Bead Soup Blog Party Day

Welcome to the 3rd Bead Soup Blog Party!
What is a Bead Soup Blog Party?

Each beader was paired up with another jewelry designer and tasked with sending the following:

~ A focal

~ A special clasp (not just a lobster claw)

~ Some coordinating spacers or beads

Using the focal and the clasp was mandatory, but we could use anything from our own stash to round out the rest, and choose to use the coordinating beads or not.

Here's what I made!

Terry at Tapping flamingo sent me the orange glass focal bead and several other goodies. I have to admit that I have never made a piece of jewelry with orange as the focal and I don't usually use silver, unless I am making something for someone who wears it, so this assignment was definitely out of my comfort zone.
In the end, I decided to attach the focal bead to a larger wooden bead (actually a pair of clearanced earrings that I took apart!) and make an asymmetrical necklace, with black and silver as the other primary colors.
While I consider myself a creative person, I think what this swap taught me is that part of my joy in creating is the purpose of the item. I admit that I got a little bogged down in the fact that this piece had no purpose, no destination--as I mentioned I make jewelry mostly as gifts for others, and myself to wear. I had a hard time giving the piece an identity because I didn't know its purpose. I want to work a little more on just enjoying the process and not stressing over the purpose.
A big thanks to Lori at Pretty Things for pushing me outside my limits and for taking on the monumental task of organizing a swap with over 200 participants!
Come see what the rest of us made!
1. Lori Anderson, Pretty Things
2. Kitty Durmaj, Perles and Life
3. Michelle Heim, Life In the Bead Lane
4. Lisa Petrillo, Lucid Moon Studio
5. Anitra Gordy, Leelu Creations
6. Paige Maxim, Paige Maxim Designs
7. Marianna Boylan, Pretty Shiny Things
8. Cheryl Roe, BeadRoe
9. Heidi Post, Ex Post Facto
10. Cindy Wimmer, Sweet Bead Studio
11. Terri Gauthier, Blooming Ideas
12. Rachel Walsh, Balanced Crafts
13. Marian Hertzog, M's Place
14. Mary McGraw, MK's Musings
15. Sarabeth Burke, Chronicles of Sarita
16. Deci Worland, Gem Trails
17. Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found
18. Laura Zeiner, Stick Lizard Designs
19. Kristin Latimer, MJM Jewelry Designs
20. Cathryn Brooks-Williams, Chile Cats
21. Holly Westfall, Silver Rose Designs
22. Janna Harttgen, Palima-Lim
23. Libby Leuchtman, Libby Leu
24. Rebecca Anderson, Songbeads
25. Deb Hunter, Living On Air
26. Diana Ptaszynski, Suburban Girl Studio
27. Jennifer VanBenschoten, VanBeads
28. Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter
29. Cyndi Lavin, Beading Arts
30. Courtney Breul, Beads by Breul
31. Stefanie Teufel, Stefanie's Sammelsurium
32. Patricia Gasparino, My Life Under the Bus
33. Tari Khars, Pearl and Pebble
34. Kristi Bowman-Gruel, Kristi Bowman Design
35. Jayne Capps, Mama's Got to Doodle
36. Becky Fairclough, Chameleons Designs
37. Evie and Beth McCord, EB Bead & Metal Works
38. Lynne Bowland, Islandgirl's Insights
39. Barbara Lewis, Painting With Fire
40. Lorelei Eurto, Inside the Studio
41. Stacy Hartis, Sissy & Jack's
42. Jennifer Cameron, Glass Addictions
43. Marcie Abney, La Bella Joya
44. Johanna Rhodes, Fire Phoenix Creations
