My Own Challenge

Did you get around to visit all the wonderful artists participating in the Bead Soup Blog Party? I didn't participate this time...whaaaaaaa! I didn't even sign up to participate:( Don't know why I do this to myself! I make my mind up that I'm not gonna do it, the deadline passes, then...I wish I had. Buyers remorse, or in this case remorse for not buying. But alas, I still hopped, I'll admit I didn't get through the whole list, still working on it.

Instead I created my own little challenge. The challenge was to pick out some beads that have been hanging around for a while and use them. Making the choice of what to pick was difficult enough, as I have a whole stash that need to be destashed. Finally I choose a wonderful set of lampwork beads.

image from beeboo

Gorgeous right? I love these beads! But there is one problem, they are pastel. I don't do pastel, way out of my comfort zone. And yet I continue to purchase pastels, what is wrong with me???

Finally, after much hand wringing and grumbling to myself I emerged with this bracelet. I think I did the beads justice and the bracelet is perfect for spring. 

Easter Egg Lampwork and Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Bracelet

Must remember to challenge myself more often.

So here is my question to you...

Do you purchase pretty beads? Even if they are a color palette that poses a challenge to you?

Bursting with Color

I was so excited to receive my Artbeads.com package this month as part of the blogging team. This month's theme is "The Beauty of Spring". Ahhh, how I am enjoying this lovely spring weather and looking forward to all the colors of spring after such a harsh, cruel winter. I perused Artbeads.com expansive website on the hunt for eye popping color and came up with some fabulous finds.

I'm absolutely over the moon about this necklace (so is my baby sister). It turned out better than I could have ever imagined. I LOVE the color combination, so cheerful. This is my first go round with felt beads. I've always admired them in projects and wanted to give it a try for myself. I love the texture of them, they are so light weight, and available in a variety of colors and sizes. The square washers were a must have...available in lots of colors and work great for creating an adjustable length lariat. Of course, I had to have one of the new Swarovski Innovations, I used it as well as a couple of Czech flowers on the tassel. The end result...a fabulous necklace with an array of colorful beads and sterling silver wirework. And a favorite! Still up in the air...this one might be a keeper...hum?

Bursting Blooms ~ Colorful Sterling Silver Necklace

Oh and I even made mismatched, matching earrings

When I saw these Swarovski "Wing" beads, right away the wheels started turning...how can I use these to create a butterfly? After all, spring is when the butterflies reappear and I think they are so beautiful. This is a pendant, just haven't decided on the necklace part yet.

Finally, these Swarovski Innovations were chosen because of the shape and the color. They are such a beautiful shade of blue and you can't really tell from the picture but the dangles are a very faint color of blue as well. Spring is known for being rainy...do you see it? Rain falling from dark skies.

This is my rendition of spring jewelry. Now, go ahead and hop on over to Artbeads.com so you can create your own rendition of spring. And they are have a great 48 Hour $1.99 Sale, but hurry on over sale ends Thursday, March 25th at 9am PT.

These products were received free of charge from Artbeads.com. The products have been honestly reviewed and I have not been paid for endorsement as it pertains to the products received.

Do you think...

dreaming, wishing, praying for spring and creating jewelry with showy spring colors will chase my winter blues away? I'll try anything...this colorful bracelet will help ward off Old Man Winter, at least in my mind and I was happy while creating it. I'm SO over all the snow we keep getting!

Dreaming in Color ~ Beaded Sterling Silver Wirework Bracelet