THE GIFT OF FRIENDSHIP

It was raining yesterday here in southern Oregon, again. The mailman came and went and I decided to wait until a break in the rain to go out and collect the contents of our mailbox.

Later....piles of catalogs, a few bills and a Priority Mail box from Michigan. Ahhh, the few wonderful poly pieces I had just purchased from RachelesOriginals for my own work. And another surprise package!

Rachele and I are good friends. We are also partners in managing The Beadweaving Emporium market which we founded at 1000 Markets. We are also team members together at Etsy BeadWeavers . I have always admired the exquisite work this woman does. And now I am the proud owner of this very generous gift; one of Rachele's magnificient creations!!! More thank yous, Rachele ~ so very much!

See Rachele's creations at:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/RachelesOriginals

http://www.rachelesoriginals.blogspot.com

http://www.1000markets.com/users/rachelesoriginals

PRODUCT REVIEW CORNER

This product review seemed to come right on the heels of the last one but the timing was wonderful, as far as I'm concerned! With Valentine's Day right around the corner, look at this beauty that I choose to work with.

As you all know, every few months I am privileged to write a product review for Artbeads, a Washington-based full scale bead company. As the artist, I am asked to choose my product, free of charge, from a list of potential items, and give my readers an honest review.

I mused over several ways I could work with this great lampwork glass heart and found, in the end, that all it really sung out for was an elegant, simple Herringbone necklace to show case the pendant. Anything else would have detracted from the centerpiece.

Company: Artbeads (Artbeads.com)
Product: #1839959 JC-HTRED
Description: Red sparkle swirl dichoic heart pendant
Measurements: 50 X 30 mm,
Material: Glass
Place of Origin: USA

I invite you also to check out Artbeads and their fabulous sweepstake offers:
http://www.facebook.com/artbeads#/artbeads?v=app_28134323652

The eye-catching detail and craftsmanship of this artisan dichroic pendant makes it a perfect focal piece for your jewelry designs, not just holiday time. Each bead is handcrafted in the USA. There are no sharp edges and colors are accurate and intense. Their quality is indisputable ~ at least, this is my own opinion.

Disclosure: #1811995 LMP-0054, Hot pink and purple free style Kalera Beads, were kindly provided free-of-charge by Artbeads.com, within the frames of Artbeads.com blogging program. The author of this blog has not received any payment from above-mentioned company. The post above represents only personal opinion of the blog author.

"WORKSHOP IN THE BARN" ~ Kirkland, WA

Beverly Ash Gilbert is one of those extraordinarily talented spirits that lights up the room before she even enters - she shared some of her many talents with a handful of us "hungry" beaders during a weeklong workshop that she held in her barn in Kirkland, Washington. After my own year of challenges with 4 hand reconstruction surgeries and a mountain of physical therapy, I was so ready to indulge myself with the pleasure of spending a week with other "like enthusiasts" who spoke the same "Bead Language" that I did. It was far more than I ever anticipated and the memories continue to linger on, and on,...already thinking and planning next year's reunion.

Beverly travels and teaches as well ~ if you ever get the chance to fit one of her classes into your life, I encourage you to make it a priority. See her traveling schedule at: http://www.beverlygilbert.blogspot.com. She is the creator and author of "Eye for Color"; a unique collection of interchangeable templates and color wheel system and a "must-have" for any beader.

She is the creator of "Bead Soup", (with the assistance from one of her sons) a unique, broad blend of colors, textures, and sizes of beads and gems neatly packaged in a see-through plastic box. It is a feast for the eyes and they are inspirations for the soul. You can find them on her website: .http://www.gilbertdesigns.net/beadmixes.html. I invite you to take a look and drool!

Tomorrow I will introduce you to the eclectic group of beaders who I spent the workshop week with; talent from all corners of the world: literally. See you tomorrow.

These hand-painted Russian pendants are absolutely top-quality; really divine! A great deal of craftmanship goes into each unique and intricate design. Made in limited qualtities, these little gems are sure to become a highly sought-after product. Worth every penny, these hand-painted Russian pendants are real treasures. Get them at ArtBeads.

I used this scrumptous Deco-Art piece (which I absolutely adore) in this freeform beadweaving. It is a 30X40mm rectangle black onyx ; the painting is extremely detailed with a high polish finish.Find this product (AB-CHL1) at: http://www.artbeads.com/russian-artist-pendants.html. They have many more exclusive pieces to choose from. See all products at http://www.artbeads.com/. Don't miss them!

