Seems like forever since I mentioned any beading around here, right? I’ll show ya, I can talk beads!
Yesterday Jeanette and I spent a wonderful morning at the hotel venue for the big, upcoming ArtBLISS Inaugural Event. We reviewed everything from the cozy dining facilities and lounge, to the ornate classrooms. We discussed the yummy lunch we have planned on both days. It is all coming together. If you’d like to join us, we’d love to see you there!
Next up, I’m happy to share with you a necklace I created for the Oct/Nov issue of Step by Step Wire. Have you seen this issue? It’s a great one…and several friends are featured in it as well.
This issue highlights wirework incorporating crystals. In my piece, Spirit Dancer, I blended a bit of metal and wirework with the sparkle of crystal and a rustic patina. I’d love to recreate this one, using sterling silver and a different color mix of Swarovski crystals….lots of possibilities.
Recently I participated in a Bead Swap hosted by Lori Anderson. Lori maintains a great Yahoo group where Bead Soup Blog Party participants continue to keep in touch. Anyone can join…if you’re interested, drop her a line! I was paired with an awesome lampwork artist, Jenny Cameron of Glass Addictions (lucky me!). I’d love to show you the what I found in the big box of beads I received…. I tell ya, these swaps are so much fun. Nothing like receiving a mystery bead box in the mail! Jenny included some amazing clay pieces and some of her own gorgeous lampwork beads. I think I won the beading lottery! 🙂
Well speaking of my friend Lori, we are meeting this afternoon for our own personal bead retreat. She’s en route now from the Eastern Shore, and we have a hotel room just for us. We’ll have lunch, talk beads, have dinner, talk more beads….. Well, I’m bringing my tools too…we plan to have some fun experimenting and playing with beads, wire and metal. Shhh….I made a little surprise for Lori! She won’t see this since she’s driving. Remember those friendship necklaces where each friend wore a half of one heart? Here’s my grown up, shabby chic version. Vintage rhinestone earrings were soldered to sheet metal …. I added a rustic patina and now I think they’re just about right to wear with anything.
Time to run…last minute packing to do. I hope you have a fantastic weekend ahead! I have a tennis birthday party planned for our recent birthday boy, but -oh no!- it’s calling for thunderstorms! Not to worry, I have a raindate planned in case…
-til next time!
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{ 31 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Cindy,
No wonder I bought that magazine yesterday!! I didn’t realize you were in it but I think seeing that beautiful copper was one of the reasons it jumped into my cart. Can’t wait to read about it. Congrats on being published again!
-Michelle
Cindy, I love it all! Your wire necklace and the friendship necklaces! What a great idea for you two to check into a hotel and live in the lap of luxury! I know there will be lots of giggling! Barbara
Oh Cindy, those copper wire wrapped beads are just wonderful. Uh-oh CopyCat alert!
I feel the urge coming on… they make me want to stop what I’m doing (planning schoolwork) and grab my stash! Thanks for sharing. See you soonest!
What a fabulous bead post friend & I love allllll the pieces you created. The antiqued copper wire…do you make that or buy it with that finish…I LOVE it! & could you be any better at all the amazing scroll work you do??? I don’t think so!
I Love it so much friend. I’ve been so involved in trying to get to Texas, I haven’t sat down & finished your badge. I will…I promise get it done this weekend for you & Jeanette. Thanks for your patience Cindy & I’ll hopefully have something for you on Sunday.
So excited about artbliss coming up…I hope it’s a tremendous success!!!
Hugs,
Susie
Cindy, I did indeed see your beautiful feature in the magazine, and love it! How exciting about your ArtBliss event – what a wonderful feeling you all must have. And Lori is one lucky person to get such a personal, *wonderful* piece from you. I’m a sucker for the sparkly things, and the sweet feelings behind these make them extra special. I’m envious of the fun you’re going to have on your weekend!
Oh, love all these goodies! And your soldered rhinestones are so much fun. Great job! Have a wonderful retreat Cindy!! Hugs, Riki
Love your goodies from the swap! They look wonderful, have fun playing. Have fun with Lori – sounds like a blast and love those necklaces!!!!!
I love the idea of combining copper and crystals–understated elegance. I love it! It seems very wearable for those of us who don’t want to overdo the bling. 🙂
Can you see I’m green with envy over the ArtBliss event. I sure wish I could be there! Nothing grand like this happens in Kansas–nothing I tell ‘ya!
Oh yeah, I saw your beautiful piece in the recent Step by Step Wire magazine. It’s a beauty! Congratulations on the great feature! Your friendship necklaces are sweet too! She’ll love hers!
The bead swap sounds like fun. I don’t make my own beads, but sure do have a great stash. Maybe I should sign up for the next one….
Enjoy the weekend!
I am so jealous! I want to hang out with you two! I’ve already told you how much I love the SBS necklace, but wow, those friendship necklaces are gorgeous!! Have fun playing!
