Sue Beads

Dry Wallin'

2012-02-08T18:53:00.003-05:00

Red

Transparent Pink

Pink

Transparent Clear

So, I did spend my day with my boyfriend drywalling his bedroom addition. I didn't make beads or frit paddles but I did photograph some beads I made the other day so they will be listed later. Also, I made these cute heart earrings for my show, and I have some leftover - if you are interested in purchasing them, they are $12 with shipping included! Just shoot me a message or a comment and I can send you a paypal invoice! They are made with heart beads that I made using my Zoozii heart press. Cute!

Oh, and I CAN make you some heart beads as well, if you like!

Getting Caught Up

2012-02-07T13:33:00.004-05:00

Earrings made with my ribbed barrel beads!

I am slowly getting caught up! I think I published and responded to all my blog comments - thanks so much for your patience! I am getting through my list of things I really need to do, and that doesn't even include cleaning my house or grocery shopping! But I've been taking these last few days off to get back on track. Sunday was lunch with a beer at Wild Wings and then Super Bowl! Yesterday I spent the entire day on the computer and went to my son's basketball game! Today, I have spent a large amount of time on the computer, have plowed through a few things on my list. If I don't help boyfriend drywall his new bedroom tomorrow, I will be making beads!

Oh, and I have an exciting little project to complete too! I am doing frit paddles for Val Cox Frit, testing out to see how the frit looks on clear glass. I'll be opening an etsy store for my jewelry, soon, as well! AND I'll be making some beads for the goody bags for the Bead Cruise sponsored by Heather of Humblebeads - woo hoo!

I have to file my assessment appeal - I wonder, why do other cities know how to assess properties for taxes and Pittsburgh and Allegheny County just can't get it right?????? I am bewildered at the place in which I live. That's saying it mildly.

Hope you are all having a good week. I hope to list new beads soon, but in the meantime I have a very nice selection of beads in my SueBeads etsy store still available and my web site, SueBeads, is always available for made-to-order beads!

Kristi Bowman Design Copper Component Blog Hop!

2012-02-04T07:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Kristi's first blog hop! She made some of her beautiful copper components, and invited us to purchase one and come up with a design and then do a little bloggy hop to see what everyone made! I love her work, as she knows, so I was right on it. I picked the sea urchin style which is just gorgeous! I used her piece as a connector, front and center, and made the little copper clasp. Which I don't like and will change... (hmmmm, I see a little pattern here).
I made some beads that I think go amazingly well with the copper piece she made. They bring out the colors in her piece, and her piece brings out the colors in my beads! A perfect combo!
Here's my finished piece. I really like it, except for the copper clasp I made, as I mentioned. I was under a little time crunch because I have a show today that I am not ready for but I'll definitely come up with a better clasp.

Here's a list of everyone else who is participating - check out their blogs and see what they made! I will be visiting everyone's blogs tomorrow, but may be a little late as I expect to be totally swamped with customers clamoring for my jewelry and other items at the show! LOL!

Kristi Bowman Design http://dreamsomedesigns.blogspot.com/

Jean Wells http://jeanawells.blogspot.com/

Melinda Orr http://orrtec.blogspot.com/

Sue Kennedy http://suebeads.blogspot.com/ You are here!

Shannon Chomanczuk http://formysweetdaughter.blogspot.com/

Pam Brisse http://bluebetween.blogspot.com/

Melissa Cable http://createrecklessly.blogspot.com/

Cindy Wimmer http://www.sweetbeadstudio.com/

Mary Harding http://maryhardingjewelrybeadblog.blogspot.com/

Karen Totten http://starryroadstudio.blogspot.com/

Jan Molten Mayhem http://moltenmayhem.typepad.com/molten-mayhem/

Linda Landig http://lindasbeadblog.com/

Kristi Harrison http://kristibasket-itsanewday.blogspot.com/

Kimberly Sturrup http://bahamadawn.blogspot.com/

Sally Russick http://thestudiosublime.com/

Lana Kinney is sharing on Kristi's blog.

Artisan Clay Design Team Reveal

2012-02-03T13:14:00.002-05:00

I am part of Kristie Roeder's Artisan Clay Design Team! After a little hiatus, because she had mucho on her plate, she sent us each a piece to design around for this month - well, for January. I missed the deadline because of various and assorted excuses, the most major one being I had a neck spasm for over a week and a half and couldn't do much of anything! I finally did my piece today and must say, my idea didn't come out of my head the right way! So I am only giving you a little picniked peek, because I am going to redo it another day. I did make the beads to go with the clay piece, and they match much better in person than in photo! You can visit her blog to see what everyone else made! And check back for mine soon!

FLASH Sale

2012-01-31T16:46:00.001-05:00

Aaah, I forgot to put this up on my blog. Today only, a flash sale since it's the end of the month! Get 15% off in my SueBeads etsy store by using coupon code FLASH15!

Not Keeping UP!

2012-01-30T14:58:00.002-05:00

I'm exhausted. Could it be from being a single parent and having two incredibly involved children? Could it be from having a neck spasm for over a week and not sleeping? Could it be from trying to do too many things and therefore not doing anything? I don't know, but I am completely exhausted. I'm trying to keep up. But I'm not... the blogging is faltering, I haven't been reading others' blogs, facebook and pinterest I haven't been keeping up with, blah blah blah! I have a show this weekend, and am finally back to making beads again this week for that. My daughter has a play (she's the technical director) for Friday and Saturday night, AND she's taking her driver's test on Saturday. My son plays basketball and is in his school musical. I'll be glad when this weekend is over, it won't be so bad then - she won't be staying at school every single night. And the show will be over and I can concentrate on making things for the little shop I have consigned with. And the Bead Fest Philly, which I can't wait for!!!! Selling beads, instead of jewelry and other stuff, is what I really really want to do! I'll have some beads listed tomorrow, check here for a heads-up!

A Few More Listings!

2012-01-24T14:46:00.002-05:00

Just listed these this morning. You can find them at SueBeads!

New Beads

2012-01-23T20:00:00.003-05:00

I just listed some new beads today - I am in a great deal of pain due to my neck so I'll just give you some un-picniked pics (I am so bummed) and you can get them here - SueBeads!

Rounds and Raku

2012-01-20T13:53:00.002-05:00

It was round bead day yesterday - I just love making that shape! Plus, I am still into the raku, so rounds and raku go great together! You can find these beads in the SueBeads etsy store in a short while!

I'm on the Art Bead Scene!

2012-01-16T11:52:00.002-05:00

Woo Hoo! I made this necklace a while ago for the "shows that didn't happen" this year. I decided to keep this one for myself because I love LeAnn's components so much! Just decided to submit to Art Bead Scene because one of my goals is to get better at things, and submitting is one of them! Yay! Thanks Heather!

Even More Earrings

2012-01-15T11:20:00.001-05:00

I made a bunch of earrings for shows this year, and the shows I did were not too successful! I have one on Feb. 4 that I hope will be better for me. Any Pittsburgh men out there, go to South Side Works on Feb. 4th to get some beautiful earrings for your valentine! I really like the look of these earrings with the Hill Tribe tubes I've been hoarding for forever!

More Earrings

2012-01-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

I love these! These lampwork beads were paired with copper clay charms by Kristi Bowman. Copper filigree bead caps accent the beads and the copper ear wires were made by me!

Raku Day!

2012-01-13T13:19:00.004-05:00

Raku on 1. Red Roof Tile, 2. Sage, 3. Wasabi, 4. Egypt Blue

Raku on Sandstone

Raku on Wasabi

I was enjoyed the reaction between glass and raku frit the other day and decided to try some different colors! I really like them. You can find all these beads in the SueBeads etsy store!

Earrings

2012-01-13T12:23:00.002-05:00

Here are some earrings I made with my own lampwork beads! I used green czech discs and filigree bead caps, and made the sterling ear wires!

New Beads

2012-01-12T16:13:00.000-05:00

Find them in the SueBeads etsy store!

I'll Be Here!

2012-01-11T14:10:00.001-05:00

My Sunday

2012-01-10T14:04:00.003-05:00

On Sunday, my wonderful boyfriend (seen below and if he hates his photo on this post I will remove it) took the day off! We went to Ligonier, and had breakfast at the Ligonier Country Inn - they make a great brunch buffet. We filled ourselves up with a couple platefuls, then decided to check out some antique stores in Ligonier. On our way, we decide to go see Andrew Thornton at Allegory Gallery, right on the Diamond! Andrew was there and we had a great chat! I purchased a few "needs" and then we went on our way! We stopped at this really cool antique and flea market store - I called this the scary room! These hands hanging down are actually glove molds. There's a really huge stuffed buffalo behind them, and a very cool but creepy parrot hanging from the ceiling!

There was even a giraffe in the room!
They had a bunch of cute bird things - I have to say that birds kind of creep me out, even though I really like them! I feed them in the winter. But their feet - creep me out!

