Bead Peeps Swap Reveal

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It's A Long, Long Time from February to May...whoops, that's not how the song goes...ok, I know, you're not surprised to find a blog that's been quiet for a while until TODAY!!!  Yes, folks, it's time for the 2016 Bead Peeps Bead Swap REVEAL!  Welcome - I hope you enjoy discovering what I created to share even just a bit as much as I enjoyed working with my swap "goodies."

First, a reminder, I received this wonderful assortment of goodies from Maria Rose Sharrow of  Willow Street Shops.

The requirements of the swap are that you send at least one focal and at least one clasp which are to be used in the final designs.  As you can see, Rosa  was very generous, providing me with lovely soldered and bezeled focals (which she makes herself!!), two clasps, and a great variety of "supportive players" (game talk for lots of fun beads!).

My first designs came together out of the "necessity" to have some new jewelry for the Easter holiday, and I knew that Rosa's yellow flower pendant would be perfect.  I used some of the yellow and blue vintage beads as part of the necklace chain and added my own blue chrysocolla rounds and amazonite nuggets along with the sterling silver toggle clasp from the swap.

The matching earrings with more chrysocolla beads and amazonite use the textured silver links from the swap.

After thinking that I had an early start in preparing for today's reveal, I, naturally, procrastinated on any more work...until, yes, just a few days ago (some things never change).  But once I settled on using another one of Rosa's unique focals - this time the soldered pendant with a butterfly wing - things quickly fell into place.  The swap included brilliant teal glass rounds which highlighted the wing's color along with added chrysocolla rounds, turquoise rounds and accents of freshwater pearls in coral and white.

For the matching earrings I used gorgeous turquoise drops from the swap along with the accent freshwater pearls.

Finally, I used more of the swap's teal rounds in a memory wire triple wrap bracelet that features the same turquoise rounds and freshwater pearls as the necklace along with a variety of gemstone chips and sterling silver rounds.

My muse decided that the lovely darker pieces of the swap will need to wait for cooler weather, I think!  I just could not get focused with those pretties, but I know I will love working with them this fall!  Thanks, Rosa - I had a great time!

Here is the swap that I mailed to Rosa.

I'm excited to see what she has created.  You can join me by heading to Rosa's blog here Willow Street Shops.  And of course, please enjoy browsing all of the participating blogs and see what I know will be incredible, beautiful jewelry!  Happy Hopping!

Linda Anderson (our hostess) http://fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com 

Natalie Davidson http://www.northshoredays.com/

Marcy Lamberson http://www.studiomarcy.blogspot.com 

Kathy Lindemer http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/

Dita Basu Http://www.alankarshilpa.blogspot.com 

Andrea Glick http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/

Kristina Peck http://tealeavesandtinyhats.blogspot.com/ 

Shai Williams http://www.shaihasramblings.com/

Catherine La Vite http://www.drygulchbeadsandjewelry.blogspot.com/ 

Christina Hickman http://vintagetreasuresjewelry.blogspot.com/

Gloria Allen http://wingsandbeads.blogspot.com 

Teresa Schurter http://treezstreazurs.com/

Maria Rosa Sharrow http://willowstreetshops.blogspot.com 

Susan Kelly http://mimismilesdesigns.blogspot.com

Jenny Kyrlach http://anafiassa.blogspot.com/ 

Michelle McCarthy http://www.fireflydesignstudio.blogspot.com

  

Terry Jeanette Carter http://tappingflamingo.blogspot.com 

Lee Koopman http://stregajewellry.wordpress.com

Laurie Vyselaar https://lefthandjewelry.wordpress.com 

Marianne Baxter http://simplyseablimejewelry.blogspot.com

Divya N http://www.jewelsofsayuri.com 

Kelly Hosford Patterson http://travelingsideshow.blogspot.com/

Johana Nunez http://www.artincendi.com 

Kari Asbury http://hippiechickjewelrydesign.com/blog

Robin Reed http://www.willowdragon.blogspot.com 

Kristina Hahn Eleniak http://www.peacockandlime.wordpress.com

Robin Lynne Showstack http://heartsdesiresjewelryforyou.blogspot.com/ 

Rosantia Petkova http://bairozan.blogspot.com/

Claire Fabian http://saraccino.blogspot.de/ 

Inge von Roos https://ingetraud.wordpress.com

Rachel Mallis http://mintmonarch.com 

Sam Waghron http://palemooncreation.blogspot.co.uk

Lori Schneider http://beadaddicted.blogspot.com 

Fay Wolfenden http://torchfairy.blogspot.com

SEEDERS

Suse Stelljes http://pearlify.blogspot.de 

Ginger Bishop http://www.lilmummylikes.blogspot.com

Nelly May http://www.smellynelly.blogspot.com 

Rebecca White http://morganafeycreations.121hub.com/

Sheila Prosterman http://catswithbeads.blogspot.com 

Catherine King http://catherines-musings.blogspot.com

Palak (aka Pallavi Asher)http://kalaabhushan.blogspot.in/ 

Krafty Max http://kraftymax.net

Renetha Stanziano http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com/ 

Becky Pancake http://beckypancakebeaddesigns.blogspot.com

Katy Heider http://onthepondcreations.blogspot.com/ 

Deborah Apodaca http://deborahapodacadesigns.blogspot.com/

Heather Richter http://desertjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/ 

