The Button Swap Blog Hop!

by Cindy on May 13, 2012

TODAY is the big Button Swap Blog Hop!!  I’ve been eagerly awaiting this day, after all, I’m crazy about buttons and love collecting them.  Way back at the end of March, a respectable number of bloggers signed up to take on this button challenge.  The participants were paired up, and buttons were mailed out from all over: Germany, England, Canada, Australia, Sweden, New Zealand and of course the U.S.  Everyone set to work creating something wonderful with their new buttons. And it did not have to be jewelry!  ….I can’t wait to see if we had any non-jewelry takers out there!  Another interesting factor about the swap is that any kind of button could be shared – from antique to hand made.

Thank you to every one who participated!  If you didn’t get to join in this time, I do plan to host the Button Swap again next year and hope to see you join the next time!

My Button Swap partner is Mimi Gardner of Baubles, Beads, & other Curiosities (love her blog name!).

Mimi sure surprised me and sent me an amazing assortment of vintage buttons.  The vintage part wasn’t a surprise – I think she got a good hint at what I like to work with by visiting my blog.  But she was so kind as to send me a variety, not knowing if I preferred working with silver or gold…  See the beautiful buttons she sent?  Which set do you think I picked??

I like classics – so I chose the timeless gold and black combination!  I used 5 out of the 6 buttons in this set.   Let’s start around the back ….here you’ll see one of the vintage black buttons used as a dangle hanging from the extender chain of the necklace I created.

 

I went a little over the top & ended up with something on the ornate side.  There’s nothing understated about mixing vintage earrings – yes I added one, can you find it? – and old brass stampings (Metalliferous & Beadin’ Path), after all.  The base of my focal is a brass filigree bow tie folded in half.  It was a clever way to hide the wirework used to attach the buttons through the flower stampings.  I incorporated a few floral components to complement the nature motif in some of the buttons.  My finished necklace is a compilation of handmade onyx and brass chain, knotted gemstones, bronze and brass components, and the vintage black buttons.

 

I recently purchased some beautiful beaded beads from the talented Sandra Sculli of Preserve Jewelry Studio, and couldn’t wait for an opportunity to use one.  Sandra really does amazing beadwork!

 

I definitely had fun taking the “after” photos.  To me, this is just as much fun as making the jewelry.  I headed out to the front porch, armed with old pieces of lace, a needlepoint runner, a 100 year-old book, and a couple antique Victorian albums.

 

And one more –  just to show you how the necklace looks when worn, I tried it on with a new sundress.

 

All the while I was making my button jewelry, I had my faithful studio companion with me.  We had fun making a ring together – yes, a button ring!  While I was taking pictures of the ring, the two of us goofed around with taking pictures of ourselves in a mirror.

I have to show you that new, old mirror.  I love this one – haven’t hung it up yet – but I have just the spot. I was so lucky that it happens to fit perfectly between the two windows where I intended to put it because I didn’t know the precise measurement (and there is no room to spare).  This mirror has some great memories associated with it – all 6 of us went antiquing in early April and that’s when we found it.  And on that day my husband and I seemed to fall in love all over again.  It’s hard to explain how or why, but I knew that it happened.  When we were purchasing the mirror, we happened to notice an Easter egg in the counter showcase.  There it was – 1995, the year we were married.  It’s not everyday that you find something from 1995 when it’s 2012.  We brought home that egg too. :-)

 

Oh!  And here’s the ring that I made using the glass floral button that Mimi sent.  It is so sparkly & I love wearing it.  Keri Lee Sereika has a great tutorial on how to make this ring.  I’ve seen many ring tutorials out there, but loved this one for the concise, step by step directions.  If you happen to have any shank-style buttons left from the Button Swap, why not try making one too!

My little guy showing off his ring (he chose the button).  He’s already shared it on the playground – took it right off and let others wear it too. :-)

I was all set to work with the 2nd group of buttons but ran out of time.  I’ll keep you posted and share this piece on my blog hopefully in the near future.

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Before you head off to visit more button swap blogs, I have an announcement!  Remember this giveaway? These vintage mother of pearl buttons are going to one lucky Button Swap participant.  And the Winner is:

KIM BALLOR!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Button Swap Blog Hop.  It is plain to see that many of us love buttons.  Now let’s see what everyone has created with their buttons!  Please visit the the Swap participants below – take your time & keep on hopping, even if it takes a week or two, or three….

