just vonna

What am I going to do with my Bead Soup?

2012-02-01T14:10:00.000-06:00

I received my soup mix from Stephanie LaRosa, a wonderful mix of organic colors, colors I love to work with! Stephanie's designs have been published in many magazines like Stringing, Bead Trends, BeadStyle, Creative Jewelry, Beadwork and Jewelry Affaire; her blog "Confessions of a Bead Hoarder" what a clever clever clever name!

You have to admit it ..... aren't we all bead hoarders of some sort?

I am so glad she likes to hoard beads! :)

Well, I guess you're all going to have to wait to see what I come up with.. heck ... I can't wait to see what I come up with!

Have a great rest of your day!
peace, vonna

I am comfortable with my grief!

2011-11-30T06:42:00.000-06:00

I share my thoughts and feelings with you today with hopes that an understanding can be met. An understanding of grief felt by a mother, a wife, a friend, a fellow artisan.

Please know that I am okay...

When I share my thoughts just as when I create my ART; I heal just a little bit more. I am Vonna, the same person in the same body as I was before my son died; I just have a different pair of shoes now, shoes that wouldn't fit you! I pray you never have to wear my shoes!

I am comfortable with my grief ~ why aren't you?

You can talk to me, you can joke with me, you can be my friend. I swear I won't bite you or get you sick. You can mention Jonathan's name in front of me. I may cry or I may not. So what you may learn something new! I have emotions just like you and sometimes I just need to be heard, just like you. Please don't judge me. I would never judge you.

I am not afraid of me, so why are you afraid of me?

It's been four long hard years today since my son passed away. Four years isn't that long as I have a lifetime to miss him. I go to the park each year and light a candle in honor of my son. Skateboarding is what Jonathan loved to do. I go with good memories that fill my head with joy!

I share this video with you in hopes that Jon's friend does not mind, know that I shall be forever grateful to him for sharing this with me! What a treasure to be able to have. I shall go to the park and light a candle in his memory and shall pray for all the others

He's coming down the stairs in the video at .19 seconds in...

FwR minitage

"Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose." ~From the television show The Wonder Years

peace,

vonna

Save on Christmas Shopping Dollars $$$

2011-11-26T10:23:00.001-06:00

Visit Lori's Blog for 7 Days as 70 Artists are GIVING AWAY 70 things!

Coupons, Giveaways & More to save you dollars on your Christmas Shopping this year!

Just a Sample of what's happening with the Craft Show Today!

Metal Me This!

Sampler pack of etched copper, brass, and nickel bead caps, including some with colored patina. Bead caps measure ½” and have either a 1.25mm or 1.8mm hole suitable for stringing or wiring. Sampler pack will include 6 sets of 4 bead caps in various patterns including my popular Circles style, as well as Crazy Dots, Old Lace and several others.

A total of 24 bead caps in this giveaway. Value: $36

I thought about blogging about Lisa's to die for big hole bead caps here!
But it's Christmas! LOL ;)

peace, vonna

May I suggest?

2011-11-08T13:59:00.000-06:00

Rock Candy Earrings!

Swarvoski Flat Briolette Gorgeous Sparkly Earrings!
I'll make them custom for you!

Special Pricing in my Etsy shop!
10% Discount on 2 or More Pair!

Large $21.00
Small $16.00

Swarovski, custom coating Color Choices!

1. Vitrail Light
2. Electra II
3. Peacock Eye
4. Purple Haze
5. Heliotrope
6. Volcano

Your choice of Gold and Silver findings at no extra charge!

So whether it's your girlfriend, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, Grandma, or other significant other family or friend, skip the chocolate and buy a pair or two of earrings for this holiday season!

peace, vonna

Free Advertising, it's worth a look see

2011-11-04T14:24:00.001-06:00

Websites/Blogs of Jewelry/Accessories : Just choose a color fill out some information and done! Free is good!

peace, vonna

Ware do I buy my beads and things.

2011-10-27T16:54:00.001-05:00

BeadwareIL on Etsy and on Ebay - or I just drive to her house! Like I went to today and yesterday! I had a blast, as it is always fun to fondle beads!

