Creative Chaos

I was chosen to be a part of Skye's June design challenge. The photo above shows the goodies that were sent to each of the participants. We all had to make pieces of jewelry using what Skye sent and other beads from our personal stashes.

I love to upcycled hardware, so when I got these lock washers I was really excited. For the earrings, I used the larger ones and long, vintage glass beads. The necklace uses some red jasper beads and brass washers from my own supplies. I found the amazing old key while digging through a friend's garage :)  I also started to work with the little glass bottle that Skye sent. But that project will have to wait till another day.

Below is list for the other participants. Make sure to stop by their blogs and see what they created.

Skye - http://skyescreativechaos.blogspot.com/

Alicia - http://www.allprettythings.ca/

Shaiha - http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com/

Rochelle - http://acreativechelle.blogspot.com/ - You are here

A pretty bracelet and Bead Soup announcement!

I hope everyone had a great weekend! I am not happy to see how stormy it is this Monday morning, but I am happy to show you this lovely new bracelet I made yesterday! The beautiful lampwork focal is by 2BeadSisters.

Lampwork, Czech glass, Glass pearls, Glass seed beads and Sterling Silver. Toggle clasp closure.

Available on Etsy.com

This weekend, those participating in Lori's sixth Bead Soup Blog Party learned our reveal dates and who our partners are! The reveal date for me is August 11th, the second reveal date.

I have been paired up with Lisa of Whimsy's Wonders. She is new to blogging, but already has some great pics up of her work. I really can't wait to see more of her beautiful designs. Why don't you head on over to her blog and cheer her on?

Knowing who my partner was for the BSBP, I popped over to a small local bead shop called Thistle Beads to pick of a few goodies for Lisa. I also got a couple things for myself... I just love these chocolatey colored stones!

A Vintage Bead Swap

A while back in the FB groups, a vintage bead swap was organized by Leah of Beady Eyed Bunny. I was partnered up with Kimberly, who sent me a beautiful assortment of vintage beads and components!

This is the Japanese porcelain pendant I sent to Kimberly. It's too pretty not to share with everyone :)
Although there is no reveal for this bead swap, I hope she shares what she makes with it!

Making Earrings

Making a bunch of earrings!

Made with vintage Italian glass beads

Made with vintage Italian glass beads

A day at the beach

“The waves of the sea

Help me get back to me.”

-Jill Davis

Color inspiration

I recently mentioned to a friend of mine how I have been battling a bit of a creative block. He suggested a color palette for me to work with, to help break out of this slump. Below is a cellphone picture he sent me with two possible choices. I chose the bottom one and got to work pulling beads out in those matching colors.

Before I knew it, I picked the beads and had my design laid out, ready to be made. I was so thrilled to have a finished piece! The first in a few weeks. It really pays to have great, artistic friends to help you out :)

This bracelet is created using gold and blue vintage lucite beads, purple and silver glass beads, brass washers and an upcycled key charm.

Have you ever had a friend help get you out of a creative slump? How do you help yourself to find inspiration when there is no one around?

Summer Time Earrings

Made with vintage lucite and rectangle shell beads