Tami Norris https://tamisdesigns.wordpress.com

Brandy Scozzari http://bhjewelry.wordpress.com 

Catherine King http://catherines-musings.blogspot.com

Kathleen Breeding https://www.facebook.com/99BOBOTW/ 

Veralynne Malone http://veradesigns.blogspot.com

Bobbie Rafferty http://beadsong.blogspot.com 

Lori Blanchard http://alainnjewelry.wordpress.com

Time for an Introduction

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I'm very excited to have signed up for another "swap and hop" - getting a "surprise" package of beads and things from a partner (to whom you have also sent an assortment of beads, etc.) and then designing a piece...or two...or...

This is the Bead Peeps 2nd Annual Swap and Hop, hosted by Linda Anderson of From the Bead Board.  My partner for this swap is Rosa Sharrow, a talented designer, and I'm thrilled to be receiving some of her own work in my goody stash!  You can read more about Rosa here at Willow Street Shops.

In order to introduce Rosa to more of me and my designs, I've got an overview here of my past projects and current favorites.  I hope it helps Rosa in planning her surprise for me and that you enjoy it as well.

My first bead hop was the incredible (500+ participants from all over the world) Bead Soup Blog Party, created and hosted by Lori Anderson of Pretty Things.  This is the necklace I created for that hop in 2013.

I also participated in Lori's 8th Bead Soup Blog Party in 2014, creating the necklace and bracelet below as well as two more pairs of earrings and another bracelet.  It was a very full soup!!

 

Lori also hosted a Bead Hoarders Blog Hop (hoarding beads? me???) which I did in December of 2014 - this bracelet was perfect for the holidays!

I also participated and had great fun with the 2014 Octoberfest Blog Hop, hosted by Toltec of Toltec Jewels.

Taking a peek at some more recent creations, here is my favorite piece currently in my Etsy shop.

Mother of Pearl Bracelet

And my favorite "to be listed next" piece are these sterling wrapped smoky quartz earrings.

Follow this blog to get updates on our Bead Peeps Blog Hop - see what I send Rosa (well, a clue or two perhaps) and what goodies I get from her to create with, and be sure to stop by on May 15th for the big reveal from me, Rosa, and all our participants - good stuff!

Wearing Red?

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Got your red on?  In case you didn't know, today is National Wear Red Day in the "Go Red for Women" healthy heart campaign by the American Heart Association.  Yes, I'm wearing red, and I'm also sharing some favorite "reds" that I've found today -- enjoy!

A beautiful infinity scarf that is full of not just red, but of wonderful other colors in its details from EasyStreets on Etsy.

This fun but warm-looking "newsboy" cap from ActingCrazy on Artfire - a brilliant warm red.

Sooo adorable -- love, love this red, "red riding hood" sweater from WildernessSerenity on Etsy.

And this is perfect for holding a much needed shawl in place this winter! Beautiful! From 2GoodClaymates on Artfire.

Finally, I'm glad to finally get something new and RED listed in the Etsy shop.  It's perfect for you if you're crazy for polka dots!

I hope you're joining me in wearing red and encourage others to get on board.  February is "Go Red for Women" month so you've got plenty of opportunities to "celebrate red" as you promote healthy hearts for women!

CYBER MONDAY

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I don't know about you, but my email inbox has been exploding all weekend with Cyber Monday announcements.  And, yes, I have taken advantage of a few offers to get our holiday shopping wrapped up.

I'm getting in on the fun as well by offering FREE SHIPPING at both shops - SignatureSterling at Artfire and SignatureSterling at Etsy all day today - even on custom orders.  Just put "CYBER" in "Notes to Seller" or "Notes from Buyer" when you go through the checkout process, and I will refund your shipping costs back to you through PayPal - easypeasy!

And, speaking of custom orders....TOMORROW is the last day to get those custom orders placed for holiday delivery!  So, if you've been thinking about any of the following - now's the time!

"Grandma's Gems" has been a favorite this year - and not just for "Grandma's" (or "Mimi's) :).  I have daughters ordering these for their moms - wonderful gift!  You can also find this in the Etsy shop here.

Be sure to look at the other "Heirlooms to Order" available as custom orders in both the Artfire and Etsy shops.  Another popular bracelet is the "Morgan's Heirloom" - a "Grow With Me" bracelet.

If you're a Buckeye fan or know one, you know this is a very big year for us!  And you'll want to check out the Scarlet and Gray section in the Etsy shop and Buckeye Nation at Artfire.  Some of the items are custom orders so be sure to check those out by tomorrow for holiday delivery.  Save 10% on the Buckeye Nation Set (earrings, bracelet, and necklace) - a special gift for that real Buckeye lady!

So, enjoy those emails, surfing those sales, and drop by for a peek - happy shopping!

Friday Feature - Me!