Some cool windows just waiting for someone to purchase them - I would have, but I don't know what I would have done with them. But they were great!
The treasure I found in a store on the Diamond - this is going to be great for the Bead Fest show, IF I ever hear from them that I got in!!! LOL!
Then, we came back and had a fire and watched the Steelers lose to Denver.

New Beads

2012-01-07T15:45:00.003-05:00

How do the weeks fly by so fast? I did finally manage to get de-Christmassed today. My burns were so itchy last night I could hardly sleep, but today it isn't as bad. I listed some new beads in the SueBeads etsy store! These ones have a slightly larger hole (2mm) so you can use thin leather or rattail cord to string them; I'll make ones with larger holes soon so you can string them on 2 layers of leather or dyed silk cord.

Bird

2012-01-03T16:09:00.003-05:00

Did I ever show you this little glass bird I made? I had purchased a tutorial from Jennifer Geldard a while back and made this little guy. I really like it. I want to make more of them. I will be doing that as part of my quest to be better!

My Word

2012-01-02T10:42:00.002-05:00

In picking my word for this year, I even visited the thesaurus to see if there was a "better" word to pick. However, upon reflection, there was not. My 2011 and late 2010 was filled with many challenges, some good, some not so good. I had some surgeries. Broke up with my partner of 5 1/2 years. Lost my job and insurance because of that. Had to start over not only in the dating world but in the world of figuring out all the man household things and tax things myself. I became re-acquainted with a high school friend who is now boyfriend and biggest fan! I became stronger because of him and that's how he wants it! I found more energy. I had some bad days too, days where I reflected on what my life was, is, and maybe will be. Sometimes that's not the best thing for me to do. I will have some challenges ahead, monetarily. My daughter entering the world of college visits and applications! Figuring out where my son is going to school for 9th grade. I want to make my business grow, so I may sign up for the Bead Fest Philly! I want to learn some new techniques like pmc. I want to take my bead-making to another level. So, I have decided that my word for 2012 is:

Better

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T12:49:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year to everyone! I hope you had a wonderful time last night, wherever you are, and that you are safe and sound today! We had friends over and had a very nice time! The kids played Dance 3 on the xbox and it looks like a blast - although I won't be dancing anytime soon!

I wanted to say thank you to all my customers and readers! I appreciate all your comments and purchases and hope to bring you many more pretties in the coming year!

All Christmas-themed beads are now marked down and in the sale section of the SueBeads etsy store - I know you may not want to use them right now, but can hoard them and get a good price!

Have a great day and a great start to the New Year!

Spring Sparkles!

2011-12-31T14:39:00.002-05:00

I just listed these pretty spring sparkles in my SueBeads etsy store! Take a look! Today is the last day you can get 25% off in my store using the coupon code endofyearsale! Please take a look at what's there - this is the biggest sale amount I ever give and you should take advantage of it if you see something you like!!!!

Tangerine!

2011-12-29T17:18:00.001-05:00

Pantone's 2012 Color of the Year! And you can find these pretties in my SueBeads etsy store AND you can still get 25% off your order for a few more days by using coupon code endofyearsale!

Hello!

2011-12-27T16:35:00.003-05:00

Long time no blog! It's just been too busy, with frustrating things and with holiday things and I'm just ready for a nap! I am continuing my inventory sale until December 31st at midnight, so please use endofyearsale to get 25% off your order in my SueBeads etsy store! I'd really appreciate the orders!

I am continuing to add beads to the etsy store, so you can get some new beads for a great price if you use the code! Yesterday I had a little bit of time in between my laundry tub drain pipe bursting and my boyfriend coming to fix it, so I made some mini sparkle beads in some pretty colors which are going in the store shortly!

Happy Holidays everyone!

Inventory Reduction = Coupon Code!

2011-12-19T12:06:00.002-05:00

I am not ready for Christmas. I had a migraine over the weekend. The medicine I used made me feel very wonky. Kids are home now. I need to reduce the inventory in my shop. Therefore, instead of having a daily deal, I am having a coupon code for my etsy store instead! Take 25% off your etsy order using code ENDOFYEARSALE. I'll ship your beadies out as soon and I receive your order!

Sally Russick's Ornament Blog Hop!

2011-12-17T07:00:00.001-05:00

The wonderful and talented Sally Russick hosted an ornament blog hop! Since I was having fun making ornaments this season, I thought I'd play along! My partner happened to be Kathleen Lange Klik who is also a very lovely and talented person! I am going to have to steal the photo she shows of the ornament I made for her, because I can't find mine (stomps foot and pouts). Here is what she made me! It's lovely and on my tree right now!
She made the clasp herself, the ceramic bead is Elaine Ray (yum) and she made the hammered square herself as well! I really love it! It looks fantastic on the front of my tree! Here's a list of everyone else who is participating - hop on over and see what they made!

Erin Prais-Hintz and Alice Peterson

Sally Russick and Kim Hora

Susan Kennedy and Kathleen Lange Klik

Patty Gasparino and Cindy Wimmer

Hope Smitherman and Melissa Meman

Jennifer L. Justman and Sandi Volpe

Jenny Davies-Reazor and Christine Altimiller

Rebecca Anderson and Jen Velasquez

Jeanette Blix Ryan and Tamara Soper

Holly Westfall and Mallory Hoffman

New Beads Listed

2011-12-15T14:40:00.001-05:00

I have been listing a few new beads here and there, was feeling the glacier glass the other day so I made a few pairs with that glass, so pretty! Take a look in my SueBeads etsy store to see what's new!

New Deal

2011-12-12T16:20:00.001-05:00

Well, I hope you all like this one, seems like I am missing on the others! Today is a selection of holiday-themed pairs of beads (there's still time, I will mail them out immediately after purchase) and you can make 4 pairs of holiday earrings for your loved ones. These are normally $10 a pair ($40 value) but today they are all for you for $25! That's a 38% savings! To purchase, click the buy now button below!

Daily Deal #3 - This one is SOLD! Two more left below!

2011-12-10T11:06:00.003-05:00

Same thing, 21 beads, $45 plus $2 shipping, click on the buy now button!

Special Spacer Deal! SOLD!!!!!

2011-12-09T12:28:00.008-05:00

The lovely Melinda Orr posted a tutorial on her blog on how to create a paypal button! She is having a daily sale and I thought I'd join in! To say thanks to all my customers and blog readers this year, I'm going to offer some beads at special prices! Today, I'm offering this strand of 37 spacer beads for just $15 plus $2 shipping!!!!!!!!!! There's only one set available and I will ship internationally! Just click on the Buy Now button below!

Lead Student

2011-12-08T10:51:00.003-05:00

My son's school has a set of core values that every child is expected to follow and emulate. Each week, one student is chosen as "lead student". This means they emulate the core values to an exceptional degree and are recognized for their leadership abilities. My son was lead student for the past week! Today at chapel, he traded in the medallion that the kids get to wear all week (as recognition for lead student) for a pin that he will get to wear on his chapel jacket lapel! I am so proud of him! He has become such a mature young man this school year, in addition to having an unbelievable growth spurt! I keep telling my friends he must want something really really big for Christmas, but I couldn't be happier with my kids! I am a single parent and as many of you know, it's very hard to do all you have to do and make sure your kids are on the right track all on your own. I have some pretty amazing kids!

Art Bead Scene Ornament Blog Hop

2011-12-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Heather Powers, of the Art Bead Scene, is hosting an ornament blog hop! Not only that, but if you check out the Art Bead Scene, there will be a giveaway as well!

I had a lot of fun making my ornaments! I used some vintage chandelier prisms that my mom had bought years ago. They are in really great shape!
I used my own baroque style beads, as well. And to complete the ornament, I made some of these pretty ornament hangers - you can find the tutorial here.
I made some more ornaments with my beads, using the clear chandelier prisms and think they look fantastic too!
You can purchase your own baroque ornament beads in my SueBeads etsy store - and with each purchase, I am including an ornament hanger that I made, free!

So hop on over to the rest of the participants to see what pretty things they made:

Life in the Lyon's Den

Islandgirl's Insights

Pixie Shimmer Baroque Earrings

2011-12-06T15:20:00.002-05:00

I may have mentioned I love this shape of bead I have been making! These are perfect for winter, or the holidays! They are made with white glass and pixie dust that shimmers like snow!

To make them, I put a small silver seed bead on a headpin, a baroque lampwork bead by me, and a siam simlicity swarovski crystal bead. Make a wrapped loop and you are ready to put them on your ear wires! Very quick and easy, a perfect gift for the holidays! You can find beads like this in my SueBeads etsy store!

