TADA!! 7th Annual Bead Soup Blog Party, 3rd Reveal

Well, here they are.  

I received an amazing Bead Soup from Kimberly Idalski.  Check out what she sent me here.
     
I don't know what she did to them, but those beads knew exactly what they wanted to be! They told me what to do with them and even when I had other ideas, they pulled me right back in line.  So here I am, on time (hooray!) for my big day, my very first Bead Soup Blog Party, and the 3rd Reveal.
     
I knew immediately that the polymer clay focal bead was going to have to be in a separate piece from the clasp because the clasp is a focal bead itself.  I didn't want it hiding behind my neck.  This necklace is my first piece:
   

   

The focal bead needed to hang from something strong, so chain it was.  This focal was made by Kimberly herself as faux, Grass Green Pyrite from polymer clay with three-dimensional "embroidered" flowers, a dragonfly, and Tanzanite crystals.  It is even more beautiful in person.  

    

The rest of the beads fell into place around the focal and this necklace is what they became.  Notice the lovely, genuine, Grass Green Pyrite tear drops and the genuine, round, Amethyst beads.  There are multiple clusters of three Tanzanite bicone crystals as well as some pink- crackle pearl drops.  I love all the textures. 

     

     

     

Next, I thought I would make an asymmetrical necklace with the clasp on one side as the focal point.  But the beads didn't want to be made into another necklace.  They decided to be a bracelet so that the necklace would have a companion.  You can see why I didn't want to hide this lovely clasp.

      

   
Isn't that rose clasp special?  And look at the two polymer clay beads (again faux Grass Green Pyrite) with the three-dimensional "embroidered" flowers.  A genuine Amethyst bead, clusters of Tanzanite crystals, and pink-crackle pearl drops repeat the design from the necklace.  This bracelet was a little tricky to make because the clasp is magnetic and it kept grabbing the chain.  I thought it might not hang properly on my wrist, but it does and I love it!  I think this is about to become my favorite bracelet.  
   
   
Next I needed earrings to go with the necklace and bracelet.  This time, the beads wanted to make something simple, but elegant, with just a tiny bit of sparkle.  And I wanted to show off the beautiful amethyst beads.
   

     

Kimberly sent me a ton of those dainty bead caps and I love them.  I have a whole bunch more for future projects, too!

     

I have lots of beads left from the soup that Kimberly sent to me, so I'll be using them to make more earrings.  If it's up to me, the next pair will be flashy . . . but the beads might have a different idea!

     

     

Kimberly let me know today that she is having a serious health issue and that her Reveal will be a couple of days late.  Please keep Kimberly in your prayers so that she gets her health back quickly.

     

Don't forget to visit Kimberly's blog at http://www.Kimisjewelryandgifts.blogspot.com.  She has some incredible and unique clay creations there.

        

        

Also, please keep Lori Anderson in your prayers.  As most of you know, Lori is having some pretty serious health challenges.  Thank you for all the work you did on this 7th Annual Bead Soup Blog Hop, Lori.  You are one special person!

And of course, you should visit the other 3rd Reveal Blogs:

   