45. Nan Emmett, Spirit Rattles
46. Melissa Mesara, One Eared Pig
47. Amanda Davie, Articulations
48. Cherin Poovey, Lanyard Lady
49. Virginia Joste, ViviBijoux
50. Andrew Thornton, The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
51. Lori Dorrington, Lori's Glassworks
52. Melanie Brooks, Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
53. Kate Gardenghi, Tropical Blonde
54. Serena Trent, PinkIce Jewel's Blog
55. Malin de Koning, Beading by Malin de Koning
56. Shai Williams, Shaiha's Ramblings
57. Francy Inman, 8 Second Studio
58. Amy Freeland, Copper Diem
59. Lisa Liddy, Joolz By Lisa
60. Sandi Lee James, Do Be Do Bead Do
61. Mary Harding, Mary Harding Bead Blog
62. Stacey Curry, Star Hitched Wagon
63. Leslie Gidden, Mad Maggie Designs
64. Elisabeth Auld, Beads For Busy Gals
65. Niky Sayers, Silver Nik Nats
66. Linda Djokic, Lutka and Co.
67. Tracy Bell, Copper, Glass, and Recycled Trash
68. Laurel Steven, Rue's Daftique
69. Ingrid McCue, Wrapped In Silver
70. Birgitta Lejonklou, Create With Spirit
71. Diana Hawkey, Diana Hawkey
72. Norma Turvey, Moonlit Fantaseas
73. Jeanette Ryan, Jeanette Blix
74. Jackie Ryan, Silver Lodge Gems
75. Jean Yates, Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading to Be Done!
76. Debbie Goering, Prairie Emporium
77. Valerie Norton, Hot Art
78. Jana Trupovniece, Stories of the Secret Garden
79. Amy Severino, Amy Beads
80. Emma Thomas, Fred Beans Nook
81. Karen Zanco, Everyday Gypsy
82. Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Beadphoria
83. Janet McDonald, Singing Woods
84. Dana James, Dana's Jewelry Designs
85. Kristina Johansson, Wild Roses and Blackberries
86. CJ Bauschka, CJ Bauschka
87. Angela Barribea, Re: Angela Rae
88. Marcy Lamberson, Studio Marcy
89. Tanya Floyd, Glass Migrations
90. Lisa Kavanaugh, Beading Bliss
91. Sue Hodgkinson, Hello Gorgeous
92. Jenni Connolly, Jenni's Bead
93. Nally Parfyonova, Nally's Creations
94. Karyn White, Releases By Rufydoof
95. Emanda Johnson, Artemisia Studio
96. Sandy Richardson, Sandy's Coloring Box
97. Cindy Dolezal, Cindy Dolezal Designs
98. Stacie Stamper, Park Avenue {{You are here!}}99. Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads
100. Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings
101. Nicole Valentine-Rimmer, N. Valentine Studio
102. Jacinta Meyers, Jamberrysong's Creations
103. Charlene Gary, Gray Girl Studios
104. Rubiee Hayes, Glitter and Keys Galore
105. Marge Beebe, Rock Creek Creations
106. Elizabeth Freeman, Turquoise Sky
107. Shelby Foxwell, Sundown Bead Designs Rhetoric
108. Lynda Moseley, Diva Designs
109. Grace Danel, Grace Beading
110. Lois Moon, Que Onda Quitman
111. Agnes Shapiro, Beader Bubbe
112. Terry Carter, Tapping Flamingo {{My swap partner!}}113. Judy Glende, Judith B. Designs
114. Mary Ellen Parker, Bee Tree By Me
115. Barbara Bechtel, Second Surf
116. Charlene Sevier, The Bead Dreamer
117. Alice Craddick, Alice's Beads and Baubles
118. Cory Celaya, Art With Moxie
119. Ronda Adams, The Ravished Heart
120. Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe Designs
121. Anna Lear, The Laughing Raven
122. Susie Hibdon, Vintagesusie & Wings
123. Amanda Austin, Sea Shore Glass
124. Jennifer Velasquez, Jen Judd Rocks
125. Hazel Ward, All Those Things
126. Brenda Salzano, Salzanos
127. Dee Gordon, Runako Designs by Dee
