Friday, August 24, 2012

Hello everyone. Today's post is my BSBP reveal. It is my first time participating. For those of you who don't know about it the amazing Lori Anderson of http://www.prettythingsblog.com/ pairs us with a partner & we exchange beads. We make something with the beads we received & on the appropriate date we show what we made. First let me say THANX, Lori. I don't know if words can describe how much this blog party means to all of us. Next I want to thank my partner Anitra Gordy of http://www.leelucreations.blogspot.com/ . She is a beautiful new bride & she sent me a wonderful bead soup.


The first piece that I made used the cute owl focal, the light green stone beads, & the clasp from my soup. I added silver chain which I wove with dark green silk, silver leaves, copper beads, rondelles, some green glass, & a bronze owl dangle. Isn't that owl cute? I added the copper accents because the owl has copper in his foiling & I like mixing metals.

For my next piece I used the jasper rounds, the vintage chain, & the four brown vintage dangles that Anitra sent. I made the clasp & links from brass wire. I have never used this gauge wire before. It was much harder to shape than what I have used before. I also made the piece that connects the two strands to the clasp. The focal is a squared stone donut. I used fine pink leather with pink seed beads to suspend two of the vintage dangles from my soup with 4mm bicones, & tan glass leaves. They are very detailed & beautiful rounds. The reason I chose pink is that there are pink beads in the vintage beaded chain which makes up the center strand and the metal in the chain appears like rose gold. The links in the outer strand are jasper in the center. Butterscotch Czech glass flank the jasper. Next comes crystals and last are pink seed beads. The second kind of links are made of carved bone donuts, tan uneven bicones, 4mm rose alabaster bicones, & seed beads. I have never used donuts before. I made a pair of matching earrings with the other two dangles from my soup. It is hard to photograph long necklaces so I curved it into a heart shape so that you can see the details better. 

I saved my favorite piece for last. The day before my soup arrived I finished reading “The Art of Beaded Beads” edited by Jean Campbell. I knew that I wanted to make a confetti bead by Nancy Zellers from the book so that is what I did with the seed bead mix that Anitra sent. I painted a wooden bead copper then beaded around it. I wanted some of the copper to show through so I didn't follow Nancy's pattern exactly. I would never have chosen such dark colors for my seeds but I knew what I wanted to do the minute that I saw them. The inspiration for what to do with the bead after I had it beaded came from Lisa Barth's Caged Turquoise Bead Pendant published is Wirework fall 2011. The wire that I used for this necklace is magnetic copper. If you don't know what that is,it is what is used to make the windings in electric motors. The wire windings would short out if they touched each other so it has a coating to prevent this. The coating makes the copper darker & richer colored. I suspect that it won't turn green like regular copper. It was leftover from fixing corvette headlight motors. I used copper 20mm bead caps, dark topaz crystal rondelles, small copper faceted beads, & a brown pearl drop to complete the focal. I suspended the focal on a copper coil with small brown crystal bicones. Next I used copper beads & more topaz crystals. A beaded spiral rope with copper bead caps uses more of the seed beads. I wanted a long necklace so I added rusty colored silk for the ends. I wrapped the silk with more of the copper wire that I put rainbow jasper beads on to give the silk more strength. I used three copper jump rings to attach the clasp which I also made. You can see the difference in the copper colors on the clasp. The base wire is regular copper & the coil is magnetic copper. Anitra included a copper hand that is stamped “hand made” on it. I suspended it next to the clasp as a finishing touch. I am very pleased with how this piece turned out. I have never made anything like it before. I also made earrings to go with it. 

I have one more piece in progress. It is a bead embroidery using the large & small yellow stone beads from my soup. I will post it when it is done. That only leaves two jasper rounds & the wood beads. This blog party was extremely fun & it helped my stretch my creativity. Now I'm going to see what great creation Anitra made with the soup I sent her and I think you should too. Then I'm checking out the other beaders who are revealing today. They  can be found at this link http://lorianderson-beadsoupblogparty.blogspot.com/2012/06/participants-of-6th-bead-soup-blog-party.html
Thanx for looking & please check out all the creative stuff the other participants made.

139 comments:

  1. Your favorite is my fav too! The focal you made with seed beads is amazing and I love how your wrapped the wire around the ribbon. Great job on all three pieces!!

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    1. After looking at your designs I am thrilled that someone with your talent liked my designs. Thanx

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    1. I am pleased with how that one came out. It is pretty much how I pictured it when I first looked at the seed beads. I'm glad you like it too.

