Bead Soup

Sometimes you just have to dive in

and deal with the worries and "what ifs" later. 

I don't remember where I first learned about the Bead Soup Blog Party (Pretty Things - Bead Soup Blog Party), but it sounded like a LOT of fun!  But as soon as I  made up my mind to sign up, the old fears started to march back in.

 (You've just started to create jewelry this year-you don't have enough experience; you've seen the work of some of the artists from previous years and their work is amazing; just sit back and watch this year and see how it goes for next year...) 

After a couple of days really searching myself to see if I was ready to put myself out there for the world to see, I realized that waiting never produces results and I signed up.

My partner contacted me as soon as we found out who we had been paired with and sent me the most amazing collection of natural jewelry components I have ever seen!

 

My jewelry will be international because I have pieces from New Zealand and Cuba!

This huge focal piece is paua and is from New Zealand.  I am going to use some of the beading techniques I have learned this summer to make a necklace that will allow this piece to take center stage.

These chips are also paua and each has a tiny hole drilled near the top.  I am still trying to come up with a design that makes the best use of these amazing colors.

Better picture of the intricate detail on each of these chips. 

This amazing clasp is what I am using on the necklace...but I think it's too pretty to be covered up by my hair so it might find its way to the front in my design.

These pieces of sea glass are from the shores of Cuba and are just so pretty.  The shapes are different from what I find in New Jersey and they will be fun to work with.

Sea glass comes in many shades of each color and these three pieces of green sea glass from my Bead Soup partner are a great example.  

The first reveal for the Bead Soup Blog Party is July 28 and you can see my designs (as well as about 100 other artists) that day.