Color Challenge Reveal

2011-11-30T07:00:00.002-05:00

Today is the day of Erin Prais-Hintz' Color Challenge Reveal! Erin, of Tesori Trovati, assigned each participant a color palette from Design Seeds and we were to make a piece of jewelry incorporating some or all of the colors.I received the color palette Zinnia Tones. I chose pink because I had this unfinished piece for my mom, and knew this would force me to finish it for her!
It started with a gorgeous pink chain I custom ordered from Miss Fickle Media (Shannon does awesome work!) to match the heart pendant I made from washi paper and amazing glaze. My mom had requested a pink piece of jewelry.
I had fun making all my bronze balled-end head-pins - I got to use my Lenk torch again, and tumbled them all shiny! I used my own lampwork beads in coordinating colors - the ones that look somewhat blue (at least on my monitor) are actually made from evil purple and are actually purple! I made the wraps somewhat informal on purpose, to kind of offset the formality of the whole necklace. I want it to be wearable with many different things!
I used coordinating swarovski crystal colors in bicones and rounds. They were pink, purple and very light topaz. It is so hard to see the correct colors because I am taking the photos at night here in Pittsburgh where we get less sunny days than Seattle.

I hope you enjoyed looking at the piece I made and I hope you check out what these other fabulous designers made with their color palettes!

1	Norma Turvey	Teal	Color Crave
2	Jeannie Dukic	Green	Mineral Tones
3	Mary McGraw	Teal	Embellished Hues
4	Jo Tinley	Red	Decadent Tones
5	Rebecca Anderson	Pink	Tulip Tones
6	Kristi Jaro	Red	Temple Entrance
7	Stephani Gorman	Green	Dew Tones
8	Melissa Meman	Green	Fruit Star
9	Kathleen Lange Klik	Teal	Silk Hues
10	Cynthia Riggs	Red	Autumn Comfort
11	Heidi Post	Teal	Flora Bright
12	Cece Cormier	Teal	Merino Teal
13	Amy Freeland	Gray	Cultured Tones
14	Alice Peterson	Blue	Island Play
15	Rose Noble	Gray	Autumn Stacked
16	Kristina Johansson	Yellow	Sunny Flower
17	Kirsi Luostarinen	Teal	Dragon Hues
18	Tari Kahrs	Orange	Citrus Tones
19	Mallory Hoffman	Purple	Petaled Dark
20	Molly Alexander	Brown	Peppered Tones
21	Regina Santerre	Red	Frosted Berry
22	Emanda Johnson	Teal	Color Purl
23	Amy Severino	Orange	Winged Tones
24	Bobbie Rafferty	Teal	Lime Hues
25	Tanya Goodwin	Gray	Pecked Tones
26	Lisa Lodge	Blue	Nocturnal Tones
27	Hope Smitherman	Blue	Bloom Tones
28	Linda Landig	Green	Cacti Dark
29	Ambra Gostoli	Teal	Perched Autumn
30	Lori Bowring-Michaud	Blue	Sharpened Blue
31	Pippa Chandler	Teal	Hungarian Hues
32	Keirsten Giles	Purple	Mineral Brights
33	Jennifer Justman	Blue	Autumn Rays
34	Sandy Richardson	Purple	Moroccan Brights
35	CJ Bauschka	Teal	Teal Air
36	Shaiha Williams	Teal	Sushi Hues
37	Kay Thomerson	Purple	Autumn Spectrum
38	Sally Russick	Purple	Golden Gate Tones
39	Cilla Watkins	Purple	Autumn Infused
40	Shirley Moore	Purple	Frozen Heather
41	Jenni Connolly	Gray	Paw Tones
42	Tamara Soper	Green	Field Tones
43	Sharyl McMillian-Nelson	Blue	Nested Blues
44	Jen Velasquez	Pink	Sweetened Tints
45	Maria Grimes	Red	Bright Bloom
46	Elisabeth Auld	Gray	Petaled Tints
47	Susan Kennedy	Pink	Zinnia Tones
48	Shannon Chomanczuk	Gray	Autumn Leaf
49	Holly Westfall	Yellow	Sprinkled Tones
50	Patty Gasparino	Red	Color Carton
51	Angela Little	Pink	Singapore Brights
52	Lizzie Zawinski	Green	Budding Hues
53	Kristen Stevens	Pink	Scooped Tones
54	Dawn Doucette	Brown	Jarred Tones

Glass Headpin Challenge Reveal Day!

2011-11-28T07:03:00.002-05:00

Today's the day! I issued a challenge for blog readers to see what you would make with a pair of my glass headpins. 5 were chosen for the challenge and you can find their links below. Here is what I made from my pair!I used my snowflower headpins to make a cute wintry pair of earrings. The beads are my ice sparkle lampwork beads, set off by two filigree bead caps.
I used opal blue swarovski crystals to complete the earring dangles, wrapped up the steel wire, and made sterling ear wires to finish them off! All in all, I really really like them! To see what everyone else made, follow their links below:

Kay Thomerson

Kristi Bowman

Courtney Breul

Kristi Jaro

Joanne Tinley

Thanks for playing, ladies!

Remember to use the coupon code craftshow15 in my SueBeads etsy store for 15% off your order plus free ear wires with the purchase of earring pairs until the end of the Virtual Craft Show!

2011-11-27T10:11:00.002-05:00

The Virtual Craft Show continues on Lori Anderson's blog! Today you can see me and what I have contributed to the giveaway!

7 Days, 70 Artists, GIVING AWAY 70 things.

Can you believe it????

Visit Day Two by clicking here!

Here's how you win:

For each of the 7 days of the show, you get a point for each of the following (you don't have to do all four)....

Commenting on her BLOG

Facebooking the page

Twittering the page

Blogging the page

***** Please note, the way you win is by doing all of this on Lori's BLOG, not mine or the other artists. Lori is coordinating the giveaways and will give us the name of who won the prize we donated!******

During the craft show, starting tomorrow, you can use coupon code CRAFTSHOW15 in my etsy store to take 15% off your order, PLUS a free pair of copper or brass ear wires will be included with ALL earring pairs beads purchased!

Lori Anderson's Virtual Craft Show - Find Me There!

2011-11-25T12:35:00.003-05:00

Lori Anderson is at it again! She is hosting her first "Virtual Craft Show" on her blog! And I'm a part of it!

7 Days, 70 Artists, GIVING AWAY 70 things.

Can you believe it????

Visit Day One by clicking here!

Here's how you win:

For each of the 7 days of the show, you get a point for each of the following (you don't have to do all four)....

Commenting on her BLOG

Facebooking the page

Twittering the page

Blogging the page

See her blog for details starting tomorrow (November 26th).

During the craft show, starting tomorrow, you can use coupon code CRAFTSHOW15 in my etsy store to take 15% off your order, PLUS a free pair of copper or brass ear wires will be included with ALL earring pairs beads purchased!

Ornament Hanger How-To

2011-11-24T07:00:00.003-05:00

Some of you may have seen ornament hangers and said, I can do that! Some of you may have seen them and said, How do I do that? This tutorial is for you. This is for a simple ornament hanger you can make all by yourself with a few tools and wire!

Tools:

Ruler
Wire Cutter
Round Nose Pliers
Wrap-N-Tap pliers (large)

Supplies:

18 gauge silver-filled or silver-plated wire

1. Start by flush cutting a 3" piece of wire with your wire cutters. Notice I used the ever-popular dinosaur ruler we got in a shoe-store many moons ago!

2. Using the round nose pliers, place your wire 1/3 of the way down the plier and make a loop. If you are making lots of hangers, you may want to use a sharpie to mark the place where you want to wrap the wire if you want them all uniform in size.

3. Finish the loop all the way.

4. Place the loop in the Wrap-N-Tap plier on the first round. If you want larger loops for your hanger, you should cut a larger piece of wire. Make sure the loop is secure in the plier and in the direction you want it to go!

5. Using your thumb, wrap the wire around the loop of the Wrap-N-Tap plier all the way. Remove it from the plier, and you will have a hook with a loop on one end at this point.

6. Using the bottom 1/3 of your round-nose pliers, make another loop, which will be bigger than the first loop.

7. Finish shaping if you need to. At this point, you can work harden with a mallet and bench block if you like. I prefer to tumble mine because in addition to hardening the silver, it makes it all nice and shiny!!!!

I hope you enjoyed this little tutorial!

And now for a surprise! Use coupon code Turkey in my SueBeads etsy store today (Thanksgiving Day) and Black Friday all day for free shipping! And watch for a great happening with Lori Anderson's blog on Saturday!!! Shopping and winning excitement for all!

Bead Update!

2011-11-23T12:45:00.002-05:00

I have some new beads in my etsy store, and will have more listed later as well! I will also be directing you later to the really cool event Lori Anderson is holding on her blog over the weekend.

Coral Rocks

2011-11-18T12:31:00.001-05:00

Just listed some coral type beads in my etsy store, made from coral glass and baking soda - they really look like coral! You can find them here!

Cool Beads!

2011-11-14T18:35:00.002-05:00

I am listing some cool beads in my etsy store tonight! The pixies are made from pixie dust and are much prettier in person! The rocks are actually glass and dipped in baking soda for a cool effect! Hope you like them - you can find them here!

New Headpins

2011-11-13T17:58:00.002-05:00

I made some new headpins the other day, I had a great time making them! You can find them in the SueBeads etsy store!