128. Anna Denisova, Anita-M
129. Margaret Saari, Mags-Jewelry
130. Genea Crivello-Knable, Genea Beads
131. Penny Neville, Copper Penny
132. Angela Blasingame, Hopemore
133. Helena Fritz, Beadwork by H's Blog
134. Stephanie LaRose, Confessions of a Bead Hoarder
135. Stephanie Haussler, PixyBug Designs
136. Diane Cook, Rosa & Josies
137. Maryse Thillens, Glass Bead Art
138. Jennifer Pride, Jewelry by J.P.
139. Shannon Chomanczuk, For My Sweet Daughter
140. Lisa Godfrey, Bead Happy
141. Heather Pyle, Welcome to My Muse
142. Regina Santerre, Regina's Writings
143. Liz DeLuca, Creative Arty Facts
144. Sig Wynne-Evans, Beaded Bear's Nonsense
145. Loretta Carstensen, Loretta's Boutique
146. Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads
147. Amber Dawn, Inventive Soul
148. Shelly Graves, Stars Dance With Me
149. Jess Italia Lincoln, Vintaj Blog
150. JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions
151. Carrie Tahquechi, Carrie T
152. Staci Smith, Staci Louise Originals
153. Katarzyna Kwiatkowska, Quiet Area
154. Ema Kilroy, Ema K Designs
155. Magdalena Sikora, Poranna Gazeta
156. Nicole Keller, Nicki's Reef
157. Ann Rishell, My Critical Eye
158. Noemi Baena, Fire, Metal, and Color
159. Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman
160. Barbara Blaszczyk, Labotorium Flory
161. Collette Collins, Firefly Myst
162. Carola Greiser, Polymer Clay Shed
163. Joanna Kopijczuk, Bizuteria z Filcu
164. LeAnn Weih, Summers Studio
165. Cassandra Watsham, Design by Cassandra
166. Anna Motz, Stunning
167. Shea Zukowski, Gr8findings
168. Susan Kennedy, Sue Beads
169. Lisa Boucher, Lisa's Clay Happenings
170. Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
171. Alison Crenshaw, Beads by Earth Tones
172. Dorcas Midkiff, Wondrous Strange Designs
173. Melissa Rediger, Sea of Glass
174. Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre
175. Julie Nordine, Julie Nordine Credit River Art Glass
176. Menka Gupta, Menka's Blog
177. Patsy Evins, Patsy Evins Studio
178. Cherrie Fick, En La Lumie're
179. Suzette Bentley, Ellie's Bijoux
180. Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me
181. Lyn Foley, Lyn Foley Wearable Art
182. Tara Plote, The Newbie Beader's Blog
183. Natalie Schuetz, Natalie S Perlen
184. Kim Hutchinson, Running on Ink
185. Haley Frank, Wide Eyed Smilin
186. Grace Caputo, Suddenly Last Summer
187. Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp, Skye Jewels
188. Erin Siegel, Erin Siegel Jewelry
189. Janea McDonald, Organized Chaos
190. Kristi Evenson, Colie Bug & Co.
191. Linda Inhelder, Must Haves Jewelry
192. Hilary Frye, FryeStyle
193. Whitney Lassini, Whitney Lassini
194. Nancy Schindler, The Rabbit Muse
195. Pam Brisse, The Blue Between
196. Beth Bricker, Vintage Sweets
197. Ruthie Stickney, Rose Works Jewelry and Gifts
198. Rose Noble, Lady Noble Designs
199. Karen Williams, Baublicious
200. Claire Maunsell, The Next Bend
201. Christine Damm, Stories They Tell
202. Kerry Bogert, Kab's Creative Concepts
203. Wendy Blum, Sand & Sea Designs
204. Juli Cannon, Julsbeads
205. Jenny Robledo, La Dona Boutique
206. Krista French, French Elegant Jewelry
207. Pam Krinski, Ewa Beads
208. Melissa Meman, Melissa Meman, Art, Life, Love
209. Dana Jones, Dana's Jewelry
210. Shirley Moore, Beads and Bread
The next party's sign ups begin August 1-3, 2011. Don't miss it!

