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Sunday, April 28, 2013

BEAD SOUP PARTY THIRD REVEAL FAVES!!

If you have come to see my Bead Soup Jewelry reveal just click on the picture above.
 
 
Firstly, I had an unofficial contest for my own jewelry to find the most popular piece that I created. My "Spring" bangle bracelet is the winner! Here it is:
 


 
I finally visited all the blogs and websites that had jewelry reveals in this third session. Wow! There were soooo many beautiful pieces. Some pictures could not be copied so I had to leave some wonderful jewelry out of this list.
I hope you enjoyed my picks.  All the jewelry was fantastic! Thank you for coming. Which one is your favorite??

KATHY STEMKE

 
 
 
 

Friday, April 26, 2013

WELCOME TO THE BEAD SOUP PARTY'S THIRD REVEAL!

Thanks for coming. Please let me know your favorite in the comments.

I'm a retired teacher and antiques dealer turned writer and now NEWBIE jewelry designer. I have three children's books published and have written hundreds of articles. I started creating jewelry by repurposing antique drawer handles and vintage enamel broaches like these below.


Jean Yates told me about Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Party and a whole new world opened up. My partner, Lauren Potts sent all sorts of beautiful handmade beads, silk scraps, and wonderful accessories in my bead soup.

 I began to explore. First I made a copper bracelet with the purple lampwork beads, copper clasp and silk scrap. I had all sorts of problems but I managed to put this bracelet together by wrapping the wire around the silk. Sorry for the poor photo. I discovered that I need a better camera for photographing jewelry!

 
Next I made a necklace using the Russian amazonite and riverstone round beads, champagne colored pearls and the hand-dyed silk that my partner did herself. As you can see I need to learn better jewelry making techniques but I do love the shape of the necklace. Don't you love that handmade focal? I had trouble with fraying silk so I coated it with a paste. Any other suggestions??
 
Next, I made a flower out of the beige silk Lauren sent and sewed it onto two bangle bracelets I had made. I copper-colored some flowers and added tiger eye beads from my stash as well as some turquoise accent beads.
I think this bracelet says, "Spring," with all its flowers. The focal reminds me of a nest of bird eggs??
 
I like this next necklace the best. I used the gorgeous druzy agate focal and an assortment of beads that mt partner sent. It's my first attempt at a wrap. I need practice. I also learned and used alcohol inks to age the copper.
With the extra week we had, I made one more necklace. I used a piece of filigree to create a focal with the vintage glass beads, smokey quartz and miscellaneous filigree that Lauren sent me.
 
Here's the full necklace. I really like this one too. So how did I do with my first Bead Soup? I learned sooooo  much. I also made many new friends. Now I have to work on my technique. I have so much to learn!!!

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Third Bead Soup Reveal Is Postponed Until April 27th!

Lori Anderson is doing a fantastic job on her 7th Bead Soup Party but has run into some physical problems. The third reveal where I'll be revealing my jewelry will be April 27th. PLEASE come back!! Since I'm a newbie designer, I'd really like some feedback on my designs. I'm trying to learn!! While you're here take a look at my favorite designs in reveal I and reveal II.
Have a great day!
kathy

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Bead Soup Party: My Second Reveal Favs!

WOW! There were sooooo many beautiful designs in the second reveal. I loved EVERYONE'S designs. I spent the day blog hopping. I left comments on all the designers that revealed their jewels. Here are just a few of my favorites. Not all my photos worked out so I had to leave some beauties out of this list.





 








 
 

Be sure to come back next Saturday, April 20th, for my jewelry reveal! I will also post my favorites for the third reveal on Sunday, April 21st.