August Component of the Month at AJE!

I have had the good fortune this past year to be a part of a wonderful group of artisans and designers over at Art Jewelry Elements for coming up on a year!  Time flies!  Speaking of that,  I hope you are having a fabulous summer!  It is hard to believe that we are only a few days from August...in only a few short weeks, many of us will be sending the kids back out the door to start a new school year...yikes!  I am about to have a 12 year old in the 7th grade, and it is blowing my mind, just how quickly he got there.

I signed up, way back at the beginning of the year to do a component of the month...August is my month.  Since I am relatively new to creating jewelry components, I was excited but a bit intimidated by the gorgeous lampwork, metal work, clay, polymer, bead work, etc. that came before me!   It took a while to figure out what exactly to offer, but finally decided on some of my Molten Morsels.  These mixed metal pieces are inspired by workshops I have taken with Stephanie Lee, Deryn Mentock, and Richard Salley...they incorporate copper sheet, in this case, layered with molten soft solder and embellished with brass elements. I was drawn to this style and use of soft solder from the very first try.   I love the vintage, or even ancient feel to them.  I can't wait to see what the team here at AJE will create with them.

Sorry for the yucky photos...these suckers are hard to get just right, and the brass reflects off the silver metal.  These have a light antiqued patina on them, but there so many other possibilities...I personally am going to be trying some Vintaj patinas I have stashed away!

Would you like to be a part of the August design team?  It is easy!  Go to the AJE blog and leave a comment on this post...     http://artjewelryelements.blogspot.com/2013/07/august-component-of-monthmelismatic.html

Here's how the giveaway, challenge, and blog-hop will work (please read all the information carefully!)...

• I will give away 1 component to each of 3 winners selected randomly from those who leave comments below this post by midnight,  Wednesday eastern time. I'll choose the morsel and add connector holes, so you'll be surprised!
• Please include your EMAIL address in your comment so that I can contact you ASAP should you win.
• Please (PLEASE) only leave a comment if you can commit to creating a finished piece and blogging about it on the reveal date.
• The names of the 3 winners will be announced on Thursday, August 1, 2013.
• The blog reveal will be on Saturday morning, August 31, 2013.

Good luck!  Oh, and be sure to come see the creations by the team and guests for the July components...that reveal is Wednesday, July 31! I can't wait!

Don't enter this giveaway...

because I want to win!

The talented Lesley Watt is celebrating 1000 sales in her component shop, TheaToo and is offering a beautiful necklace and set of her signature bronze components as giveaways!  Like I said, don't even think about entering to win these sweet pieces, because I am in love with that necklace!

Just kidding...sort of...well, not really.  Go ahead and enter :)

Lucky # 37!

Wow, I had a record 97 posts for this Bead Soup Book Tour giveaway!  Thank you so much for commenting.  It was totally awesome reading each and every one of them!  I asked B to choose a number between 1 and 97 and he chose lucky number 37!!!

AntiquityTravelers, come on down!  You have won my mixed metal pendant and embossed copper toggle!  Send me your snail mail address and I will get your goodies right out to you!!

For those who didn't win, I hope to get some similar items in my shop soon!!  Keep watching :)  Also, remember, you are entered to win the grand prize!  Good luck!!! Oh, and go get the book, if you haven't already!

It's Bead Soup Book Blog Tour Week!!!

I am so honored to have been included in Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Book!  I got my copy a couple of weeks ago, and for any of you who haven't seen it yet, you are in for a treat!  Just as fun and inspirational as the actual Bead Soup Parties are!  More on my take of the book on Saturday!

Today is Day 1 of the Bead Soup Book Blog Tour!  All week long, there will be posts  about the book and lots of fun and fabulous giveaways!

Here is a schedule of participants...