Cindy, Saw your piece as soon as my SBS mag arrived in the mail – love it! You do such a good job. I’m a stickler for quality workmanship and your pieces ALWAYS exemplify the very best.
Lori will surely be surprised – I love sparkly and this is so simple and elegant.
Have loads of fun with Lori and ArtBliss. Just wish you were closer….
🙂
One day I have to find out how you make these fantastic swirls – I mean they are perfect. Can you do a post like this every day :)? I know – me bad – look at my blog – nothing new. We have the one year B-day tomorrow, and I am so excited. One year ago I was in labor at this time of the evening. Now my labor-product is sitting on the floor taking the remote controls apart…..
Thanks for that inspiration. I am looking forward to when my issue arrives…..
What fun getting together with a beloved beady friend for mayhem and magic! Congratulations on all the wonderful new events coming into your life, and those necklaces are totaly drool worthy!
That necklace is fabulous! I can’t wait to get my issue. What wonderful goodies you rec’d in the swap…can’t wait to see what you create with them! Have a wonderful time during your “retreat”…it’s great to have girl time, and with a like minded friend. Lori’s going to love that necklace you created for her!
So many pretties to look at! Love the pieces you made, especially the friendship necklaces! Can’t wait to see what you make with the bead lottery goodies! Can you believe that ArtBliss is almost here????
Every time that you show us a new piece I think ‘I want to make that!’. So inspiring!
Miss Cindy! I wish that I were closer. I could see having a fun beady chat with you someplace. I love those crystals. I have done that with galvanized steel wire, but I love the way the patina sinks in and makes it so rustic and refined at the same time. Have a great time with your ArtBliss retreat. When are you going to take it on the road and come to the Midwest?
Enjoy the day!
xo
Erin
Wowza!!! So much packed in this post! 🙂 I hope your ArtBliss event goes well. I am so excited for you guys! Maybe, I will be able to join you for a future event, so keep those coming!
I’m not much of a crystal girl, but I LOVE the piece you made! That is gorgeous and very appropriate for Fall!
Amazing Beads you received! Lucky, lucky! Love it all.
That is so sweet of you to make those special friendship necklaces for you and Lori! She will be so touched! It’s so cool that you guys can hang out and have a girly, beady time!
Your piece “Spirit Dancer” is just amazing! I love the unique shapes and great patina, congrats again for an inspiring piece.
I am sure you will have a blast with Lori, you have every element for a perfect time.
And the vintage in me just LOVES those necklaces! They have vintage elements but are so modern!
Your necklaces are too beautiful. I must admit, I am a bit envious that you can meet up with blog friends for real. Have a great time with Lori.
And ArtBliss – sigh! Do I wish? yes I do.
Your copper necklace is so creative. Love the fall colors and sparkle of the crystals 🙂
what a wonderful spiral’s necklace!! wow!! just amazing!! congrats for your publication!! i looooooooooove the little soldered shabby and precious necklaces!! it’s awesome!! well done Cindy!!
I did happen to get a look at that in Borders the other day. I love the copper touch and yes, it would look awesome in silver. Enjoy your beady weekend. I am having an unplanned beady day because my husband is at a golf outing all day. Yeah. Still in my robe, bending and torching silver. I do have laundry running, so I feel only a tiny, tiny bit guilty about goofing off in the studio all day.
Can I be your friend??! What a great post, I feel so inspired in many ways. Thank you for sharing!
Hi! I loooooove those funky fun necklaces! I’m always drawn to vintage shinies and that’s such a fun use of them! I know Lori will love them!
Love the Vintage Rhinestone Earrings recycled into chic necklaces….great idea…wouldn’t have guessed you could solder those with out running into problems….now off to play with the concept! Beautiful work!
Beautiful necklaces Cindy! You are always amazing with your creations! My jaw always drops!
Oh Little Mama,
How imaginative and amazing your art pieces are. And so easy to wear, yet very sophisticated!!! I’m trying to talk Deryn into letting me sneak in her suitcase but it’s looking like I’m just a might to long! 🙁
I’m with Renate I’m envious that you can meet and play with bloglandian sisters!
You will be a busy girl for the next couple of weeks I send you lots of positive thoughts and energy.
Pattie 😉
Mazatlan Mx.
I still think it’s hilarious that I was on my Blackberry looking at your blog while you were in the post office and ALMOST spoiled the surprise!
I adore my necklace and had SUCH a good time!
GORGEOUS! GORGEOUS! GORGEOUS!
All three of the necklaces in this post are lovely!
I hope that you had a wonderful time!
Best Wishes with the upcoming Artbliss Event. I will be thinking of you.
OMG Cindy, I fell in love with your friendship necklaces! They are absolutely fantastic! They must look even better when worn! smiles, Virginie