More Customer Work

2011-11-13T10:22:00.001-05:00

Dream Struck Designs

Adlinah, from Singapore, had purchased some of my enameled leaves and made these pretty earrings from them! I am jealous of her because she can travel to Tokyo and buy amazing Japanese beads! When I was there, I didn't have time, nor did I know where to find them, to buy beads - now I'm kicking myself because I'll probably never get there again! That's a little lesson - live life to the fullest every day! Do what you want! Take detours! Have fun!

Customer Work!

2011-11-11T11:15:00.005-05:00

This is a very long overdue post to highlight some of my wonderful customers and the work they do with my beads! Click on their names and you can visit their stores on etsy!

Kristin Turcone Kristin made these very cute earrings from my lampwork beads - she has a great store on etsy called SushiKo!

Courtney Breul She made this beautiful bracelet using one of my enameled filigree pieces as the connector; very creative!

Rosemarie Cowit

Rosemarie made these cute earrings with my lampwork beads; they are listed in her new etsy store!

Sally Russick

Sally made these beautiful earrings with my lampwork beads. She's an amazing artist and a very sweet person - I have had the pleasure to meet her in person!

Karon Dean

Karon used my lampwork beads to make these great earrings. She has the most colorful shop on etsy!

Lucky!

2011-11-06T07:00:00.002-05:00

I was feeling the love a couple weeks ago when I won not one, but two, giveaways! They both made my week because I have been having some not so great experiences lately and this reminded me you just have to wait, sometimes, for something better to happen!

First, I won Cindi Lavin's (Beading Arts) giveaway of some beautiful vintage beads! There are pearls, crystals and lucite in there! Can't wait to use them soon! She is also having a giveaway going on right now, so you might just want to hop over there and sign up!Then, imagine my delight when I found out that I won one of Gaea's sets of beads! I love her sets, and I love the colors I received! I had to get myself over to her web site, as well, and order a few things while I was there! And I forgot to order some lantern beads of hers, so I will have to go back!!!!!
Thank you so much, ladies, for picking me!

Holiday Earrings

2011-11-05T07:00:00.001-04:00

Do you like to wear holiday-themed items, but don't want to be waaaay obvious? I made these earrings and I think they fit the bill! I used two of my enameled filigrees in victorian red, and two of my ice sparkle mini beads. I made my own ear wires, too, and used two saucer beads on each one. I think they look pretty festive without being loud! If you happen to want a set of ice sparkle minis and red filigrees (4 beads total), let me know! I'll sell you a set for $10, and that includes shipping! What a deal!

Challenge Participants

2011-11-04T13:00:00.003-04:00

Here's who was picked to be the glass headpin challenge participants! Send me your address via email so I can get them out to you! I have a show tomorrow so I should be able to mail them on Monday! Thanks to everyone who wanted a chance to play - I'll do another challenge soon!

Andrew's October Challenge

2011-11-04T07:00:00.003-04:00

Andrew Thornton has a monthly challenge where you purchase a kit, with some special ingredients, and then on the appointed day reveal what you made with your kit! Today is the day! I have to say I am very happy to even have these done, because my head has been trying to get a full-on migraine for days...This is a necklace I made with his special skull bead and some really cool ball chain he sent with the kit! I decided the ball chain and skull needed to be kept separate and together; it's a great necklace and my daughter will be receiving it!
Then I made a bracelet with the three bigger beads he sent and the glass headpin that was in the kit! I used two types of chain and the gorgeous gorgeous little variety of seed beads he sent. I love them! I wish I could bead weave, they are such great little beads!
Then I made this pair of earrings with the pretty luxury beads he sent, and my own ear wires! These pieces came together easily for me, and I'm glad I got the pieces done!
Here are the other participants!

Rosemarie Cowit
Cilla Watkins
Christina Porter
Collette Collins
Mary Govaars
Cindy Cima Edwards
Jessica Nelson
Tara Linda
Alice Peterson
Lisa Lodge
Cece Cormier
Karin Slaton
Sandi Volpe-You are here
Kate Richbourg
Sue Kennedy
Michelle Mach
Shay Williams
Michelle Hardy
Andrew Thornton

Spacer Day

2011-11-03T10:53:00.003-04:00

A few days ago I wasn't having what I would call a highly successful bead day. And I had all these shorts laying around on my bench cluttering things up. So I decided to use my special Graceful Customs tool and make spacers, using up all the shorts. I made quite a few - 132 to be exact. They will be available in the SueBeads etsy store today because, well, sometimes you need spacers! The great thing about these spacers is, they will be available 12 for $10! A little bit of a break for you!

Challenge!

2011-10-31T11:58:00.004-04:00

I hope I am not confusing people - I am sending an acknowledgement to everyone who enters to let you know your name is in the running! But I will pick four people on Friday and let you know if you are picked for the challenge! Sorry if there's any confusion!

Ok, now that the big sale is over, it's time for a challenge! I'll pick four people on Friday (November 4th) to create something with a set of glass headpins like these!!!! Just leave a comment on this blog post if you want to play! We'll reveal our designs on November 28th (Monday after Thanksgiving)!!!!

Lori Anderson Makes Pretty Things!

2011-10-29T16:01:00.002-04:00

Did you happen to see what Lori Anderson made with my Frosted Filigree beads? She is just all sorts of talented, that woman! I'm lucky to be this month's Cup of Bead Soup sponsor and she does my beads all kinds of justice!

Winner!

2011-10-29T10:29:00.004-04:00

From the bowl of entrants, my sweetie Jason picked the name:

Congratulations, Kari - you win the giveaway. (Entrants were taken from blog comments and people who purchased in my shop during the sale). Thanks to everyone who entered, read my blog, became friends and purchased items in the Big Early Bird Sale! I appreciate each and every one of you! There are still some really great beads in my shop, so please continue to check back and see if you neeeeeed anything!

Just Listed!

2011-10-28T12:58:00.002-04:00

I just listed a bunch of beads in my etsy store, and you can still use EARLYBIRD15 to get 15% of your purchase, plus a free pair of earring wires if you purchase an earring pair!

Artisan Clay Fall Fashion Show

2011-10-28T07:26:00.003-04:00

Instead of creating a new piece this month, we (the Artisan Clay Design Team) are having a fashion show so you can see all the things that have been created using Kristie's wonderful pieces! Here are mine! You can see what other people have made with Kristie's pieces by going to her blog!

The Sale Goes On

2011-10-27T13:53:00.004-04:00

Remember, you can get 15% off in my SueBeads etsy store by using the coupon code EARLYBIRD15. You'll also get a free gift with any earring pair purchase - a pair of copper or brass handcrafted (by me!) ear wires! I'm adding more beads throughout the day so you'll have lots to choose from!

Leave a comment on this post for a chance to win a cool set of beads by me!

Free Gift with Purchase!

2011-10-25T20:02:00.002-04:00

From October 26-28, during our big Early Bird Designer Sale and Giveaway, if you purchase an "earring pair" of beads from my etsy store, you will receive a pair of either brass or copper ear wires free! Handmade by me! Just my way of saying thanks from coming to the sale and being a great person! They are hand-formed, and tumbled in a tumbler for shiny-ness and to get any rough edges off!

Enter on this post here to be eligible to win a bunch of beads from me, too!

Big Sale Eve!

2011-10-25T07:34:00.002-04:00

This amazing group of designers
specialize in handmade jewelry components and findings. Take advantage of our sale this

Wednesday - Friday
October 26-28
just in time for holiday shows & gift designs ~

You can still enter for the
HUGE Giveaway CLICK HERE

to enter and see all the wonderful pieces!

Each designer is offering a free gift with purchase & discount

this Wed-Fri ~ Many of these designers rarely offer sales ~ A great opportunity!
Don't miss it!

1. Melinda Orr	2. Kristi Bowman Design	3. MarlasMud	4. Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp	5. SueBeads
6. Starry Road Studio - ktotten	7. Artisan Accents by Staci Louise	8. Marsha Neal Studio	9. Regina Boger	10. Lisa Peters ART

Here are the artists, the sale and gifts they are offering:

Click on the pictures above to visit their stores!
Be sure to visit each of their blogs ~ We have some new additions so be sure to
FOLLOW AND COMMENT TO BE ENTERED TO WIN!