IDK it has been one of those weeks, you know (well maybe you don't ) when you get so many ideas in your head and you just want to create but can't afford to! Well, being at my friends store with all that inspiration surrounding me, those beads she has from all around the world, the CRYSTALIZED™ Swarovski Elements OH YUMMY, the Bali, the Czech glass, the vintage lucite and she has so so much more! It would of broke my bank, so with all of that I could or couldn't buy these past two days, I went home to shop in my own store in the basement!

Sometimes you can just turn an old style around and give it some fresh new life.

I am taking custom orders for these bracelets and have just a few in my Etsy shop!
Check them out!

I call them "GEM BALL BRACELETS!"

PS:! If you get the chance check out my friends shop on Etsy and or Ebay, she has quality goods and fabulous customer service - She also needs like maybe 3 more customers or whoever and that could be you to sign up for her newsletter on Ebay. She would crack 1000 then! (you have to sign in go to her store scroll down to the bottom left side and you will see her sign up form) -- thanks in advance.

Now go have yourself a great evening and thanks for stopping by!

peace, vonna

If I could I would...

2011-10-15T13:59:00.000-05:00

If I could I would but I can't!

What I can tell you is that this has to do with jewelry, a necklace in particular, a camera, a tree and me!
I know don't tease right?? Sorry, you will just have to wait... for now...

Just so you don't think you have wasted your time at this moment as you stumbled upon my blog here is a pretty piece of eye candy 'just 4 u'...

After many months off on a much needed sabbatical, traveling for my sanity, fiddling and rearranging my house and my studio; and finally getting used to the empty nest syndrome, and I don't mean the "Ozzie and Harriet" way. I decided last night to return to what really motivates me best.

creating and designing bracelets from artisan lampwork beads and things!

I hope you like it.. thanks for stopping by!

peace,
vonna

Copper Swings Singles 4 Sale Soon!

2011-10-06T20:03:00.001-05:00

I graduated high school in Mid 1970’s and my biggest memory was that I could finally wear Blue Jeans to school, no more dresses! Bell-bottoms morphed into hip hugging tight flared jeans, then hot pants and tube tops made the scene!

My interpretation for the Etsy Metal Project Runway 70’s challenge came from a decision to start creating these tube findings ~ "Swings for Beads & Things" ~ I finished this new one today to share with you.

Look for more soon in my Etsy shop individually for sale just for you.

The Etsy Metal blog has a wealth of information that seriously helped me get through some of the rough spots lately and I can't forget Rebecca a major player in this heavy metal journey I am on!

Visit the Fabulous Artists on the Etsy Metal Blog &
Check out their next Challenge Entries for Project Runway!

Project Runway Etsy Metal

empr 9.10
peace, vonna

Copper Swings for Beads and Things

2011-10-03T10:24:00.000-05:00

Copper Swings for Beads and Things!

The inspiration for this finding came during my summer travels I was fortunate to visit several artisan friends of very diverse mediums. We had the chance to play and share our talents with each other. My imagination ran wild when I returned home with a wealth of information and techniques that I had learned. Then having set my sites on re-purposing found objects and supplies from around my house gave me a goal to bring something new and different.

This collection of jewelry would not have come to fruition without the love and friendship of my friends that have walked beside me on this new journey that started almost four years ago.

I shed a tear of gratefulness and gratitude to them.
Thank you for always being there for me.

Just listed on Etsy.

More Coming soon!

peace, vonna

Bead Soup Party Necklace Listed On Etsy

2011-10-02T09:12:00.001-05:00

This necklace is one of many creations I designed as a participant of the Bead Soup Blog Party Hop during the month of September 2011 hosted by Lori Anderson.

Dangled from the unique antique brass chain is a hand painted handmade ceramic art lentil made by Bonnie Polinski, a vintage striped Czech glass bead I had found in my stash of supplies which hangs from a paper bead I made especially for this challenge. Two faceted topaz rounds, one left over Picasso Czech roundell and one beautiful honey drop of sun Swarovski.

Dangles are wrapped in sterling head-pins that I made myself and brass head pins.

Brass Chain measures 24”” long with a substantial brass toggle.

Just Listed on Etsy

Thank you for stopping by! Have a great day....
peace, vonna

Jewelry Making Daily on the blog!

2011-09-26T20:05:00.001-05:00

LINK TO BEAD SOUP REVEAL September 2011.