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  3. Beautiful, I so love the detailing and richness of colours in the last necklace

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    1. Thanx for your kind words. I have made a few pieces with the magnet copper & I am sure I will buy more when this is gone. I like working with it.

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  4. Beautiful pieces. The owl is too cute! You have created the perfect home for him.

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    1. The owl with the green stones was what I put together first when I opened my soup. I'm glad you like it too. Thanx

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  5. Simply gorgeous!! I love the owl necklace best as it would be such a delight to see someone wearing it but the last necklace is fantastic. So intricate. Amazing!

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    1. I was nervous entering a challenge with so many talented beaders (many of them already published), but the ideas flowed freely & I am happy with my pieces. I am so glad you like them too.

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  6. Such a whimsical first necklace and love the others too...x

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  7. I really really love that owl :) Well done you have some beautiful pieces :)

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    1. Thanx for your comment. I have been beading for a while, but only last fall did it be come a serious endeavor. This feels like my internet debut so comments mean a lot.

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  8. Great job! That caged pendant is gorgeous, especially together with the necklace, I just love it! This one is my favorite but I love the necklace with the carved bone donuts too!

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    1. Thanx for liking my pieces. Being new to blogging I was not sure others would like what I made. I appreciate your comment.

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  9. Hi Becky! You have been busy. I love what you did with all three of the necklaces. They are so unique. Those seed beads really pop in that third necklace. Great job! :)

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    1. Hi Anitra, You sent me a wonderful soup. I had such fun creating with what you sent. It was important to me that you like what I did. Thanx for being a great first partner. I also like your pieces a lot. I am not good at layering a focal & your piece was inspiring. I think I will have to give that a try too. Thanx for your comments.

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  10. That has to be the cutest little owly.Love and HUgs Tanya

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    1. Thanx for your comment. I like him too & he is not something I would have picked myself. But he is so cute he makes me smile.

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  11. Such a cute owl necklace! You gave that lil owl such a nice home. I really like the second jewellery set too - so pretty.

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    1. I thought the green & the leaves looked like a good place for an owl. I picked the other colors for the necklace from the owl also. Thanx for noticing my design & Thanx for your comment.

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  12. Great work! All three of your necklaces are unique and wearable. I love the confetti bead you created for the third piece!

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    1. Thanx for your comment. I'm proud of that piece & it's so good to know that others like it too.

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  13. You did a lovely job! So many pieces with one soup! I love the owl!

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    1. It fells so good to hear that others like my work. Thanx so much for your comments.

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    1. Thanx for saying my style is fun. I sure had fun with this challenge.

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  15. Isn't that the cutest little owl!!!! I love that second set. You did a great job on all your pieces!

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    1. Thanx for your comments. I am making better color choices after reading Margie Deeb's "The Beader's Color Palette". I used to think tan was bland & now I love it.

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  16. Three lovely pieces. Well done :)

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    1. Thanx for your comment. I am glad that you like them all

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  17. i actually like the second best :)
    you did such a lovely job on all!

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    1. Thanx for your comments. It's encouraging to get positive feedback.

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  18. That owl is so cute! My favorite is the second necklace, love the earthy straw colours.

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    1. I liked the owl at the beginning, but I grew fonder as I played with him. I am very glad you like my color choice. Thanx.

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  19. So fun! i like the butterscotch necklace the most.

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    1. Thanx for your comment. I am glad you like my work.

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  20. Replies
    1. To hear someone call my jewelry fantastic really warms my heart. Thank you so much.

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  21. Wow, that last piece is so intricate! Great job!

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    1. I didn't think of it as intricate. I just wanted it to look like what I saw in my head. Thanx for your kind words.

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  22. OOoo - love these! The second set is so pretty -- and the seed work in that last piece is amazing! Great job!

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    1. Thanx for commenting on my designs. It's wonderful to hear that you like my designs.

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  23. I love the owl necklace so much! But the two other necklaces are awesome too.

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    1. Thanx. I'm glad that you like my designs. It's wonderful to hear my work described as awesome.

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  24. Such sweet pieces! I love the texture in the owl necklace and the second set is just lovely!

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    1. Thanx for your comments. I do put part of my heart into each design that I make & I'm glad that you like them.

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  25. Everything looks great. The owl is adorable, the second necklace is fantastic (love the neutral palette because there's so much texture) and the beaded bead looks perfect.

