GraceBeading

Fa la la la LPA...

noreply@blogger.com (GraceBeading) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 17:25:00 +0000

It has been a Lisa Peters Art kind of season in my house of late. I worked on a couple of pins/pendants to help with a fundraiser benefiting shelter animals (see post "For the love of animals") in November.

After those were completed and sent off, I worked up a couple of pieces to send back to Lisa - a ring using one of her wonderful little flower cabs and a poodle brooch/pendant.

The tiny flower cab has a hole in the middle, I started this one by anchoring the cab to a small piece of Nicole's Bead Backing with a 6mm Swarovski margarita crystal bead and a 15/0 seed bead.

I use a small about of E6000 to secure the edges of the cab to the bead backing material and added size 3mm Swarovski bicones in between each of the flower petals

Green seed beads were added around the outside of the cab and crystals

I used gray Ultrasuede to back the piece, first cutting a small hole it in it to fit the pad on the ring blank through. I add a tiny dab of E6000 to the pad of the ring blank and attach it to the back of the beaded flower cab, then let dry. The ring blank is adjustable, so it can fit a wide range of sizes.

Once dry, I whip stitched the Ultrasuede to the bead backing on the cab using blue charlottes.

And there you have it... a pretty little ring - perfect for every day or a special occasion!

How about a little poodle cab pin/pendant with a heart??? Double win! Some time ago, Lisa sent me two of these cute little poodles, (click on any of the images to see a larger, more detailed view). I glued it down to bead backing and started by adding vintage sequins around the outside. The sequins are anchored by dark red seed beads, then outlined by those same pretty red beads.

The poodle is edged with cream colored seed beads with a dangle of red seed beads, a couple of cream colored seed beads, a red garnet heart, then finished with a beautiful heart bead by Lisa Peters.

It is backed with tan Ultrasuede and has a brass pinback with bail so it can be worn at a pendant or a pin/brooch.

Lastly, Amy at Bead & Glass Boutique had a Facebook contest using LPA components. Each participant was sent a kit. We were instructed to used most of the kit and any thing from our own stash we wanted to add. I received a beautiful cab with a faint leaf pattern on it.

In addition to the cab, there were these beautiful tubular beads in a turquoise color and square glass beads in a reddish color. To the kit I added turquoise/raku colored seed beads and vintage dark gold seed beads salvaged from an old beaded cap found in an antique store.

Also added - size 8/0 gold seed beads, size 15/0 gold seeds beads used in the bezel and in the edging and 6mm topaz Swarovski margarita beads used in the dangle. There are 5 size 3mm Swarovski bicones in the bezel for a little extra sparkle (two in the top corner and three in the bottom). The edge is something new to me. It is called Side Petal Edge and found in Dimensional Bead Embroidery by Jamie Cloud Eakin - a fabulous book by the way and one I highly recommend you add to your collection if you enjoy bead embroidery.

Tan Ultrasuede is used as the backing with a pin back including bail for use as a pendant.

Not sure yet what all the new year will bring me in the way of beading inspiration, but I'm hopeful it will be a creative year filled with lots of projects!

A choker and a ring...

noreply@blogger.com (GraceBeading) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 12:31:00 +0000

My older grand daughter recently requested a choker, she dug through my stash of small cabs and found just what she wanted, then requested beads in blue, silver and black.

The cab is one I was lucky enough to snag after my visit with the Beads of Courage boxes.

The choker is about 1 1/2 wide at it's widest point and 13 inches long.

There are glass seed beads in several sizes, Swarovski margarita crystals in black and vintage sequins.

It is backed with blue Ultrasuede and the clasp is a vintage Swarovski sew on.

I have wanted to try my hand at making a ring for some time now and recently I was gifted with this small raku cab by Marianne Kasparian aka MAKUstudio.

It is surrounded by glass pearls

It was mounted on an adjustable ring blank

And backed with black Ultrasuede

It was donated to a Northern Indiana business for a fund raising auction.

Photos are clickable for a larger view

For the love of animals...

noreply@blogger.com (GraceBeading) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:30:00 +0000

If you know me, you know I am passionate about animals. I am a firm believer in rescuing animals from shelters as opposed to buying from breeders. If you do a little research, you will see there are pure bred animals available at most, if not all shelters (Humane Society estimates 25% of animals taken in are pure breeds). Shelters, Animal Care and Control, Rescues - they are all maxed out. Resources are scarce and budget cuts continue. If you can - do something today to help homeless animals. Shelters always need volunteers and various supplies and food, there will probably have a wish list on their website.

I'm also a firm believer in spaying and neutering pets as well as TNR (Trap Neuter Return) for feral and stray cats.

I think you would be too if you understood how many animals are put to death in this country and the manner in which it is done. It is estimated that 3 to 12 million pets per year are killed (depending on the source of the information). In THIS country, the United States - shameful, pitiful, and in my opinion - embarrassing. The animals are "humanely euthanized" which is rarely humane. They are often dragged to the death room to be injected and in many states are even gassed in groups - still - in this day and age.

I do what I can to help. Besides all my pets being rescues from shelters, I try to support rescue organizations and those that support rescues. One of those if Pennies-4-Paws, a non-profit fund raising for many organizations in need. If you use Facebook, they have a page there as well.

Please... please if you have pets, make sure they are spayed/neutered - for anyone that cannot afford it, there are many organizations in the U.S. that are low cost. Many areas even have programs in place that assist low income families. There is no reason or excuse to have pets that are not spayed/neutered.

The ornaments and pins you see here have all be donated to Pennies-4-Paws for their fund raising efforts to help our furry friends in need. Here are a couple of other favorites of mine: Shadow Cats Rescue; Best Friends Animal Society; No Kill Advocacy Center; The Grace Foundation of Northern California. All have Facebook pages if you are so inclined.

First up is a bone ornament. The "bone" is ceramic and was created by Fire and Fused. I glued it to yellow colored bead backing by Nicole and added glass beads in yellow/gold and purples.

I added a Czech glass heart bead at the top of the ornament and backed it with mustard colored Ultrasuede

It measures just over 3 inches wide.

Next is this brown bone is embellished with a combination of blue and brown beads as well as vintage sequins.