Girl Scouts & Their False Advertising

1. Can you drive a stick shift?

Nope, and I really have no desire to learn.

2. What are two foods you just can't eat?

I am probably the pickiest (fat, plus-sized, husky, more-to-love, insert whatever you think is most politically correct here) gal you will ever meet. There are a lot of foods that I want no part of, but the 2 biggest offenders, the I-won't-touch-it-if-I even-think-it-might-contain-them are tomatoes (raw--I'll eat them cooked as long as they aren't big chunks) and mayonnaise.

3. Do you buy Girl Scout Cookies? What is your favorite kind?

Yeah, let's talk about those cute little girls in green standing outside of the grocery store looking all pitiful, begging you to buy their cookies. "Please buy my cookies so I can go to camp and make friendship bracelets and talk about Justin Bieber. Pretty please?" Well, I have been buying their Thin Mints for years and guess what? I AIN'T THIN!! They don't work!

4. How do you pamper yourself?

I love, love, love, love a hot bath and a book. It is my favorite time for me. But I also love a good pedicure as well, and though I haven't had many, massages can't be beat.

5. What is your nickname and how did you get it?

No real consistent nicknames. People who know me well will shorten Stacie to Stace. And the Rev has some pet names for me that you don't need to know. He has also been known to refer to me as the Napkin Captain whenever we are out to eat because I always get a big stack of napkins, you never know when you might need those...

Heath Bar Cake

I've been away at a conference for the first half of the week, so today was like cramming 3 days worth of work into one to get caught up. Add to that the fact that our weekend is slap full, I'm already worn out and it is cold and rainy, and I really just want to do nothing but go to bed and sleep....but I promised to bake a cake for the PTO's cake auction tomorrow, so instead, I'm baking.

A big thanks to Monica at Lick the Bowl Good for sharing this easy recipe for Coffee Heath Bar Cake. I omitted the coffee part and baked one to take and one to keep. Minimal effort but yummy results. My belly is about to enjoy a warm slice right now, then to bed...

Tipsy Tuesday (#106)

Organizing can be fun…

Tip #106

when you have a partner in crime.

Make two coffee or dessert dates with a good friend. On the first date, go through her kitchen cabinets to get rid of clutter (containers without lids, mismatched glasses, broken utensils, out of date food, etc). On the second date, do the same in your kitchen. And be sure to share a cup of joe or a slab of cake while gabbing and cleaning!

Handwriting!

Danielle at Life on Dahlia Lane shared her handwriting and invited us to do the same. While I love the internet, personal, handwritten notes are so fun and meaningful. What does your handwriting look like?

All you have to do is write your answers to the following questions and scan (or take a picture of) your paper. I'd love to see if your writing matches your personality!

1. What’s your name/your blogger name?
2. What’s your blog’s name/URL?
3. Write “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.”
4. Favorite quote?
5. Your favorite song?
6. Your favorite band/singers?
7. Anything else you want to say?

Dust Bunnies Are Not Cute!

1. Have you worn the same outfit more than one day in a row?

Probably not the exact same outfit, but I usually wear a pair of pants, especially if they are dry clean only, at least twice before washing. It makes them last longer.

2. If you had to choose any LARGE city to live in, which would it be?

Well, large takes on a different meaning when you live in a town so small you don't dare run to the grocery store without makeup on, because you know you will run into someone you know. BUT I have lived in both Greensboro and Charlotte, which I loved. And I love the energy in Atlanta, but I don't know if my nerves could handle the traffic. I also really like Denver and Nashville. Really, if they have a Target, a good craft/fabric store and a nice selection of restaurants, I am open!

3. Fly or drive with the kids Rev on vacation?

We usually drive, but I love to fly! I think the farthest we have driven was Ohio, and that was about as long as I can make it in a car. Once you fly and see how far you can go, in a small amount of time, you are hooked. But I am a little reluctant to fly again, given all of the new regulations--not really excited about a thorough pat down from a stranger...

4. What is your idea of "spring cleaning"?

Well, I am kind of a clean freak, so our house (except for the basement) never gets too dirty. But at the beginning of each year, I do try to slowly work my way through one room at a time and get rid of anything that we haven't used, straighten up drawers and closets, that kind of thing. I'm not a window washer, so that doesn't happen really ever. I've been told when we dump the last of our debt, I can get someone to come in once a month, so maybe I'll make them do windows and dust bunnies--our house is soooo dusty, trying to keep dust bunnies at bay is a full time job!