1. Melinda Orr Designs ~ 15% off entire store (Use coupon code EARLYBIRD15)

Free gift ~ a sampling of copper ear wires, rivets, textured charms and copper cleaning pad~
Visit her blog to comment to win

2. Kristi Bowman Designs ~ 15% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD15)

Also 15% off her Artfire store

Visit her blog to comment to win

3. Marla's Mud ~ 25% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD25)

Free gift ~ Goodie bag $20 with $50 purchase & goodie bag & free shipping over $75
Visit her blog to comment to win

4. SKYE JEWELS ~ 10% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD10)

Free Gift ~ surprise!
Visit her blog to comment to win

5. Sue Beads ~ 15% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD15)

Free Gift ~ Free pair of handcrafted ear wires in brass or copper with earring pairs
Visit her blog to comment to win

6. Starry Road Studio ~15% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD15)

Free Gift ~ Free ceramic charm for orders over $25
Visit her blog to comment to win

7. Staci Louise ~ 15% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD15)

Free Gift ~ surprise bead mix
Visit her blog to comment to win

8. Marsha Neal Studio ~ 20% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD20)

Special Gift ~ orders over $100 (after discount) receive a $15 gift certificate
Every item purchased during the sale gets you entered to win a $50 gift certificate

Extra $50 gift certificate to blog commentors ~

Visit her blog to comment to win

9. Fired Up Ladies ~ 25% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD25)

Free Gift ~ A surprise bead with your order

Special Gift ~ To the first 5 that spend over $50 an additional $20 gift certificate
Visit her blog to comment to win

10. Lisa Peters Art ~ 20% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD20)

Free Gift ~ Surprise bead or button with your order
Visit her blog to comment to win

Enamel Headpins

2011-10-23T09:24:00.003-04:00

I listed 8 more pairs of enamel headpins in my shop yesterday, you can find them in the SueBeads etsy store! Also, don't forget you can still get 10% off your order at my SueBeads web site because I still haven't finished the redesign on it!

Early Bird Gets the Discount!

2011-10-21T12:06:00.003-04:00

Here's a list of everyone who is participating in the big Early Bird Sale next week - October 26-28. Visit each artist to find out about discounts and giveaways, then join me at my etsy store SueBeads those days to enjoy 15% off your order with the discount code EARLYBIRD15!

Melinda Orr ~

Melinda Orr Designs http://orrtec.blogspot.com/2011/10/550-giveaway-and-huge-handmade-sale-you.html

Karen Totten ~

Starry Road Studio http://starryroadstudio.blogspot.com/2011/10/early-bird-sale-and-giveaway.html?showComment=1319109142782#c6399968900460787172

Kristi Bowman~ Gruel

Kristi Bowman Design http://dreamsomedesigns.blogspot.com/2011/10/sale-starts-today.html

Marla James ~

Marla's Mud Moments http://marlasmudmoments.blogspot.com/2011/10/please-join-in-our-huge-sale-and.html

Susan Kennedy ~

Sue Beads http://suebeads.blogspot.com/2011/10/this-is-big.html

Marie~Noel Voyer Cramp ~

Skye Jewels http://skyejewels.blogspot.com/2011/10/early-bird-designer-sale-and-giveaway.html

Staci Louise Klinger Smith ~

Staci Louise Originals and Artisan Accents http://stacilouise.blogspot.com/2011/10/huge-giveaway-and-group-sale.html

\\
Marsha Neal

Marsha Neal Studio http://marshanealstudio.blogspot.com/2011/10/early-bird-designer-sale-and-giveaway.html

This is Big!

2011-10-20T13:06:00.007-04:00

Join me and several other artists for a huge early bird sale event from October 26-28! Use coupon code EARLYBIRD15 in my SueBeads etsy store for 15% off your entire order! Plus anyone who orders an "earring pair" will receive as a bonus a pair of brass or copper ear wires made by me on the days of the discount! Please see Melinda Orr's blog - she's the wonderful host of this event - to see everyone who is participating.

Above you can see what I will be giving away - beads worth $70!!!!

Leave a comment on this post for your chance to win. Leave me another comment if you blog, facebook or tweet about the event for another chance to win (please link to this post - one entry per action)! Also if you purchase something from my store from now until the event, you will receive an entry to win! You have many many chances to win great prizes from some fabulous artists!

Enamel Head Pins

2011-10-19T20:21:00.002-04:00

I just listed 6 sets of enamel on copper headpins. I'll be cutting wire as I watch The Real World tonight (it's on tonight, right???) and then I'll be making some more sets tomorrow! You can find them in the SueBeads etsy store!

Skully Head Pins

2011-10-19T07:00:00.000-04:00

Another new toy, from Karen Leonardo of Leonardo Lampwork! I made some skully head pins, which will be listed in a set of 8. I see them as dangles from a cute bracelet, either Halloween, or Dia de los Muertos, or goth. I can make them in other colors, too, so if you want some, just let me know!

Pretty Things!

2011-10-18T14:05:00.002-04:00

Look what Lori Anderson of Pretty Things made with my Christmas beads! Aren't they so cute! You can find them in the SueBeads etsy store, or you can always ask if you need more!

Wooty Woot Woot!

2011-10-15T17:23:00.001-04:00

I got a new bead roller toy and had fun yesterday making these beads! See them in the SueBeads etsy store!

B'Sue Sari Ribbon Blog Hop

2011-10-14T07:00:00.000-04:00

Brenda Sue, of B'Sue Boutique, is hosting a blog hop today! We were to use sari ribbon to create a piece of jewelry. As usual, time got away from me and I left it to Thursday night to complete. However, sometimes that works for me. I used a really gorgeous handmade chain I had purchased quite a while ago from Lynn Davis and red and orange chalcedony faceted rondelles. The sari ribbon has red and orange colors in it and I think it goes pretty well! I had fun making this piece - don't know if I'll keep it this way or not. It's a little big for me (I have unusually small wrists!) and I think I might play with the design a little someday when time doesn't get away from me! Here's a list of all the other participants - check their blogs out, if you get a chance, to see what they made with sari ribbon!

Sari Ribbon Party Blog Hop

Vickie Wills http://www.jewelrybyvee.blogspot.com/

Susan Kennedy http://www.suebeads.blogspot.com ME!

Michelle Mach http://www.michellemach.com/blog/

Michelle Lee Hardy http://fireflyvisions.blogspot.com/

Ruth Crawford http://www.home-with-ruth.blogspot.com

Hilary Frye, FryeStyle http://fryestyle.blogspot.com/

Diana P. http://www.suburbangirlstudio.com

HOST: Brenda Sue Lansdowne, B'sue Boutiques http://www.bsueboutiques.typepad.com/

Elizabeth Owens-Dwy http://www.clarityofpurplesage.blogspot.com

Connie Rios-Relyea http://www.JewelsDesignsCreativeCorner.wordpress.com/

Jennifer Justman http://soulsfiredesigns.blogspot.com/

Deb Davis http://www.naturaltreasuresbydeb.blogspot.com

Beanzie http://www.thevintageheartcharmbracelets.com/the-vintage-heart-charm-b/

Cathie Carroll http://www.cathiecarroll.com/

Rosemary Cowit http://www.gemrosedesigns.blogspot.com/

Georgene Lockwood http://sylvanavintagedesigns.wordpress.com/

Cathy Buckley http://cathybuckleycatsmeow.blogspot.com

Harry Wood http://www.oscarcrow.blogspot.com

Sonya Stille http://dreaminofbeads.blogspot.com

Mary Deis http://mdeis.blogspot.com/

Heather Goldsmith http://asibeadit.blogspot.com/

Susan Rouleau http://mountainshadowstudio.blogspot.com

Terry Matusyk http://pinkchapeau.wordpress.com

Pam Chesbro http://afortunatesoul.blogspot.com/

Mary Shannon Hicks http://uptwnsh-fallingintothesky.blogspot.com/

Janice Everett http://JLynnJewels.blogspot.com

Davinia http://www.daviniadesign.com

Kristina Johansson, Maneki http://wildrosesandblackberries.blogspot.com

Kris Binsfeld http://www.cherishdesigns.wordpress.com

Mandy http://www.beadsforbrains.blogspot.com

Charlene http://thebeaddreamer.com/blog/

Catherine Jeltes http://www.galleryzooart.com

Jackie http://kydojewellery.blogspot.com/

Sharon Palac http://www.sharonsjewelrygarden.blogspot.com

Deb Beechy http://beetique56.blogspot.com/

Jean Yates http://prettykittydogmoonjewelry.blogspot.com/

Patrice Pfeiffer http://treeseatreasures.blogspot.com/

Dorcas Midkiff http://wondrousstrangedesigns.blogspot.com/

Lynn Perry Bennett http://designsbylynnea.blogspot.com

Linzi Alford http://www.magpieintheskyspoilheaptales.blogspot.com

Deb http://greenshoot.blogspot.com/

Cynthia Wainscott http://www.exoticperujewelry.blogspot.com

Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp http://skyejewels.blogspot.com

Alice Craddick http://alicesbeadsandbaubles.blogspot.com/

New Beads

2011-10-13T16:52:00.002-04:00

I listed some new beadies in the SueBeads etsy store - check them out!

My Girlie!

2011-10-10T15:36:00.001-04:00

She turned 16 this summer and got a car today - can only drive on permit right now but we're ready for February!

Leaf Earrings

2011-10-09T07:00:00.000-04:00

I just listed some more enameled leaf pairs in my SueBeads etsy store and thought I'd share a few ideas on what you can do with them. I made a bunch of earrings for my show and tried to mix up the colors to make some interesting pieces! I love how they turned out!