It is backed with chocolate brown Ultrasuede

A heart... for cats - this ceramic heart was also created by Fired and Fused

The heart measures a little big larger, 3 1/2 inches across and a bit weighty with all those glass beads

Czech and Japanese glass beads have been added as well as these glass cat face beads and a metal bead of a cat with one paw up.

Larger metal round beads were added to the fringe with carved garnet heart beads

Then backed with red Ultrasuede.

It was hard to part with the raku cat by Lisa Peters, but I have had it for a couple of years and I think it will server a better purpose in raising funds for cats that need help rather than sitting in a box here just because I like it.

It is embellished with sequins, a Swarovski crystal and glass seed beads.

It has a beautiful ceramic heart charm (also created by Lisa Peters) hanging from it.

I made this one into a brooch/pin. I thought it would look great worn by a cat rescuer.

Last in the group is this cute poodle pin.

It is embellished with vintage sequins and various glass seed beads.

This heart charm is one of my favorites by Lisa. The colors are amazing!

This one is backed with dark gray Ultrasuede

Beading, etc...

noreply@blogger.com (GraceBeading) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 23:02:00 +0000

Even though I have not been posting as much as I have in the past - I HAVE been beading and creating.

Some of the photos were beginning to pile up!

Earlier this year, I finished this pair of earrings. I started with a pair of adorable unakite scarabs and beaded around the little cabs.

The largest seed bead used here is a size 12/0. Also used (in the dangle) - a couple of unakite beads and two Swarovski crystal bicones.

They are backed with green Ultrasuede and were given away to a fund raising auction.

Another project completed earlier this year - my new check book cover. I admit I still use checks - probably more often than many, but I'm old school like that.

It was expertly hand tooled by J (my significant other) and laced by ME! My first lacing attempt and while it was tedious learning this stitch - I was thrilled to get it completed. Click on the photos for detailed close ups.

I hope everyone is enjoying the end of fall and is ready for winter!

More posts/photos coming soon...

Fun loving Free Spirit...

noreply@blogger.com (GraceBeading) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 02:30:00 +0000

Free Spirit is the last doll in the Trash It Out doll swap. Sending her off was bittersweet, sweet that she is going home after several months of travel, bitter because I'll miss looking forward to my visits with these amazing creations.

Six of us participated, myself and five incredible artists including our host - Monica Magness of GirlGoneThreadWild. This was an amazing experience, educational, emotional and above all else... FUN!

Free Spirit arrived pretty much complete by my definition. I made some jewelry for her and her companion to wear and deliver to her owner.

I started with a two small clay cabs, a rectangle with "LIVE" on it and a cute little heart. I acquired these pieces as a participant of The Best Little Bead Box earlier this year. I believe they were created by Fired and Fused.

In my rush to get her packed up and ready to head home, I neglected to take measurements of the pendant. I will guess it's about 3 inches around. Not including the loop that attaches it to a neck wire.

I used fresh water pearls, Swarovski jet bicones, vintage sequins, glass hearts and seed beads in various sizes.

It is backed with rose colored Ultrasuede.

I made the heart into a small brooch/pin. It also has several sizes of seed beads and is backed with the same rose colored Ultrasuede.

One thing I forgot to take photos of was her journal. The journals that accompany each of these dolls are entire separate, detailed amazing works of art. I'm sorry I did not take a photo of the journal that goes with Free Spirit.

Next blog post will be about my doll and her arrival home. I have not yet opened her carriage (the box in which she has traveled all over the US), but will do that in the next day or two. I want to have the time to savor every moment of the experience.

Reminder - all photos are clickable for a larger view.

Beading For A Cure (BFAC) 2011...

noreply@blogger.com (GraceBeading) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 23:55:00 +0000

For the Love of Layne

(all photos clickable for a larger view)

This is the fifth year I have participated in the Beading For A Cure Project. I look forward to the project each year, always eagerly anticipating the notification in the early part of the year that the kits are ready for purchase. The participants never know what is in the kit, not the colors or the bead types. It is not until the package shows up in our mail that we see what we have to work with over the next couple of months.

Here is what arrived in the kit for this round

I added several of these cabs and vintage sequins in a couple of colors

I sit and look at each of the tubes/packages included, waiting, hoping an idea will quickly come to mind. Each year my goal has been to try something new or different or to do something that takes me outside of my comfort zone. This year was no exception as I attempted my first necklace/collar.

A little background on the project and my inspiration - the annual project was inspired by Layne Shilling, a beloved beader who lost her battle with colorectal cancer in 2002. You can read more about it on the BFAC website. I never had the pleasure of knowing Layne as I found beading a few years after she lost her battle. Fast forward to last year - I was lucky enough to win some prizes for my BFAC piece last year. One of those prizes was a vintage glass parrot flatback previously owned by Layne.

It was immediately apparent that the glass parrot should be used in my next BFAC project. It is not small - I thought a collar/necklace might be perfect. Decision made - now to design it!

I am thankful I have someone in my life who is a whiz with various software programs. It allowed me to sketch up my design for the collar and hand it to him with my notes/preferred dimensions and say "go". Next thing I know - I had a template.

I did not have a specific plan, I know I wanted the parrot in the middle of the heart and I knew I wanted to use some vintage sparkly cabs and vintage sequins in the piece. I sewed/glued down the parrot and off I went.

It did take me quite a bit longer than I anticipated to finish it - I was right up to the last day of the deadline when I finished.

I ended up not using an extra bead, so all beads used were provided by the kit. I did have to order some additional crystals at the last minute for the fringe (thank you Beki!). Other than that, I did not need any additional beads and I have some of each left over. That should give a good indication of the generous amount of beads are included in each kit.

The necklace measures approximately 13 inches from the top of the clasp to the tip of the fringe. The neck measures 5 1/2 inches inside from side to side.

It is backed with chocolate brown Ultrasuede

And is finished with a toggle clasp

This is Jimmy - my ever faithful assistant.

Just for fun - here's a photo of the finished piece - before the backing and finishing

Auctions for this round will begin next March and run for several weeks. I will post a link and a reminder when the auctions are set to begin.

Beautiful Marwa...

noreply@blogger.com (GraceBeading) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 03:01:00 +0000

The latest doll in the Trash It Out round robin is Marwa - and not only is she a vision of beauty, the first thing I noticed as I opened the box upon arrival was the amazing smell that escaped the box before I ever laid eyes the doll.

