1J5&s=1">https://beebscloset.wordpress.com/</a><br />
<ol start="26">
<li>Erin Whitacre - Shattered Time Jewelry</li>
</ol>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fshatteredtimejewelry.wordpress.com%2F&h=FAQHI6XGp&s=1">https://shatteredtimejewelry.wordpress.com/</a><br />
<ol start="27">
<li>Fran Sitton - Sitton Up Front</li>
</ol>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsittonupfront.wordpress.com%2F&h=1AQHjwVjq&s=1">https://sittonupfront.wordpress.com/</a><br />
<ol start="28">
<li>Ginger Hammond - Lynn Leigh Designs</li>
</ol>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Flynnleighdesigns.wordpress.com%2F&h=aAQGeAQoj&s=1">https://lynnleighdesigns.wordpress.com</a><strong>/</strong><br />
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</strong><br />
<ol start="29"><strong>
</strong>
<li>Paula Gaskill - Lovely LaylaBug Jewels</li>
</ol>
<a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lovelylaylabugjewels.com%2FBlog.php&h=WAQErZGOh&s=1">http://www.lovelylaylabugjewels.com/Blog.php</a><strong> </strong><br />
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</strong><br />
<ol start="30"><strong>
</strong>
<li>Mary Katherine - The Rose Sword</li>
</ol>
<a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftheroseswordmdeis.blogspot.com%2F&h=wAQGQDyCf&s=1">http://theroseswordmdeis.blogspot.com/</a><strong> </strong><br />
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</strong><br />
<ol start="31"><strong>
</strong>
<li>Renee Webb Allen - Small Stuff Design</li>
</ol>
<a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fsmallstuffdesign.com%2F&h=YAQHvVl4T&s=1">http://smallstuffdesign.com</a><br />
<ol start="32">
<li>Valerie Tilghman- ArtJewelsandGifts</li>
</ol>
<a href="http://artjewelzdimensions.blogspot.com/">http://artjewelzdimensions.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<ol start="33">
<li>Chris Cravens Vintage Cravens</li>
</ol>
<a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fchristinecravens.blogspot.com%2F&h=TAQG4Q6JX&s=1">http://christinecravens.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<ol start="34">
<li>Leslie Carver</li>
</ol>
<a href="http://www.adorndivinedesigns.blogspot.com/">http://www.adorndivinedesigns.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<ol start="35">
<li>Donna Parry, JewelryDonna</li>
</ol>
<a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fjewelrydonna.typepad.com%2F&h=BAQGUbDvU&s=1">http://jewelrydonna.typepad.com/</a><br />
<ol start="36">
<li>Gina-Marie Hammer - Tangles, Twists and Treasures</li>
</ol>
<a href="http://tanglestwistsandtreasures.com/blog/">http://tanglestwistsandtreasures.com/blog/</a><br />
<br />
37. Kelly Wymer Winged Wisdom Enchantments<br />
<a href="https://wingedwisdomenchantments.wordpress.com/">https://wingedwisdomenchantments.wordpress.com/</a><br />
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Please mark your calendars and join us!<br />
<a href="http://bsueboutiques.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8348f44da53ef01b8d19375ca970c-pi"></a><br />
<a href="http://bsueboutiques.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8348f44da53ef01b8d19375ca970c-pi"></a><br />Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07804759073542266127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543692387616237489.post-25090718008986240492013-10-30T14:32:00.000-07:002013-10-30T18:21:24.843-07:00Inspired by Reading Book Club with Andrew Thorton: October RevealWith the ghoulish title of<em> My Mother She Killed Me, My Father He Ate Me</em>,<em> </em>what's not to love? This little gem is an anthology of re-told fairy tales edited by Kate Bernheimer, and a perfectly delicious macabre read for the Halloween season chosen by <a href="http://andrew-thornton.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Andrew Thornton</a>, our fearless leader of Inspired by Reading Book Club.<br />
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This book brought back memories of my childhood and my introduction to fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen. My father would take me to our local library every week to fill my voracious need to read. One especially cold California winter I happened to choose an old musty leather-bound book of fairy tales by Christensen published in the late 19th century. What really caught my eye were the grotesque illustrations of demons dancing around an evil mirror in <em>The Snow Queen</em>, quite a shocking sight for an eight year old Catholic school girl who mused "Am I really allowed to read this?" "Yes, you may." replied Dad. What sort of dreadful things would I read and dream of if I read these seemingly forbidden stories? I thought I had gotten away with a Mortal Sin!<br />
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<a href="http://hca.gilead.org.il/pics/snow_qwe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="" border="0" height="211" hspace="10" src="http://hca.gilead.org.il/pics/snow_qwe.jpg" vspace="10" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hence, my fascination with <em>The Snow Queen, </em>so I saved that story for last in the anthology and wasn't disappointed. The tale was modernized to discuss homelessness, the vagabond lifestyle of brooding creative types, and drug abuse. In the re-told story I could envision how the splinters of the evil demon-created mirror could cause drug abuse and homelessness, as every beautiful thing in the world worth seeing and feeling becomes distorted and ugly. <br />