"HERE COMES THE BRIDE"; EBW Challenge

The VOTING has begun at the Etsy BeadWeavers team, the challenge theme is "Here Comes the Bride" These friendly & fun challenges are beneficial to our market for several reasons. They are a great way to increase our beadweaving skills, inspire us in a new and unexpected ways, and give us the opportunity to showcase our works. I ask that you please take the time to review the challenge pieces and vote for your favorite at: http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com.

The voting polls will be open from July 9th through July 15th, 2009.

"NEW HORIZONS" Challenge

The VOTING has begun at the Beadweaving Emporium Market, for our first challenge themed "New Horizons" These friendly & fun challenges are beneficial to our market for several reasons. They are a great way to increase our beadweaving skills, inspire us in a new and unexpected ways, and give us the opportunity to showcase our works. We ask that you please take the time to review the challenge pieces and then go to our offsite Beadweaving Emporium Blog at http://www.thebeadweavingemporium.blogspot.com to vote for your favorite.

The voting polls will be open from July 9th through July 15th, 2009.

The participants are as follows:

1. Sandfibers with You are my sunshine
2. Njema with New Horizons Bowl
3. Slavetobeads with Green Earth the New Horizon
4. Beadazzled of Oregon with A New Horizon; Sunrise
5. Three Fates Design with Rising Sun-New Horizon Necklace
6. Rachele's Originals with A New Horizon Barrette
7. Enchanted Beads with New Horizons Wedding Necklace
8. Beadsforever with Night Vision Necklace

Thanks again for your support!!

RED, WHITE and BEADWEAVING SALE-e-BRATION!

A 4th Firecracker SALE!

BLOG ANNOUNCEMENT:

Many of the shops that are members of The Beadweaving Emporium (BEM) market at 1000 Markets - Beadazzled of Oregon is one of those - have teamed together and are planning a fantastic 4th of July SHOPPER-TUNITY SALE in their shops. Items on sale will be designated by their SALE-A-BRATION badge; some shops will have selected items and others may have every item in their shop on sale.

Participating beadweaving shops will be:

1. Cigarboxbeads..................Marilyn

2. Beadsforever........................Linda

3. Nossubgallery.........................Ana

4. Mytreasures.........................Tanya

5. Enchantedbeads.................Ileana

6. Pvener...............................Patricia

7. Conlinscreations.............Amanda

8. BeadazzledofOregon.............Dini

9. RachelesOriginals...........Rachele

10. Littlestonedesign..............Cheryl

111. Hannahrachel..................Hannah

Be sure to check out each and every designated shop for outstanding handmade items and generous sale prices! Look for the SALE-e-BRATION badge in the participating shops for their SALE ITEMS.

Below is your own invitation to join us at BEM anytime the first week of July in our own Independence Celebration. Use scissors to cut out this reminder ~ Shop right here at home!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RED, WHITE and BEADWEAVING SALE-e-BRATION!

DATES: July 1 through July 8th, 2009

WHERE: http://www.1000markets.com/groups/bem

WHAT: unique and creative beadwoven art

HINT: shop early for the holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and more!

EBW JUNE CHALLENGE: "HUMOR"

Etsy BeadWeavers' June Challenge: "Humor"

Length: 27" Pendant: 4.5" wide

This is my current entry in the Etsy Beadweaver's June Monthly Beadweaving Challenge. The subject of the challenge is: "HUMOR". Beadazzled is a proud member of this international creative, beadweaving group.

While recovering from recent hand surgeries, when I wasn't able to actually bead, I made the wire mesh chicken pen and attached this fabulous hand-blown glass lampwork chicken pendant. I tossed it into my "unfinished" basket. When this challenge subject was presented, my mind went right to that piece ~ and I decided this unique beadwoven necklace just had to be Mexican! Pizazzy in all the primary colors, this necklace is a OOAK (one-of-a-kind) piece that will encircle your neck comfortably and turn all heads with a wonderful chuckle. And we can all use more laughs, can't we?

The entries for the challenge are in and you are in for a real treat! Twenty Etsy Beadweavers have the talent and took the time to create these exciting and humorous challenge pieces! Please take the time to visit each entry and read their story about how their piece relates to the theme "Humor.

Using tiny little beads with a needle and thread and incredible patience, EBW bring these selections to you to vote and choose your favourite.You can click on the item in the text list below the mosaic which links to the Etsy Shop listing of each entrant where you will see more detail of each piece! Cast your vote, June 9th thru the 15th!

