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!!!

I Love My Bead Soup!!

My bean soup arrived today. I tenderly opened the package with excitement and a little trepidation. You see, I'm a newbie. There were six packets of beads, silk scraps, focal points and clasps. In addition, there was a vintage rhinestone necklace and a key watch! I was so pleased. thank you, Lauren Potts. Here's a photo of the lot.

Lauran included a note with each bead etc. named. That taught me a lot. Here are some close ups.

These are riverstone round beads and a  lampwork focal bead that is exquisite!

 

This is a hand dyed silk scrap, Russian amonazite rounds and genuine pearl beads.

This photo shows antique brass filigree pieces, vintage green glass beads and a druzzy agate pendant.


I love natural stones. Actually, the other side of the agate is even prettier!









Here's the vintage rhinestone necklace and the watch key.

Hand dyed purple silk wrap and a set of lampwork beads to die for.

 

I can't wait to jump into these projects. My creative juices  are flowing.

 

Once Lauren gets her soup, I'll put up a picture of what I sent her. I don't want to spoil the surprise. I did my beginner best on her soup. I hope she likes it.