Adlinah Kamsir	www.dreamstruckdesigns.blogspot.com
Agi Kiss	http://moonsafaribeads.blogspot.com
Alenka Obid	www.pepita-handmade.blogspot.com
Alison Sachs	www.beadsbyearthtones.blogspot.com
Amanda Tibbetts	http://www.amandamade.com/blog
Amy Sims	www.amysimsdesigns.com
Ana Cravidao	http://acbeads.blogspot.com
Andra Marasteanu	http://bijouxdemonange.blogspot.com
Andria Poole	www.Jewelleryartiste.blogspot.com
Angela Perkins	http://jeweledinspirations.blogspot.com
Anja Schultz	http://anjas-perlenwelt.blogspot.de/
Ann Sherwood	http://ann-sherwood.blogspot.com/
Anna Nordeman	http://annas-adornments.blogspot.com
Annita Wilson	http://awjewelryandbeadwork.blogspot.com/
Arlene Dean	http://aglassbash.blogspot.com/
Astrid Boyce	http://astridboyce.blogspot.com/
Barb Fernald	http://barbarasfernald.com/
Betty James Hoppensteadt	www.tybetastidbits.blogspot.com
Birgit Klughardt	www.gitesbeads-gite.blogspot.com
Bonnie Coursolle	http://jaspersgems.blogspot.ca/
Brandy Thomason McNair	www.bellavitajewelry.blogspot.com
Brenda Sigafoos	http://brenda-sigafoos.blogspot.com
Carmen Lau	http://littlemake.blogspot.com/
Carol Wilson	http://jetadorn.blogspot.com/
Caroline Dewison	http://www.blueberribeads.co.uk
Cassie Donlen	www.cassiedonlen.blogspot.com
Catharine Temaluru	http://ienmaginationsjewelry.wordpress.com
Catherine Turrell	http://fairysketches.blogspot.co.uk
Cheri Reed	www.creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com
Cherrie Warzocha	http://colorsofshae.blogspot.com/
Christa Murphy	http://adventuresofwonebeadywoman.blogspot.com/
Christina Hickman	http://vintagetreasuresjewelry.blogspot.com/
Christina Stofmeel	www.fengbeads.com
Christine Hansen	http://intuitivesparks.blogspot.com
Christine Stonefield	www.sweetgirldesign.blogspot.com
Cilla Watkins	www.tellyourgirlfriends.com
Cindy Cima Edwards	www.cindycima.com
Claire Lockwood	www.somethingtodowithyourhands.com
Colleen Vinthagen	http://www.thewireworkshop.com/blog/
Dagmar Liebisch	http://kokopellidesign.blogspot.de/
Dana Fowler	www.blogjunepur.blogspot.com
Danielle Kelley	http://imbuethemuse.blogspot.com/
Deb Fortin	www.studiok24.blogspot.ca
Dee Elgie	http://cherryobsidia.blogspot.co.uk
Denise Milward	http://milwardstorysofar.wordpress.com/
Diah Anggreni	http://pernik-manik.blogspot.com/
Diana Gonzalez	www.arteypoemas.com
Diane Valasek	http://dragonflyclose.blogspot.com/
Dita Basu	http://www.alankarshilpa.blogspot.com
Donetta Farrington	http://simplygorgeous-donetta.blogspot.com/
Doris Stumpf	http://glaszwerg.blogspot.de/
Elizabeth Bunn	http://elizabethbeads.blogspot.com
Elizabeth Drake	http://mutteringsofacrone.wordpress.com/
Elizabeth Jones	http://www.eyekandyjewellery.com
Elizabeth Stolarczyk	http://elizabethsart.blogspot.co.uk/
Ema Kilroy	http://www.emakdesigns.com/blog
Erin Kenny	http://beadifultherapy.blogspot.ca/
Evelyn Duberry	Www.ShebaMakeda.com
Fay Wolfenden	www.torchfairy.blogspot.com
Francesca Watson	http://francescawatson.com/
Gen Smith	http://gennysworld.blogspot.com/
Ginger Davis Allman	www.thebluebottletree.com
Giorgia Rossini	www.joyblonde.blogspot.com
Hannah Annear	www.quirkyhannah.wordpress.com
Heather Otto	http://www.thecrafthopper.com
Heidi Kingman	www.Heidikingman.blogspot.com
Ildiko Jarai	www.sviroalkotasai.blogspot.hu
Iveth Caruso	www.CreativeAtelier.net
Jackie Locantore	http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/blog/MorningStarSanctuaryStudio
Jacqueline Keller	www.creartelier.blogspot.com
Jane Pranata Lim	http://cherryeve.blogspot.com
Jennifer Davis	http://jennifersjewelsandjunk.blogspot.com/
Jennifer Tough	http://jenniferbeads.blogspot.ca
Jenny Vidberg	http://shymessmycken.blogspot.se/
Jessica Klaaren	Http://cellardoorjewelry.blogspot.com
Joanna Matuszczyk	http://filcowe.blogspot.com
Joyce Becker	www.joycesjoyfulgems.blogspot.com
Judith Johnston	http://www.lampworkbeadlounge.com/
Judy Riley	www.threeredbeads.blogspot.com
JuLee Wolfe	www.thepolymerpenguin.blogspot.com
June Butt	http://www.onewhiteswan.blogspot.co.nz/
Karen Mitchell	http://www.overthemoon-design.com
Kari Asbury	http://hippiechickdesign.blogspot.com/
Karin King	www.maverickbeads.blogspot.ca
Karin von Hoeren	www.creativeideen.de
Karla Morgan	http://texaspepperjams.blogspot.com/
Kathrin Lembke	http://allesperle.blogspot.de/
Kathy Stemke	http://vintagememoriesjewelry.blogspot.com
Katja Benevol Gabrijelcic	http://slovoni.blogspot.com
Katy Heider	http://onthepondcreations.blogspot.com/
Kay Thomerson	http://KayzKreationz.blogspot.com
Kelley Fogle	www.mylifeonebeadatatime.blogspot.com
Keren Panthaki	https://vasdea.wordpress.com
Kimberly Idalski	http://www.Kimisjewelryandgifts.blogspot.com
Kirsi Loponen	http://peikkonen.blogspot.com
Klaudia Tóth	http://www.klaudiabizsu.hu/
Krista Quantrill	www.cornucopiaofcrafts.blogspot.ca
Kristina Hahn Eleniak	www.peacockandlime.wordpress.com
Kristina Johansson	www.wildrosesandblackberries.blogspot.com
Laney Mead	http://laney-izzybeads.blogspot.co.uk/
Lara Lutrick	http://www.lutrick.blogspot.com/