I had such a busy day, between the housework, the cooking, the beading, reading, surfing, writing this post, as well as trying to keep up with my visits to all the participants of Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Party.

I am dog tired!

Meet Ripley he is Cindy's pooch! I just love this picture don't you! She just gets up close and personal.
See, I spent to much time looking for lot of time searching for free pictures on the internet to use in some of my non-jewelry posts. You know that attribution license, where you have to credit the photographer. I totally respect that! You can go to IStockPhoto to purchase credits or buzz around the creative commons part of Flickr.

Tip:

Why not ask a friend for a photo? It's a win win situation! You get a photo you are comfortable with, and your friend gets the credit!

You can visit Cindy Etsy shop here!

First stop one of Cindy's Balloonimal's!

Oh my goodness! I have almost forgotten why I came in here.
Thank you Tammy for featuring my bracelet today on
your blog for Jewelry Making Daily

peace, vonna

Vintage Beads from Europe.

2011-09-25T18:36:00.002-05:00

Have you ever waited for something special to come in the mail and then go out of town only to find out that the day you leave the mailman finally delivers that special package you have been waiting for?

Much to my surprise when I came home this mix was awaiting me. After opening the package I thought - OH NO! Another Bead SOUP! I haven't finished my blog hopping yet!

Scroll back up when you finished reading to click on this LINK to check out myself and all the other bead soupers!

Back to the mix in observance below.

A color wheel of beads, what to do??? Oh, that wonderful imagination of mine, I tell ya.
TREASURE BRACELET! Yup, that's what I am going to do. What a great project for those cold nights in front of the TV.

Tip: You see those three purple beads??? When picking out the string for the treasure bracelet I always go with the least predominant color in the bead mix. I just don't always follow the rules by using a neutral base. Sometimes it doesn't make sense.

Her shop on Etsy NO SNOW SUPPLIES is filled with over 300 items of inventory and she been working really hard getting every product listed and available for all to purchase at her on-line store.
Vente is a one woman operation. Check her out at Vintage Beads you won't be disappointed.

Now if you have forgotten to scroll back up to click on the link to the soupers here is another one!
LINK TO BEAD SOUP REVEAL September 2011.

Have a great week everyone. Thanks for stopping by.
peace, vonna

Homegrown: Deerfield's Local Etsy Crafters

2011-09-23T19:04:00.000-05:00

I am still blog hopping, making comments day by day, with over 300 participants it can make you dizzy! So make sure you check out all the entries from this wonderful party.

Bead Soup Blog Party Reveal

A little less than a month ago myself and 2 other Deerfield artist's were featured as your Local Etsy Sellers on Patch.com.

What is Patch?

Simply put, Patch is a new way to find out about, and participate in, what’s going on near you.
They are a community-specific news and information platform dedicated to providing comprehensive and trusted local coverage for individual towns and communities.

They want to make your life better by giving you quick access to the information that’s most relevant to you. Patch makes it easy to:

Keep up with news and events

Look at photos and videos from around town

Learn about local businesses

Participate in discussions

Submit your own announcements, photos, and reviews

I want to thank Patch.com for this lovely article.

Bead Soup Blog Party Hop Sept 17, 2011 The Reveal

2011-09-16T23:30:00.000-05:00

Hello and Welcome!

My Bead Soup Ingredients

My instinct at first was to combine all the elements into one gigantic statement piece. Something I am familiar with. I started thinking about how I should challenge myself. Keep it simple, design more pieces, push my limits, learn new techniques and just have fun. I decided to do it all!

So here goes I hope you enjoy!

Using a majority of the beads Patty sent to me, this first piece incorporates the focal bee pendant. This necklace is strung on a single strand of Soft Flex heavy weight antique brass wire, the chain is just free flowing leaving it dangle on one side for even more movement. Originally I had planned on incorporating the blue suede cord that Patty sent me, but instead I used vintage brass coils that I had picked up at a bead show I attended last year.

This necklace is simple, asymmetrical and very balanced.

cooking time: less than 1 hour
This necklace is so easy to make, you can make it too!