Alice Peterson  and Kim Bender

Angie Blasingame and Billi R.S. Rothove

 Billi R.S. Rothove and Angie Blasingame

 Birgitta Lejonklou and Pam Farren

 Bonnie Coursolle and Tania Hagen

 Brenda Salzano and Hope Smitherman

 Cat Kerr and Heather Powers

 Cece Cornier and Jeannie Dukic

 Celeste Thurston and Christine Damm

 Christine Damm and Celeste Thurston

 Christine Stonefield and Dana James

 Cilla Watkins and Lori Bowring Michaud

 Cindy Wimmer and Mimi Gardner *You are here!

 Cynthia Machata and Julia Johnson

 Cynthia Riggs and Lori Finney

 Dana James and Christine Stonefield

Diana Ptaszynski and Erin Prais-Hintz

 Emma Thomas and Rebecca Anderson

 Erin Prais-Hintz and Diana Ptaszynski

 Erin Siegel and Sharon Borsavage

 Heather Powers and Cat Kerr

 Holly Westfall and Sally Russick

 Hope Smitherman and Brenda Salzano

 Jayne Capps and Kim Dworak

 Jeannie Dukic and Cece Cornier

 Jenna Meyers and Kristi Harrison

 Jenna Tomalka and Karen McKillip

 Jenny Davies Reazor and Sandi Volpe

 Julia Johnson and Cynthia Machata

 Kalaya Steede and Kylie Dickman

 Karen McKillip and Jenna Tomalka

 Karen Mitchell and Renetha Stanziano

 Karla Morgen and Mary Govaars

Kay Thomerson and Shannon Chomanczuk

 Kim Ballor and Laurel Steven

 Kim Bender and Alice Peterson

 Kim Dworak and Jayne Capps

 Kim Roberts and Partner unable to participate at this time.

 Kristi Harrison and Jenna Meyers

 Kylie Dickman and Kalaya Steede

 Kym Hunter and Lynda Moseley

 Laurel Steven and Kim Ballor

 Linda Djokic and Patty Gasparino

 Line Labrecque and Teri Baskett

 Liz DeLuca and Lorelei Eurto

 Lorelei Eurto and Liz DeLuca

 Lori Anderson and Niky Sayers

 Lori Bowring Michaud and Cilla Watkins

 Lori Finney and Cynthia Riggs

 Lynda Moseley and Kym Hunter

 Marianna Boylan and Tracy Statler

 Mary Govaars and Karla Morgen

 Mary Harding and Stacie Florer 

 Maureen Baranov and Tracy Bell

 Melissa Martin and Theresa Fosdick

 Michelle Hardy and Peggy Johnson

 Mimi Gardner and Cindy Wimmer

 Nicole Valentine Rimmer and Niki Meiners

 Niki Meiners and Nicole Valentine Rimmer

 Niky Sayers and Lori Anderson

 Pam Farren and Birgitta Lejonklou

* Pam Ferarri and Stefanie Teufel (will share their reveal on a later date)

 Patty Gasparino and Linda Djokic

 Peggy Johnson and Michelle Hardy

 Rebecca Anderson and Emma Thomas

 Rebekah Payne and Sue Kennedy

 Renetha Stanziano and Karen Mitchell

 Rose Binoya and Shanti Johnson

 Sally Russick and Holly Westfall

 Sandi Volpe and Jenny Davies Reazor

 Shannon Chomanczuk and Kay Thomerson

 Shanti Johnson and Rose Binoya

 Sharon Borsavage and Erin Siegel

 Shirley Moore and Veralynne Malone

 Stacie Florer and Mary Harding

* Stefanie Teufel and Pam Ferarri (will share their reveal on a later date)

 Sue Hamel and Terry Carter

 Sue Kennedy and Rebekah Payne

 Tania Hagen and Bonnie Coursolle

 Tania Spivey and Teresa Gagne

 Teresa Gagne and Tania Spivey

 Teri Baskett and Line Labrecque

 Terry Carter and Sue Hamel

 Theresa Fosdick and Melissa Martin

 Tracy Bell and Maureen Baranov

 Tracy Statler and Marianna Boylan

 Veralynne Malone and Shirley Moore

Thank you ever so much for stopping by today!

- Cindy xoxo

 

{ 56 comments }

Bead Table Wednesday

by Cindy on May 9, 2012

Hi there!

I’m sharing a quick shot of my desk today for Bead Table Wednesday. I’m happily up to my ears in wire projects,  working away here in my little lab.  Truth be told, my work is really spilling out on to the floor where I usually sit and work.  I’m surrounded by wire, tools, and Hot Wheel cars.  Yes, I have a little companion here providing lots of background action!  Oh, and see that shiny something in the photo?   That’s a button from my button swap partner, Mimi Gardner.  Won’t be long til everyone shares their projects!

Take a peek at the Bead Table Wednesday Flickr pool here.

