Happy Birthday U.S.A.

Celebrate Independence, Eat BBQ, Thank a Soldier, Watch Fireworks, Be Safe & Sane

Happy Independence Day
May Freedom Ring

It's Almost Time For My First-Ever Giveaway!!!

It's hard to believe that there are actually 45 people out in the world, most of whom I have never met, that read my blog, not to mention the countless others that find themselves here from (according to my stats) ALL OVER THE WORLD.  It boggles the mind, I tell you.  What would really excite me, however, would be 50 followers.  It would, as is said, make my day, but not in the Clint Eastwood way, in the jump around with glee kind of way.  In fact, I have a little basket on the dresser in my bedroom/studio (ha, really, I sleep there every, single night -- it's my bedroom, but, I create my beads, jewelry and cards in the same space) that I have been adding little somethings to for weeks, just waiting for that day to come.  I really want to give these little pressies away, so, if you're reading this, become a follower, make my day, and leave me a comment.  I will leave this open until July 15 (a day that I am looking forward to for oh so many reasons:  Harry Potter 7.2, my first paycheck that includes my newly improved pay rate and I am going to see my lovely niece that I haven't seen for 6 months) at which time I will randomly pick a winner from my (hopefully 50) followers to send the gifties to.  Thank you all so much for being my bloggie friends, it makes my day!

A Generous Soul -- Andrew Thornton

Andrew Thornton of Green Girl Studios is an amazingly generous soul...  He hosts giveaways on his blog every Thursday of the most magical sort.  This week it's a massive collection from his recent trip to Bead & Button.

Take a hop over to his blog, follow it, you won't be sorry and enter for a chance to win all of this beady goodness.

Fairy Tale/Spring Blog Hop -- Bead Soup Blog Party Light

Lori Anderson has done it again!  This time with fewer players and a theme.  The swap theme was "Fairy Tales/Spring" and the only requirement was that we design a piece and post for today's blog hop.  Imagine my delight to discover that my partner was our hostess herself.  I don't know what thrilled me more, receiving beads that Lori had selected or the opportunity to have her design a piece using my beads.  I sent Lori a selection of my polymer and some accents, but you will have to visit Lori's blog to see what she created.  Lori sent me a wonderful selection of playful resin, flowers, charms and crystals along with two lovely lampworked beads.  The minute I opened the package I saw this:

Right here should be a picture of the beautiful charm
bracelet that I made with Lori's beads.  Unfortunately, I had camera
problems on Friday and asked my son to take pictures
for me early Saturday morning.  Much to my dismay, while
cooking, he sliced his palm, which led to the hospital and stitches
and life got in the way...  Life sometimes gets in the way of art...
Stay tuned (Please!).

I know that you are excited to see what everybody created, I'm sure everything will be amazing.  Without further ado, here are our swappers:

Lori Anderson, Pretty Things

Rebecca Anderson, Song Beads

Courtney Breul,  Beads by Breul

Loretta Carstensen, Designs by Loretta

Evelyn Hall, Dragon Lady Evelyn

Sandy Richardson, Sandy's Coloring Box 

Dana James, Dana's Jewelry Design

Tara Plote, Newbie Beader

Christine Brandel, A Hot Piece of Glass

Lisa Sittniewski, Alterityart

Joanne Matuszczyk, Filcowe

Jenni Connolly, Jenni Bead

Geneva Collins, Torque Bead

Elizabeth Auld, Beads for Busy Gals

Sally Russick, Wireworked

Mary McGraw, MK's Creative Musings

Norma Turvey, Moonlit Fantaseas

Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found

Stephanie Haussler, Pixybug Designs

Shai Williams, Shai's Ramblings

Joanna Rhodes, Fire Phoenix Creations

Sweet Addy Designs

Valerie Norton, Hot Fused Glass

Anybody can join the Bead Soup Party.  Visit the group at Bead Soup Blog Party and join the fun!