Last Chance to Bid on Art Charms

**THIS EVENT HAS CONCLUDED! Thanks everyone who supported us by visiting, bidding and buying. It was a great success again thanks to Jen Cameron's hard work!!**

Just a reminder... the eBay auction benefiting Beads of Courage  will be concluding starting tomorrow evening (December 1, 2014 EST time) and over the following two days. Many one-of-a-kind charms are available, with auctions concluding at various times (times should appear in your local time zone). 

On my last post, I shared the charm I made. Here is a peek at some more: one beautiful example from each participant. Please note some donated more than one, so it's worth a look to discover them all!

Again, click here to visit the auction and help a wonderful children's charity :)

Art Charm Swap 2014 Reveal

**THIS EVENT HAS CONCLUDED! Thanks everyone who supported us by visiting, bidding and buying. It was a great success again thanks to Jen Cameron's hard work!!**

Welcome to the reveal and blog hop for the 2014 Art Charm Swap and fundraising auction for the Beads of Courage program, which supports seriously ill children in many hospitals internationally. This year thirty-six bead artists have participated, each creating original charms on the theme of "Soar", and exchanging them under the inspired guidance of Jennifer Cameron of Glass Addictions. This event culminates today with the opening of the Ebay auction, selling charms donated by each artist, with all funds being donated to Beads of Courage. So visit our blogs, check out the charms on eBay, and bid on any or all... they make amazing one-of-a-kind Holiday gifts!

I wish to thank Jennifer for her dedicated efforts, year after year, in making this an event I eagerly anticipate. Thanks also to my fellow participants for sharing your beautiful designs and wonderful stories. A complete list including links can be found at the end of this post.

I had a hard time deciding which "soaring" creature/object I would feature (there are so many beautiful ones, as you will see), but finally chose the delicate honey bee... which, it has been argued, can barely fly, let alone soar :)

To report that bees are in trouble, with some species even verging on extinction, is probably NOT news to any of you. Domesticated bees provide not only honey, but pollination to a wide array of food plants, and their care is of the utmost importance.

What do the bees want from us? It may interest you to read this amusing but poignant bee Manifesto from a politically astute honey bee, translated by Rusty Burlew, the thoughtful Washington scientist, bee advocate and writer of Honey Bee Suite.

So (finally) here are my charms, lovingly hand-shaped using artist-quality (Kato) polymer clay. Designed exclusively for this event, they are a tribute to our irreplaceable garden friend, the hardworking honey bee.

The charm up for auction is in the right-hand column, at bottom

Jen takes awesome photos, so I couldn't help sharing these she took of the charm for sale:

Thanks so much for all your hard work, Jennifer!

There are many awesome expressions out there, urging us to "reach for the top", and I appreciate them all, but I took a slightly different slant. Here are MY TOP PICKS FOR REFLECTIONS ON "SOAR" (the ones that inspired my original motto found on the back of the charm):

"Wisdom is oftentimes nearer when we stoop than when we soar."

  -William Wordsworth, British Poet Laureate, 1798. A favorite of gardeners.

"Be wise; soar not too high to fall; but stoop to rise."

   -Philip Massinger, English satirical dramatist, from a 1621 play. An admonition to  politicians and others "serving the public".

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One last linkie :)

**About six weeks ago, as I was getting ready to pack up my charms, I was thrilled to discover this awesome bee box made by Therese Frank. Take a peak! Isn't this the coolest? It is like the big sister to my charms.**

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Most of our designers are presenting their charms today. Please check in with them when you get a chance. Thank you for viewing and, hopefully, participating in our auction supporting a wonderful program :)

Jennifer Cameron: Glass Addictions

Alenka Obid: Pepita Handmade Art

Alicia Marinache: All the PrettyThings

Andrea Glick: ZenithJade Creations

Caroline Dewison: BlueberriBeads

Cassi Paslick: Bad at Being Mom

Cate van Alphen: Fulgorine

Cheri Reed: http://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com

Chris Eisenberg: Wanderware

Cory Tompkins: Tealwater Designs 
Elizabeth Auld Beads for Busy Gals

Genevieve Gabbert: MasuDesigns (FB post)