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I decided to create a necklace that represents the mirror before it became contaminated by evil in my hand made pendant that depicts beautiful flowers. The wire wrapped crystal represents the shards of broken mirror and the chaos of distorted vision that ensues. <br />
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The eerie glow of the labradorite stones represent the demons attempt to reach heaven in their hope to pervert the angels visage. The moss aquamarines represent the demons fall back to Earth, their evil plan eventually destroyed through love and human kindness. <br />
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Be sure to read all the participants blogs to see their creations, and Happy Halloween dreams! <br />
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<a href="http://andrew-thornton.blogspot.com/" target="_self">Andrew Thornton</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.sharonsjewelrygarden.blogspot.com/" target="_self">Sharon Palac</a><br />
<a href="http://mkaymac.blogspot.com/2013/10/inspired-by-reading.html" target="_self">Mary K McGraw</a><br />
<a href="http://www.gemsbyjeannemarie.blogspot.com/" target="_self">Jeanne Steck</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sjdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com/2013/10/my-mother-she-killed-me-my-father-he.html" target="_self">Sarajo Wentling</a><br />
<a href="http://www.maryhardingjewelrybeadblog.blogspot.com/" target="_self">Mary Harding</a><br />
<a href="http://www.jdaviesreazor.com/blog/inspired_reading_my_mother_she_killed_me_my_father" target="_self">Jenny Davies-Reazor</a><br />
<a href="http://www.suebeads.blogspot.com/2013/10/inspired-by-reading-book-club-blog-hop.html" target="_self">Sue Kennedy</a><br />
<a href="http://thestudiosublime.com/2013/10/30/inspired-by-reading/" target="_self">Sally Russick</a><br />
<a href="http://treasures-found.blogspot.com/" target="_self">Erin Prais-Hintz</a><br />
<a href="http://vintagebluestudio.typepad.com/vintage_blue_studio/2013/10/inspired-by-reading-book-club-october-reveal.html#comments" target="_blank">Diana P.</a>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07804759073542266127noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543692387616237489.post-1277695755148806982013-04-30T19:34:00.000-07:002013-04-30T22:03:30.545-07:00Inspired by Books Reading Club with Andrew Thornton <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em>Paris to the Moon</em> by Adam Gopnik is the featured read for Andrew Thorton's Inspired by Reading Club on Face book. While Paris is the city of lights, this non-fiction work left me in the dark as I found the author's work tedious. It did however, spark a memory of Paris in a different era, an era of dark Gothic shadows, a story of unrequited love, and beautiful gypsy girl, and a pitiful hunchback. Yes, Paris is shrouded deeply in its violent past.<br />
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The epic tale takes place in the Notre Dame Cathedral, known for its elaborate stonework and eerily watchful gargoyles. I decided to create a necklace that evokes just a bit of that old Gothic feeling, featuring a gargoyle pendant and added Swarovski emeralds for Esmerelda, clear rhinestones for the water she gave Quasimodo when no one else would, and a pearl drop for the purity of the hunchback's sacrifice.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzrVZOZFcRCa-xBEaZbD4TzngRb5YhIqE8_G9d-iqGsYCiH5mNlQst-721SbmLs2CTi1ngaN-AvIDypqOwLzzkRbJxfdCrL6PsAyCdFWNoS_299CJStErqKsqq6thPG55HrxYHKDaHS0/s1600/DSCN0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzrVZOZFcRCa-xBEaZbD4TzngRb5YhIqE8_G9d-iqGsYCiH5mNlQst-721SbmLs2CTi1ngaN-AvIDypqOwLzzkRbJxfdCrL6PsAyCdFWNoS_299CJStErqKsqq6thPG55HrxYHKDaHS0/s1600/DSCN0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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Next month's <em> A Rumor of Gems</em> promises to be a great read. Check back next month for the continuing story of Andrew's Book Club. Viva Andrew!</div>
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Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07804759073542266127noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543692387616237489.post-55872781545750968282013-04-13T00:00:00.001-07:002013-04-28T11:54:21.232-07:00Soup's On!My Bead Soup partner, <a href="http://www.threebeadsandastring.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Patti Pruhs</a>, sent me gorgeous beads of faceted moonstone rounds, onyx, vintage rhinestones, silver spacers and a hammered silver box clasp. Check out that fabulously huge faceted sea opal focal that Patti soldered, it's stunning!<br />