Monday, October 1st
Lori Anderson — http://www.PrettyThingsBlog.com
Rebecca Anderson — http://www.songbeads.blogspot.com
Barbara Bechtel — http://secondsurf.com/wordpress/

Tuesday, October 2nd
Lori Anderson — www.PrettyThingsBlog.com
Kerry Bogert –   http://kabsconcepts.com/wp/
Melanie Brooks — http://earthenwood-beads.blogspot.com
Jennifer Cameron — http://glassaddictions.blogspot.com

Wednesday, October 3rd
Lori Anderson – www.PrettyThingsBlog.com
Diane Cook — www.rosa-josies.blogspot.com
Malin de Koning — www.beadingbymalindekoning.blogspot.com

Thursday, October 4th
Lori Anderson — www.PrettyThingsBlog.com
Cassie Donlen — http://cassiedonlen.blogspot.com
Jeannie Dukic — http://site.jkdjewelry.com/blog
Nan Emmett  — http://www.spiritrattles.blogspot.com/
Lyn Foley –  http://lynfoleyblog.com

Friday, October 5th
Lori Anderson — www.PrettyThingsBlog.com
Brandi Hussey — http://www.brandigirlblog.com
Cindy Wimmer — www.SweetBeadStudio

Saturday, October 6th
Lori Anderson www.PrettyThingsBlog.com
Melissa Meman — http://www.melissameman.blogspot.com/
Stefanie Teufel — http://stefaniessammelsurium.blogspot.com/

Sunday, October 7th
Sharon Palac — http://sharonsjewelrygarden.blogspot.com
Heather Powers — http://www.humblebeads.blogspot.com
Erin Prais-Hintz — http://treasures-found.blogspot.com

You will want to make sure to visit each of the these posts, because I promise you, there will be wonderful giveaways!  For now, my giveaway is a surprise, but come back on Saturday to see what it is...there may be a sneak peek before that, though!  For the finale, on Monday, Oct. 8th,  head back to Lori's blog, for a wrap-up and a chance to win the grand prize!!!

And the NEW winner is....

drumrolllllllllllll.......

....llllllllllll......

wait for it......

Oops!  I forgot to take the Earrings Everyday members out of the pile, and in my delirium of getting things accomplished, didn't think of it until this morning!

The winner is Suzanne!!! Suzanne - send me you snail mail address and I will get these out to you!

Thanks to all who left fabulously sweet comments!  You all rock!  I wish I could send everyone a pair.  I will be doing another one just on my blog soon!

Earring Giveaway....

at Earrings Everyday!

I thought I would re-create the earrings from my Bead Soup the other day, since I got so many sweet comments on them, this time using very cool borosilicate artisan beads from JavaBead.  Embellished with my hand formed copper bead caps and torch-fired enamel headpins.  Simple design, but they pack a punch!

How can they be yours?  Head on over to Earrings Everyday and...

1. Leave a comment.
2. Follow Earrings Everyday
3. Blog about the giveaway or Earrings Everyday in general (provide link)
4. Share on Facebook or Twitter

and, because I love my readers, earn extra entries by commenting here and/or following my blog!

Winner will be drawn Sunday evening.  Good luck!

Spring Fever Ramblings

Having a 9-5 job when Spring decides to flirt with your senses is totally unfair!  Granted, it has been  a very mild winter here in Maryland, I am so ready for warmer weather, green grass, and flowers!  The spring-like temps yesterday and today have me unfocused on my admin work and chomping at the bit to go and dig in some dirt!

Unfortunately, I have suffered with an off and on headache over the last 3-4 days...just when I think it is gone, it's knuckles tap me on the side of the head again..."I'm baacckkk"!

My day on Earrings Everyday....Confetti!

Here are a couple more pairs of earrings I created a while back featuring my new love of  bezel cups...

Handwrought copper  disks with faceted blue chalcedony; lampwork by SueBeads

Sterling disks with tiny turquoise cabs;  Picasso finish Czech glass drops

Have been working on some custom orders...including a silent auction piece for one of my co-worker's Breast Cancer fundraiser and a special gift for my son's Scout leader...she has been his den leader all the way through Cubs, and will continue into Boy Scouts.  Hope to have photos of these to show soon!

Speaking of Scouts, B crosses the bridge on Saturday!  Will take lots of photos!

Oh, I almost forgot...I am still going to have a giveaway based on my Bead Soup leftovers...will get a post up soon, I promise!

Hope you are all enjoying the spring-like weather and aren't stuck inside at your desk!

Happy Random Valentine's Day!

