FLORAL HOLIDAY BLOG HOP

First off, I'd like to thank Lisa Lodge of http://gratefulartist.blogspot.com and http:www.pineridgetreasures.com for hosting this beautiful blog hop.  I love the holiday season.  It doesn't matter which holiday you celebrate, this is for everybody! 

In the spirit of this blog, I'd like to wish everyone a Merry Yule, Blessed Winter Solstice, Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah and a Happy Kwanza.  

I made a horrible mistake when I first received the floral bead kit from Lisa.  I was so excited about it and forgot to take pictures of what I received.  Yes, I know....bubble-head!  Let me just show you one of the photos I DID manage to take and you will get an idea of the gorgeous colors I was given to work with.

I worked with the beads and played with the flowers as you can see.  Nothing really struck me as "IT".  The flowers she sent are gorgeous and this just wasn't doing them justice. Then, out of the blue one day I thought "AHA!!! I finally have it!"  Since this is a "any way you want to celebrate the season" blog hop, I wanted to do something kind of different.  Celebrate the Winter Solstice.  I wanted to share with you what the Winter Solstice means to me, without getting into too much detail.  I absolutely LOVE winter.  Its the time when I feel the best and enjoy the shorter days (it is HOT here in Texas). 

I went to my old friend "Google.com" and tried to find the best explanation (the one that shows you how I feel about the Winter Solstice).  Here is the link if you want to read more about it: http://astrology.about.com/od/themoon/p/WinterSolstice.htm

And taken directly from that website, this is what put into words what I could not:

The longest night of the year is honored by many traditions as a sacred and rich time. In the past, it's been a night to gather 'round the fire, or set out candles to call back the Sun. This year 2011 (in the N. Hem), it's on the 22nd of December.

Keeping the Faith:

This time of year is associated with light -- string lights, sparklers and of course, candles. Hanukkah in the Jewish tradition is the Festival of Lights, with 8 days of ritual illumination of the menorah. There's the advent wreath of the Christian faith and the all-night bonfire for the burning of the Yule log, a tradition with roots in Northern European pre-Christian times. The lights are reminders of the inner light, and hope for the return of sunny days.

 
So, in the tradition of a celebration of lights and so many other things, I decided to do a Kissing Ball.  I've always loved the ones I've seen and are usually done (this time of year) with mistletoe.  Lisa sent me a wonderful kit to work with.  Purples, pinks, crystals.....oh so many beautiful beads!

And this is where I started:  I found this "Kissing Ball" at Hobby Lobby and the colors were exactly what I had in mind!

Its full of sparkle and bling but that just wouldn't do!  I took all the pieces that Lisa sent me and added them to the Kissing Ball.  The wired crystal beads you see on the ball came from a floral stem that I found at Hobby Lobby as well.  It just called to me and I knew it would be perfect for this project.  Would you like to see the finished project yet???  Ok Ok...I won't keep you waiting any longer.  

 

 Isn't it stunning? When we were getting ready to decorate the house and tree, I remembered the wreath I had created last year.  Of course, it all came to me -- This is the reason that Kissing Ball called out my name!

I hope that this inspires you to enjoy your holidays, whatever holiday you celebrate.  Every time I look at this Kissing Ball, it brings joy to my soul.  It represents so much....beginning of a whole shiny new year, beautiful flowers to come, and inspiration to be a kinder person.  How did I get from "bling" to being a kinder person? Its all in how you look at life.  Being kinder to each other brings a new and more beautiful perspective to your soul.

Please visit the other blogs and see what gorgeous pieces they've created.  I hope you've enjoyed reading this and enjoyed the photos.  I had a wonderful time creating with the lovely beads from Lisa Lodge.  

Thank you again to Lisa!  May your holidays bring you lots of family and friends, love and laughter and above all else peace and harmony with yourself and others.