The size of the clasp I recieved did not work with the scale of the necklace I designed above; and with so many elements left over I was literally stumped for a few days, until the light bulb went off in my head. What lie in front of me is just bead soup so why not get out the cookbooks and start looking for recipes! I found in my stash of books Semi Precious Salvage by Stephanie Lee. This is when I really started cooking.

This bracelet is my interpretation of the "Rooted Cuff". I knew when I saw this recipe that I had bee fabric. The fabric has 24K gold thread running through and was used as part of a bedroom makeover when I used to work at a Design Studio. I was always grabbing the end cuts of the fabric after the girls had cut out the pattern. Why not? Perfectly good expensive fabric shouldn't be tossed in the garbage bin. I just had to save it! Well, anyway.. I was able to use the clasp as well as the etched brass bee Patty made and sent me. I roughed the bee up a little as I was afraid to punch holes in it. The blue ceramic bead was created by Bonnie Polinsky a friend of mine, she just happened to stop by on her way out of town and I well, she gave it to me.. This bracelet turned out fabulous, light and fun to wear. In fact the a local store has ordered more! The honey dew drop is a serpentine quartz briolette. My first attempt at wire wrapping a briolette. I used antique bronze wire and boy was easy to work with!

cooking time: more than 1 hour

Coming up next you see another necklace which incorporates the book paper my soup was wrapped in. I thought that was so clever! I made my own sterling headpins for these charms too.

cooking time: less than 1 hour for assembly

Back to the recipe book. With my interpretation of the armlet recipe I made the following fun treasure bangles using up more of my soup. The button on the second bracelet is old and lost its luster, so I dremeled the snot out of it! It is now smooth and very rustic looking! The Jasper has the full attention in these. I even re-purposed ribbon from the packages!

cooking time: practice practice practice!

Now this next piece was easy to create. A really long length of that bee fabric, two squeeze on brass connectors and two beautiful serpentine wire wrapped chunk gemstone dangles. Bingo! You have one really long bookmark!

cooking time: less than 10 minutes

Now last but not least... I just finished this piece the night before last. What to do with that suede cord! Oh my... As I was doing some research I came across a flooding of wrapped silk bracelets, now trying to find a tutorial on the internet on how to close these bracelets was a monumental task. Seems you just tie them closed yourself. That did not compute with me. I finally gave up looking. I gave it the old school try and came up with this next and final piece. Is it a bracelet or can it be a necklace! Both.. I am so happy.. Maybe just maybe I'll make more of these!

cooking time: thought process went down to the wire on this piece..

My inspiration not only came from the color choices Patty picked for me but all the ingredients. From twisting, hammering, pounding, weaving, wrapping, stringing, crimping, beading, torching, waiting for the sun to come out, taking pictures, and even pickling! I found this whole challenge fascinating. I have to tell you I am full.

Thank you Lori for pulling this all together!
Good luck with your Bead Soup Book!

I can't wait to go look to see what Patty my partner did with my bead!

Visit Patty Gasparino on her blog!

The Hostess, Lori Anderson and her partner, Manuela Wutschke

1. Aimee Wheaton and Barbara York
2. Alice Craddick and Sandra Richardson
3. Alison Sachs and Amy Severino
4. Allison Scott and Cynthia Abner
5. Amanda Cargill Austin and Charlene Sevier
6. Amanda Davie and Patsy Evins
7. Amber Dawn and Kim Ballor
8. Ambra Gostoli and Christine Hansen
9. Amy Freeland and Christine Altmiller
10. Ana Krepel-Novak and Eleanor Snare
11. Andrea Morici and Hope Smitherman
12. Andrea Trank and Jayne Capps
13. Andrea Turini and Charlene Jacka
14. Angela May and Emanda Johnson
15. Anitra Gordy and Elizabeth Owens Dwy
16. Ann Rishell and Debbie Price
17. Ann Sherwood and Lynne Bowland
18. Anna Lear and Barbe Saint John
19. Anna Sabina and Erin Siegel
20. Astrid Boyce and Birgitta Lejonklou

