5 8th Annual Bead Soup Blog Party

The 8th Annual Bead Soup Blog Party is on its way..... There have been so many interesting and beautiful Soups sent and received. The choices of Focal, Clasps, components and color schemes are amazing. I can't wait for the Reveal Day to see all the wonderful creations...

I am so excited to be participating for the first time in Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog Party. I have been partnered with Lori Callahan. Our partnership is special as I am the first Jewelry Maker Lori has met online who resides in the same State.

Lori started Jewelry making in the late 70's, after landing her first job at a Bead Shop. Lori's latest passion is Bead Embroidery. She loves this beading method and has created a few pieces that have encouraged her to continue perfecting the skill...

Lori and I have been chatting online about our passions, family and life itself. She shared two of her Facebook Jewelry photo albums. Her jewelry work is beautiful. This is one of my favorite pieces... The color scheme of this Necklace is amazing!!

Come visit Lori's Facebook page HERE to see more of her beautiful Jewelry.

Lori sent me a wonderful Bead Soup, including a beautiful Metal Filigree Pendant. The Clasp she chose is a beautiful Shank Button, which complements the rest of her Soup components. Here is the Soup I received from my partner Lori....

I decided on a Summer Themed Soup for Lori and am thrill to know she has wanted to create some Beach Themed Jewelry. My soup included an ABALONE Shell Pendant, along with Amber Glass Starfish, Aqua Shell Nuggets, Glass rounds and various Seed Beads... Here is the Soup I sent Lori.

I hope Lori has fun with my Soup Ingredients.
I can't wait to begin creating my piece.

Happy Beading!!!

4 A Year in Review - My Favorites of 2012

Happy New Year!!
I wanted to thank all my readers for their comments and features throughout this past year. I enjoyed sharing my Projects and Tutorials with you. I picked twelve of my favorite posts and I hope you can re-visit and get inspired.

Here are my favorite 12 Posts of 2012!!

Paper Mache Ornament

Spooky Halloween Pumpkins

Raffia Sunflower Wreath

Leaf Wreath

Country Red Rooster

Coconut Pineapple Cheesecake

Starfish Coasters

4th of July Pitcher-Buckets

Washi Tape Tile Coasters

Washi Tape Mother's Day Jars

Washi Tape Clipboard

Sweetheart Clock

8 Perspectives Photo Challenge

I stumbled upon Lena b Photography's Perspectives Photo Challenge. This is the first Photo Challenge of the series. The first linky party goes life Friday, July 20th.

Each week a "theme" will be choosen and 3 different photos representing that theme will be linked. This week's theme is "SUMMER". This is my first photo challenge and looking forward to linking my Summer Pictures.

Here are my interpretations of SUMMER:

Sand Castle Festival, Revere, Massachusetts

Bridge of Flowers, Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts

Balloon Fiesta, Alburquerque, New Mexico

The Hosts are:
Lena b Photography, Agape Love Designs When Shutters Click

I am looking forward to future Perspectives Photo Challenges.
Have a wonderful Summer!!!

21 StarFish Coasters

Are you going to the Beach on your Vacation or simply imagining been there?? The Beach is a great source of inspiration when it comes to decorating your home for the Summer. I wanted to bring a bit of the Ocean into my home and Starfish Decor was the ideal choice.

I love the Ocean and everything around it. Starfish is one of my favorite Ocean findings and can be a creative addition to any craft project.

On a trip to a local retailer; I stumbled upon a package of Napkins with a great Starfish design.
Immediately I thought of using these Napkins to create a set of Coasters to bring a little Coastal Decor to my home.

Materials:

• 4 - 4" Square Ceramic Tiles; purchased at Home Depot for 16 cents each
• Mod Podge
• Foam Brush
• Decorative Napkins
• Self Adhesive Pads or Cork
• Clear Acrylic Sealer
• Pair of Tweezers

Instructions:

1. Using Tweezers, remove the outer layer of each Napkin.

2. Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge all over the tile.

3. Apply Napkin to tile. Smooth out with the brush or your fingers to remove any air bubbles.

4. Fold the napkin edges towards the back of the tile. Smooth with the foam brush. Let it dry 5-10 minutes.


5. Apply 2 more coats of Mod Podge all over the tile. Let dry 5-10 minutes between coats. Let dry completely before spraying the Acrylic Sealer.

6. Turn tile upside down. Cut a piece of furniture pad or cork to fit the tile and apply it to the tile. For extra protection, spray a few coats of Acrylic Sealer all over the tiles. Let dry completely before using tiles.

I love my Starfish Red and Blue Color contrast. After the Summer ends, these coasters will remind me of the warm and fun times I spent at the Beach.

Life is a Beach. Enjoy your Summer.

Linking to: Today's Creative Blog