Lorelei/Shannon LIMA Beads Challenge

2011-10-08T07:00:00.000-04:00

Today is the reveal for the Lorelei and Shannon Bead Challenge! The idea was to purchase the kit from Lima Beads and make as many things as you could from the kit.
Here's my first attempt at a necklace using a majority of the parts. I have to say that I don't really like it - it's not really my style. Maybe it's the colors together - I don't know. I didn't disassemble it, but I will - I'm not sure what I will make but it has to be better than this!
The earrings, I like. I used some of my own ribbed spacer beads and they go pretty well! I would never have picked out the yellowish colored pearls but I like the color combo, and I had fun trying to perfect my briolette wire wrapping! This necklace, I like too - more my style, kind of a choker, and I love the chain!
Finally, this is another idea I am working on. I never worked with stick pearls like this before, and I like how they hang like fringe. I made a cool wire on the back of the flower beads so they hang nicely too, and I like the yellowish pearls with both colors. I may keep this one!

As you can see I didn't use the ribbon - to me it didn't really match with any of the beads. I know I can use it for something else, but I want to make some of my own beads to use it with, I think.

You can see what everyone else made by going to Lorelei's blog and checking out all the links! Have fun!

Who Did I Tick Off????

2011-10-07T16:46:00.003-04:00

I had a really interesting week this week. Last Friday, I was hit from behind by someone as I was going to my daughter's first production of the year at school - she's the stage manager for her school and this was the first time she was totally in charge! Still dealing with that. I "sold" (for lack of a better term) at the Delmont Apple 'N Arts Festival last weekend. It rained the entire time. The mud was 5 inches thick. They closed early on Saturday. I never opened on Sunday. I sold nothing...all that preparation I did and money I spent and now I have a pile of muddy stuff to put away. Yesterday I got a migraine and still have the migraine hangover today. Glad this week is past me.

I made several sets of these cute pumpkin earrings for the show, but if I don't disassemble them for the beads or sell the earrings pretty soon, they will go to waste! So, I am offering anyone who wants them a special price of $18 for a pair of pumpkin earrings with my own lampwork beads and my own handmade ear wires! I would normally charge $22 for them at the show, so you are getting a bit of a deal! If you want a pair, let me know. I have 6 available! I can send you a paypal invoice - free shipping too!

Earring Swap

2011-10-05T08:00:00.006-04:00

Earrings I sent to Pam

Earrings Pam sent to me!

Diana, from Suburban Girl Beads, decided that she didn't have enough things to do with moving into a new house, so she hosted an art bead earring swap! My partner was Pam Ferrari! This is her blog and this is her etsy store! We are both glass bead makers and live on totally opposite sides of the country. I made a couple pairs of earrings but eventually decided on the ones in the photo to send to her. I made the lampwork beads and the ear wires, and the headpins are from Rocki's Supplies on etsy.

Pam made these beads herself, too! I love that I can wear them with many things - my go to color is always black so these are perfect! Thanks Pam! Check out everyone else's blog to see what they made!

The Host: Diana Ptaszynski http://www.suburbangirlstudio.com

Jenny Davies Reazor http://www.jdaviesreazor.com/

Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp http://www.skyejewels.blogspot.com

Lisa Petrillo http://www.lucidmoonstudio.com

Patty Chaban Gasparino http://www.mylifeunderthebus.typepad.com

Susan Kennedy http://www.suebeads.blogspot.com

Shannon Chomanczuk http://www.formysweetdaughter.blogspot.com

Cilla Watkins http://www.tellyourgirlfriends.com

Diane Hawkey http://www.dianehawkey.blogspot.com

Pam Ferrari http://www.ferrarioriginalsyahoocom.blogspot.com

Lori Bowring Michaud http://www.artfullyornamental.blogspot.com

Stacey M. Curry http://www.starhitchedwagon.blogspot.com

Linda Landig http://www.lindasbeadblog.com

Norma Turvey http://www.moonlitfantaseas.blogspot.com

Melinda Orr http://www.orrtec.blogspot.com

Holly Westfall http://www.silverrosedesigns.blogspot.com

Rosemarie Cowit http://www.gemrosedesigns.blogspot.com

Staci L. Smith http://www.stacilouise.blogspot.com

Sarah Elder http://www.mysocalledjunkylife.blogspot.com

Holiday Beads Are Here!

2011-10-04T18:48:00.001-04:00

In the SueBeads etsy store!

Art Bead Scene October Challenge

2011-10-04T13:32:00.003-04:00

Well, I might be able to handle this one! Take a look at the Art Bead Scene Blog for details!

COUPON CODE!

2011-10-01T18:52:00.002-04:00

Please use coupon code GET25 in my SueBeads etsy store until Monday morning for 25% off your purchase until I recover from the Delmont Apple N Arts Festival!!!!!

Artisan Clay Design Team Reveal

2011-09-30T08:00:00.001-04:00

It's already the last Friday in September (can you believe it????), and today is the Artisan Clay Design Team reveal day! Kristie Roeder sends us a pretty piece of prettyness each month and we make something with it and show you! I am really excited about my piece this month!I chose this beautiful dark teal button. While I was at ArtBLISS, Ms. Jen and I discussed how we hadn't made any bracelets with our pieces from Kristie, so I was determined to do that this time. I immediately thought of chain as connector. I used brass chain I had and attached it to itself with some small jump rings.
I made ribbed round beads in dark teal Bullseye glass that match really well with the button! I patinated some bronze wire with my new Lenk torch and used it to wire wrap the beads and pretty brass filigree bead caps.
I will probably change the clasp, but I don't have another one at the moment, and don't have the appropriate gauge to make one out of bronze. This bracelet is meant to fit close to the wrist, so that the button is the showpiece! I was really excited to make a bracelet this month, and hope you like it too! I was also really excited that I finished it on Wednesday evening instead of late Thursday night!!!! Woot!

Check out Kristie's blog for a list of the other partners and see what they made this month!

Etsy Shop SALE!!!!

2011-09-28T13:17:00.003-04:00

Some of you may know that I am currently freaking out about my big show at the Delmont Apple 'N Arts Festival this weekend! They are expecting between 40-60k people and I do not feel ready! So, I would like to offer you a sale in my etsy shop! Use the coupon code GET25 and you will get 25% off anything in the store until Monday, October 3, as long as you don't mind that I mail it on Monday instead of immediately!

My headpins were very popular at my trunk show at ArtBLISS, so I will be adding more to the shop next week. If you have any color wishes, please let me know!!!

ArtBLISS Charm Swap!

2011-09-27T08:00:00.002-04:00

I mentioned in my previous post that on the Saturday of ArtBLISS, 14 of us got together to do a charm swap! The theme was simply Art Bliss. Your interpretation of art and bliss, basically! Below you can see photos of all the charms. Anne Savage organized the swap and, in addition to making a charm, she also gave us a charm bracelet with an ArtBLISS charm on it, to put all our charms! She is so generous! Her husband was even there taking classes - how great is that?1st row - Laura Twiford, Jen Velasquez, Julie Jones
2nd row - Beth, Leslie Brier, Lori Burek
3rd row - Sandy Volpe, Anne Savage, Susan Kennedy
4th row- Melissa Meman, Sally Russick, Dawn Gallop
5th row - Jenny Davies-Reazor, Elizabeth Auld, Charm Bracelet

We had a great time, sharing pizza for lunch. Jenn Velasquez taught us all how to make paper boxes, which was a lot of fun! Thanks to Anne, Elizabeth and Jen for making it a great charm swap!

ArtBLISS Weekend!

2011-09-26T14:27:00.004-04:00

Well, first I have to say I had an awesome weekend all around! My boyfriend Jason and I left on Friday afternoon and drove down to Ashburn for the ArtBLISS weekend. On our way, we stopped in Luckett's and bought a few cool things at that quirky store on the corner! We had a great lunch with a couple beers thrown in! We went to the Meet-and-Greet and had a great time there too! I finally met in person my bud Jenn Judd Velasquez! I also met Elizabeth Auld, who is amazingly nice! I saw too many people to mention, but a few were Lori Anderson, Kerry Bogert, Anne Savage, Melissa Meman, Sally Russick, Laura Twiford, Dawn Gallop, Jenny Davies-Reazor, and many others, and of course, Jeanette Ryan and Cindy Wimmer! It was really great and I highly encourage you to go next year if you possibly can! If you have any class ideas, Jeanette and Cindy would love to hear about them! Now, on to the eye candy!

The first class I took on Saturday morning was with Deryn Mentock - it was called Balance Bronze Bangles. We learned many things, but for me some was new because I an not a wire-worker - I'm trying to get there! I learned how to make these bangles and the point is to balance them by adding charms on the opposite side of your focal piece so you can see your jewelry as you wear it. I did not bring many beads because I had no idea what I was going to do, so I was a bit limited. However, I do like my first creation, and the photo on the bottom left of this mosaic shows my second piece in it's beginning stages - I need to add the dangles to balance the piece out. This piece will have a lot of meaning to me as I purchased the heart bead in Venice a very long time ago and was just waiting for something to use it in!