Laura Guenther	www.blueantiquities.blogspot.com
Lauren Potts	www.lpsjewelry.blogspot.com
Laurie Vyselaar	www.Lefthandjewelry.wordpress.com
Leah Tees	www.mybeadylittleeyes.blogspot.ca
Lena Adams	http://mommaslilbirdiesblog.blogspot.com
Lesley Watt	www.thegossipinggoddess.blogspot.com
Leslie Wayment	www.aabeadsonline.com/blog/
LiliKrist	http://pcbylik.blogspot.com/
Linda Kropp	http://lindasartbarn.blogspot.com/
Linda Newnham	http://www.earth-shine.co.uk/
Linda Younkman	www.lindysdesigns.blogspot.com
Lisa Boucher	http://lisasclayhappenings.blogspot.com/
Lizzie Clarke	www.theneedtobead.blogspot.com
Lora Bright	http://fandangling.wordpress.com/
Lorelle McIntyre	http://beadyart.blogspot.com.au
Lori Anderson	www.PrettyThingsBlog.com
Lori Finney	http://lori-finney.blogspot.ca/
Lucie Bouvier	http://www.carlosbeadstore.com/blog/
Malin de Koning	http://beadingbymalindekoning.blogspot.se
Marina Dobrynina	http://savonfeutre.blogspot.fr/
Marina Kosovic	http://machoopko-design.blogspot.com/
Marion Simmons	http://www.shadetreejewelry.com/blog.html
Marita Suominen	http://momentofjewelry.blogspot.fi/
Marjolein Trewavas	http://roomforchangemeuk.blogspot.co.uk/
Marsela Schroth	www.marselita.de
Martha Aleo	www.ornamento.wordpress.com
Mary Govaars	www.mlhjewelrydesigns.com
Mary K McGraw	http://mkaymac.blogspot.com/
Maybeline Tay	http://thejewelrylarder.blogspot.sg/
Mea-B. Uebler	www.glasorakel.blogspot.com
Melissa Trudinger	www.beadrecipes.wordpress.com
Menka Gupta	http://menkag.blogspot.com
Merja Sundström	http://suntsan.blogspot.fi/
Merja Syrjämäki	http://helmiriippuvuus.blogspot.fi/
Michelle Buettner	http://www.MiShelDesigns.blogspot.com
Michelle Escano	www.cabbycraft.blogspot.com
Michelle Wigginton	http://adornedonadelaide.blogspot.ca/
Milla Hope	www.Lbcreativeart.com
Miranda Ackerely Mowse Doyle	www.mirandack.com http://mowsemadethis.blogspot.com/
Mrs M Makes	www.mrsmmakes.wordpress.com
Nan Smith	www.wirednan.blogspot.com
Natalie Davidson	http://northshoredays.blogspot.co.nz/
Natalie Moten	http://runningoutofthread.blogspot.com/
Natascha Marty	www.sommerlicht.ch
Nikki Banham-Hall	http://jewellerymakingblog.blogspot.co.uk/
Noemi Baena	http://blog.noemibaena.com/
Norma Turvey	http://moonlitfantaseas.blogspot.com
Pam DeBoer	http://pamelas-studio.blogspot.com/
Pam Hurst	www.pamhurst.blogspot.com
Patti Pruhs	http://threebeadsandastring.blogspot.com/
Penny Houghton	http://www.smellynelly.blogspot.com.au/
Penny Mills	www.cobblestone-lane.blogspot.com
Rachel Van-Walsh	www.balancedcrafts.com/blog
Rebecca Sirevaag	www.godsartistinresidence.blogspot.com
Regina Santerre	http://reginaswritings.blogspot.com/
Regina Wood	http://www.gina-design.blogspot.com
Roberta Fauntroy	www.thevirtualbeadsociety.wordpress.com
Rosanagh Watson Rose Johnson	http://ring-a-ring-a-rosie.blogspot.co.uk http://swtrosethorn.blogspot.com
Rosemary Cheslock	www.glasseyebutterfly.tumblr.com
Rossana De Gaspari	http://rdegas.blogspot.com
Sabine Dittrich	www.perlendschungel.blogspot.com
Sam Waghorn	http://palemooncreations.tumblr.com/
Sandi James	http://www.dobedobeaddo.blogspot.com/
Sandra McGriff	http://skyescreativechaos.blogspot.ca
Sandra Wollberg	http://city-of-brass-stories.blogspot.com/
Sandra Young	http://gypsyroadbeads.blogspot.ca/
Shai Williams	http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com/
Sharon Palac	www.sharonsjewelrygarden.blogspot.com
Sierra Barrett	http://giraffecanhas.wordpress.com/
Silke Gröber	http://just-beads.blogspot.com
Siobhán Keogh	http://vovsjewellery.blogspot.ie/
Stefanie Teufel	http://stefaniessammelsurium.blogspot.com
Stephanie Stamper	www.Skwds.blogspot.com
Sue Hamel	http://cardandjewelrycorner.blogspot.com/
Sue Rennie	http://moonandsevenstars.blogspot.co.uk/
Susan Kennedy	www.suebeads.blogspot.com
Susan McClelland	http://mistheword12.wordpress.com
Susanna Lehto	http://othellehto.blogspot.fi/
Suse Stelljes	www.pearlify.blogspot.de
Susie Hibdon	http://vintagesusieandwings.blogspot.com
Suzann Sladcik Wilson	www.BeadphoriaBlog.com
Tara Plote	http://newbiebeader.blogspot.com/
Terri G.	http://terrisbloomingideas.blogspot.com/
Terry Carter	http://tappingflamingo.blogspot.com/
Terry Matuszyk	http://pinkchapeau.wordpress.com/
Theresa Frank	http://www.theresestreasures59.blogspot.com/
Tina Bosh	http://bookbug-somanybookssolittletime.blogspot.com/
Tina Noonan	www.wingedimp.blogspot.com
Toltec Jewels	www.JewelSchoolFriends.com
Facebook Participants
Audrey Allen	https://www.facebook.com/adallen07
Cindy Wimmer Muse	https://www.facebook.com/mritech813
Cynthia O'Toole	https://www.facebook.com/cynthia.otoole
Deb Floros	https://www.facebook.com/deb.floros
Debbie Jensen	https://www.facebook.com/debbie.jensen.984
Erin Honeycutt	https://www.facebook.com/erin.honeycutt1
Kaushambi Shah	https://www.facebook.com/kaushambi.shah
Lisa Lloyd Harrison	https://www.facebook.com/lisa.lloydharrison
Mary Jane Tanner	https://www.facebook.com/mary.j.tanner
Valerie Tilghman	https://www.facebook.com/valerie.tilghman