Jami Shipp: Celebrating Life

Jenny Davies-Reazor: Jenny Davies-Reazor

Jill Bradley: http://www.jillybeads.blogspot.com

Kim Dworak: CianciBlue

Lee Koopman: http://stregajewellry.wordpress.com

Lennis Carrier: Windbent

Lesley Watt: The Gossiping Goddess

Mallory Hoffman: For the Love of Beads

Melissa Trudinger: Beadrecipes

Michelle McCarthy: Firefly Design Studio

*YOU ARE HERE* Monique Urquhart: A Half-Baked Notion*****

Moriah Betterly: http://mlbetterly.blogspot.com

Nancy Dale: NEDbeads

Nancy Smith: Nanmade

Niky Sayers: Silver NikNats 

Perri Jackson: http://ShaktipajDesigns.com/blog/

Renetha Stanziano: Lamplight Craft

Shai Williams: Shaiha's Ramblings

Sheila Prosterman: catswithbeads/cheap charms

Susan Delaney: SusanDolphinDelaney

Susan Kennedy: Sue Beads

Terri DelSignore: artisticaos

Toltec Jewels: Jewel School Friends

Vanessa Gilkes: Culturezine

**Save This Tuesday November 25th**

**THIS EVENT HAS CONCLUDED! Thanks everyone who supported us by visiting, bidding and buying. It was a great success again thanks to Jen Cameron's hard work!!**

This is a friendly reminder that the 2014 Art Charm Swap, Blog Hop and Auction for Beads of Courage starts next Tuesday November 25th, 2014. I will be revealing my charms, specially created for this event, and I am very excited to share my inspiration. In a future post, I will also talk a bit about, and share some photos of, the beautiful charms I received from other artists in the swap.

Here's a sneak peek:

O.K., I'm not allowed to show you YET!

A special thank you to Terri, Nancy, Rita, Niky, Jenny, Mallory, Melissa, Caroline and Michelle, who made the lovely charms I received! 

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

The Beads of Courage program is a wonderful cause which assists seriously ill children in several countries. All funds raised in our auction of donated charms will go towards helping sick kids overcome difficult moments in their treatment. You can help, too, by bidding and buying wonderful, one-of-a-kind creations... getting a jump on Holiday gift-buying AND supporting a truly worthwhile cause. See you on Tuesday!

**Save this link to the eBay auction so you'll be ready to bid when the charms go LIVE on Tuesday**

Grow Your Blog 2015 Sign-Ups

**THIS EVENT IS NOW CLOSED TO ENTRIES**

Just a quick PSA... I'm happy to pass on the news that Vicki of 2BagsFull is once again hosting her wonderful Grow Your Blog event! As in past years, the party starts on January 25th, but Vicki leaves the post up permanently, and it is a source of visits the year round. It is easy to sign up but it must be done at the link above ONLY! 

**The deadline for entry is January 17th**

Last year was my first time participating and I had a ball! I discovered hundreds of new blogs and am still following many of them (what can I say? I love blogging!)

Here's my post from last January: Grow Your Blog January 2014. I hope you will all check out Vicki's invitation and consider joining us :) 

Tea Pot Challenge

We bloggers in the Northern Hemisphere are facing another winter :( Looking for a way to keep warm as the mercury plunges? How about a lovely collection of decorated tea pots? The French blog Parole de Pate features their Tea Pot Challenge entrants on today's post (click on link).

From the whimsical to the sublime, with links to the creators' blogs, they are sure to warm our creative souls, if not our bellies :)

Now for a cuppa...

Art Charm Fundraiser 2014 Coming Up!

**THIS EVENT HAS CONCLUDED! Thanks everyone who supported us by visiting, bidding and buying. It was a great success again thanks to Jen Cameron's hard work!!**

Coming up later this month, November 14th 25th to be precise, is my all-time favourite blogging event, the annual Art Charm Exchange and fundraising auction for Beads of Courage, a wonderful program which assists seriously ill children to overcome difficult moments in their treatments.

I have sent my charms for the swap, including one which will be auctioned to raise money for this great organization. Jen Cameron of Glass Addictions has been coordinating this event for the past five years, and puts in many hours receiving, redistributing, repackaging, photographing, listing on eBay and of course managing the online auction and ensuring buyers have a great experience. Thanks so much Jen, for your dedication to a truly beautiful cause!

If you have never bought on eBay, you'll be surprised how easy it is to register to buy. You can register today and be ready for the bidding on November 14th 25th. It's great fun and all money raised goes to Beads of Courage :)

Here's a sneak peek at my charms:

All will be revealed on November 14th 25th!

And here's a look at Jennifer's center of operations:

"Santa" Jen getting ready to load the sleigh!