1. Adios Pollo - BeadazzledofOregon

2. HOUSE for RENT with Garden View - enchantedbeads

3. Jolly Jester - ArtfulAr

4. WEED Necklace - HauteIceBeadwork

5. Riot of Color Sparkly Rope Necklace - roseworksjewelry

6. Curly Black Rock Bacelet - SpringColors

7. inside jokes - thebeadedlily

8. Clown Fish Join the Carnival - beadsandblooms

9. Where's Waldo - Oops... I Mean Where's Lizard - fashionsfrome

10. Tartan Scottie Dog beaded cuff - Crownrosegems

11. Gone Fishing---Cat and fish bracelet - vanishingpearl

12. HERE'S LOOKIN' AT YOU Blown Glass Eye Pendant Set - caraway

13. Curiosity killed the Toilet Paper - LiciaBeads

14. Where Is My UFO - binkaminka

15. NOT My Mother - PfordCustomJewelry

16. Money doesn't grow on trees Necklace - CieloDesign

17. Harlequin - Free Form Beaded Cuff - ThreeFatesDesign

18. Punch-Line Bracelet - FrancescasFancy

19. Pond Frog Bracelet - savoystudio

20. Harlequin - jmackgems

Voting begins on Tuesday June 9th and ends midnight June 15th. You can show your appreciation for the efforts of these EBW artists by taking on the difficult task of voting for your favorite. Again, the individual pieces are listed below the mosaic on our EBW blog site below where you can visit each entry for more information by following the link. Thank you, enjoy and be sure to vote! Many thanks to Ann of Francesca's Fancy for creating a beautiful mosaic of the Challenge pieces.

VOTE @: http://www.http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/

NOTE: Double click on photo for close-up view.

THE EXCITEMENT HEIGHTHENS....

My good friend, LOUISA MEECE (Beaded Extravagance) has recently entered one of her fabulous beadweaving neck creations in the Fire Mountain Gems and Beads annual conpetition and just this week she was notified that her "gem" has been accepted into the second judging.

"I finally heard from FMG! Martian Queen's Necklace has been accepted into the second round of judging. Now I have to pack her up and ship her out your way. I'm a little nervous about that seeing as it is my most expensive piece but I'll be sure to insure it. It's just that it's not replaceable and I'd hate to lose it! It was one of those necklaces that I didn't like in the beginning but I went with my gut and finished her off and fell in love! I've decided that I'm going to make a cuff and a pair of earrings to match and sell them as a set- if I can. I've found that when I make a set with a very expensive necklace customers are willing to buy the less expensive parts of the set... I guess to have a part of it or something.

P.S. Well, I'm off to research Locks of Love. I made a drastic change yesterday and had 16 inches of my hair cut off! My husband isn't too happy with my decision, but I just had to get rid of all that hair! My daughter says I look like a 'young mom' now! LOL! It feels so much cooler and healthier!"

You GO GIRL! We are all so behind you ~ wish we could all vote for that fabulous piece!

See Louisa's crreations at: http://www.beadedextravagance.etsy.com.




NOTE: Double click on photo for close-up view.

Included In: MY SHOPPING CONNECTION

FROM MY BEADING BOARD:

Aghhh, challenges, challenges! It seems like it has taken me eons to complete this scrumptous lion.

Try beading without the use of your thumb ~ what I found was that there was no way I could create a tension in my work.

Sometimes, during one's advanced years, there is a certain stubborness that surfaces....

See below....

MR. "BAD HAIR DAY"

from our

"ZOO COLLECTION"

I've been working on this old fella for a little while now. The wonderful lion head comes from Amee of "Amee Runs With Scissors".

(www.ameerunswithscissors.com)

Leo has been on my beadboard recently - I worked on him while my arm and hand was still in a cast (after 4 reconstruciton surgeries) and when the cast came off and the pins out, I worked on it with a traction hand brace. He helped me keep my sanity through my rehabilitation!

We've become good friends ~ this guy will live in my private collection.

But, I do have 2 more unspoken for lions (green and coral) and they are asking for a good home; I will make them up as custom orders in your special colors and length - just contact the Zoo Manager: di42ni@msn.com.

Beadweaver's April Challenge Entry: VOTING TIME!

"SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW"

LENGTH: 45" inches - a lariat style

COLORS: Every color in the rainbow

DOUBLE-CLICK: Always double click on all the thumbnail photos for a close-up, detailed view.