21. B.R. Kuhlman and Deanna Chase
22. Barbara Bechtel and Bryna Lumb
23. Barbara Blaszczyk and DaviniaDesign
24. Barbara Judy and Holly Westfall
25. Barbara Lewis and Cathie Carroll
26. Barrie Edwards and Lyn Foley
27. Becky Fairclough and Jana Tarhala
28. Bella Borgouise and Gillian Lehman
29. Beth and Evie McCord and Erin Prais-Hintz
30. Beth Bricker and Heather Pyle
31. Beth Emery and Cassie Donlen
32. Bobbie Rafferty and Cindy Cima Edwards
33. Candice McGinnis and Sally Anderson
34. Carol Bradley and Cece Cormier
35. Cathy Khoury and Molly Alexander
36. Carol Tannahill and Hilary Frye
37. Carrie Tahquechi and Cris Peacock
38. Cat Pruitt and Cindy Gimbrone
39. Charlene Gary and Doris Stumpf
40. Charlotte Pevny and Kate Gardenghi
41. Cherrie Fick and Cathie Carroll
41. Claire Maunsell and Cherrie Fick
42. Cheryl Roe and Jenny Vidberg
43. Chris White and Norma Turvey
44. Christa Murphy and Kathy Alderfer
45. Christie Murrow and Dana James
46. Christina Miles and Collette Collins
47. Christine Brandel and Elizabeth Woodford
48. Christine Damm and Cynthia Deis
49. Christine Hendrickson and Debbie Goering
50. Christine Stonefield and Dee Wingrove-Smith
51. Cilla Watkins and Johanna Rhodes
52. Cindy Wimmer and Riki Schumacher
53. CJ Baushka and Cory Celaya
54. Courtney Breul and Joanna Matuszczyk
55. Cristi Clothier and Kathleen Robinson Young
56. Cryss Thain and Serena Trent
57. Cynthia Tucker and Kitty Durmaj
58. Dana Johnson Jones and Eva Sherman
59. Davinia Algeri and Janet McDonald
60. Deci Worland and Lara Lutrick
61. Diana Ptaszynski and Kristy Abner
62. Diane Cook and Kerry Bogert
63. Diane Hawkey and Jen Judd Velasquez
64. Dorcas Midkiff and Jill Harris
65. Doris Radlicki and Heather Goldsmith
66. Dot Lewallen and Gaea Cannaday
67. Elisabeth Auld and Jennifer Justman
68. Erin Fickert-Rowland and Geanina Grigore
69. Erin Grant and Julie Jones
70. Eszter Czibulyas and Helena Fritz
71. Fiona Christie and Michelle Heim
72. Gail Zwang and Genea Crivello-Knable
73. Geneva Collins and Jana Haag
74. Gretchen Nation and Heidi Post
75. Heather DeSimone and Karin Slaton
76. Heather Marley and Terry Carter
77. Ingrid McCue and Jennifer Pride
78. Jackie Ryan and Nicole Keller
79. Janna Harttgen and Joanne Tinley
80. Jean Yates and Lori Anderson
81. Jelveh Jaferian and Jenny Davies-Reazor
82. Jenni Connolly and Jennifer Heynen
83. Jennifer Cameron and Kristi Bowman
84. Jennifer Geldard and Lisa Liddy
85. Jennifer VanBenschoten and Kim Hora
86. Jess Italia Lincoln and Lori Greenberg
87. Jill MacKay and Lori Bergmann
88. JJ Jacobs and Karen Tremblay
89. Joyce Becker and Kathy Welsh
90. Judy Glende and Karen Sinkowski
91. Judy Riley and Kelly Morgan
92. JuLee Wolfe and Julie Bean
93. Julianna Cannon and Julianna Kis
94. Julie Nordine and Lesley Watt
95. K. Hutchinson and Shea Zukowski
96. Karen Firnberg and Karyn Bonfiglio
97. Karen Williams and Kimberly Roberts
98. Karen Zanco and Polly Barker
99. Kari Carrigan and Laura Twiford
100. Karin von Hoeren and Laura Blanck
101. Kate Richbourg and Lorelei Eurto
102. Kathleen Lange Klik and Maria Clark
103. Kathy Engstrom and Keri Lee Sereika
104. Kay Thomerson and Loretta Carstensen
105. Kelley Fogle and Laurel Bielec
106. Kelly Ramstack and Sally Anderson
107. Kim Stevens and Tiffany Long
108. Kristi Harrison and Mandy Williamson
109. Kristi Kyle and Lana Kinney
110. Kristina Johansson and Sue Hodgkinson
111. Kym Hunter and Laura Sanger
112. Laura Zeiner and Susan Kennedy
113. Laurel Steven and Mary McGraw
114. Laurie Hanna and Lisa Boucher
115. Lesley Weir and Liz DeLuca
116. Linda Djokic and Tracey Weiser
117. Linda Inhelder and Pam Brisse
118. Linda Landig and Lori Dorrington
119. Linda Murphy and Lisa Hamilton
119. Line Labrecque and Marianne Baxter
120. Lisa Lodge and Monica Johnson
121. Lois Moon and Melissa Muir
122. Lola Surwillo and Therese Frank
123. Lori Bowring Michaud and Marci Brooks
124. Lupe Meter and Norma Agron
125. Maggie Towne and Marge Beebe
126. Malin de Koning and Susie Hibdon
127. Mallory Hoffman and Shirley Moore
128. Marcie Abney and Patty Miller
129. Marcy Lamberson and Melissa Clarke
130. Margot Potter and Suzann Sladcik Wilson
131. Maria Grimes and Wendy Blum
132. Maria Horvath and Melinda Orr
133. Maria Rosa Sharrow and Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp
134. Marian Hertzog and Melissa Mesara
135. Marianna Boylan and Sandi Lee James
136. Marina Dobrynina and Michaela Pabeschitz
137. Marsha Neal and Miri Agassi
138. Mary Ellen Parker and Melissa Meman
139. Mary Elliott and Tamara Soper
140. Mary McGraw and Laurel Steven
141. Melissa Pynn and Michelle Buettner
142. Michelle Hardy and Niki Meiners
143. Michelle Mach and Moira McEvoy
144. Missy Rappaport and Mags Sarri
145. Molly Alexander and Poranna
146. Mylene Hillam and Nicole Rennell
147. Nadezhda Parfyonova and Stacey Curry
148. Nan Emmett and Nancy Peterson
149. Nancy Boylan and Natalie McKenna
150. Natalie Monkivitch and Niky Sayers
151. Natasha Lutes and Pam Ferrari
152. Noemi Baena and Penny Ilagan
153. Pamela Petry and Rebecca Sirevaag
154. Pat Haight and Mary Shannon Hicks