That's boxes to U.S. participants on the right, international charm swappers on the left... I believe this year we have gals from Australia, Slovenia, the U.K. and Canada.

I'm eager to receive my package of charms. It's always a fabulous surprise to see how everyone interprets the theme, which for 2014 is "SOAR".

Looking forward to the auction and hope to see everyone on the 14th 25th!

Easy Photo Collage With PicMonkey

Ever wonder how to make those cool collaged photo groups to share your creations on Facebook, Pinterest, blogs, etc? Link below the photo:

I sneaked in a collage of some 2012 Art Charm Swap and
fundraiser  creations. Info on this year's event coming...
this weekend!

Genea Crivello-Knable of Genea Beads recently uploaded a great Youtube video to get you started. Check it out!

No Octoberfest for Me :(

My apologies to anyone looking for my Octoberfest post. I let the hostess, Rita, know I wouldn't be taking part, and she removed me from her list, but I notice a few participants may have inadvertantly published an older list which included my blog. Sorry for any inconvenience. I hope to be able to join everyone for the next blog hop! 

A Violin Made Of WHAT??

Thought everyone might enjoy this short video featuring a violin MADE OF BURLAP, by self-taught inventors Christos and Areti, who create all sorts of amazing eco-instruments in their studios in Komotini, in the northeastern part of Greece. See lots more on their website ArtEcoArt. 

I'm no expert, but this sounds pretty amazing to me!

Have a great week everyone!

**Last day to Sign Up for Art Charm Swap 2014**

**THIS EVENT HAS CONCLUDED! Thanks everyone who supported us by visiting, bidding and buying. It was a great success again thanks to Jen Cameron's hard work!!**

Just a quickie post. Today is the final day to get in on Jen Cameron's  Art Charm Swap 2014... you can sign up at this link only. I have loved taking part the last two years. Not only is this a fun way to swap with other artists, but the event also features an auction which benefits the Beads of Courage program for seriously ill children.

Here are my charms for 2012: 

Charms for 2013:

You can also view some of the beautiful charms I received in the swap for 2012 and 2013 by checking these links.

There are still a few available spots in this event. Do check right away for details at Jen's post here. I hope to see YOU there this year!

Anchors Aweigh Design Challenge

Welcome to the reveal and blog hop for the Anchors Aweigh Design Challenge, sponsored by Rita/Toltec Jewels of Jewel School Friends. Rita generously provided these gorgeous little anchor charms handmade by the talented Diana Ptaszynski. 

Photo shamelessly stolen from Diana's shop ;)

Thank you, Rita, for sharing your awesome idea and being so generous with your gifts :) And thanks, Diana, for creating these inspirational gems!

I was very tempted to make an earring pair with these (well, not really... I have been "off" on earrings this year LOL). Anyway, these are the designs I created:

A little cuff hand-sewn with craft rope and highlighted with waxed linen... I wanted something casual to wear on vacation. It has a peek-a-boo window to showcase one of Diana's charms:

Also a short strung necklace featuring the second charm, with some mother-of-pearl, Indonesian recycled glass and silver charms (lots of circles):

Thanks for visiting and check out these fellow bloggers :)

Featured & Honored Artist:         Diana Ptaszynski

Diana's Shop:           Suburban Girl Beads

Diana's Blogs:           Suburban Girl Studio

                                     Art Jewelry Elements

Hostess: TJ            Jewel School Friends

Bobbie Rafferty             Beadsong Jewelry

Chris Eisenberg             Wanderware

Heather Richter            Desert Jewelry Designs

Michelle McCarthy           Firefly Design Studio

Kathy Lindemer            Bay Moon Design

Dini Bruinsma            Angaza by Changes

Cynthia Machata            Antiquity Travelers

Kathleen Breeding           99 Bottles of Beads on the Wall

Linda Younkman           Lindy's Designs

Robin Reed              Artistry HCBD

Marla Gibson             Spice Box Designs

Gina Hockett             Freestyle Elements

Renetha Stanziano            Lamplight Crafts

Marianne Baxter             Simply Seablime Jewelry

          

Christina Miles              Wings N Scales

Marybeth Rich          A Few Words from Within the Pines

Shai Williams            Shaiha's Ramblings

Cheri Reed              Creative Designs by Cheri

Monique Urquhart (THAT'S ME!) A Half-Baked Notion

Jennifer Reno             Musings of a Crafty Jenny

Shirley Moore              Beads and Bread

Tammy Adams               Paisley Lizard

Melissa Trudinger              Bead Recipes

Jill Bradley               JillyBeads  

 

CC7A July Reveal

Welcome to the final month of our Creative Continuum of Seven Artists design challenge. For the past seven months, our little group has used beads and components sent by other members to inspire our creativity. July's awesome kit was provided by Emma of A Polymer Penchant. You can see what she sent here.