Marwa belongs to Sandy - her name is of Hindi origin and means Sweet Marjoram - a fragrant herb. Heaven is what came to my mind when I first saw her...

Check out that cute bee in her bonnet

She came with this book of herbal recipes and other healing remedies. The book is a work of art with page after page of wonderful recipes/messages in an amazing array of colors.

Above are the pages I added to the book (Monica - do you recognize the heart up in the right hand corner?).

Marwa had a secret garden added while traveling. I didn't add anything to the garden at her feet, but it is a marvel to behold.

I did add a little bag of fresh herbs - picked from my garden - attached to one of her arms - that's in a photo further down the page.

As you can see - her backside is just as pretty as the front with a big bow and lots of layers in her skirt.

In her hands she lovingly holds a big heart to which I added a big glass lady bug.

And a bird button by Debbie Mumm with a final touch of red and black glass beads in a picot stitch around the edge of the heart.

I happen to have a beautiful clay cab on hand by Golem Studios with a blue bird on it - it at just seemed to go with Marwa. I was lucky enough to see their work up close and personal this past June at the Bead & Button show in Milwaukee. The beaded piece is pinned to the doll and can be removed and worn. (Just below the bird is the small bag I mentioned earlier with some fresh herbs).

There are glass beads in several colors and small Swarovski crystal bicones around the outside edge to add some extra sparkle.

It is backed with red Ultrasuede.

Last is the small journal that travels with the doll - besides the Imagine A Woman poem seen here, I noted the items I added on another page.

Only one doll left to work on before each of our dolls come "home". This has been an incredible experience for me - so many good lessons learned and to be included such awesome company is just a giant bonus!

Each photo is "clickable" for a larger view.

Circus - Trash it Out - Art Doll Round Robin...

noreply@blogger.com (GraceBeading) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 23:47:00 +0000

A girl named Circus came to visit, and would you look at her? She is an amazing little thing! I had her here for just about a month and even though she's gone now, she did leave a smile in my heart.

This is the third doll in the Trash it Out Art Doll Round Robin. With each arrival, I am SURE I have not seen a more amazing doll - then I receive the next one and am proven wrong in that thought.

I have been absolutely amazed at the transformations of each of these forms - the stories they have become and emotion that has been put into each doll by all the participants. I truly feel lucky to be part of this round robin.

One thing that caught me by surprise in the project are the journals. Each one is just as amazing as the dolls they travel with, honestly words do not adequately describe what I see when I open and carefully go through each box.

I will say that with Circus - I was stumped in what to add to her. I want so badly to add beauty to each doll however I find I am rather inexperienced in the diverse skills exhibited by my fellow round robin participants. FINALLY, I came up with what I thought was a brilliant idea - pink cotton candy hair! Well, my intentions were good, but the reality was a disaster. Thankfully I worked on the hair without actually attaching it to the doll.. whew, disaster averted.

So Circus left here with just those beautiful bows and a just a wisp of hair that was already placed by someone else.

I did find an old Austrian crystal pin in my stash and attached it to one of the bows on her head. At first glance, the little thing looks like a seal wearing a top hat playing with a ball. But wait... I see fins for the "feet", but the hands/arms look like paws - so maybe it's a cross between a cat and a seal? Regardless - perfect for a circus!

I moved on to the journal and man oh man what a journal. True to her "thread wild" name, Monica has produced an amazing artful journal made up of cloth, old quilts, lots of threads, it is a work of art in itself (as are all the journals).

Plenty of room to work in the journal, so I worked on 2 facing pages. As will all the journals so far - I added an Imagine A Woman postcard (poem by Patricia Lynn Reilly) on one side and a glimpse into the inside of the big top on the other side. (Note to Monica - the pink beads scattered throughout the page are a new shape and are called "peanuts", I couldn't resist).

As with the other dolls, I wanted Circus to deliver something to Monica when she arrives home. I found this itty bitty flower bead by Lisa Peters. I knew right away it had to be a ring.

The little flower is anchored by a Swarovski crystal bicone bead, the flower is surrounded by 24k gold plated beads and more Swarovski crystals.

It is backed with chocolate colored Ultrasuede and mounted on an adjustable gold toned hammered ring blank.

I wanted to make a little treasure chest to hold the ring. Found this perfect tiny cardboard box. I glued a little ceramic pink heart to a piece of Nicole's bead backing and started to bead around it. I added some beautiful vintage light aqua sequins and then glued that to the top of the lid.

I added a strip of pink felt around the lip of the lid and added lots of sparkly dangles to the lid. More vintage sequins were added tot he bottom of the box and 4 glass beads glued to the bottom as "feet".

The inside of the box is lined in red felt.

Two dolls left in the round robin - could it get any better? I think it just might...

Esperanza - Trash it Out Art Doll Round Robin...

noreply@blogger.com (GraceBeading) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

I am a little late in posting - okay, maybe more that a little late. Lots of stuff going on here keeping me busy, and it seems the blog post always fall to the bottom of my "to do" list. Fortunately it has not kept me from beading and working on some other creative things.

In the current doll round robin in which I'm participating, my second visit was with Esperanza. A stunningly beautiful doll - she looks as hopeful as her name represents. She arrived pretty decked out with a wonderful journal to accompany her. I'm guessing I'm not the first to feel this while participating in a round robin - but I find that I don't want to do anything that will take any beauty away from the dolls coming to me in this round robin and am stumped at times in figuring out what to add to complement what has already been added. The women with which I am participating in this collaboration have seemingly endless talent and ideas. I am quite literally stunned with each new arrival as I open the box containing the doll and whatever accompanies her.

I thought she might need some pearls, so added some to the bottom of her dress. I thought the effect was pretty, I hope her owner (Gloria) will as well.

Also added - a couple of silver metal loops with a cross, some square swarovski beads, dragonflies and hearts. I love hearts :-)

Because beading is my comfort zone in this type of artistic endeavor, I tend to head in that direction often. For this doll, I found the perfect connector bead by Lisa Peters. It had wire loops on each end, I sewed those down to the backing and added a Swarovski crystal bicone to cover it. Also added - gold freshwater pearls, bronze colored glass beads.