MY PARTNER 155. Patty Gasparino
and (me) Vonna Maslanka

156. Penny Neville and Sandi Volpe
157. Pepita Bos and Wendy Chamberlain
158. Raida Disbrow and Rebecca Watkins
159. Rebecca Anderson and Sabrina Staub
160. Regina Santerre and Rose Binoya
161. Rhea Freitag and Tari Kahrs
162. Rochelle Brisson and Teri Baskett
163. Sally Russick and Tracy Bell
164. Sandra McGriff and Shay Williams
165. Sandra Wolberg and Sara Hardin
166. Sarah Elder and Salla Small
167. Saskia Kaffenberger and Sharon Gardner
168. Sharon Palac and Shannon Chomanczuk
169. Shay Stone and Suzette Bentley
170. Shiraz Biggie and Tammy Powley
171. Staci Smith and Tracy Stillman
172. Stacie Stamper and Tracy Martin
173. Stefanie Teufel and Vicky Taylor
174. Stephanie Dixon and Stephanie LaRosa
175. Stephanie Haussler and Valerie Norton
176. Suzanne Tate and Terri Wlaschin
177. Sweet Freedom Designs and Tammy Jones
178. Tania Spivey and Tari Sasser
179. Tara Plote and Terry Matuszyk
180. Terri Gauthier and Deana Hager
181. Theresa Fosdick and Tracey Nanstad

362 people making jewelry!
Amazing!

The next Bead Soup Blog Party will take place around February, 2012.

It's a frog on a Bead!

2011-09-15T11:39:00.001-05:00

It's a frog on a bead and it's on EBAY!

Hang on tight Marilyn Peraza is back and with ridiculously low sale pricing too!

peace, vonna

4th Annual Suburban Bead Encounter 9.11.2011

2011-09-10T20:05:00.001-05:00

The 4th annual Suburban Bead Encounter fall show is tomorrow! The show will be at the Hilton Lisle/Naperville as it was this past spring. It's a bright and big space and not cramped at all! A smaller bead show with a bigger bang for your buck!
Shop for beads and so much more! An eclectic mix of bead soup!
The list of vendors for this year...