I also have to say that my seatmate was Jen Judd Velasquez and that woman is just a blast! I am so glad I know her - she is wonderfully funny and generous! Plus, we went to a Vietnamese pho restaurant for dinner and she introduced me to my new obsession - I had never been to a pho restaurant before so I am now going to have to seek them out!

My second class, on Saturday night, was with Diane Cook and it was called Heart Strings. It was a lovely class and I had a lot of fun just sitting and being able to figure things out with no distractions of kids or life or phone...you know! And, she told me my little book turned out PERFECT! High praise from Diane! She's such a lovely person! This little book has a lot of meaning to me - my little quote is a message to my sweetie Jason!
My third and last class, on Sunday morning, was with Christine Damm and it was called Whimsical Blooms. I have to start out by saying that Christine is so enthusiastic about her work, it really rubs off on you! I had a blast - I had never worked with polymer clay before but had wanted to. I felt like a kid playing with textures and colors and clay! It was a blast. This piece is not drilled yet, but each section of the piece has lots of meaning to me! The first section was textured with a sea urchin that I found in the Cayman Islands, one of my favorite places! the second section was textured with one of my glass tools by Karen Leonardo. The third section was textured by a bead. Each and every piece has a part of my life in it, which is why I love it so much!
At the end of the night on Saturday, two of us had trunk shows in our room. Jenny Davies-Reazor was selling her gorgeous ceramic components and this is what I bought. I am also grateful to everyone who purchased beads from me - I am having having a very tough time financially this year and it really helped me out! More about that later, maybe!
In addition to all this craziness, we had a charm swap during lunch on Saturday. Anne Savage organized the swap and gave us all a very pretty keepsake bracelet to hang our charms on. Elizabeth Auld arranged for pizza to be delivered for lunch so we didn't have to all go out on a search for food! I will show you the charms tomorrow in a new post!

My sweetie Jason and I had a very nice ride home, with another stop in Luckett's and perfect weather! He visited with a college friend on Saturday night in Chesapeake and had a very great time himself!

Thanks for reading this very long post - I hope that my enthusiasm for the weekend has made you feel like you want to attend next year's ArtBLISS!

ArtBLISS - Here I Come!

2011-09-23T10:26:00.001-04:00

Hi Everyone! My shop is closed for the weekend (Sep. 23-25) because I am going to ArtBLISS! I will open back up on Monday! Have a great weekend!

Thank you All!

2011-09-20T13:24:00.003-04:00

I'm up to number 21 on the list- going slow but I'll do it! I have to go back to making jewelry for my show, so I'll stop back and read blogs before bed!

Thank you all for the wonderful comments on my bead soup! I have barely started looking because I am crazy busy getting ready for ArtBLISS this coming weekend and the Delmont Apple N Arts festival the next weekend, my first really really really big show! But I have read each and every comment and appreciate each and every one! And, I am going to make it to everyone's blog too, it's just going to be slow because I am freaking out right now! Hope you all understand!

Bead Soup Blog Party!

2011-09-17T00:04:00.001-04:00

Today is the day of the big Bead Soup Blog Party reveal! Lori Anderson, the wonderful host of this event, reported that there are 362 participants this year! That's a lot of blogs to look at. I will try my best to get to each and every one, but it may take weeks!

My partner was Laura Zeiner from Stick Lizard Designs. She has a lot of talent, that girl. If you recall in my previous post, she sent me these beads:

And this is what I made:

I love love love the focal she sent me. It's gorgeous! The lack of sun here in Pittsburgh does nothing for this rock! The colors and crystals are beautiful! I had no idea what to do with it, though, and I pondered for quite a while. I decided to make links with 18 gauge copper wire and think I did an ok job at it. I'm sure there are some better ways to do this, and I'd love to hear about them. I'm just really starting to get into the world of wire and so my skills aren't that great.

In any event, I made some beady links with some of my lampwork beads that went perfectly with the color combo, and incorporated most of the beads she sent me into this necklace. The only beads I didn't use were the purple pearls, because the holes went sideways through the bead and I wasn't quite sure what to do with them. Now that I think about it longer, the pearls would dangle on the end of a chain on the earrings. I will probably add that this weekend!

The earrings were fairly easy for me to come up with, so I started on them first. I used copper, but the ear wires are sterling. I used my own lampwork beads. The little keys are so cute, I love them!

I hope you enjoyed seeing what I made from Laura's components. If you do have any suggestions for me, I would love to hear them, because I'm not sure I'm all that thrilled with the necklace. The gorgeous stone deserves to have all the attention on it, but I think something more is needed to complete the look, I just can't figure it out!

Now, it's time to take a look at what everyone else made with their Bead Soup. The list below will take you there!

The Hostess, Lori Anderson and her partner, Manuela Wutschke

1. Aimee Wheaton and Barbara York
2. Alice Craddick and Sandra Richardson
3. Alison Sachs and Amy Severino
4. Allison Scott and Cynthia Abner
5. Amanda Cargill Austin and Charlene Sevier
6. Amanda Davie and Patsy Evins
7. Amber Dawn and Kim Ballor
8. Ambra Gostoli and Christine Hansen
9. Amy Freelandand Christine Altmiller
10. Ana Krepel-Novak and Eleanor Snare

11. Andrea Morici and Hope Smitherman
12. Andrea Trank and Jayne Capps
13. Andrea Turini and Charlene Jacka
14. Angela May and Emanda Johnson
15. Anitra Gordy and Elizabeth Owens Dwy
16. Ann Rishell and Debbie Price
17. Ann Sherwood and Lynne Bowland
18. Anna Lear and Barbe Saint John
19. Anna Sabina and Erin Siegel
19. Nan Emmett and Erin Siegel
20. Astrid Boyce and Birgitta Lejonklou

21. B.R. Kuhlman and Deanna Chase
22. Barbara Bechtel and Bryna Lumb
23. Barbara Blaszczyk and DaviniaDesign
24. Barbara Judy and Holly Westfall
25. Barbara Lewis and Cathie Carroll
26. Barrie Edwards and Lyn Foley
27. Becky Fairclough and Jana Tarhala
28. Bella Borgouise and Gillian Lehman
29. Beth and Evie McCord and Erin Prais-Hintz
30. Beth Bricker and Heather Pyle

31. Beth Emery and Cassie Donlen
32. Bobbie Rafferty and Cindy Cima Edwards
33. Candice McGinnis and Sally Anderson
34. Carol Bradley and Cece Cormier
35. Cathy Khoury and Molly Alexander
36. Carol Tannahill and Hilary Frye
37. Carrie Tahquechi and Cris Peacock
38. Cat Pruitt and Cindy Gimbrone
39. Charlene Gary and Doris Stumpf
40. Charlotte Pevny and Kate Gardenghi

41. Cherrie Fickand Cathie Carroll
41. Claire Maunsell and Cherrie Fick
42. Cheryl Roe and Jenny Vidberg
43. Chris White and Norma Turvey
44. Christa Murphyand Kathy Alderfer
45. Christie Murrow and Dana James
46. Christina Miles and Collette Collins
47. Christine Brandel and Elizabeth Woodford
48. Christine Damm and Cynthia Deis
49. Christine Hendrickson and Debbie Goering
50. Christine Stonefield and Dee Wingrove-Smith

51. Cilla Watkins and Johanna Rhodes
52. Cindy Wimmer and Riki Schumacher
53. CJ Baushka and Cory Celaya
54. Courtney Breul and Joanna Matuszczyk
55. Cristi Clothier and Kathleen Robinson Young
56. Cryss Thain and Serena Trent
57. Cynthia Tucker and Kitty Durmaj
58. Dana Johnson Jones and Eva Sherman
59. Davinia Algeri and Janet McDonald
60. Deci Worland and Lara Lutrick

61. Diana Ptaszynski and Kristy Abner
62. Diane Cook and Kerry Bogert
63. Diane Hawkey and Jen Judd Velasquez
64. Dorcas Midkiff and Jill Harris
65. Doris Radlicki and Heather Goldsmith
66. Dot Lewallen and Gaea Cannaday
67. Elisabeth Auld and Jennifer Justman
68. Erin Fickert-Rowland and Geanina Grigore
69. Erin Grant and Julie Jones
70. Eszter Czibulyas and Helena Fritz

71. Fiona Christie and Michelle Heim
72. Gail Zwang and Genea Crivello-Knable
73. Geneva Collins and Jana Haag
74. Gretchen Nation and Heidi Post
75. Heather DeSimone and Karin Slaton
76. Heather Marley and Terry Carter
77. Ingrid McCue and Jennifer Pride
78. Jackie Ryan and Nicole Keller
79. Janna Harttgen and Joanne Tinley
80. Jean Yates and Lori Anderson