It is backed with brown Ultrasuede and has a pinback with pendant bail so it can be worn as a brooch or a pendant.

Before Esperanza was sent off to her next destination, I added a page to her journal with one of my favorite poems by Patricia Lynn Reilly.

Trash it Out - Art Doll Round Robin...

noreply@blogger.com (GraceBeading) — Fri, 13 May 2011 11:20:00 +0000

Recently I received an invite from my very good online art friend Monica, an invitation to participate in a doll round robin. My immediate thought (and answer) was YES! I have been involved in several collaborations with Monica - each has been special and memorable.

Monica is one of the very first art online friends I made when I started beading. She has been, not only an inspiration to me, but one of the biggest supporters of my beading from the very beginning.

Besides all that, she is a magician when she gets her hands on fabric, thread and a sewing machine. The things she creates with found items (or trash to most people) is extraordinary. If you know her, you know she is very talented and quite creative. So after I said yes and saw the list of participants, I couldn't help but panic just a little inside. She has brought together an amazing group of talented artists and me - a beader (not like that's a bad thing).

In order to grow creatively - we should push the envelope, right? Step outside our comfort zone. That is what I'm doing here and I'm jumping in with both feet! A little scary, but fun and exhilarating at the same time.

This is going to be a lengthy post with lots of photos, so if you're in the mood - settle in and stay awhile...

First, meet the talented ladies included in this round robin - Cheryl, Joanna, Sandy, Gloria and our hostess, Monica. See what I mean? I wasn't kidding about the talent!

The premise is using scraps and leftovers from other projects or basically "trash". Now being a beader, I will incorporate that kind of stuff as much as I can - but there are few beads that I throw away. Left over from another project, certainly!

We all started with a similar "kit" supplied and beautifully packaged by Monica, including a doll form with some "trashy" goodies. The two photos at the top of this post are of the package upon arrival.

This is what I found inside

We were encouraged to do whatever we wanted with our doll to get it started, make a journal and give our doll a name. I don't feel as though I'm terribly clever with that kind of thing and I wasn't sure how much I should add to her to start, so I made her a dress out of the fabric scraps I found in the box. I dipped the fabric in a mixture of glue and water then molded it around the form.

Give me a spreadsheet and I'm a whiz, but I struggle with artistic ideas at times. This was one of those times as I tried to name my doll.

I ended up using one of my old cross stitch pieces as the cover of my journal. And once I decided on that I could not get the name "Dorothy" out of my head, so my doll became Dorothy and off she went to the Cheryl for the month of April.

For the month of April, I worked on Joanna's doll, her name is Zona. She arrived, already a treasure - so much thought and detail added to her by Joanna. Look at that sweet face (click photo for a larger view)!

And the journal - *sigh* - simply wonderful! So many great little details - and the inside is just as beautiful.

The journal shared some thoughts/dreams, which include (among other things) travel and gardening. With that in mind I made wings for Zona, I started with a hand made doily that I found at a garage sale a couple years ago. Formed it into wings and then embellished them with glass beads and crystals to give them just enough sparkle, then attached them to the doll.

I have had the good fortune to have traveled to some wonderful destinations. On one such trip, I visited a friend who was living/teaching in Liberec, Czech Republic. While there, we traveled to Hungary for a couple of days. Not long into our first day touring around Hungary my friend was suffering terribly with blisters from her new "comfortable" shoes she purchased for the trip. She was in agony, we walked (all day) all over Buda and Pest. Since we wear the same size shoes, we were able to switch off wearing the dreaded new shoes in order to share the pain and blisters - because we certainly were NOT going to cut our day or our trip short. Because of that I have attached a pair of sneakers to Zona for long comfortable walks in foreign lands.

Also attached is one earring I have left of a favorite pair I purchased in Czech Republic - I bought these from a local street vendor on the Charles Bridge in Prague, and after only having them a short time, I lost one of the earrings. It is a tiny piece of slate wrapped in wire.

I also attached a vintage Swarovski crystal angel (to watch over her as she travels), next to a heart from Joanna's mother.

A girl cannot possibly travel without a suitcase, can she? I altered an Altoids tin to carry her valuables. It was painted with blue acrylic paint to which I added bronze Pearl-Ex (a first for me and SO much fun!). I added a "Dream" clay cabochon by Lisa Peters Art, and a little beaded handle made of old wire and glass beads

Lined the suitcase with red felt

And added some travel stickers to the back

Inside the suitcase is a special surprise just for Joanna, a heart shaped pin. The cab/button is another clay creation by Lisa Peters and embellished (by me) with glass beads.

One Swarovski crystal in the middle and vintage sequins around the outside

It is backed with pink Ultrasuede and closed with a pointed edge stitch using glass beads.

Also included is a red felt bag - pieces of fabric are attached to the front and back with beads and filled with some seeds in the event Joanna wants to start a sunflower garden.

Zona is now ready to fly off to her next destination. It was a pleasure hosting you, safe travels little one!

Beading For A Cure (BFAC) 2010...

noreply@blogger.com (GraceBeading) — Tue, 03 May 2011 01:13:00 +0000

I believe I mentioned last year was the first year the annual BFAC included a competition. A request was made to each participant to send five photos of their finished piece(es) to be judged by the BFAC board as well as Jeannette Cook, Marcia DeCoster, Diane Fitzgerald and Sherry Serafini.

The contest included a generous prize list for First, Second and Third place as well as Best Use of Kit and Best Non-Wearable Item

To my surprise and utter delight, my pieces won second place. What you see in the photo up at the top of this blog post is some of the loot that came with that second prize win. Here is a list of what I received:

Victorian Iris Bracelet kit donated by Ann Scherm Baldwin
Five strands of African Trade Beads donated by Beads of Marin
What I believe is Ancient Roman Glass Beads donated by Beads of Marin, I did not receive a certificate of authenticity as noted in the prize list, so am making an assumption on this one, click on this photo and get a nice close up - they certainly look old, don't they? SO cool!