A Beadtiful Thing

www.art-i-zan.com

AD Adornments

www.adadornments.com

Chain, findings, clasps and vintage button clasps

Ayla's Originals

www.aylasoriginals.com

Furnace glass and miscellaneous close out sale bags of pearls

Bead Dreamers

www.beadreamers.net

Needle woven patterns & kits

Bead World

www.beadworldbeads.com

Indonesian lampwork, Old, antique and vintage items from around the world.

Beads of Hope Africa

www.beadsofhopeafrica.com

Beads and beaded items including wallets

Bella Venetian Bead

www.bellavenetianbeads.com

Large selection of genuine Venetian beads

Chelsea's Beads

www.chelseasbeads.com

Genuine stone strands, vintage lucite beads, vintage chains & brass findings

C-Koop Beads

www.ckoopbeads.com

Beautiful copper-enamel beads, pendants and components

Cynthia McEwen Design

www.mcewendesign.com

Art glass beads, jewelry, accessories & silver chains

Dakota Stones

www.dakotastones.com

High Quality semi-precious stone beads and buttons

Diane Tarullo

www.dianetarullo.com

Handmade lampwork beads and finished jewelry.

Elka Design

www.elka-designs.com

All natural gemstones, crystal, wood and Czech beads, Tibetan

Filigree Supply

www.filigreesupply.com

Filigree stampings, chain that matches, rivolis & rivoli settings, cameos & cameo settings.

Foremost Focal Beads

www.foremostfocal.com

Art focal beads made entirely by nationally known artists in ceramic, polymer clay, gemstone, glass and raku

Funky Hannah's

www.funkyhannahs.com

Swarovski crystals, pearls & rivolis, metal components - links, charms & chain, modern and vintage Czech glass, specialty Japanese seed beads

Hobo Glass

www.hoboglass.com

Handmade glass beads and related findings

Humblebeads

www.humblebeads.com

Handcrafted art beads, author of "Jewelry Designs by Nature"

JP Designs

www.coolinterchangeables.com

Interchangeable bails, Swarovski crystals, big hole Swarovski, rhinestone beads & Preciosa rhinestone beads, Eco-friendly reversible pendants, beads & buttons

Kalmbach Publishing Co.

www.kalmbach.com

Publishers of Bead & Button and Bead Style magazines as well as other books and subscriptions

Ken's Tribal

Tribal & trade beads, natural materials

Knot Just Beads

www.knotjustbeads.com

Kumihimo, fire polish, Czech glass, seed beads, unique beads, findings, knotting cord, magnetic clasps

LODAAT

Non-profit organization helping artists from Ghana, Kenya and India - displaying beads and artwork

McDuck Creations

Sterling silver & copper changeable bead findings & findings for fused glass.

Mostly Buttons

www.mostlybuttons.etsy.com

Czech glass buttons, beads and beading badges

Ofilia J. Cinta

www.ofiliaartglass.com

Lampwork beads & findings

Ovington Glass Studio

Lampwork beads and jewelry

The Place to Bead

www.theplacetobead.com

Beadalon products, tools, tool kits, Sterling & gold filled chain, information on party packages for birthdays & Ladies' nights

Robert Jennik

www.robertjennik.com

Sterling silver, 14kt gold filled, lamp work glass, coin charms

Riverstone Bead Company

www.riverstonebead.com

Drilled beach stones, images in stone, metal beads & findings, wood netsuke, silk & leather, jewelry

Sher Berman Glass Beads

Handmade lampwork glass beads

String-a-Strand

Swarovski crystals, seed beads, semi-precious stones, findings & tools

Talisman Associates

www.talismanbeads.com

Fresh water pearls, vintage German glass beads, semi-precious stone, pewter, Chinese & Indian lampwork

Maybe I'll see you there!

Directions to the show!

peace, vonna

My Bead Soup 2011

2011-08-24T07:21:00.000-05:00

Multicolored ribbons and raffia tied the torn pages of a book, which enveloped the contents of seven packages of my bead soup mix. Excited, as I was to unwrap these packages I found myself reading tidbits of sentences from the torn pages in front of me. That sure was a mouthful!