81. Jelveh Jaferian and Jenny Davies-Reazor
82. Jenni Connolly and Jennifer Heynen
83. Jennifer Cameron and Kristi Bowman
84. Jennifer Geldard and Lisa Liddy
85. Jennifer VanBenschoten and Kim Hora
86. Jess Italia Lincoln and Lori Greenberg
87. Jill MacKay and Lori Bergmann
88. JJ Jacobs and Karen Tremblay
89. Joyce Becker and Kathy Welsh
90. Judy Glende and Karen Sinkowski

91. Judy Riley and Kelly Morgan
92. JuLee Wolfe and Julie Bean
93. Julianna Cannon and Julianna Kis
94. Julie Nordine and Lesley Watt
95. K. Hutchinson and Shea Zukowski
96. Karen Firnberg and Karyn Bonfiglio
97. Karen Williams and Kimberly Roberts
98. Karen Zanco and Polly Barker
99. Kari Carrigan and Laura Twiford
100. Karin von Hoeren and Laura Blanck

101. Kate Richbourg and Lorelei Eurto
102. Kathleen Lange Klik and Maria Clark
103. Kathy Engstrom and Keri Lee Sereika
104. Kay Thomerson and Loretta Carstensen
105. Kelley Fogle and Laurel Bielec
106. Kelly Ramstack and Sally Anderson
107. Kim Stevens and Tiffany Long
108. Kristi Harrison and Mandy Williamson
109. Kristi Kyle and Lana Kinney
110. Kristina Johansson and Sue Hodgkinson

111. Kym Hunter and Laura Sanger
112. Laura Zeiner and Susan Kennedy
113. Laurel Stevenand Mary McGraw
114. Laurie Hanna and Lisa Boucher
115. Lesley Weir and Liz DeLuca
116. Linda Djokic and Tracey Weiser
117. Linda Inhelder and Pam Brisse
118. Linda Landig and Lori Dorrington
119. Linda Murphy and Lisa Hamilton
119. Line Labrecque and Marianne Baxter
120. Lisa Lodge and Monica Johnson

121. Lois Moon and Melissa Muir
122. Lola Surwillo and Therese Frank
123. Lori Bowring Michaud and Marci Brooks
124. Lupe Meter and Norma Agron
125. Maggie Towne and Marge Beebe
126. Malin de Koning and Susie Hibdon
127. Mallory Hoffman and Shirley Moore
128. Marcie Abney and Patty Miller
129. Marcy Lamberson and Melissa Clarke
130. Margot Potter and Suzann Sladcik Wilson

131. Maria Grimes and Wendy Blum
132. Maria Horvath and Melinda Orr
133. Maria Rosa Sharrow and Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp
134. Marian Hertzog and Melissa Mesara
135. Marianna Boylan and Sandi Lee James
136. Marina Dobrynina and Michaela Pabeschitz
137. Marsha Neal and Miri Agassi
138. Mary Ellen Parker and Melissa Meman
139. Mary Elliott and Tamara Soper
140. Mary Hicks and Laurel Steven

141. Melissa Pynn and Michelle Buettner
142. Michelle Hardy and Niki Meiners
143. Michelle Mach and Moira McEvoy
144. Missy Rappaportand Mags Sarri
145. Molly Alexander and Poranna
146. Mylene Hillam and Nicole Rennell
147. Nadezhda Parfyonova and Stacey Curry
148. Nan Emmett and Nancy Peterson
149. Nancy Boylan and Natalie McKenna
150. Natalie Monkivitch and Niky Sayers

151. Natasha Lutes and Pam Ferrari
152. Noemi Baena and Penny Ilagan
153. Pamela Petry and Rebecca Sirevaag
154. Pat Haightand MaryShannon Hicks
155. Patty Gasparino and Vonna Maslanka
156. Penny Neville and Sandi Volpe
157. Pepita Bos and Wendy Chamberlain
158. Raida Disbrow and Rebecca Watkins
159. Rebecca Anderson and Sabrina Staub
160. Regina Santerre and Rose Binoya

161. Rhea Freitag and Tari Kahrs
162. Rochelle Brisson and Teri Baskett
163. Sally Russick and Tracy Bell
164. Sandra McGriff and Shay Williams
165. Sandra Wolberg and Sara Hardin
166. Sarah Elder and Salla Small
167. Saskia Kaffenberger and Sharon Gardner
168. Sharon Palac and Shannon Chomanczuk
169. Shay Stone and Suzette Bentley
170. Shiraz Biggie and Tammy Powley

171. Staci Smithand Tracy Stillman
172. Stacie Stamper and Tracy Martin
173. Stefanie Teufel and Vicky Taylor
174. Stephanie Dixon and Stephanie LaRosa
175. Stephanie Haussler and Valerie Norton
176. Suzanne Tate and Terri Wlaschin
177. Sweet Freedom Designs and Tammy Jones
178. Tania Spivey and Tari Sasser
179. Tara Plote and Terry Matuszyk
180. Terri Gauthier and Deana Hager
181. Theresa Fosdick and Tracey Nanstad

Just Listed!

2011-09-16T13:34:00.002-04:00

I just listed some beads and headpins in the SueBeads etsy store! Check them out! I'm headed to the Zoo Brew tonight, a fundraiser for the Pittsburgh Zoo. Gonna taste a lot of indie brews - should be fun! I'll take photos and share the fun over the weekend! Remember, tomorrow is the Bead Soup Blog Hop too!

Allegory Gallery

2011-09-16T10:57:00.002-04:00

Last night, Jason and I took a drive up to beautiful Ligonier, PA, to visit with Andrew Thornton on the opening of his new shop, Allegory Gallery! Andrew has a great space with lots of light and a little courtyard! He did such a great job painting and designing the space with some beautiful pieces of furniture. He hit a few speed bumps along the way, and a deer on Thursday night, but he was the picture of calm and graciousness! I'm so very happy for him and can't wait to visit his shop for classes and all the beautiful beady things I know he is going to stock it with! Good luck to you Andrew!

Chinook Jewelry Blog Partner Reveal!

2011-09-15T07:00:00.000-04:00

I was lucky enough to be picked my Melissa, of Chinook Jewelry, to be a blog partner for this month! Melissa sent me two items - the round floral disc and the beautiful two-toned butterfly! When I got them, I knew they would probably be dangles on bracelets, and I knew I wanted to include my own lampwork beads in the designs. I sat and waited until they all spoke to me for a bit, and then inspiration hit!

In the first photo, you see her beautiful round floral disc. I used some gorgeous stones I got in a bead swap, and my own lampwork beads. I accented the stones with very small sterling saucer beads. I accented my lampwork beads with some brass filigree beads. The clasp is in a swirl pattern, which matches the swirls on the ceramic disc. I really love how this one turned out- I don't use pink tones too often, but I love how the darker colors of the stones and brass really brings everything together!

In the second photo, you see her beautiful butterfly! Again, I wanted to use my own lampwork, so I made some more of the beads that I have had available in my etsy store. I used some pretty filigree antiqued copper bead caps, and some antiqued copper chain, all of which I think brings out the beauty in the contrasting colors in the butterfly. The clasp is simple so as not to take away from the butterfly or the lampwork beads.

I really had fun creating these pieces with Melissa's pieces and hope I get a chance to do this again! Visit her online store to find some wonderful pieces for yourself!

More Leaves

2011-09-12T14:15:00.002-04:00

I enameled a pile more leaves last night! Some I did in solid colors. However, these aren't just your run-of-the-mill solid colors. These are customized-dipped-three-times-in-different-colors-for-different-effects solid colors! They will show up in my SueBeads etsy store later on today or tonight - I have to take a dinner break with my friend Beth first!

It's That Time!

2011-09-09T08:00:00.000-04:00

Leaves - in the SueBeads etsy store now!

Customer Work - Sushi4Me!!!!

2011-09-08T08:00:00.001-04:00

A very cute customer with a cute store name, Kristen Turcone sent me a photo of a pair of earrings she made with my beads! I love how she used the matching green wire to wrap the beads! Check out her store!

Island Pleasures Customer Work

2011-09-07T12:59:00.002-04:00

I have a friend, Kris, who lives on Long Beach Island. She makes the prettiest beachy jewelry and sells it at the shop where she works! Her pieces are so lovely, I can understand why they sell so well - people take home a beautiful memory of their vacations! You can find her at Island Pleasures on etsy. Here are some of her creations using my beads!

Earring Exchange and ArtBLISS

2011-09-05T15:21:00.003-04:00

Hi! After quite the busy weekend, I am back and trying once again to get into the swing of things. Monday holidays are hard - it delays the start of school and just really throws me off! Two things I wanted to mention to you!

Diana Ptaszynski, of Suburban Girl Studio, is hosting an art bead Earring Exchange! If you're interested, hop on over to her blog for the requirements! I'm in!

Also, have you heard about ArtBLISS? It's a cool conference for us jewelry/beady type peeps run by Jeanette Blix and Cindy Wimmer in the Dulles area. I went last year and had a fantastic time! I'm going again this year, and would love to see you there! If you visit the web site and feel that this is a cool opportunity for you to learn some new techniques, when you sign up, tell them I sent you!