Our Hostess: Linda Anderson from http//:fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com
Our group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/beadPeeps/
Meet my lovely Swap N Hop Partner, Becky Pancake!
http://beckypancakebeaddesigns.blogspot.com/
Becky has been making jewelry for 15 years.
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| My partner Becky made this for Octoberfest last year. Octoberfest is hosted by Toltec Jewels at: http://www.jewelschoolfriends.com/ This is one of my favorite pieces that Becky has blogged about. I love orange in any way it comes! Tints, hues, translucent, opaque, pumpkin... |
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| I love sending bead swaps! As you can see, Becky is going to have a hard time deciding on what to make. I usually send my packages priority mail for only $5.25, so I make it worth it. I fill the box to the rim, every nook & cranny. A great opportunity to do a swap, send some extra as a RAOK (random act of kindness) and just because! |
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| I also sent her all of this! I wanted to give her lots of choices in the colors, focals & handmade items. Not only did I send her items that I've made, but items I've purchased or received in recent swaps by other talented artists! |
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| These are the pretty goodies that I received from Becky! The warm colors are so inviting. For the first time in a swap I strived to use as many of the items that I received. I really wanted to use up everything, to challenge myself. But, I had a couple of last minute commissions to work on. So I was able to get 3 really great pieces completed. |
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| The first piece! I do have goldstone in my collection of beads, findings, seed beads & mixed media items. Don't forget I have a mini Michaels at home! This one was quite easy for me. Becky made the focal & I really couldn't see it as a necklace. I didn't want to take away from all of the work she put into this design. I've been shopping occasionally at Savers (a local 2nd hand store) Buying up clutches, purses & small bags to upcycle by beading onto them. I used the smoke fireline to stitch the focal that I received in my swap onto this purse! Easy Peasy! |
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| This is a paper mache' birdhouse that you can buy at Michaels Arts & Crafts Stores I happen to work there in the jewelry department & teach jewelry classes! |
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| In my stash I found an old metal wind up music box someone gave me about 15+ years ago. I cut off the roof of the birdhouse. Viola, a music box in the making. Which beads to use, how will it be executed? |
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| So far this is what I have. But I would like to do much more to it. I want it to stand up taller so the mechanical part inside doesn't move. I used the 11/0 & 15/0 seed beads that I received in my swap stitched onto the fabric scrap from my stash & painted the roof a warm metallic gold. |
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| Using up the rest of the seed beads that I received from Becky. I did some even count peyote & herringbone. Added some of the round gemstones, a copper metal focal, a copper chain I recently received from a purchase from Lori Anderson, some aqua metal pieces, some yarn from a chinese auction and the wire wrapped copper clasp & connectors made by Becky Pancake! |
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| Here's what's left after all of the designing, pinning, decisions & & executions! |
posting suggestions, rules, FYI's & executing quite an adventurous experience!