5. What is the best book you have ever read?

I read a lot, so I have many favorites, but if I can pick, I love a good mystery and anything by Nicholas Sparks.

Please Tell Me I Am Not Alone...

I remember this old, ratty Duck Head T-shirt that my brother had when we were younger. It was so gross the armpits had rotted out! And I, having grown up with him as the only male around, was somehow under the impression that he was the only male who had such a shirt. Then I got married, and I figured out that they must all have one.

The Rev brought Old Blue and Plaidy into our marriage and if they were worn out 6 years ago, they are downright pathetic now. Old Blue is a sleeveless shirt, that has one side literally hanging on by a thread, he is past repair, but we can't throw him out. Despite the fact that Plaidy was "very well made in Hong Kong" as it said on the label, which the Rev believes dates back to 1994, he developed a gaping hole and I thought perhaps the time had come to turn him into cleaning rags. But apparently, when I think it is time for the trash pile, it is just getting good and broken in. So I wasn't too surprised when the Rev asked if I could fix it. I said sure, if I can blog about it, thinking that surely that embarrassment would be enough to get it in the garbage can and hauled away before he even knew what happened. But he said OK and so, here we are today.

That is right, folks, I had to buy some knit material and fashion patches to repair Plaidy. It was a moment reminiscent of when Michael Keaton uses the stapler to repair Kenny's wubby in Mr. Mom--I cannot believe what love will make you do... Here is the new and improved Plaidy, Plaidy 2.0 we will call him, complete with a heart shaped patch and crazy quilt stitching over that gaping hole--hey, don't ask a woman to fix your He-man shirt if you don't want it frou-froued...

So, tell me what I-wouldn't-cry-if-it went-missing item did your spouse or significant other bring into the relationship? I know I can't be alone!

P.S. Want proof that God can use something as ordinary as sewing up a holey shirt to teach a life lesson? Visit me over at Everyday Christian to get the rest of this story.

Tipsy Tuesday (#105)

Corral small repair projects for easier tackling.

Tip #105

So you’ll always know what to do with that spare few minutes…

Create a repair center for clothes that need mending, toys that need batteries, things that need gluing, etc. Items that can’t be used won’t be out and about and you’ll know exactly where to look when you have a few minutes to tackle a project.

Paula Deen Would Be Proud!

An amazing home-cooked dinner, the gift I asked for and this for dessert....

Paula Deen's Chocolate Explosion Cheesecake. A graham cracker crust, chocolate layer, caramel syrup, cookie dough layer, cheesecake layer, and chocolate ganache....all by himself! He's a keeper.

Love you, Rev!

Hope you and your family celebrated and loved on each other a little extra today. Happy Valentine's Day!

Lucky #13

Well, what do you know, it is February 13th, I had 13 entrants in my giveaway and lucky number 13 is the winner. Congratulations, Liz! Liz said "Thanks for the giveaway! I'd love to get some new Calphalon kitchen knives!" I'll be in touch in the next day or so, Liz, with instructions on redeeming your CSN Stores gift certificate.

Thanks to everyone who entered and to CSN for sponsoring!

We're Goin'...

1. Would you rather be on ABC's Extreme Home MakeOver or TLC's What not to Wear?

Well, I don't really have a sad enough story to make it onto Extreme Home Makeover and What Not to Wear would probably want to force me to wear actual colors, so can I just have the money that they spend instead?

2. Do you have any tattoos?

Yes, 1 small one on my ankle. Biggest.Regret.EVER.

3. Do you tell your kids about things you did growing up?

N/A--but if I had to guess, I would say we probably will because the Rev and I have a bad habit of forcing the other to listen to the same stories over and over.

4. If the traffic signal turns yellow, do you stop or speed up?

It depends on how far I am from the light and whether or not there are any po-po right around me. Lil' Miss Wilkes ALWAYS goes--she gets to the intersection, acts like she might be thinking of stopping, then guns it and says "We're goin!" Your life will flash right before your eyes...that is, if you can keep them open...