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Still waiting on some more artisans/bloggers who might like a spot here -- if you're interested, just follow this blog as a GFC (right hand column) and I'll be in touch.  Also, if you know of anyone who might like the opportunity to have their work or blog "highlighted," be sure to pass this information on.  Meanwhile, today's feature is me!

Explain the story behind your store or trade name.

My shop names are SignatureSterling.  That came from my own leanings toward sterling silver jewelry, and because of that, when I first began my journey in designing and creating jewelry, a dedication to the quality of working with sterling.  The "signature" part grew out of my first pieces generally being more custom in nature - the "Scarlet and Gray" series for Buckeye fans, the "Heirlooms to Order" series ("Mama's Gems," "Morgan's Heirloom," Grandma's Gems"), the "Hope Bracelet") and also stressed my intention for my jewelry to be unique - but "for everyday...for every occasion."

Explain how and why, if applicable, your work has changed in the last 5 years.

I think my earlier work was "safe," more traditional - not that there's anything wrong with classic - there's still room in my shop for that.  But, I believe I've moved into more playful, perhaps even more "signature" designs over the last few years.  I've signed up for some online classes in wire-working and am looking forward to learning more about that area.

What and/or who influences your work?  What and/or who motivates you in your work?  How do you find your muse?

My early influences and motivation came from some extremely talented artisans who were team members with me on Etsy - Vicki Potter of OrionDesigns, Donna Mayer of  Ctbydonna, Robin of BeadNestDesigns, Lee of FivetonineDesign, Ainse of Beajoux, Brenda Smith of  Brenda's Jewellry Box, Patty Woodland of BrokenTeepeeDesigns, Kristy of ShinyAdornments, and Marcy Lamberson of StudioMarcy.  Some of us even met almost weekly at one point for an online chat with the purpose of focusing on our work but usually sharing our lives with each other over virtual and real glasses of wine.  I will always cherish those conversations and those ladies - they helped to really guide and motivate me.

Finding my muse can sometimes be a struggle - she likes to go into hiding (or rather I let myself get distracted and let her run off somewhere).  But I can usually draw her back if I just make myself take the time to "play with the beads" as I call it -- that was my first initial thrill when I made my first pair of earrings with a dear friend at a bead shop in Toronto almost seven years ago - "playing with the beads," all the colors, the textures, the patterns - it was like I was a kid again.  I was never an artist when it came to drawing, but with the beads, I feel like I've got a chance to let the artist inside me come out.

 What do you enjoy most about your work?

Well, besides the "playing with the beads" part, lol - I really enjoy my repeat customers - knowing that they've connected with my work in a way that brings them back again.

What is your favorite piece in your shop right now?  Why?

Since I'm doing this feature on myself, I'm going to cheat and pick 2 - one from each shop. :)

First, from the Artfire shop -- "Diving In"  Earrings   I love the teal blue color with just a hint of that green that is "in" this season.  Perfect for this spring and summer.

 

 And from the Etsy shop --  "Night and Day" Earrings   Showing there is still room for the classic in my shops, I love the look of snowflake obsidian rounds here.

You can find me on:

Artfire at SignatureSterling
Etsy at SignatureSterling
Email at signaturesterling@gmail.com
Facebook at www.facebook.com/SignatureSterling
Pinterest at Mimi3Smiles
Twitter at Mimi_Three

Friday Feature - Orion Designs

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I am SOO excited about today's feature artist, Vicki Potter, of Orion Designs, as she is one of my "oldest" (as in longest) virtual beading pals.  I took the very beginnings of my jewelry designing to the internet market via Etsy in June of 2007 and "met" Vicki through one of the Etsy teams soon thereafter - besides being an incredible artisan, I've found her to be a supportive and inspiring friend during challenging times and one of those internet friends I would really like to meet in person some day :)  Welcome, Vicki!

Explain the story behind your shop name.

I selected the name Orion Designs because that constellation seems to follow me wherever I go.

Explain how and why your work has changed in the last  years.

My jewelry style has changed much in the past 5 years. I used to focus on bead earrings and strung necklaces. Now I work primarily with gemstone briolettes and sterling silver wire.

What influences your work?  What motivates you?  How do you find your muse?

I’m influenced by the beauty of the gemstones that find their way into my collection. Freshwater pearls are an item I use a lot as well. I am motivated by their natural beauty. My muse? Well, she comes and goes.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I love working at my own pace in my own space.

What is your favorite piece in your shop right now and why?

This labradorite necklace features a large slab and some pearls woven in a manner I had never done prior to making the necklace:

Vicki's work can be found in local shops and juried art shows if you are in nearby....Alaska! For the rest of us, aren't we lucky to know that her beautiful jewelry is just a click away in her Etsy shop, Vickiorion.  You can also learn more about Vicki and her adorable dog, Jet, by following her blog, Orion Designs and "liking" her page on Facebook, Orion Designs.

Remember, "Friday Feature," is a highlight available to artisans/bloggers who follow this blog - just become a "GFC" (Google Friend Connect - in the right hand column) and I'll forward you the information.  If you know of someone you might like to be featured, let them know about this opportunity!    

Have a great weekend, everyone!  I got some new beads in the mail this week - hope to find some time to exercise the muse myself :)