I added a few extra components to create this bracelet and earrings (my first earrings since finishing the 100 Days 100 Pairs Challenge... CAN YOU SAY BURNOUT?)  I chose some assorted pink lampwork and magenta carved bone beads, both from Yukidesigns, and coordinated 12mm shell pearls from Lima Beads.

 

Here are the bracelet and earrings I created with Emma's kit:

 

Thanks for visiting today, and thank you to Emma for the inspiration this month, and to Alicia for putting us all together in this fun group. I'm sad it's over :(

Here are the rest of our members. Some are on holiday and may post a little later :)

Alicia... All the Pretty Things

Christine... One Kiss Creations 

Cynthia... Antiquity Travelers 

Emma... A Polymer Penchant

Sally... Sally Elizabeth... dream, design, create 

Therese... Therese's Treasures

Last CC7A Reveal Tomorrow

One of only a few chances I will have to post this summer, tomorrow is the reveal for month #7 (the final one... sad) of our Creative Continuum of Seven Artists. These lovely and challenging components were sent by Emma of A Polymer Penchant:

An eclectic collection, n'est-ce pas? Lots of pretty glass, kooky "Trixies" from MyELEMENTS and the gorgeous polymer clay/resin focal, handmade by Emma. (Sorry the photos don't do it justice, girl!)

The note still makes me giggle. Emma wrote, "Hope this found you and not your neighbor..." My mailman has a habit of delivering my packages one street over (same house number), but I guess I should be grateful Canada Post hasn't yet stopped door-to-door delivery, as they have threatened :(

And Emma, when you sent this in January, we were enduring bone-numbing chill for weeks on end, so you added, "...(we) should be warm then", meaning in July. We just got through several weeks of record-breaking heat and humidity. It's all a matter of perspective, isn't it? Too bad we can't bottle the extremes of temperature for a little swap now and then *TeeHee*

The following designers will be participating in this CC7A reveal with me, though a couple are on holidays and/or posting remotely, so do check back on them if you don't see their post right away. See you tomorrow!

Alicia... All the Pretty Things

Christine... One Kiss Creations 

Cynthia... Antiquity Travelers 

Emma... A Polymer Penchant

Sally... Sally Elizabeth... dream, design, create 

Therese... Therese's Treasures

CC7A Reveal for June 2014: I Do!

Welcome to reveal day for the June edition of the Creative Continuum of Seven Artists, brought to you this month by Cynthia of Antiquity Travelers. Cynthia sent some lovely components reflecting her theme, "Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue", for which she shared a little history ('cause she's good at that!)

"I picked a theme that I thought we could have some fun with that is an old adage for brides. And then I sent out the mixture to match: something old (reclaimed sari silk), something new (imperial jasper), something borrowed (several remaining leaf toggles from a ZnetShows hop) and something blue (apatite rounds). 

Meaning: It is said that something old represents continuity, something new offers optimism for the future, something borrowed symbolizes borrowed happiness, something blue stands for purity, love and fidelity and a sixpence in your show is a wish for good fortune and prosperity."

I originally wanted to make just one design incorporating all the components, but they had other plans :) The first piece I designed was a simple bracelet with the apatite rounds, which I paired with the pretty clasp sent by Cynthia, and some infinity links ('cause we all want love to last forever, right?)

I threaded through a bit of the white sari silk, but I'm not sure which look I prefer.

I recently bought multiple strands of wonderful Indonesian glass beads from my favorite supplier, Karine of Yukidesigns. One strand had the perfect pale green beads (seen at bottom of the photo) to match the striations in the imperial jasper teardrops:

I added some matching Czech beads, small silver Heishi spacers and beads, and a cord crocheted from the sari silk:

I like the contrast of the frayed and uneven silk against the cool elegance of the jasper and glass.

And the design is delicate enough to be worn as a triple-wrapped bracelet:

Thanks for dropping by! You can visit the other CC7A members here:

Alicia... All the Pretty Things

Christine... One Kiss Creations 

Cynthia... Antiquity Travelers 

Emma... A Polymer Penchant

Sally... Sally Elizabeth... dream, design, create 
Therese... Therese's Treasures