5. What's your preference: chocolate or chips?

Um, yes, please?

Simple Scarf Storage

I'm a bit of a Smurfette--remember how her whole closet was full of the same dress? I have a pretty basic wardrobe --khaki, black, and I are BFF's. While somewhat practical, it is not necessarily the most exciting choice for attire. Somewhere right now, Lil' Miss Wilkes is reading this and remembering shopping trips in which she would force me to try on color...

But when you go basic, you can jazz it up with accessories, which I love to do! Outside of a great piece of jewelry, my other favorite accessory is a scarf. Chunky winter ones, sheer spring ones, silky ones, fringed ones...you get my drift. This has led to a need for some scarf storage, since the current stuff-them-in-a-basket-in-top-of-the-closet method isn't quite cutting it. I looked online and just couldn't find what I wanted--I didn't want over the door storage or the little hanger thingy with the tee-tiny plastic holes in it either. So, of course, I just made my own...and for next to nothing!

Here's how:

1. Buy a clothes hanger.

2. Add shower curtain rings (Dollar Tree has these, for obviously $1)--make sure you get the kind that you can open and close--to the base of the hanger.

3. Slip scarves through shower curtain rings.

4. Hang in closet.

5. Admire!

Head on over to The CSI Project to see other great $5 Challenge projects!

So, Tell Me What You Want...

what you really really want, I'll tell you what I want, what I really really want. I wanna, I wanna, I wanna, I wanna, I wanna really really really wanna zigazig ha. Sorry, I needed a Spice Girls break...

Are you familiar with CSN Stores? With over 200 stores, you can get something for everybody you know - from adjustable bar stools for his man cave to new bedding for your bedroom, even toys for the kids.

Don't believe me? Want to see for yourself? All you have to do is tell me what you want to buy from CSN Stores. They have graciously given me a $30 gift certificate to give away to one of you lucky ladies (or guys, no discrimination here!)!

Here's how to enter:

*Visit CSN Stores, then come back and leave me a comment on this post and tell me what you would buy, if you win. (If you don't have a blog or it isn't linked to your email make sure to leave an email address so that I can get in touch with you.)

* And in the spirit of the Spice Girls, tell me your I'm-afraid-to-admit-it-publicly-but-I-can't-help-but-sing-along-song, for a 2nd entry in the giveaway drawing.

* The winner will be announced this Sunday! Hurry up and enter!

Tipsy Tuesday (#104)

Clean the scary places first…(ugh, we need to do this sooo bad!)

Tip #104

Saving the basement for last isn’t the best..

Attics, basements, sheds, and garages often house items that we haven’t seen or used in a while. By cleaning these spaces first, you can tackle your living spaces confident that you’ll have plenty of storage space waiting.

Just In Case...

you thought all baby stuff had to be blue or pink with little bunnies and chicks, here is proof that it does not! I just finished up this custom order for a set of embellished burp cloths, a diaper wipes case and a binky clip, all in a camoflauge print for a baby boy who is soon to be born into a hunting family. Best wishes to Mom, Dad, and little Hunter (yep, they really take hunting seriously enough to name him Hunter!). I hope that they will have many happy, healthy years ahead!

Food, Football, and Commercials

Super Bowl Sunday is coming! And if you don't like food or football (are there really people out there that like neither?), surely you can at least appreciate the commercials that all of the ad companies roll out.

Here is a great game that you can play during the big game. Simply print out these Rachael Ray Commercial Game grids, have everyone pick their spots and keep an eye on all of the commercials to see who wins this big game! You could even buy a small plastic trophy or ribbon to present to the party goer who has the most correct picks at the end of the night. And, if you want to put a little money on the line, I won't tell!

Tipsy Tuesday (#103)

Many of us make resolutions to get organized each new year, so for the month of February, we’ll focus on tips that can help with that goal.

Drive in it, don’t live in it!

Tip #103

Make this system a habit and the inside of your car will always be clean!

Every time you arrive home, remove anything from the car that doesn’t permanently belong in it. Keep a small basket or tote in the car for this purpose and ask all passengers to help fill it up. Over time, it will become second nature!