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I really wanted to do this pretty soup justice, so I decided to create a necklace that looks royal and rich, befitting the color combination that Patti chose. I created an asymetrical scroll sterling bail from which I hung the focal, look how that opal glows! </div>
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I created sterling silver curly-q links and wire wrapped the onyx, moonstone, and vintage rhinestone rounds, as well as a few of my own rhinestone spacers.</div>
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Thank you Patti for being my partner! I hope you enjoyed my necklace and please hop on over to our hostess Lori Anderson's blog for the list of<a href="http://lorianderson-beadsoupblogparty.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Bead Soup participants</a>. Thanks Lori, you've done it again!</div>
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Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07804759073542266127noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543692387616237489.post-21944964995967783162013-03-26T18:44:00.000-07:002013-03-26T18:44:04.785-07:00Bead Soup on the Menu!Here is the soup my lovely and talented partner, Patti Pruhs, sent me recently:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKWExkeWUB89_GFuY0uYWTpvlDabCXQMHDRiKF3ick0ioaGLaKt_aPQiCCpyN83X6lMuvzO7FX60gSRbfoyVdiLzqOxwnGf85tAJNJPLw7Pzr07c-md9fL7TF_TH88_zaIoB3XnhqunAM/s1600/bs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKWExkeWUB89_GFuY0uYWTpvlDabCXQMHDRiKF3ick0ioaGLaKt_aPQiCCpyN83X6lMuvzO7FX60gSRbfoyVdiLzqOxwnGf85tAJNJPLw7Pzr07c-md9fL7TF_TH88_zaIoB3XnhqunAM/s400/bs.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love the color combination of opalite and black onyx. The faceted and soldered opalite focal is to die for, big and beautiful! I can see several possibilities and can't wait to dig in. I have my spoon and napkin ready! </div>
Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07804759073542266127noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543692387616237489.post-78949569902068297432013-02-02T13:21:00.001-08:002013-02-07T12:56:46.872-08:00Wellness Word Challenge Reveal!<div align="left" style="text-align: justify;">
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Tracy Statler of Make Bracelets Blog challenged jewelry artists to choose a wellness word for 2013 and transform that word into a beautiful piece of jewelry. I decided to play and chose the word "Bloom".<br />
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I thought about where my life is today and how I want to grow and blossom. My hubby Walter and I made a major decision to relocate from the busy megalopolis of Las Vegas to Prescott, AZ, the "other" Mile High City! And what a change it was, slower pace, beautiful mountains, pine trees, deer, eagles...Prescott is a far cry from the generic brown birds and mountains of Vegas! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfq1bWso6EqMljHyvpJeN8IgBxVEZXq1nqaTXff0YzWGDSyGRtuMj-sVKO7wBR12N1aN68uWXc7HbjFgEhBtcbKs1Uqi8Xh5A-td2Mwj-wD0oGJxSYh7jcGt9zDObwoPjT3KiwRyQhF8/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfq1bWso6EqMljHyvpJeN8IgBxVEZXq1nqaTXff0YzWGDSyGRtuMj-sVKO7wBR12N1aN68uWXc7HbjFgEhBtcbKs1Uqi8Xh5A-td2Mwj-wD0oGJxSYh7jcGt9zDObwoPjT3KiwRyQhF8/s640/027.JPG" width="410" /></a></div>
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We did leave family and close friends behind, which is tough, but we do visit from time to time. I confess this last year has been difficult for me creativity-wise. Feathering your nest can be quite time consuming and sometimes exhausting, with painting, moving furniture around to achieve that perfect aesthetic balance, planting a garden...well, those are creative pursuits but left me little time to set up my workbench.<br />
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I decided that I must bloom where I am planted, and that was the genesis for my necklace. To grow you must tend and nourish new friendships, as well as old. You must plant roots in your new community and make sure your new found family flourishes. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxX6t4VV-2weaB-RCUkjm6kPlMAe4srTBUp2DoqJPfVfhvhGQqLsROnvJOenLrUM7h1iHebhMSKDzFl_nkaIBIG3umuo67zRPRH2XzM-g5xJIDE6a1BKvxSStcUvynwZakCCy4OLDs74/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxX6t4VV-2weaB-RCUkjm6kPlMAe4srTBUp2DoqJPfVfhvhGQqLsROnvJOenLrUM7h1iHebhMSKDzFl_nkaIBIG3umuo67zRPRH2XzM-g5xJIDE6a1BKvxSStcUvynwZakCCy4OLDs74/s640/033.JPG" width="411" /></a></div>
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I created my Bloom necklace using vintage brass chain and fob clasp which represent the past. I added rough nuggets of moss aquamarine and two vintage faceted Swarovski rounds. My brass bezel contains beautiful pink larkspurs embedded in Diamond Glaze, which represents planting new flowers with the intention of permanency. I hid the secret message "Bloom where you are planted" on the back bezel, close to my heart. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnkeJ6uhnaq9gJ1rq7GJl8eLpFTu0cQBtSbFP_xFdkN9jXyFjp8Dn4wQXlcUjNgDNOuWZtpsPD9A83Jz1OGJmkFV6MqQr4j4Ra8SuEJvp9MIv4dWBZM5IYR6X6yZhbUrcdtyTLJ1Uq_Mc/s1600/090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnkeJ6uhnaq9gJ1rq7GJl8eLpFTu0cQBtSbFP_xFdkN9jXyFjp8Dn4wQXlcUjNgDNOuWZtpsPD9A83Jz1OGJmkFV6MqQr4j4Ra8SuEJvp9MIv4dWBZM5IYR6X6yZhbUrcdtyTLJ1Uq_Mc/s320/090.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Please celebrate 2013 Wellness with these talented artists, and make sure you bloom and grow wherever you live!<br />
