Beady Leftovers Blog Hop Sign Up

If you are like me, you have a collection of beads that are leftovers.  Mine is a collection of beads that are the pieces I didn't use from other blog hops and challenges.   Every time I finish working on one of those I add the orphan beads to the mix in a big takeout soup container.   Well,  what was once only one container is now two.   I keep looking at those containers and going, "I should make something with those someday!"  But nothing has motivated me to try.   Well,  I would like to motivate myself and bring you along with me on the creative journey by hosting a blog hop!

I am going to keep participation requirements very easy for this one.  The only requirement is that you use beads that are leftovers.   You can use a few extra beads from your regular design stash along with findings, but since the point is to use up your leftovers,  the majority of your designs should be from there.   I ask that you take a before shot of your beads along with the photos of your completed designs.   That way we all get to see what kind of goodies you had to work with.

Your beads do not have to be leftovers from other blog hops and challenges.  It ok if you just use left over beads from other projects you worked on.   I just want to see your creativity at work!  

There will be two ways to participate.   You can hop along with us by writing a blog post on November 21st that shows us your before and after pictures and share a bit about your designs.  If you don't have a blog,  you can send your pictures to me at pinetreejewels@gmail.com with a paragraph about your work and I will be happy to post them here on my blog on reveal day.  

Now...the good news!!! I will be drawing one name randomly from all the participants and that person will win a $25 dollar Amazon gift certificate!

To sign up, please comment below with your name and blog address if you will be hopping along with us.   If you don't have a blog just let me know your name and that you will be emailing me your photos.   Then get designing!   

We're All Ears August Reveal

"USA Antelope-Canyon" by Lucas Löffler

Hi Blog I have missed you!!  Because of personal events, I haven't had a chance to stop in and visit lately so I was really excited when I saw this month's inspiration post for the We're All Ears challenge over at Earrings Everyday  If you have been following my blog for awhile, you may have seen these monthly challenges that start with a wonderful inspiration image and then all the participating artists post their pieces on the 3rd Friday of the month.   

The photo above is one of several beautiful photographs of Antelope Canyon that Erin chose for this month's inspiration here. These kinds of canyons are formed by thousands of years of weathering from wind and rain.   They are majestic and beautiful.   I true wonder right here in the USA.  Rock formations and canyons have always fascinated me, I would love to make it out West some day to get to experience such beautiful sites in person.

When it came time to design my earrings, I knew exactly what stones I wanted to use.  A few months ago,  I purchased two exquisite pieces of Red Creek Jasper from my favorite lapidary and I had been hoarding them until just the right pair of earrings called me.   They were perfect for this month's challenge!

Canyon Sunset by Forest of Jewels

Can you see the walls of the canyon weathered smooth by water in those beautiful stones?  Small gaps and outcrops changing the striations on the face?  I feel that they capture the theme of the challenge perfectly.   To finish off my design, I used Czech glass rondelles in shades of cream, brown and a touch of green.  The coloring in those beads also remind me of the canyon walls seen in the inspiration photo.  Tiny picasso finished Czech Druk beads add that little bit more of sandy earthiness to the design.   

Canyon Sunset Earrings

Thank you for stopping by and taking a peek at my earrings.  I always enjoy participating in these monthly challenges, hop on over to the Reveal Page to see what everyone else designed.   Have a great weekend!