Thrift Store Blog Hop

Sarah, over at Pookledo, is hosting a blog hop today! You all know how much I love participating in these, but this one just seemed like it was meant for me. Her challenge to the participants was to purchase an item from a thrift shop worth less than $1.50 and to create a piece of jewelry using that object. I do that ALL the time!

I purchased a necklace from Goodwill for $1.99. I went a little over budget, but this is Connecticut people. They don't sell anything for a buck, everything is overpriced here. What I really liked about this necklace was the dark teal color. The gold irregular shaped beads are okay, but it's the round beads I was really drooling over.

The bracelet I made uses these teal beads, as well as, Serpentine and lucite coral colored beads. The focal bead is handmade, however I do not have the information on who created it. (please help me give credit if you know!) The bracelet is finished with a large lobster claw clasp.

Don't forget to visit the rest of the participants in the blog hop!

Sarah - www.pookledo.blogspot.co.uk
Deb - http://greenshoot.blogspot.co.uk/
Kimberley - http://goddessesandbeads.blogspot.co.uk/
Skye - http://skyescreativechaos.blogspot.co.uk/
Ambra - http://chicandfrog.wordpress.com/
Beti - http://stringingfool.blogspot.com/
Emma - www.apolymerpenchant.com
Shelley - www.shelleygrahamturner.blogspot.com
Tammie -  http://ttedesigns.blogspot.co.uk/
Leah - http://beadyeyedbunny.blogspot.co.uk/
Denielle - www.somebeadsandotherthings.com
Keri Lee - http://www.pinklemonade.typepad.com 
Rochelle - www.acreativechelle.blogspot.com
Pam - http://pamelas-studio.blogspot.com/
Ingetraud - http://ingetraud.wordpress.com/
Audrey - http://esperianterra.blogspot.com/
Julie Anne - www.thepeacefulbead.com
Sharyl - http://www.sharylsjewelry.blogspot.com
Micheladas - http://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com 
? -   http://thecreativeklutz.blogspot.co.uk/
Kala - http://maybejustperhaps.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Time for a show

On Saturday I will be participating in Art on Groton Bank. I had a table there last year and really had a great time. So of course, I'm looking forward to this show, it's been quite a while since I've done one. Except that I'm not ready... not enough inventory, cat fur all over my table cloths, where in the heck is that banner I ordered?!

But as my mother said to me last night, "It wouldn't be a show if you weren't freaking out, Rochelle."
So wise, she is.

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!

Art Beads on a Budget Vol. II

For my 5th Bead Soup Blog Party Reveal, please click here.

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Good morning!
Today, I bring you the second installment of Art Beads on a Budget! Enjoy!

Art Beads on a Budget

If you are anything like me, you love art beads. You admire the work and talent that goes into creating them. You want to buy almost every bead your favorite artist lists on her etsy shop. You covet all the amazing jewelry made with art beads. You save every spare penny so that you too can own these beautiful works of art. Have I hit the nail on the head? Then this post is for you.

I've come up with an Etsy Treasury featuring fantastic art beads at great prices, mostly all for under $20! Hopefully you see something that you not only love, but that you can purchase on your budget.

Click the image for links to each Etsy shop!
I was thinking of making these treasuries a regular part of my postings. What do you all think? If anyone has any suggestions, it would be greatly appreciated.