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<br />Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07804759073542266127noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543692387616237489.post-5275487121613075382013-01-25T11:38:00.001-08:002013-01-25T11:38:25.311-08:00Non-Jewelry Related FunnyIf you love dogs, watch!! <br />
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Have a doggone great day!</div>
Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07804759073542266127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543692387616237489.post-35739462803307852632013-01-12T00:25:00.001-08:002013-01-12T01:25:09.758-08:00Grandma Emily: Memories and Thanks Blog HopMy Grandma Emily lives in a very dear nook in my heart. I say nook because that is where most of our private talks were held, in her ruffley-curtained cozy breakfast nook that offered a glorious view of my Grandpop's prize winning rose garden. She always served up wisdom, oatmeal walnut chocolate chip cookies, and a big hug. Grandma Emily had time for just me when others did not, and she influenced my creativity through her own arts, intricate crocheted lace and down home family style cooking, Portuguese style! <br />
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Grandpop constructed a smoke house on their property and walking home from school promised those spicy, smokey aromas of linguisa, and if we were really lucky that day, Portuguese sweet bread shaped into doves. Living with my grandparents were the most loving and unforgettable years of my childhood. You never knew what wacky thing would happen, like the time I ran into her huge kitchen and observed a large stockpot with chicken legs sprouting from the top... ACK! Those chickens lived in our backyard!<br />
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Grandma Emily taught me to cook, bake, and keep house. She also instilled in me a deep reverence and faith in God and the Virgin Mary. She prayed her rosary every day, and taught me the importance of positive thinking and treating everyone I met with respect and kindness. <br />
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Toward the end of her 89 years, my grandmother quit cooking and crocheting, but found time to create beautiful rosaries for others. I have her last handmade rosary, the one she died with. It was entwined in her hands, she prayed until the end. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kiQm2k8lKbI/UPEhx-vIQOI/AAAAAAAABd0/Sme-VI_SVwU/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kiQm2k8lKbI/UPEhx-vIQOI/AAAAAAAABd0/Sme-VI_SVwU/s640/014.JPG" width="283" /></a></div>
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In honor of Grandma Emily, I created a simple but significant necklace that I hope she would be proud to wear. An antiqued bronze cross displaying the Virgin is the focal, accented by vintage Czech cathedral beads in her favorite color, red. I created a copper nest to remind me of her cozy kitchen nook, and added a copper charm that I hand stamped in Latin: Sancta Maria. Grandma enjoyed a little bling from time to time, so I added vintage Swarovski rhinestones for our sparkly fun times. Thanks, Grandma!<br />
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I hope you enjoyed this glimpse of my Grandma Emily and her tremendous influence in my life. A big thanks to Lori Anderson for this creative and memorable blog hop. You can hop on over to more Thanks and Memories <a href="http://www.prettythingsblog.com/2012/11/participants-for-memories-and-thanks.html" target="_blank">here</a>! <br />
Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07804759073542266127noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543692387616237489.post-48280597473657758972012-12-01T11:33:00.001-08:002012-12-01T18:51:37.785-08:00St. Joan of ArcI have a fascination and appreciation for Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orleans. The fact that the Dauphin allowed Joan to lead an army of men in a time of blatant misogyny is a miracle in itself, but when a woman of strength and faith is called into action, she displays courage and grace and battle those who would oppress and misalign. The tragedy is that Joan, after displaying extraordinary insight and tenacity in battle, was herself a victim of malignant politics, her life snuffed out at 19.<br />
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Joan's undying faith in God, paired with heavenly messages from St. Michael the Archangel, and SS. Margaret and Catherine, was used against her in a series of trials for heresy, even after her military victories saved France and crowned Charles King of France. <br />