Bead Soup 3rd Reveal Postponed

My place in the Bead Soup Blog Party is the 3rd Reveal, originally scheduled for Saturday, April 13.  Lori has been having some health issues, so the 3rd Reveal will now happen on Saturday, April 27 instead.

I don't mind the delay—after all, there's no reason that the deadline needs to be etched in stone—and I hope that Lori is feeling better very soon.  Anyway, it gives me more time to finish my creations and to view more of the 1st and 2nd Reveal blogs.

In school, I was the kid who waited until two days before my term paper was due to write it.  I'd do the research in plenty of time, but when it came to putting it all together I had a hard time getting organized.  I was a kid; I didn't know why.  Once I got rolling, I usually did a pretty good job.

These days, when my favorite customer says, "Please design a necklace and earrings for my niece's graduation present.  She likes purple," I ask for the deadline.  

I'm always done well in advance of the deadline, but my husband says I wait too long to start.  He's Felix Unger to my Oscar Madison.  I try to explain to him that jewelry designs itself in my head and it's hard to speed up the process, but he doesn't get it.

It recently hit me that if I start putting the components together too soon, I won't have an opportunity to come up with a better idea. Now maybe there isn't a better idea, but I need to give things time to ferment in my head, just in case.  

Last week I decided that I would make two different pieces of jewelry from my soup, one for the focal bead and one for the clasp.  You'll see why when post the photos.  I've completed a necklace with the focal bead.  I'm still not sure what I'm going to do with the clasp.  Yes, I've narrowed it down to a couple of possibilities and I'll decide on the final design in the next day or two.

After all, I have 9 more days before I have to post the photos!