CRYSTALLIZED Swarovski Elements book - Spring/Summer 2010 Issue 14 and a bag
An assortment of vintage glass cabs donated Marilee Layman
One bead weaving kit donated by Reeds Beads
Autographed copies of Steampunk Style Jewelry by Jean Campbell
Beaded Opulence by Marcia DeCoster
Seed Bead Fusion by Rachel Nelson-Smith including a Sea Star Bangle kit.
Two items previously owned by Layne, donated by Jeannette Cook - one is a vintage glass sew on parrot the other is a green glass connector bead - artist unknown. If all goes as I have planned (in my head anyway), I will use one of these in my BFAC piece for 2011. It seems only right since BFAC is in the name of Layne and these belonged to her.

And last, but far from least are the gift certificates... $50. from Beyond Beadery; $75. from Out On A Whim and $150. from Sylvie Lansdowne.

Now...one thing I have always wanted to do is go to a bead show, a big bead show, a real bead show. Right now, I am toying with the idea of going to the Bead & Button show in Milwaukee next month. It would fill my wish of going to a bead show AND allow me to spend my generous gift certificates since all three of these vendors will have booths at the show. The added bonus is the opportunity to meet some other vendors/people/friends that I have had the pleasure of getting to know online through beading.

Beads of Courage...

noreply@blogger.com (GraceBeading) — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 02:05:00 +0000

A portion of what I "took"

Beads of Courage - Providing Arts in medicine for children with serious illness.

Have you ever heard of it? If not, I encourage you to check out their website and see the all the wonderful things they do in supporting children fighting illness. Take a look around while you are there, there are so many inspiring stories.

Recently I was lucky enough to be chosen to participate in a fund raiser for Beads of Courage by way of the Best Little Bead Box which is the brainchild of Jennifer Van Benschoten of VanBeads and Carol Dean Sharpe of Sand Fibers

Twelve beaders are chosen for each round, we are now in the second round. A large box full of beads, cabochons and other wonderful beady supplies are shipped off to the first beader. They take anything and everything they want from the box provided they put back more and better than what was taken. Then ship it off to the next beader and so on down the line.

Once the boxes make their way back to the starting point, all the contents are sorted and grouped into packages that are auctioned off on EBay with the proceeds going to Beads of Courage.

The boxes upon arrival

So not only is this a great way to acquire some wonderful pieces, it also provides a way to lighten your own stash and connects you to the bead community in an extra special way. It
s fun and it just feels GOOD!

If you would like to learn a little more about me, there is an introduction page on the Best Little Bead Box blog. And if you would like to see what I took as well as gave to the boxes, you can see that in a separate blog post.

If you enjoy photos of beads and learning about other beaders - take some time to read through the whole blog for the Best Little Bead Box. And if you feel compelled to participate, they will be taking new applications at the end of round two. I encourage you to follow their blog, bookmark the page or follow them on Facebook to stay current on all the latest news.

Chief - guarding the boxes

Bead Journal Project for May (2010)...

noreply@blogger.com (GraceBeading) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 01:01:00 +0000

My plan for the 2010 Bead Journal Project was to make a bouquet of monochromatic flowers. That lasted for the first four months. After completing the first 2 flowers I was questioning my monochromatic color choice, the thought of doing that month after month made it a bit boring for me. I broke down for the fifth month and dove into some color.

This one started with a circular metal center with lots of holes, it is not flat. I added an 11/0 bead to each hole which helped anchor the metal piece to the backing. Then added a row of size 15/0 beads outside the metal disc. Next I added 5 Swarovski glass sequins anchored with a size 15/0 yellow bead. More blue and yellow beads were added to fill in the petals.

It was backed with yellow-gold Ultrasuede and whip stitched together with size 15/0 blue beads.

Seven more flower to go to complete my bouquet and the project for 2010. I will continue to post these as I finish them, but first I must get to some other projects!

Bead Journal Project for April (2010)...

noreply@blogger.com (GraceBeading) — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 15:12:00 +0000

Seems there is just never enough time to post all the beady and creative things going on. Many exciting things going on here, not the least of which is seeing signs of spring - finally! It seems warmer weather has been threatening for quite some time, but it has not quite taken hold. I am hopeful that will change this weekend.

One post that I have been meaning to get up is about the Bead Journal Project. I have participated in this project since it was started by Robin Atkins and have enjoyed it very much. I have learned much about myself and about my beading from my participation. I signed up to participate this year even though I had not finished the project for last year. It has since become clear to me that I am not able to make the time to participate this year. A clear indication of that is posting the photo from the last project one year late. And even though I am late for last year, my plan is to finish up the project for 2010. I think that with several other projects will keep me plenty busy through the end of the year.

April in this part of the country usually means spring and lots of rain. To me - that translates to gray. I like the color of gray in beads much better than a gray colored sky.

This flower started with a vintage faceted glass cab as the center and worked my out from there with light gray around the cab and hematite colored beads for the petals. These photos look a bit fuzzy to me, I'm not sure what happened with my focus this time around.

I finished it off with soft gray Ultrasuede and a pin back.

Beading For A Cure 2011...

noreply@blogger.com (GraceBeading) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 01:08:00 +0000

Are you ready for some GREAT auctions? Well then - set your alerts, alarms, reminders... whatever you have. The auctions begin March 21 - 3:00 pm Eastern time and there are some fantastic items up for the first round! All for a good cause too (colorectal cancer research).

Here is the link to the auctions, bid high and often! Here is the link for each round of auctions with photos and dates they will be auctioned. I also have a badge up on the right side of my blog that is a direct link to the EBay auctions. If you want to take some time and see all the great photos for each item that will come up for auction this year - you can check the gallery. There are wonderful close up photos of each piece. If you want to print off a flyer for the auctions, that is also available here.

This is the fourth year I have participated in the annual event and the first year there was a competition. I was notified last week that my entry won second place - I was shocked. You will see what I mean when you have a chance to see all the beautiful entries. I am honored to be a winner amongst so many incredible bead artists and their pieces.

Each participant is given the same kit of beads. We are required to use at least one of each bead in the kit, we are allowed to add one additional bead type and can incorporate as many non bead items as we like - such as cabochons and sequins.

Here is my photo of the beads for this year provided in the kit

As you can see, it is a beautiful selection of purple and bronze. I loved working with these colors! My first step was to go through my stash to see what I wanted to add, if anything.