I received 12 years of Catholic education, and I do appreciate that my parents sent me and I do love the traditions and ceremony of Catholicism. My fascination for the saints led me to study Medievalism in college and specifically hagiography, the study of saints. Some of these venerated people led bizarre lives and their actions seemed born of insanity, but they did achieve great feats in the name of God.<br />
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Recently, I have felt the need to create in response to my faith, and to my love of the saints. I recently took two online metal smith classes from Stephanie Lee and learned to create my own bezels. <br />
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This bezel consists of bronze sheet metal formed into a Gothic arch which holds an image of Joan. I sealed her with Diamond Glaze, but I didn't cover the image so it picked up a bit of fuzz, so this will be mine to wear. Next stop: Ice Resin, more bezels and saints...onward and upward!<br />
<br />Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07804759073542266127noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543692387616237489.post-87847638236113575002012-11-14T13:36:00.000-08:002012-11-14T13:36:45.549-08:00Roadrunners and New StuffHave I told you about the crazy roadrunners that live in the hood? They strut and wag their very long tail feathers while stretching their necks in contorted positions, searching for that tasty little bird egg, or those prehistoric looking locusts that scare me back into the house from my garden chores. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgre05s6kY7P8HoyOXD9GAtPm76WXi_JJIjTGiqEPjD_8qbx-eXW-zXesBYPTtzfnquY42PQ1mffcQ_wYVZMb24Z0Dz7Ibg0YtkxrqJXNnyV0ldCZKD3M_ei5BODl508fBxBuNUTZx0dIE/s1600/085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>It's true. When I was a teenager, my prankster Uncle Zem would find a juicy, ripe green grasshopper and proceed to chase me with it, all around our property, while my mother locked all the doors and peered nervously out the kitchen window. Gee...thanks Mom! I resorted to uprooting a dried up sticker bush (we lived in the Nevada desert) to defend myself with the sticky, sharp spikes. Didn't work...and I remember the horned toad incident...it was placed in my hair unbeknownst to me until it squirmed its way around my head. Good times. Really.</div>
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But back to the roadrunner...I got some good shots this time after that rascally dinosaur-looking bird chased the doves and quail around the mulberry bush, then high-tailed it into the safety of a pine tree. There is never a dull moment in the Palac household. Walter woke me the other night to the scene of a lovely skunk eating bird seed in our front yard...we named her Daisy and she is quite beautiful, and didn't leave a calling card, bless her stinky little heart.</div>
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This week I decided to create something a bit different from my usual reporte, apothecary bottles with vintage Swarovski bling and dried flowers from my garden, lavendar buds and marigold petals.</div>
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I added a shimmering silk dupioni ribbon and a few sparkly pink and green tourmalines to the lavendar buds.</div>
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I added an oxidized copper ball chain and some glowing amber stones to the marigold petals.</div>
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I recently purchased some gorgeous fuscia moonstone nuggets and created a simple necklace perfect for the holidays.</div>
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Even Santa's reindeer enjoy bling during the holidays, all available in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SharonPalacStudio?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>! Happy Creating!</div>
Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07804759073542266127noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543692387616237489.post-49214944044680725512012-10-08T10:06:00.002-07:002012-10-08T10:06:53.298-07:00Winner!Before the drum roll, I must say thank you for your lovely comments and encouragement, I truly appreciate all of you. I wish I could send everyone a prize, but without further ado...<br />
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Kristi of Curiosities by K is the winner! Yay Kristi! Please email your address to <a href="mailto:sharonpalac@yahoo.com">sharonpalac@yahoo.com</a><br />
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Once again, thank you and please enjoy every page of Bead Soup, you will love it!!Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07804759073542266127noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543692387616237489.post-58296475477837900732012-10-06T18:53:00.000-07:002012-10-06T18:53:40.339-07:00Bird Nest Soup!Mmmm, sounds yummy, right? The Chinese name for bird's nest soup, <i>yàn wō</i> (燕窝), translates literally as "swallow's nest". Bird nest soup is a delicacy in Chinese cuisine and is traditionally believed to provide health benefits, such as aiding digestion, raising libido (ahem!), improving the voice, alleviating asthma, improving focus, and an overall benefit to the immune system.<br />