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    1. I'm glad that you noticing the texture. No one has called my work perfect before. Thanx so much for your comments.

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  26. Cute owl pendant...love what you did with the piece! Awesome job with your bead soup! Your creations are very pretty!

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    1. Thanx for your comments. It is so good to know that others like what I am doing. My family says they are great, but to hear it from other beaders means a lot to me.

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  27. lovely work, i really like the neutral colored one.

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    1. I'm glad that you like the neutral one. I can see myself wearing that one a lot. Thanx for your comments.

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  28. I love the first necklace with owl focal! Great!

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    1. Thanx for your comment. It feels good to hear that other beaders like my designs.

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  29. I love them all and really appreciate the time you took to explain each piece!

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    1. Thanx for your comment. I didn't know if my post was too long, but I wanted to explain how my designs came about. That is kind of how I write my blog. One of the reasons I started my blog was so that I could join this blog party. I am so glad that you liked what I did.

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  30. Excellent job! I'm glad you had a good time with your pieces and I hope you'll join me again in Jan/Feb!

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    1. Thanx Lori, I appreciate your kind words & I will be back again. Now go have a piece of pie you have certainly earned it. A few days ago during the food section of the morning news they had a pie recipe that I had never heard of- watermelon pie. It sounded delicious & made me think of you.

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  31. All three are beautiful. Love the two strand one and that last beaded one is gorgeous. Great job!

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    1. Thanx for your comments. It feels really good to get such positive responce.

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  32. Great pieces, I really like the last piece. I love beaded beads.

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    1. I enjoy many forms of beading. My beaded beads lately were knid of squish from not enough tension so I went back to using a wood center bead & I am in love again. I'm glad that you like my work. Thanx for your comment.

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  33. Lovely work! Each one is a statement all in itself.
    I have to ask you if you have family in the Walla Walla area? I knew several of the Pancake family there and it's not like it's an everyday name???

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    1. Hi Gretchen, Thanx for your kind words. I don't know of any family in Walla Walla but it sure is possible as families spread out.

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  34. Love the owl necklace, that's adorable!

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    1. Thanx for your comment. It feels really good to have other beaders like my work.

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  35. Very nice pieces. I really like the last necklace. I love the focal you made. Great job!

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    1. Thanx Patricia. Ever since I saw Lisa Barth 's pendant I knew that I wanted to do something similar & I am very pleased with how it turned out.

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  36. I love the first necklace!
    ciao dall'Italia

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  37. The necklace with owl is so cute! I love it!
    Great job!

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    1. Thanx for your comment. I am pleased with how this necklace came out. I think he is cute too. I may just have to name him.

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  38. That beaded bead is fantastic! I've always wanted to try one but haven't had the guts. Maybe it's time!!!

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    1. Thanx Jen, It feels wonderful when someone as talented as you likes my work. To think that I many have inspired you is wonderful. I recommend starting beaded beads with a core bead. It is easier to keep tension when you have something to bead around. Two books that I recommend for beaded beads are "The Art of Beaded Beads" & "The Art & Elegance of Bead weaving" by Carol Wilcox Wells. I have enjoyed your projects in several bead magazines.

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  39. I love the middle necklace. The butterscotch colors sing to me. I love your photo tip about forming a heart with a long necklace.

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    1. Thanx for you for kind words. That necklace is on display at the Textile Center in Minneapolis right now. I had it on at bead retreat & Betty asked to put it on display. I am proud.

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  40. so cute the owl and so perfect necklace you made with it!
    pretty designs, i love them! Congrats!

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    1. Thanx for your comment. I think he is cute too. I'm so glad that you like my work.

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  41. Love that Owl focal and the necklace you created with it is too cute!
    Love your other creations as well!

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    1. Thanx Cindy. It means a lot to me that someone who's designs I have admired in magazines & on-line thinks my work is good.

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  42. "Who wouldn't love the owl necklace. Especially if they are into owls. The touch of pink you added to the necklace with stone in it is lovely and your seed bead work is just amazing! You are one talented lady! Soup-er job!

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    1. Thanx for your comments. I don't think anyone but my sister has called me talented. I thought pink was the right touch too, & besides it is my favorite color.

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  43. Beautiful designs with your soup - nicely done!

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    1. Thanx for your comment. I certainly appreciate hearing that others like my designs.

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  44. Beautiful!!! :) I love the fibers, and can't wait to play with the ones you sent me! :)

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    1. Thanx for your comment. I appreciate your visit to my blog.