I found these beautiful vintage bronze/brownish faceted cabs, I only had two - I used both of them. I also found these smaller glass cabs with purple and bronze. I had four and used them all. It seems I cannot bead anything with out adding sequins. Vintage are my favorites and while I do not have many left, I did find this wonderful strand of deep purple sequins. My added bead is a small purple/brownish bugle.

The items of mine together with the kit led me to make this cuff. Once I get the big cab glued on, the rest seem to just flow. I did not have a plan, I let the beads take me where they wanted to go.

I used Nicole's bead backing in light purple as my base. When the beading was completed, I sandwiched a brass cuff blank between the bead backing and light purple Ultrasuede and stitched it up with LOTS of those beautiful crystal bicones.

I was going to just make a cuff, but that hardly seemed fair since I still had a ton of beads left from the kit.

So I found that last brown faceted glass cab and worked up a brooch.

That's when I discovered I had more of the smaller cabs and still plenty of beads from the kit so thought a pair of earrings would be the perfect addition to complete the set.

Little did I know at the time that would make me a...

I am stunned and honored!

Beaded cap remnants...

noreply@blogger.com (GraceBeading) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 23:33:00 +0000

That is what is written on the tag. I found this little box at a local "Antique Mall". This place is HUGE - 12,000 square feet huge.

I pass by it at lease twice a week going to/from my son's house driving on Highway 30. I never stop and I am not sure why - I love looking through those places for little treasures. This past weekend I found a little treasure. I found this little box, opened it and found a tangle of beads with a crocheted band. I was instantly drawn to the beads, they were obviously old and very pretty. Then I checked the tag and the contents were described as "beaded cap remnants". I bought it.

When I arrived home, I opened the box again and began to untangle the bead strands. Most of the strands were broken and the little bit of material that was still attached to the crocheted part disintegrated when just a tiny bit of pressure was applied. It's okay, I really only wanted the beads. All the beads are beautiful, but I think the red are my favorites.

As I started taking the piece a part, I wished it could tell me its own story - like why and for whom it was created. How many have worn it? Was it for a special occasion? A party?

After separating all the loose and still strung beads, I left the band piece in one piece with the beads still attached. The piece is a little dirty and obviously warn, but all the beads on it are in tact and still firmly attached. I could not bring myself to cut it up. What to do with it now - I am not sure yet. Any suggestions?

On another note - it is finally warming up around here and I could not be happier about it! A couple of other residents are pretty happy with the sunshine too :-)

Bead Soup Blog Party...

noreply@blogger.com (GraceBeading) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 02:50:00 +0000

Another blog party, more pretty, pretty beads! I happily signed up for this "party" with the basic guidelines being that each participant is paired with another, we swap beads (including focal and clasp) and then make a bracelet to be revealed at a later date. During that process, we blog hop to check out the other participants, discover new blogs - you know all the fun stuff. Please take a moment and click on the button on my side bar over there ---------------->
for more information

My partner for this fun event is Marcie also known as La Bella Joya. I have admired her bead embroidered creations for quite some time but had never "met" her. Even though her Etsy shop is one of my "favorites" and I subscribe to her blog, I don't believe I ever even left a comment. Now... here we are partners. Funny how these things work out!

Here are the beautiful beads and findings I received from Marcie.

A wonderful focal cab from Chinook Jewelry and a selection of beads and findings from her personal stash

Some seed beads (thankfully we are both BIG fans of seed beads). And one more photo of her great selection - oh so pretty!

How is this for coincidence - we sent each other similar colors in our bead soup. And here are a couple of photos of what I sent to Marcie

It includes a focal from Lisa Peters Art, Swarovski crystals in pink and green, daggers, 2 different types of vintage nail heads, fresh water pearls, a gold tone toggle clasp and some seed beads.

I just finished my bracelet last night and will reveal it here on my blog on February 26 - the official reveal date.

In other news - there is still time to sign up for the One World One Heart event. A really fun worldwide blogging event that not only allows you the opportunity to discover new blogs all over the world, but each one of those blogs are offering door prizes just for visiting. There are over 800 blogs already, I think I've only made my way through half of them so far, but am having a blast doing it!

Last but not least I was chosen to be a participant in the Best Little Bead Box project which is currently on it's second tour to the homes/studios of 12 beaders. All for a great cause - Beads of Courage. Please take a moment and check out these blogs to learn more about this wonderful event and maybe even bid on one of the awesome lots offered up on Ebay.

2011 One World One Heart... it's time!

noreply@blogger.com (GraceBeading) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0000

***Update*** We have winners - 5 in all, and each have been contacted.

The winners and their prizes as follows:

Winner #1 - Susan of Living the dream - pearl earrings
Winner #2 - Anne of Gaal Creative - white givre brooch
Winner #3 - Angelika of Toscania-art-life - pink zipper pull/key fob
Winner #4 - Peggy of Peggy apl SEEDS - red paua earrings
Winner #5 - Diane of My Art Journal - sunny flower face brooch

Congratulations to all the winners!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It is time for the fifth and final One World One Heart event. A fun filled WORLD wide event connecting bloggers and others everywhere!

You can blog hop and visit various countries a long the way, maybe meet your new best friend. Added bonus... GIVEAWAYS of all types!

A little about me - I am a mother, a grand mother and a beader. I am a transplant, originally from Southern California, now living in Northeastern Indiana. I have come to discover that I really do not like winter in this part of the country, but I do like a whole lot about this place I now call home. I am geographically close to my family, that is most important - I am happy to weather the cold for that privilege, because I love being near them and being able to spend lots of time with them. But, oh how I long for a warm breeze, mountains and an ocean within driving distance! Especially this time of year.

The One World One Heart event comes at the perfect time for me. It brightens my spirit to have so many visitors that share their thoughts and a little glimpse into their world by way of a comment. And it is always fun to give away my beaded treasures.

This is my fourth year participating and I thought it would be nice to honor each of the 5 years of the event with an item for each year.

The requirements to win are pretty easy - you MUST be an active blogger and you have to leave a comment on this post with a link back to your blog. That is it. Easy, right?

I will notify the winners via email or by way of a comment on your blog in the event your email address is not obvious to me.

As I stated earlier I am a beader, and as such - my items are bead related. I find stress relief and a certain sense of peace when I bead.