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Well, I don't think my necklace will produce any amazing health cures, but the sunny warm colors will surely brighten your day and impart a cheery disposition!<br />
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Lori Anderson provided my bead soup and I was instantly delighted with the coloful bird pendant, the bird's sweet smile, and all those bright colors. My first thought was to create a necklace that evoked a garden ambiance, since I love to sit in my garden and watch all sorts of curious birds and their antics, like pecking for flower seeds and collecting fur for their nests. <br />
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I decided to add the jasper barrels to give the illusion of branches, and created flowers from the yellow bumpy acrylic bead that reminds me of a marigold, and the lovely red Czech bead as a poppy. I also added my handcrafted copper leaf and nest to complete the look.<br />
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Being asked by Lori to participate in her beautiful book has been a pleasure and an honor, and all of the artist's projects are truly stunning. In celebration, I am having a giveaway of the copper leaf and nest pictured above, so please leave a comment and a lucky winner will be drawn Monday morning at 10:am, and don't forget Lori's grand prize drawing! <br />
Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07804759073542266127noreply@blogger.com82tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543692387616237489.post-47403359520039804422012-10-01T10:07:00.000-07:002012-10-01T10:38:14.754-07:00Bead Soup Book Blog Tour!<br />
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I am super-excited to announce along with Lori Anderson that the Bead Soup Book Blog Tour begins today, filled with tons of prizes, reviews, and personal revelations about working with bead soup for this incredible book! Here is a sneak peek at my soup ~<br />
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and necklace ~<br />
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I am so honored to have been a part of this extraordinary project with the lovely and talented Lori and all the wonderfully creative artists involved. Please click on <a href="http://www.prettythingsblog.com/">this link</a> to take you to the tour events, mine will be held Friday, October 7, and I will have some goodies for a lucky winner, including the copper leaf and nest pictured above, so please leave a comment to enter my giveaway on Friday. Have fun and good luck!<br />
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Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07804759073542266127noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543692387616237489.post-33039209567399038282012-08-29T12:06:00.000-07:002012-08-29T22:42:54.543-07:00Thunderstorms, Rainbows, and New WorkMonsoon season thunderclouds have been almost a daily occurrence here in the Arizona Highlands and is providing much needed rain for the thirsty native flora and fauna. The air is charged with electricity and the mountains glow in anticipation of a cool shower.<br />
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The pines stretch their limbs in supplication. <br />
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A glimpse of rainbow...<br />
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Dancing in the sprinkles...pardon the gratuitous hiney shot...</div>
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I was inspired to hand fabricate three storm clouds from sterling silver sheet metal which I sawed and heavily textured with my hammer. The clouds were given a rich patina bath to accentuate and highlight the texturing. I attached beautiful watery stones which represent raindrops: aquamarine, labradorite, and moonstone rondelles. <br />
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A turquoise sphere with moonstones round out the celebration of rain. Now if I could just market that doggie rain dance... ;)</div>
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Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07804759073542266127noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543692387616237489.post-85234917187153971722012-08-16T15:47:00.000-07:002012-08-16T15:47:50.360-07:00The Neighborhood ToughsYeah, that's right, my front yard is the new "in" spot for the juvenile delinquent quail. They've moved in and claimed their turf with a list of demands...gourmet wild bird food and fresh water or else they'll rumble all over my clean windows. The nerve. <br />
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I called the coppers but it did no good. The little thugs flew the coop when they heard the sirens wail. But they came back and I took a few shots...of digital film, that is. That's my evidence. I hear from the hood that the little trouble makers are now stashing their beer and cigs behind the juniper bush...next thing you know they'll be "Gambeling" in the meadow. There goes the neighborhood...<br />
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