Keep Creating Goddesses

          





 






LIST OF BLOG PARTICIPANTS:
Our Host: Lisa Lodge, Grateful Artist (Pine Ridge Treasures)

Courtney Breul, Beads by Breul

Jeannie Dukic, Jeannie's Blog

Mary Govaars, MLH Jewelry Designs

Tanya Goodwin, A Work in Progress

Kathy Lindemer, Bay Moon Design

Alicia Marinache, All the Pretty Things

Cheri Reed, Creative Designs by Cheri

Toltec Jewels, Jewel School Friends

Rana Wilson, Definitive Designs by R. Wilson
 

Wicked Romances Blog Hop with Jean Murray

Well Hello Goddesses,
It's been a while since I've blogged here (or anywhere for that matter) and I apologize.  Life, things, -- ME -- always seem to get in the way.  It's no excuse but it is what it is! HA!

My good friend, Jean Murray, author of Soul Awakened (available in print and Ebook) and the "to be released" 2nd book in the series Soul Reborn, is part of the Wicked Romances Blog Hop.  Really appropriate since the name of her blog is Wicked Romance.  Kizmet!

Here is a link to Jean's blog:
http://wickedromance.wordpress.com/2012/10/20/wicked-romances-blog-hop/

Anyway, I volunteered to sweeten her pot and donate a set of earrings and bracelet to her giveaway.  

Here is the set I'm donating:

The round discs are painted shell.  The crystals are gorgeous Chinese Crystals.  There is copper wire work and some gorgeous natural stones (the beautiful green ones).  The earrings are on hypoallergenic ear wires.  

So, thank you for coming over from Jean's blog.  I hope you enjoy the earrings and bracelet (if you're the lucky winner).  

Be creative Goddesses!
Kimberly

Its Creative Bead Chat Administrator Appreciation Day: "Go raibh maith agaibh"

You're asking yourself "What the heck does that mean?" -- Let me tell you!

First, the translation:  Go raibh maith agaibh -- is Gaelic for "Thank you" (to more than one person) and since there are SEVERAL site administrators *I will name them all in a few* this saying is PERFECT!

First, if you're a beader and don't know about Creative Bead Chat on Facebook, let me give you the link and drop what you're doing (well, after my post that is) and RUN to join! These are the BEST people I have encountered in a very long time!  There are very few groups in which you will find that people are genuinely kind and actually care about you......this would be one of them!

Okay!  Here's the link to Creative Bead Chat:  
https://www.facebook.com/groups/CREATIVEBEADCHAT/

Now, to the Administrators and how completely 100% awesome they are!

I don't know each and every one personally.  It's truly amazing how things work over there.  Before I saw the names of the administrators I only knew of two! That's how smoothly they run things!  We had an amazing Destash Day where everyone who had anything beading related to sell was able to put up pics and prices and sell to members of the group.  We had a giveaway day for those of us who couldn't go to Bead Fest......There were so many generous people that gave prizes and Marla James spent the entire day at her computer listing giveaways! She did all this with a smile on her face (you could tell by her posts).

Let me show you what I won! These are more stunning in person than in the photo and they're GORGEOUS in the photo!

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

Okay, so, let me show you who the administrators are via their Etsy shops & blogs! 
Marla James: www.etsy.com/shop/marlasmud  Here is Marla's blog Marla's Mud Mess
Melinda Orr: http://www.etsy.com/shop/orrtec  Melinda's blog is here:  Melinda Orr Designs
Karen Totten: http://www.starryroadstudio.com/  Karen's blog is here:  Starry Road Studio
Marla Gibson: http://www.etsy.com/shop/spiceboxdesigns  (Marla's shop is currently not open but you can find her at her blog here -- Spice Box Designs
Keirsten Giles: http://lunedesigns.etsy.com/  Keirsten's blog is here: The Cerebral Dilettante

I'm not the only person who believes this is an AMAZING group! There are over 1,100 members!  Each and every person I have encountered has been someone I have been thankful to call my friend.  

If you haven't joined us yet, stop on by! You will be welcomed with open arms! 

Keep Beading Goddesses!  And another THANK YOU to the AMAZING administrators at Creative Bead Chat! You are all doing an OUTSTANDING job and are so very appreciated!

Beautiful handmade items by Gardanne! A giveaway to go with it!

A friend shared a post on Facebook about this amazing artist! Her work is beautiful.  There are some gorgeous enameled pieces and....well, why don't you just go check out her blog.  She's restocking her Etsy store as well.

Well, she has something special for you bead lovers.......something gorgeous! Something spectacular for TWO winners!  I am truly in love with the items I've seen.  Here -- Take a quick peek!