This necklace has been created specifically for entry in the Etsy Beadweaver's (EBW) April Beadweaving Challenge. The subject of the challenge is: "Time Machine".

"Time Machine:" Close your eyes and wander back in your mind....Have you ever gazed at that gorgeous clear rainbow just after the rain and when the sun comes out? As a child, I used to wonder oh so much if there really was a pot of gold at the end ~ it was a temptation to start walking towards one end of that rainbow to see what I could find yet I was scared if I found nothing, I'd be so disappointed.

Well, if you look closely at this "tempting" necklace, you will see for yourself......This necklace is a OOAK (one-of-a-kind) piece that you can wear in a myriad of ways and is sure to start a conversation at any gathering.

EBW BLOG SITE: I encourage you to visit our team blog at http://www.etsy.beadweavers.blogspot.com. to see all the member's entries.

VOTE: Between April 9 and 15th, you will be able to vote for your favorite entry at the above web site. YOU CAN ALSO do a search for the tags "EBWC" to see the entries the members have listed so far.

NOTE: Double click on photo for close-up view.

What's On My Beading Board Today?

He's just wonderful!!
I was browsing the web one day, came across "Amee Runs With Scissors". OK, now if you came across that as a name for a shop, wouldn't you check it out? Of course, so I did. Amee does some fabulous multi-media work but this old gal fell absolutely in love with her lions.




Alas, I couldn't locate an actual outlet shop for her so I contacted her and asked if she ever made these fellas for sale. Well, no, she hadn't...so I pleaded (and I'm really good at that) and Amee agreed, making me 4 lions with the most fabulous, individual personalities you ever saw. I couldn't wait to get started on one...but other work got in the way. Finally last night I poured the accompanying beads onto my beadboard and began.

Follow this guy as we proceed together to a finished piece. I'm thinking he needs to be called "It's A Bad Hair Day". What do you think?

Find Amee at: http://www.ameerunswithscissors.com/home



NOTE: Double click on photo for close-up view.

A DEAR CUSTOMER'S CUSTOM REPORT

This custom necklace I made for a dear friend of mine in Mesa, AZ. Donna is one of those people who wears jewelry like a model (or is it queen?). She has commented on the responses she gets from admirers about how the neckpiece looks like it is part of the top she is wearing - it drapes easily and gently around the neck, as a loose-choker style. Donna wears lots of beiges, blacks and browns so you can imagine the mileage this necklace gets; yahoo!

We'll be working on another custom piece for her soon - I'm just waiting for her color selection. Here are a few more close-ups of the beadweaving. It's such a joy to make special items for special people that you have a relationship with!! ThankX for these photos, Donna! Wear in the spirit of good health and harmony, my friend. Sending lovies...

Green with Envy: My Etsy Beadweaver's March Challenge Entry

"Green with Envy"

Length: 14.5" from the closure or 37 cm

Colors: Greens and yellows

DOUBLE CLICK: Be sure to double-click on the thumbnail photos for a close-up, detailed look at this piece.

This necklace has been created specifically for entry in the Etsy Beadweaver's (EBWC) March Beadweaving Challenge. The subject of the challenge is: "Temptations" which openes up a vast array of possibilities! I am a member of this creative, beadweaving group.

First, I choose greens which remind me of the month of March, with St. Patty's Day, and the onset of spring around the corner. New growth,rebirth, green. Green with envy... This necklace is a OOAK (one of a kind) piece that will encircle your neck comfortably and is sure to start a conversation at any gathering. I used a wonderful handmade ceramic pendant and beadsculptured to compliment the colors. Included is a wonderful array of lampwork glass works.

I will blog about all the entries for this month's challenge by March 9th which is the deadline for entries and the beginning of voting for your favorite entry so check back soon!

Price: $175.00

Status: Available

NOTE: Double click for close-up of photos.

Etsy Beadweavers' JAN-FEB Challenge -

"Tropical Holiday"

The entries for the challenge are in and once again they are simply beautiful, creative and amazing! Can you imagine, 46 beadweaving artists (out of a worldwide membership of 170) took the challenge ~ amazing! Imagine that all of these entrants took the time and talent to create these inspiring challenge pieces! Sorry this mosaic is so small but the enlarged version is on our Etsy Beadweaver's Team site - address below in red. You can click on the "item title" in the participant list below and it links to the Etsy Shop listing of each entrant where you will see more detailed photos of each piece and the rest of their inventory!
Beadazzled's entry is #36.