 And see you soon for the upcoming Button Swap Blog Hop!

 

- Cindy

 

{ 9 comments }

The Vocal Focal Swap

by Cindy on May 4, 2012

Hello friends

Today I’m participating in a fun little blog hop hosted by Bonnie Coursolle of Jasper’s Gems.  I have really enjoyed all of the absolutely creative swap, hop, and challenge ideas that this community is dreaming up!  I wish I could participate in more, but this is the last for a while….well, until the Button Swap Blog Hop in one week! :-)

 

Bonnie’s Vocal Focal swap was fun and easy.  In the Vocal Focal Swap, Bonnie put a spotlight on what is very often the heart of a jewelry design.   We were paired up and set off to send our partners a focal bead.  The great part about this swap was sending something pretty to someone I didn’t know, and receiving a surprise in the mail in return.   No challenge to create anything with out focal beads,  just to enjoy the trade.

 

My partner was Ginger Bishop who happens to be overseas in Japan.  It turns out I have a lot in common with Ginger, being born in Japan myself, and she’s also a Mom of a little boy.  Ginger sent me a beautiful dragon focal that she purchased locally. I thought it was the perfect focal to receive from Okinawa!   I’m planning to create a necklace on leather for one of my son’s upcoming birthday.

 

Ginger sent me a sweet little wooden Kokeshi doll along with my package.  I have a few already and now I see a collection starting….  You can learn  a little about the background of these dolls here.  Thank you so much, Ginger!

 

It must have been serendipity that my focal partner happened to be in Japan, as today happens to be a Japanese holiday: Children’s Day or Kodomo no Hi!  The 5th day of the 5th month was traditionally the Boy’s Day festival but now it is for all children, celebrating their health, growth, and happiness.

 

Carp streamers (koinobori) made from paper and cloth are used for decorations, and can be seen “swimming” in the wind throughout Japan.  A black carp is flown for the father, red for the mother, and each son in the family – ranging in size from oldest to youngest.   Now I would sure have a colorful porch if I did this…maybe next year!

I have read that carp symbolizes strength, coming from Japanese folklore.  A carp that swims upstream, demonstrating perserverance, becomes a dragon (my focal comes in to play!).

 

One of my aunts in Japan happened to send me this picture she found on the web this week – this is Tsuetate hot springs, where the carp festival originated. She has traveled here several times.  I would love to see the sight of thousands of streamers in the springtime as well!

 

Happy Children’s Day to our kids, whether they are teeny tiny or all grown up.

 

Here are the Vocal Focal participants – let’s see the focals that have found their way to new homes!

Cindy Wimmer    sweet bead studio
Ginger Bishop    Lilmummy Likes

Bonnie Coursolle       Jasper’s Gems
Andra Weber     Andra’s Joyful Journey

Renetha Stanziano     Lamplight Crafts
Lori Finney     Using My Beads

Shirley Moore     Beads and Bread
Kashmira Patel    Sadulfee…..always in Bloom!

Maybeline Tay     The Jewelry Larder 
Dee Torcherer Elgie      Cherry Obsidia

Bonnie Coursolle       Jasper’s Gems
Rhonda Baird   Design and Conquer

{ 18 comments }

Good Things

by Cindy on May 3, 2012

This post is all about Good Things.  Yes, I’m happy to have a few good things to share today.  For one, the sun is out and after an overcast, rather dreary week, that is a Great Thing.

Now let’s go straight to the Big artBLISS Giveaway! Jeanette and I were both so thankful to all of you who shared the news about our event on Twitter, Facebook, and on your blogs.  Many of you have already registered – YIPPPEEE!  That means we’ll meet you in September, if we haven’t already met.  We know you’ll have a fabulous time, learn all sorts of cool things, and connect with many like-minded art sisters (and a few brothers!).  If you have any questions at all about the event, please do not hesitate to contact me.  Without further ado….

JoAnna Caston

Dawn Gallop

Patti Vanderbloemen

Carol Wingfield Meyers

 Congrats to the lucky winners & thanks to all that entered the giveaway!

 

It’s been one of a whirlwind week in our house, one of those times when you feel like everything is happening all at once.  I hope I’m slowing down enough to enjoy the moments because they have been so meaningful and what, to me, life is all about. I’m talking about family events.

 

See this little guy?

After his game and a school Fun Fair, he changed from his uniform in to a dapper little suit.  It was his First Communion, after months of preparation with his class and his wonderful teacher.  Remember when we were figuring out what beads to chose for his rosary?  We ended up going with his birthstone, and I picked up the Swarovski crystals in person at Bead Fest. It was my 3rd time ordering an engraved crucifix and centerpiece from Lewis & Company (highly recommend them). I made rosaries for my older sons as well, and posted about them here and here.

