Bead Fest in Santa Fe

I'm so excited about attending Bead Fest 2013 in Santa Fe, NM. The event is scheduled to take place March 14-17, 2013 with a myriad of great instructors on site. These talented folks will share their expertise with attendees teaching a variety of techniques. Classes start Wednesday, March 13, 2013 and conclude on Sunday afternoon.  There's still time to register!!

I registered for a class with Sue Ripsch. I've admired her work for years. She is the author of two books on Chain Mail.  In December she published a book called Classic Chain Mail Jewelry With a Twist. I own several pieces of chain maille jewelry but I've not attempted to create a piece myself. This is new for me, I'm excited!

Saturday I am volunteering with the the Bead Society of New Mexico, so look for me. I am happy to share information about the local area.     

Happy Beading :)

Bead Soup

I received my bead soup mix today and look at the wonderful items that Kelli sent me.  I am so excited and grateful for this great selection of beads and things.  

Lately I've been drawn to contrasts in color and this group has a nice variety of color.

I will include some of my own beads to create something new.  I really want push myself to try something different.  Let's hope I don't break anything or hurt myself, ha!

Stay tuned.........

Bead Soup Package & Fun In The Sun

Alright!  Kelli received her package of beads and has begun the design process.  This is what I sent her along with some shell pieces and a ribbon that I didn't photograph.  

Swarovski crystals & pendant in denim blue, bead caps, white cat's eye beads, blue lapis chips, toggle clasp, a square glass bead, square shell pieces & ribbon.  

Stop by her shop at Creative Moon Jewelry and Things to see what she comes up with.

I spent the weekend in Tucson and had a GREAT time w/my family.  We visited some of the local shops, tourist attractions, and the gem and mineral show.  We also went to the “Crystalline Treasures: the Mineral Heritage of China exhibit at the University of Arizona.  Which is an absolutely amazing display of specimens.  

Gem & Mineral Show 2013

Crystalline Treasures exhibit at the Univ of Arizona

Have a great week!!!

-Karen

Art Jewelry Elements: Bead Giveaway

Good morning everyone.  Stop by Art Jewelry Elements: Bead Giveaway where you will find some wonderful glass and jasper beads up for grabs.  Kristi Bowman is sharing some great treasures she found in Nevada....do you feel lucky?  AJE shares tons of information with their readers.  You will also find links to information about beading, artists, art beads, challenges, books, shops, etc.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

-Karen

The Element of Surprise

I signed up for the 7th Bead Soup Blog Party hosted by Lori Anderson.  Today I am putting together a mix of beads that I will send to my partner Kelli Jacobson of Creative Moon Jewelry.  Check out her shop, she makes some beautiful jewelry.   

The element of surprise is such a thrill and I cannot wait to get started.  Many of the other people participating are bead makers, artists, designers, and jewelers.  They are my inspiration and I am honored to be part of this PARTY!  I encourage you to go through the list and do some shopping.  You will find some real treasures.

Soon we will reveal what our partner ships us but for now it's a mystery.  The surprise will be revealed soon!!  This is a distorted view of what what I'm sending Kelli.  Do you think she will figure it out?  Time will tell.

My latest creation using Swarovski crystals ... you know how I love sparkles

Have a wonderful week!

-Karen

The High Road to Taos

Tucked deep in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains north of Santa Fe, NM is a village called Truchas which means trout fishing.  This quaint little town has an interesting variety of art old and new, vintage pieces of history, and some of the friendliest people you will ever encounter.  This mural has existed for years but if you pay close attention you will notice subtle changes, as art is ever evolving.  

In interesting mix of memories and culture

 

Wellness Words Jewelry Challenge

Today I'm participating in the Wellness Words Jewelry Challenge hosted by Tracy of Make Bracelets!  The challenge is to pick one of the words and design a piece of jewelry around one category representing something of significance to you. The six categories of wellness that people generally want to make changes in are - Physical, Emotional, Occupational, Spiritual, Intellectual and Social.  

I want to be a bit more social as I tend to expend A LOT of energy at my 9-5 job and then isolate myself because I am exhausted.  I will focus more on creating a peaceful place of community in my life by reaching out to others with similar interests; art, jewelry making, hiking, cooking, reading, or what is important to me at the moment.  

The pieces I am sharing for this challenge inspire me to continue recognizing the beauty that surrounds me everyday.  To laugh happily, sing joyously, share deeply, and to let love flow to me and from me. 

Kissed by the Sun
Swarovski  crystals in sunflower, topaz gold foil beads, seed beads, carnelian glass beads, antique copper components and a clasp made by Mary Harding.

Pretty In Pink
Swarovski crystals in purple, pink rose, antique copper components, seed beads,  pink swirl agate,and pink crystal beads.

Please visit the sites of the creative force behind today's challenge to see what inspires them.  Enjoy!
acreativeforce.blogspot.com
alankarshilpa.blogspot.com
allprettythings.ca
anniamaebisuteria.blogspot.com.es/
apolymerpenchant.com
beadlolabead.blogspot.com/
beadrecipes.wordpress.com
centsations.wordpress.com
clay-space.com
creativeatelier.net
elliesbijoux.com
emakdesigns.com
erinsiegel.com
etsy.com/shop/shamaen
facebook.com/hotsouthernmessdesigns
facebook.com/soquilidesigns
fairiesmarket.blogspot.com
firstimpressiondesign.blogspot.com
gemsbyjudy.com
glasstastreasures.blogspot.com
handcraftedserenity.blogspot.com
facebook.com/azuresunshines
facebook.com/whdalaska
jeanetteblix.com
kimmykats.com
kymhunterdesigns.blogspot.com
lisayangjewelry.com
macmillanmarie.blogspot.com
makebraceletsblog.com
miabellasoul.com
misheldesigns.com
mycreativechallenge.blogspot.com
noseycritters.blogspot.com
pixiloo.blogspot.com
sandivolpe.com
sharonsjewelrygarden.blogspot.com
shaterra.etsy.com
shinylittlethings.blogspot.com
shymedesign.se
shymessmycken.blogspot.se
simpleearthcreations.com
soultosubstance.com
suebeads.com
sunshinebliss.com
sweetbeadstudio.com
sweetwillowdesigns.blogspot.com
thebeadingyogini.com
thestudiosublime.com
treasures-found.blogspot.com
twitter.com/ldymlivelystone
vault31.blogspot.com
veradesigns.blogspot.com

Thanks so much for stopping by I hope you have a GREAT week!

-Karen