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  45. Thanx for your comment. It makes me feel good that others like what I did.

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  46. Very pretty pieces. That owl is absolutely adorable and I really like the way you hung him with the silk woven through the chain and the little leaves dangling all around him. Your second piece is so pretty, too. Love the colors in it. That last piece is outstanding. I love the info about the magnetic copper (I love copper) and the way you beaded around the focal and then hung it. Very nice.

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    1. Thanx for your comment. It feels good to have other beaders like my work. The magnetic copper wire is great. What I have is 20 gauge. I was leery of copper because of the green it produces with wear, But magnetic copper is sealed. The color is much richer& I like it.

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  47. That third necklace is stunning. So rich with the colors. I also like the second necklace but the pink throws me off.

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    1. Thanx for your comment. I would not have chosen such dark colors, but I am very please with the results. I think that the magnetic copper suits it well.

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  48. I just love the jasper and vintage necklace. Great job on your soup. It cooked up well.

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    1. Thanx Marlene I may keep that piece for myself. I think it is very wearable.

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  49. Wonderful I too make long necklaces thanks for the tip on taking pics of them!

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    1. Thanx Jean. When I take a pic of a long necklace I have to be so far away to get it all in that the detail is lost. I'm glad that my tip could help.

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  50. Fabulous pieces! Love them all, but the owl is just so cute!

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  51. Excellent pieces, I think they are all beautiful...hard to pick a favorite!

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  52. wonderful pieces you have created! great job! i love the beaded necklace with the warm colors.
    greets
    jacqueline

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    1. Thanx Jacqueline,I was not sure I would like it as I was making it, but I am pleased with the results.

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  53. wonderful pieces you have created! great job! i love the beaded necklace with the warm colors.
    greets
    jacqueline

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  54. you did e great job with your soup! i love all the pieces that you have created, but the red beaded necklace the most... i love the warm colors on it!
    greets
    jacqueline

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    1. Thanx. I really liked your aqua/tan jewelry & it feels great to have someone who's jewelry you like leave positive comments on my pieces.

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  55. Beautiful pieces! I love that darling owl necklace!

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  56. All three of your pieces are really lovely. I particularly like that second one. I can't out my finger on what it is about that one, but it just calls to me. Nicely done!! :)

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    1. Thanx for your comment. It feels really good to have someone connect with my jewelry.

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  57. I love learning new things! I had not heard of magnetic copper. It makes for great jewelry design! You did such an awesome job with your soup.

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    1. I like learning new things too. I really like the magnetic copper. It was leftover from fixing '66 corvette headlight motors. Thanx for your kind words

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  58. Very sweet designs. Love them all. ;-)

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    1. Thanx it feels good to know that other jewelry artists like what I do.

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  59. You did so well being able to create so many great pieces out of just one soup mix! That sweet little owl just makes me smile too! *Ü*

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    1. Thanx Lori, I am new to this blogging thing & I wanted outstanding pieces for my first blog hop so others would get to know me.

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  60. The little owl pendant is adorable, his little eyes make me smile, the red necklace is stunning, beautiful pieces and lovely job on your creations.

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    1. Thanx for your comment.Yes the owl is cheerful & I like him. It feels really good to hear one of my pieces called stunning.

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    1. Thanx I'm glad that you like it. I appreciate your comment.

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  62. I love the carved bone donuts, they are fabulous. Your second design is my favorite. Grat job using your soup ingredients!
    Cheers,
    Lori D.

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    1. Thanx Lori, I like that piece too. I think it will go with lots of my clothes.

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  63. Love all the pieces, but the confetti bead embrodairy is amazing.

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    1. Thanx Sandi. It is great when someone of your standing with the bead community likes my work.I could see that focal when I first looked at the seed beads & I'm pleased with how it came out.

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  64. Great job with the bead embroidery - I can't do it and admire those of you who do!

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    1. Thanx Sue, I think that bead embroidery is fun. I'm glad that you liked my jewelry.

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  65. Wow, I love that cute little owl! And the beads you chose look just right with him I like those bone beads in your second necklace.
    I have a first giveaway of a pendant from my blog soup do come on over and take a look and enter to win if you get a minute!
    Jackie

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    1. Thanx for your comments. I think he is cute too. The bone beads came from my friend Lisa.

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  66. I love your seed bead pendant and your use of fiber in that piece. :)

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    1. Thanx for your comment. I am proud of that piece too.

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