Here are the items up for grabs -

Pearl earrings accented with Swarovski crystals for lots of sparkle

A fob, a zipper pull, a dangly thing - whatever you want to call it. It is real flowers encased in resin, embellished with glass beads. More info and photos of this can be found in the blog post just prior to this one - so just scroll down to find it.

Red Paua shell earrings are next up. They are embellished with various glass beads and a Swarovski bead accent in each earring.

The paua shell cab measures 18mm before the beads were added.

They are backed with soft black Ultrasuede.

Next I have a brooch that started with an 18mm vintage, rare white givre crystal cabochon with a white cloud of color swirled inside. The sparkly beauty of the cab is so much prettier in person. I could not capture it accurately with a camera.

It is surrounded with glass beads and Swarovski crystals - for even more sparkle! The beautiful cab was provided by Betcey from Beyond Beadery. Her online store carries these in white and blue.

It is backed with white Ultrasuede.

Last, but certainly not least is a fun pendant/brooch, in beautiful shades of Spring colors. It started with a flower face cab by Jen Martin of GraphixOutpost. I embellished it with glass seed beads, Czech pressed glass leaf beads and Swarovski crystals.

It is backed with bright yellow Ultrasuede.

The winners will be announced on February 17, so I will take comments up until midnight Eastern Time on February 16. Good luck!

After you are done here, don't forget to click the banner up top for all the rest of the links of the blogs participating in the 2011 One World One Heart event. Oh... and HAVE FUN on your journey!

Latest beading...

noreply@blogger.com (GraceBeading) — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 00:59:00 +0000

All photos are clickable for a larger view

I am not sure if it is the cold weather or the gloomier skies here, but I have been drawn towards brighter beads recently, specifically pink and yellow.

I do not consider myself a huge fan of pink... the color - not the singer. I AM a fan of the singer.

I was digging around for stuff to bead and was drawn to these. The first is a real flower set in resin. It was sold as a necklace strung on a cheap black cord. I bought several of these - many of them have real bugs inside - beetles, spiders and scorpions. Some even glow in the dark, really kind of cool.

I thought this one might be nice as a fob. It fits in the palm of my hand and I can see it dangling from a multitude of things. I will not be keeping this one though - it will be given away, stayed tuned for details on that in a couple of weeks.

It seems I never go too long without beading with one of Jen Martin's faces. I enjoy working with her little works of art, they are consistently well crafted and painted to perfection in vibrant colors. I am always inspired by her faces.

This one is no exception - such a happy face! It is polymer clay and screams sunshine and spring to me. I have embellished it with green Swarovski crystals, yellow charlottes and green Czech pressed glass leaves with pink size 15/0 beads whip stitched around the edge.

It is finished off with sunny yellow Ultra suede and a pin back with bail that allows it to be worn as a pendant or brooch.

A few notes on the method I use to finish my pieces. After the beading is complete, I measure and cut out a piece of poster board to help stabilize the piece.

Next, I glue the poster board to the back of the beaded piece and measure out a piece of Ultrasuede for the backing.

If it is going to be a pin, I measure where I need to make small cuts to allow the pin back to come through the Ultrasuede backing. I add glue to the pin back and the poster board that is exposed and then add the Ultrasuede - picture a sandwich and the poster board is the "meat". Next I secure the two pieces together by beading the edge. The face is whip stitched, the fob it is more of a brick stitch with an added picot stitch on top of that.

Catching up...

noreply@blogger.com (GraceBeading) — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 01:20:00 +0000

This cute little piece was purchased several years ago as a kit from Beads East. I bought it before I really knew how to bead or much of anything about beads. As a beginner, I found it very appealing since everything I needed to complete it came in a nice tidy kit.

I was in the beginning stages of transitioning from cross stitching to beading. I started out slowly in 2004 with small ornaments and brooches that were a combination of cross stitching and beads, the kits were made by Mill Hill. I loved incorporating beads into my handiwork. I bought more kits (more than I would ever get around to completing). But it was the beads - those beautiful, sparkly beads that quickly grabbed my attention, I have not picked up cross stitching since.

Then, I discovered bead embroidery with small dolls as my focus. I soon lost interest in the kits. Recently I found myself going through some boxes and came across a couple of kits and this one jumped out at me. It is a sweet little kit, and I wanted to bead, but didn't want to start a big project - this was perfect!

The pattern is printed on card stock, I am accustomed to using stiffened felt as my base for beading, it hurt to bead on this card stuff (needle through thumb many times when trying to pierce the card). I found it a little harder to line up beads on it as well. I love the end result though. Here is an in progress photo (click the photo for a larger view).

It measures 4 inches tall by 2 3/4 inches wide and is backed with felt.

It now sits at my bead station. I am not sure yet if I am going to keep it or gift it to someone.

I also finished a pretty pink bracelet for a childhood friend - she LOVES pink.

This is a simple bracelet using a ladder stitch as the base (completed with Delicas) and size 15/0 beads in loops of alternating colors.

Last, but certainly not least - did you notice the new button on my side bar? The one over there ------------------------------> that says "One World One Heart"?

Please click on it and take a few minutes to learn about this wonderful event. It starts on January 30, lasts a couple of weeks. During that time, the links will take you to blogs around the world. If you have a blog and are so inclined - please think about participating, you might just meet your new best friend!

For Andrew...

noreply@blogger.com (GraceBeading) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 01:26:00 +0000

Recently, Kelli at The Hole Bead Shop generously offered up some special challenge kits as a fundraiser for Andrew Thornton.

I only know of Andrew by way of sporadic visits to his blog, but from what I have read there and on other pages/blogs on the web, I understand he recently battled cancer. The resulting treatment(s) left him with a mountain of medical bills.

He is obviously a great guy - there was a call sent out by many of his friends and acquaintances to help defray his medical costs and people answered, not just any people. Special people - BEADER people!

Now me? I'm a sucker for kits, I enjoy a challenge and love to help out if I can. Win, win, win!

The kit is beautiful, the colors are exquisite and there are lots and lots of wonderful Lucite flowers/leaves - way more than I could ever use on one piece.

And, as you can see, the accompanying beads are prefect. I added some vintage sequins in 2 different colors/sizes and a size 15/0 pale salmon colored seed bead to my kit.