Be sure to cast your vote, February 9th thru the 15th! (Details below....)

1. Caribbean Surf Collar by: nemeton
2. Scorpion Fish by: njema
3. Dreaming of Hawaii by: randomcreative
4. A Walk on the Beach by: beadsandblooms
5. Peace on the beach by: PFordCustomJewelry
6. Orchid Beauty by: ArtfulAr
7. Rainforest Necklace by: charmingthings
8. Blue lagoon necklace N961 by: FleurDeIrk
9. Paradise by: beadsforever
10.Pink Flamingo Fantasy Necklace by: gypsyeyesjewelry
11. Sultry Salty Sand and Surf by: janetkemp88
12. hawaii '09 necklace by: thebeadedlily
13. Tropical Sunset Garden Necklace (1384) by: clairecreations
14. The Lively Sea by: farfrumplainjane
15. Tropical Holiday bracelet by: 6Carmen6
16. Beachcombing the Sea of Cortez - A Tropical Holiday by: dreambeadweaver
17. What if I'm a Mermaid by: ThesePreciousThings
18. Tropical Breezes by: RegalBeads
19. Tropical Chic - Choker by: Triz
20. Spinny Girl on the Beach by: BeadArtbyShari
21. Tropical Garden by: SpringColors
22. Tropical Paradise Necklace by: CieloDesign
23. Coral Reef Cuff Bracelet by: FrancescasFancy
24. TORTUGA by: caraway
25. CRYSTAL LEI by: fashionsfrome
26. Tropical Nights by: SmadarsTreasure
27. Tropical Flower Brooch by: enchantedbeads
28. Tropical Dream Cuff by: arosebyname
29. Calypso Necklace by: DeepSeaBeads
30. Tropical Whale Tails Bracelet by: SalamanderHouse
31. Tropical Holiday by: veroque
32. Caribbean Sunset by: totallytwisted
33. Bougainvillea Bouquet by: KerrieSlade
34. Tropical greenwood by: beadshead
35. Beachcomber by: vanishingpearl
36. Island Treasure Chest by: BeadazzledofOregon
37. Mayan Sun by: ThreeFatesDesign
38. Girlie Drinks and Sunsets by: HannahRachel
39. MAUI WEDDING by: Chrisbeads
40. Strelitzia by: MadeByOlga
41. ti leaf and orchid lei by: beadwoman3
42. Sunset in the Islands by: 1965angelika
43. Tropical Treasures by: BeadCatcher
44. On The Beach by: SilverDragon
45. Loopy Lei Necklace by: beadworkbyamanda
46. Tropical Rainforest Getaway by: Bead4you

Again, (put it on your calendar!) voting begins on Monday, February 9th and ends midnight February 15th. The best way to show your appreciation for the efforts of these amazing artists is by taking on the difficult task of voting for your favorite. Tell your relatives and friends to view, enjoy and vote with you! Send them this link and give them these instructions.

GO TO: ETSY BEADWEAVER'S TEAM BLOGSITE: CLICK HERE:
http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com

...and exercise your right to vote! (The ballot will appear on the side bar at right). Again, the individual pieces are listed below the mosaic where you can visit each entry for more information by following the link. Thank you, enjoy and be sure to come back to vote between February 9th and 15th!

NOTE: Double click on photo for close-up view.

ANOTHER PHOTO AND THE EBW CHALLENGE

Here she wears my "Tropical Holiday" Etsy

Beadweaver's challenge entry for February.

She purchased this necklace literally 15 minutes

after I had posted it into my Etsy shop! Imagine

my surprise as I was looking at my computer screen

and all of a sudden, the necklace disappeared from

my shop! What had I done wrong? Then I realized

where it went: SOLD! - (chuckle)

NOTE: Double click on photo for close-up view.

TEXAS BEAUTY!

This is a photo sent to me from a wonderful

customer wearing her "Rainbow" custom designed

necklace. I have a feeling she has a closet full of

these great, colorful blouses (Mexican? Indian?)

like I do! She is a gem to work with due to the fact

that she loves jewelry and has a real sense of what

she likes, what she wants and of design. Thankx to you!

NOTE: Double click on photo for close-up view.

GEMS FOR YOUR EARS

I have a new Earring Section in my shop

and this is just a sample!

It just opened today so I invite you to check it out.

Wonderful colors, beadweaving galore.

See you there:

http://www.beadazzledoforegon.etsy.com

Price: $25-$35

NOTE: Double click on photo for close-up view.