What was I thinking?

Well, it was a novel idea at the moment just a brief moment. The inspiration is spinning, and I don't know if I can wait until September 17th! Here's my bead soup!

Le' Bead Soup

Jasper

Czech Glass

Brass

Hand Etched Pendants

Brass Chain

Brass Clasp

Suede Cord

Cinnabar

Seed Beads

Le' Brass Bee

I think it's a bee????????

Le' Brass

I have an idea for this piece!

Le' Partner
Patty Gasparino
Patty's Blog
Patty's Etsy Store
Patty's Facebook Page

Patty is way to generous of a partner sending me so many elements to work with. She is also an avid blogger with a wealth of information. I thank her for sending me these pictures you see above. I am enjoying the beginning of this adventure and can't wait to get started on my design and welcome the fact that I have a new friend. Thank you Patty!

Le' ParTay Place

Here is what the party is all about!

If you would like to participate, join the next party, just follow Lori's blog! You won't be disappointed.

Bead Style Magazine

2011-08-23T20:47:00.001-05:00

Catching up!

I was able to get a decent picture of this necklace published in the July Issue of Bead Style Magazine. Thought I would share it with you.

Lampwork Beads - Kerri Fuhr
Copper Green Dragonfly Tapestry Set
Beaded Bead - Marilyn Peraza

Just Cuz Art

2011-08-12T21:54:00.000-05:00

Just cuz art is a new blog, just for the fun of it.

Check it out. just cuz art

It is so new that there are just some random quotes now but I will be working on it with a friend of mine.
We wanted to have a place where tips and talents in the art community can be shared.
We'll try and keep it fun.

Let me know what you think!

It's been like forever hasn't it?

2011-08-09T21:04:00.000-05:00

I guess it's time for an update!

I am back from Hiatus only to leave again to create more art! I will be busy in my studio mixing it up with this and that, having a great time designing new jewelry, elements, and beads for the upcoming season. Working on a special project that will be revealed at a later date, hopefully soon if all goes our way! Don't worry you all will be the first to know about it.

So as the month of August always being a busy time for me, this August has gone into hyper-drive!

What would you do?

2011-01-22T08:45:00.001-06:00

What would you do?

(a) Would you detail a description? or (b) Would you just show it off?

This cuff was a free gift to one of my "Visitors"

A Friend of a Friend in Need

2010-12-09T23:19:00.000-06:00

Sent to me to pass along from a friend to a friend to a friend in need.
Everyone Who Sees This Photo, please....

When you feel the morning sun on your shoulder, absorb as much of that
positive golden energy as you can. Then send it along on a stream of
prayers and healing vibrations; send this straight to my friends, friends child.
Wouldn't it be great to feel that sense of sunshine on your shoulder, as well as
the love of those who sent it, on a day that could have been
forebodingly dark? "my friend"

Did you know that a crocodile ...

2010-12-09T08:47:00.001-06:00

A crocodile cannot stick out its tongue… and this here hippopotamus can open its mouth 180 degrees….

Read more: http://purpleslinky.com/trivia/science/animal-facts-for-fun/#ixzz1IWJSEKw4

Image from......
Purple SLinKy

I Honor thy Soldier on Veteran's Day

2010-11-11T09:24:00.001-06:00

A Special Charm Bracelet that I just had to make.

Just for the other son and all of you!
Proud to be a mother of a "Child" who serves his country!

A Quote by "Douglas MacArthur"
Duty, Honor, Country. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.
Peace be with all of you!

Did you take your garbage out today?

2010-10-25T07:54:00.000-05:00

Just a quickie post to let you all know that today is Monday. Like you didn't know this! Ha.....
Monday & Thursday are garbage days at our house, on our block, in our development where I live.

Never allowed to take the garbage out the night before, those are the rules from our Association.
Can you imagine getting a $100.00 fine for leaving your garbage out the night before. Tis what they do!

Ever run down the stairs when you hear "That NOISE" the noise of the truck, the breaks, the beep.

Come on 6:00 am is a little early.coming. you run down the stairs when your in a dead sleep. Quick grab that bag. WAKE UP! --

Then again you get to see that pretty green truck and that is a good thing my friend.

I did get the garbage out today!