I decided on a soft cuff type of bracelet for the kit. The base I beaded on is brown stiffened felt by Nicole Campanella. I've been using her stuff for several years and I love it for my bead embroidery.

It is backed with chocolate colored Ultrasuede for a comfortable feel against the wrist when worn.

It measures 7 3/4 inches long and 1 1/2 inches wide.

If you know me or have followed my blog for any length of time you know I am not set up to sell my bead work. I would like to offer this up for sale, with the proceeds going to Andrew's medical fund. As soon as I figure out how I might do that - I'll post that information here.

Rockin' for Rescue...

noreply@blogger.com (GraceBeading) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 14:52:00 +0000

Recently there was a local fundraiser - Rockin' For Rescue - it is an annual benefit/fund raiser to to benefit animal shelters and rescue/adoption facilities. I was so pleased to see a local fund raiser for animals in need. I would have loved to attend, however the event took place when I was out of town.

I did manage to get a couple of pieces beaded up before I left and donated them for the silent auction.

A pendant/brooch that started with a beautiful Lisa Peters Stoneware shank button. Embellished with brown charlottes, light sapphire Czech pressed glass leaves and brown Swarovski crystals. Makes me think of chocolate and blueberries.

It is backed with chocolate Ultrasuede.

The other item donated - a pair of earrings that started with vintage deep blue faceted flat backs.

Anchored and bezeled with silver colored delica beads, size 11/0 blue seeds beads and 13/0 sliver colored Charlottes. LOTS of sparkle!

Love the faceted blue glass - the cabs are also foil backed.

They are backed with blue Ultrasuede and the ear wires are sterling silver and further embellished with Swarovski crystals to add even more sparkle.

*Note All photos are clickable for a larger view.

It's getting cold (and spooky) around here...

noreply@blogger.com (GraceBeading) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 23:54:00 +0000

Okay, maybe not really spooky, but certainly Halloween spooky. First - the weather, it's what people talk about a LOT in these parts. Being a native Californian, it fascinates me. But you really do have to pay attention to it - if not, it could turn a relatively normal day into a disaster.

Like when your car door locks freeze up while you are picking up the Holiday turkey for dinner. Or perhaps there could be a time when you leave the house deliriously happy in anticipation of spending the day with family, you've packed up the car with Christmas presents for the grand kids, carefully arranged all the food in the back seat to get to your destination safely only to have your battery die after you turn the car off to fill up the gas tank. Oh ...and it's below 15 degrees outside, you've lost one glove, you discover your boots are NOT water (or winter) proof and the Auto Club has at least a 40 minute wait. My goodness... I digress!

Yesterday it was windy and close to 70 degrees here - today it didn't make it past the mid 40's - brrrrrrrrrrrrrr. I know it's coming, I'm just not ready for it - I never will be ready for it. "It" being the cold weather, the snow and the darkness.

I do like Halloween though, pumpkins, goblins, kids in costumes, spooky decorations. I usually hang out with my son and his family. As a group, we go out together to Trick or Treat in a small, old neighborhood with brick streets and lots of decorated houses. It's so much fun! Pictures above and below were taken last year.

I don't wear a costume, but I do try to at least wear a Halloween themed pin. This year I have a new heart skull pin just waiting to make an appearance!

It started with a polymer clay skull heart made by the very talented Jen Martin of GraphixOutpost. I love her faces, I adore her skulls! I really like the spiderweb background on this one too.

I used black stiffened felt for the base, glued the cab to that, then began beading around it using matte black delicas. The white beads used in the bezel are charlottes.

I remembered I had these really neat glass spider beads so I added one of those for the dangle, backed it with black Ultrasuede and now I'm ready to Trick or Treat!

All photos are "clickable" for a larger view.

United Way Fundraiser...

noreply@blogger.com (GraceBeading) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 01:02:00 +0000

We had an auction fundraiser at work recently. I dug through my stash to see what I might whip up - not having a lot of time before the auctions started, I decided to go with a few brooches/pins.

This was through the United Way and while I'm not a huge fan of the United Way, I am a fan of giving back and we are offered the opportunity to designate the charity(s) that will benefit from the money raised by our auction items. That option is what compelled me to participate.

My chosen charities this year - StandUp for Kids out of Oceanside, CA and Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust out of Newport, KY.

I asked for suggestions from a couple of sources, then started checking those suggestions on Charity Navigator -a helpful website when you are looking to evaluate charities - it provides information on the financial health as well how responsibly the organizations function day to day.

I knew I wanted to help American Vets and found a great organization through the Charity Navigator site. I found StandUp for Kids through a friend of mine in Southern California (thanks Pam!).

This little heart started with a beautiful Lisa Peters Art Stoneware button. It is anchored to stiffened felt with a topaz Swarovski margarita crystal and a tiny bead. It is accented with copper colored fire polished beads and bronze colored seeds with hints of blue in the 15/0 seed bead accents.

It is backed with chocolate Ultrasuede.

This next one was very hard to photograph, the glass is deep blue with hints of green - those can't be seen in these photos and I'm not sure why. The dichroic glass cab was created by Deb DiSalvo of artisticflair.

It is accented with royal blue seed beads and vintage deep blue sequins that are secured with lots of sparkly black Swarovski bicones.

Then backed with royal blue Ultrasuede.

I auctioned off 3 other items that have already been shown on this blog, so I won't repeat the photos. I will link them though... this witch brooch, a pair of earrings (the gold pair in the second photo) and a Christmas ornament that was originally a blog giveaway item which was lost, then found after a replacement ornament was sent out.

One more going to the dogs...

noreply@blogger.com (GraceBeading) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 22:24:00 +0000

This is the second item I created for a fundraiser for First State Greyhound Rescue in Allentown, PA.

I created a brooch as seen in an earlier post, but since I had been generously gifted with several Greyhound cabs from Sue at Frums Glass Menagerie on Etsy - I was compelled to create more than one item. And it benefits rescued Greyhounds, I couldn't resist!

On this piece I used fresh water pearls and tiny bugle beads.

Swarovski crystal flower beads

A vintage lucite flower bead as the closure

And backed it with light gray Ultrasuede

I thoroughly enjoyed making these pieces knowing they would benefit animals in need.

The dinner/auction was on October 16th. I hope fundraiser exceeded their expectations and the group is able to continue to save many more precious lives.