Ingredients and Inspiration

My bead soup ingredients arrived on my doorstep late last week.  I kept them to myself for a couple of days, but really, how fair is that?  Take a look at the wonderful lampwork that Marianna sent my way.  And that pendant, it's ceramic and amazing.  She also included a three-strand (!) clasp, a cute little pewter birdy, a wonderful silver connector and some lovely glass, crystal, stones and pearls.  My photography skills leave a bit to be desired, but I'm working on that and will be much improved (or will have my son take the pictures) in time for the big party on the 17th. 

The minute I saw these lovelies, a design idea started brewing in my head.  A design much more intricate and involved than any I'd made before.  That's the beauty of this party, to stretch our limits and get us thinking outside of our little creative boxes.  For me, this party will do just that.  Inspire me to stretch my design wings.

Speaking of inspiration, I'm sure all of you are familiar with Lisa Crone, author of "A Bead in Time" and one of my favorite blogs, A Bead A Day.  Lisa and I emailed back and forth about me being a featured designer on her blog.  The mere idea of being featured on one of my favorite blogs is a dream come true.  Well, go over here, to see my dream become reality.  Leave a comment for a chance to win, too.  Thank you so much, Lisa for the honor of being featured.  I'm thrilled.

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!

Andrew Thornton's Thursday Giveaway

Can you imagine calling all of these beautiful beads and components your own?  It's easier than you think.  Hope on over to dear Andrew Thornton's blog and they can be yours -- it's just as simple as leaving a comment on this post.  When will I host a giveaway?  When I reach 30 followers, I will give away 30 of my polymer clay beads to one lucky reader.  Tell your friends, become a follower -- it will be fun!  Have a blessed day.