 

And another Good Thing….

 

We found a way to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and daily routine…..  head to the country!  We joined my sister for an afternoon at the barn.  Nikki travels from DC out to the barn three times a week to visit her sweet horse, Deuce.  We enjoyed the sunshine, handing out carrot treats, and seeing a brand new foal.

 

Nikki and Deuce of Diamonds

 

Pony kisses

 

After our visit with the horses, we went on a stroll in nearby Middleburg and enjoyed lunch at one of Nikki’s favorite cafes. We stopped in a wonderful bakery, The Upper Crust of Middleburg (sorry, no website) – an absolute must if you’re in the area – for treats, including a fabulous pie called a “doughboy”….a two-crust apple and caramel pie.  Yum!

 

Thank you for stopping by and letting me share my Good Things with you.  I hope your week is filled with many Good Things too! :-)

 

- Cindy

 

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artBLISS 2012 {exciting news & giveaway!}

by Cindy on April 24, 2012

Are you ready for artBLISS 2012?

We are excited to announce that registration is open for artBLISS 2012!

Join us for 3 full days of workshops and activities.

Dates and Location:

Sept. 21-23, 2012

Sterling, VA

 

We have an incredible line-up of instructors this year. You’ll enjoy seeing some of your favorite instructors returning, and we hope you’ll join us in welcoming those who are making their artBLISS DEBUT!

Kerry Bogert

April Bowles-Olin

Diane Cook

Christine Damm

Stacie Florer

Erin Siegel

Beth Taylor

Please visit the site to see the full range of day and evening workshops.

In addition to furthering your jewelry designing skills, this year at artBLISS, you’ll find workshops that focus on your business! By popular demand, we are once again offering a jewelry photography workshop.  And new this year, a full-day business workshop – from branding to marketing!

 

On this year’s agenda…

  • Meet and Greet Reception – your instructors will be present to share their original artwork and show class samples.  Mingle and meet new friends while enjoying appetizers and desserts.  Demos will be offered and plenty of door prizes! Open to the public, details on the website.

  • Author Signing at the Meet and Greet!   Meet the authors of two of the hottest new jewelry books out this summer/fall.  Kerry Bogert will be signing copies of Rustic Wrappings, and Erin Siegel will be signing copies Bohemian-Inspired Jewelry!

  • Don’t Trash It, Destash It! Social – We will be coordinating a bead destash on location this year. Bring your beads to swap and go home with a new stash!

  • artBLISS Annex – I’ll be bringing a little treasure trove of  flea market finds for sale – from vintage jewelry to jewelry boxes.  These goodies will be available for your perusal.  Jeanette will be bringing a selection of indespensible tools.

  • Delicious lunches will be brought in on-site for your convenience.

    Now for the GIVEAWAY!

Have you noticed our brand new website?  We have been working for some time behind the scenes with our wonderful web designer to bring you a more user-friendly website and we are proud to unveil it!

The new web design and artBLISS logo were created by the amazingly talented Brandi over at Brandi Girl Blog. Brandi sure has a way of translating a concept in to digital art.  She is flexible, patient, and is always a step ahead in the design process (thank you, Brandi!). The vintage Americana look really captures the heart of our retreat:  offering world-class workshops right here near the nation’s capitol.  The stars are custom doodles by Teresa McFayden!

 

Can you help us spread the word about artBLISS?

We will be giving away 4 prizes!  Two winners will be chosen from this giveaway post, and two winners will be chosen from those who register for a workshop during the opening week of registration!

Each of the 4 winners will receive a large, heavy cotton logo totebag…

Along with the totebag, each winner will ALSO receive metalworking supplies!  Win a new saw, blades, instructional DVD by Thomas Mann, and a tub of liver of sulfur gel (that will last for ages!).

 To enter the give away:

  • Leave a comment (1 entry)

  • Blog about the 2012 retreat (1 entry)

  • Add any one of the new blog badges to your blog – see the various badge options here (1 entry)

  • Post on Facebook or Twitter – please share the link (1 entry)

  • Register for any artBLISS 2012 workshop during the official registration opening week (April 25th through May 2nd). (1 entry)

*Giveaway closes at 11:59 p.m., EST on May 2nd.  The winners will be announced on May 3rd.   Due to the large package size, the giveaway is regrettably open to U.S. residents only.

Here are a few of our new badges – we hope you’ll chose one for your blog!

Thank you for sharing our excitement!  Good luck & we hope to see you in September!

- Cindy and Jeanette

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