Naturally I had to include my sweet little seed beads in this challenge and so first off, I created this leather bracelet using my dainty beaded beads in a rich shimmering purple. This design is not for the faint hearted… took me bloody hours to bead all those beaded beads :0)

Second in the line up, a simple, natural bracelet to divide the bright colors of my bracelet stack. I added the lone green bead to add a little rebellion to the design. My daughter calls this one “Dare to be Different”…

Last, but not least, I created this waxed Irish linen knotted bracelet from a collection of vintage Lucite beads I’d been stashing for quite some time… the perfect splash of color to compliment and balance the purple in the top bracelet.

Ta-Dah!

Thank you for visiting and taking a look at my challenge pieces. I apologize for not including all the links of the other participants, I was unable to add them to this post using my IPhone… will add them when I arrive home. Thank you to Tracy for organizing all of us… a brilliant idea for a challenge.
Warmest hugs, Em ♥

Alrighty then, off to pack for our family trip to the Bahamas. A week on a boat, just the four of us, I can’t wait. A time to connect with the kiddies again and be really cool parents. Time to drink cocktails, scuba dive, kayak and just splash around in the ocean.  This trip will be bitter sweet, a trip to create special memories.  My Navy husband is off to the Middle East for a year in early July.

I haven’t forgotten the “Wrapped, Stacked and Layered Bracelet Challenge” reveal on the 21st. My bracelets are complete, my blog post is written and I intend to push the “Publish” button while sitting in the sun, sipping my Banana Daiquiri :0)
To everyone attending Bead Fest Spring, hope you have loads of fun. Warmest hugs, Em ♥

Happy Easter everyone. Warmest hugs, Em ♥

So here I am, working quietly in my studio again, happy, content and on a different path that is just delightful. My focus now… writing a book, teaching classes, submitting creations to magazines and filling my shop with “one-of-a-kind” pieces that inspire me, that capture my creative spirit, it’s as simple as that :O)

With contentment comes energy and I actually made myself a pair of earrings yesterday. It makes me laugh that my personal jewelry stash doesn’t include many of my own designed pieces. My small collection embraces other talented artisans though and my favorite pieces are this gorgeaus bracelet by Erin Siegal and a flower necklace by Maryellen Kim… just lovely.

On another note, what with Picnic closing and Google Friends Connect not available on WordPress, I’m in slight panic mode. Any suggestions… any new editing programs out there, any sneaky ways around the whole Google Friends Connect predicament?

Warmest hugs, Em ♥

I’m loving it already… a simple design, but not bad for my first attempt :0) Anyhoo, it was while I was attaching the last few beads that I came up with a fun project. What about if I stopped here and sent it on to someone else who could add the edging, add their own personal touch and either send it on again or finish the whole necklace. What do you think? Anyone up for the challenge? I only ask that you show me the results on your blog. Let me know if you are interested and I will send it off on it’s own merry way to your home.

Hope everyone is having a cozy, relaxing day… it’s chilly here. Warmest hugs, Em ♥

On a different note, how ’bout them Broncos??? We are huge fans in this household and last night was definitely an adrenaline rush.  And, the icing on the cake, we ‘re off to Gillette Stadium next Saturday to watch Tim and Tom… GO Tebrow!!!

Have a great week everyone. Warmest hugs, Em ♥

Good luck and wishing you all an inspirational,magical and healthy 2012. Warmest hugs, Em ♥

My energy has definitely been directed away from Etsy lately, which I can’t say has been a bad thing. Change is good, doesn’t have to be a permanent, but a little breather aids the mind, refreshes the creative spirit and feeds inspiration once more.  I do have a very personal project in the works and every bone in my body is crossed, hoping that all goes to plan… will let you know if it does :0)

As we move towards 2012, our thoughts often turn to what the new year holds, we have new ideas, new challenges.  My list for 2012 is beginning to take shape and I really do fancy learning a new technique, I think Felting is at the top.  A little Internet searching, a little click on here, a little click on there and a few more clicks led me to this video today… absolutely adorable, makes me want to scoop up some friends and have a crafting day.

I’m sure I’ve seen this magazine out the corner of my eye in Barnes and Noble. Tomorrow I’m off to investigate, but if I come home empty handed, my sweet sister may pity me and send one over from England… thank you Dawn :0)

Anyhoo, wishing you all a safe, warm and merry Christmas, a fantastic New Year and a chocolate filled Valentines… I know, a little early, but as I’ve said before, my blogging schedule cannot be trusted… I’m covering all bases :0)

Warmest hugs, Em ♥

In other news, I’ve kind of gone a little mad with my magazine submissions lately… I’m addicted :0)  Keep an eye out for a selection of creations by little old me in a variety of 2012 publications.  Warmest hugs, Em ♥

Did you notice the beautiful bangles in the above photos? It’s time they were all wrapped up in pretty packaging and sent to new homes. All bangles are on SALE… just enter the coupon code “banglesale” at checkout and save 20% off listed price… yay. Pop on over to the shop for your Fredbean’s Nook original.

Warmest hugs, Em ♥