*Photos via Gardanne Glass Lampwork Beads & Artisan Jewelry, by Anne

Well, why don't you just go see for yourself and look at your computer screen with amazement and glitter in your eyes like I did.  I did a screen shot of her blog so you could get an idea but ummmmm.....Hello!!!! You HAVE to go see them for yourself!

The link to her blog is here:
http://gardannelife.blogspot.com/2012/08/giveaway-nowlistings-later.html

Go forth and enter people!

Keep Beading Goddesses!
Kimberly

Earrings Everyday: The Best Kind of Earrings....

Hello Goddesses! Do I have something special to tell you about!  A contest from another blog with some FANTABULOUS Earrings!

There are some amazing designs with some gorgeous colors.  Are you looking for something that you just can't put your finger on?  Look no further, there are earrings here (and on her Etsy site) that you just can't find anywhere else.  And.....Look at the amazing workmanship!  Doesn't Heather do a fantastic job?!

Earrings Everyday: The Best Kind of Earrings....: are ones that are given to you! I thought I would re-create the earrings from my Bead Soup the other day, since I got so many sweet ......

Want to read more from her blog??? Click on the link and tell her Goddesses and Gorgeous Beads sent you!

Keeping the world beautiful one bead at a time!
Kimberly

A New Glasswork Artist

Hello Goddesses!
I have an online friend that I joke with about being her "stalker".  She has some amazing jewelry designs and she inspires me a great deal.  I'm happy to say that one of her pieces is being published in the quarterly publication Jewelry Affaire AND she just one a contest with another piece through beadaholique.com.  She AND her work are truly inspirational to me.

Now, it's a little joke we have that I'm her biggest stalker on Facebook.  Through my stalking her, I have come across some AMAZING beads!  One set I bought from her (well, Boyfriend).  Lampwork beads!

Through Boyfriend and Lauren I found Cozza Frenzzy Glassworks.  He's been so much fun to learn from. I've purchased three different sets of his beads (two are on their way to me now).  He's so creative.  He's the type of person that thinks "out of the box."  Well, let me show you what I mean.

Some gorgeous pieces right??? The three sets of beads I purchased from him are in that video.  Can you believe he's only been doing this since March?!! Yes.... March of 2012!!! 

If you have any questions about his pieces or want to purchase one of them, you can private message Lauren through her Lp's Jewelry Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/LPjewelry

The link to Lauren's Etsy shop is here:

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

Again, if you have ANY questions or want to inquire about one of Cozza Frenzzy Glasswork pieces, please go to Lauren's Facebook page (link above).  She even has a photo album marked DZ Pendants.  That would be pieces by Cozza Frenzzy Glassworks. 

Well, Goddesses, its time for me to come to a close on this post.  I hope something you see on one of Lauren's pages or something from Cozza Frenzzy Glassworks inspires you to be creative!

Keep Creating Goddesses!

Kimberly

A Spectacular Giveaway!

A giveaway on a friend's blog that I'd love Love LOve LOVe LOVE to win.....can you get that? I'd love to win anything about this giveaway.  But, I'd also love to share it with you all as well.

Lori Anderson, from Pretty Things Blog is giving away some Pretties and a couple of her books -- well, there are 5 giveaways total so you should go check it out yourself.

Here's the link to the giveaway:
http://www.prettythingsblog.com/2012/07/finally-five-bead-and-button-bead.html?m=0

Let me share a few of the things that Lori is giving away!  In order to find out where she got these lovelies, to sign up for the giveaway and to just peruse through all of her blog (which I might add has some gorgeous stuff) you have to click the link above!

Don't ya just love those? That's all in giveaway #1! You'll have to find out what's in the other giveaways by clicking on the link above!

I'd like to thank Lori for coming up with some of the prettiest beads and giveaways! I've always loved looking at the things you're giving away, making, or have won, swapped or just found!

And thank you to my friend Krafty Max! She is the one who sent me to the site where I found Lori and a whole slew of other friends!  You can find Krafty Max's blog and store link here.

http://kraftymax.blogspot.com/
http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/kraftymax

Enjoy looking at all the pretties and good luck with the giveaway!

Keep Beading Goddesses!
Kimberly