Hello, all my sweet friends out there!  I'm not going to apologize for being so scarce around these here parts lately, and really, I have no excuse!  I am trying to work on other aspects of my life and somehow haven't felt the compulsion to share! Never fear, however, we are all fine and will get back into a rhythm eventually!

Want to win these earrings and more?  Go visit Earrings Everyday and find out how!

Have been meaning to post a pic of Ben and his car after his CubScouts Pinewood Derby...no prizes this time, but he had fun!  We just went to our 1st Boys Scouts meeting in preparation for crossing the bridge!  He may even go to sleep-away camp this summer!

Bead soup photos are coming later this week!  The stash I got from my partner is amazing and I really like what I sent  her!  Just have to edit some photos.

Happy Valentine's Day to you all...hope your special cupid out there shoots some arrows of love through your heart!

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

Um, I mean earrings! Yay!  No chickens were harmed in the making of these earrings :)

Random Integer chose #3... Shirley! From Beads and Bread ...you are the winner!  Send me an email with your address and I will get them out to you.

Thanks to everyone for your fabulously sweet comments, and thank you, Barbara Lewis for imparting all this cool enameling knowledge, and for honoring me by including me in this fantastic, fun event.  I've said it before, and will undoubtedly say it a few hundred more times, "You Rock"!!

Remember, the Virtual Book Tour goes through 10/24, so there is more enameled eye candy to be had...and more giveaways.

Today's blogger is Lisa Crone...go see what she created!

Day 10 - Painting With Fire Virtual Book Tour!!

Welcome to Day 10 of Barbara Lewis's "Torch-Fired Enamel Jewelry: A Workshop in Painting with Fire" Virtual Book Tour!  I'll be your tour guide today :)

Back in March 2010, I had the great pleasure of taking Barbara's Painting with Fire Workshop.  That one workshop pretty much completely changed my jewelry designing outlook!  I totally fell in love with the technique and immediately started incorporating my enameled components into my designs.

Some of my 1st enamel attempts!

This past July, I was thrilled to be able to take a 2nd class - "Enamel Explorations"  This class took everything a step further.  We painted beads with liquid enamels, used decals, stenciling and much more!

The master at work!

Enamel Explorations

Imagine my excitement, when Barbara asked me to participate in this virtual book tour!  I am so honored to be a part of this celebration of such a fabulous book!  And believe me, the book is fabulous!  The projects are unique and inviting and include a wide array of techniques and styles.  There is something for everyone here.  Barbara incorporates lots of fibers and other components in the projects, which give the pieces a wonderful organic feel. My review? You need this book!

I had tried my hand at stacking some enameled components using cold connections, so I was eager to try Barbara's "heat rivet" techniques.  These are some very cute charms I created for last month's ArtBLISS charm swap using this technique.  The base of these are old copper pennies!  I think they were a hit!

I was immediately drawn to some of the other "stacked" component projects...especially the Sprout bracelet on page 37. Here is my version of that project...another thing I love about this book and the projects is that there are clear instructions for creating the exact piece on the page, but they are written in such a way that the reader can figure out how to revise and embellish to make the project their very own...I hope I was able to do that here!

Would you like to win some earrings?  These are cool long brass beads I enameled with clover pink and mandarin orange to create this cool peachy color!  They are embellished with Czech glass flowers, copper and hand wrought sterling earwires!

Here's how to win them...There are prizes throughout the book tour plus a grand prize at the end! The more you spread the excitement, the more chances you have to win some of the goodies our bloggers are giving away!

1. Leave a comment on this post and become a follower = 1 chance.

2. Tweet, facebook or blog about the giveaway and leave a comment at this post: the original Virtual Book Tour post = 1 additional chance.

3. While you're at Barbara's Blog, if you become a follower or say that you're already a follower in your comment = 1 additional chance.

So, you can earn up to three chances per giveaway. A winner will be selected by 10 p.m. eastern time and be announced the following day. You can check back at Barbara's blog for the name of the winner or at any other of the participating blogs.

The Book!

So you don't miss out on any of the blog posts, here is the list of hosts for you to follow:

October 6, Mary Jane Dodd

October 7, Gaea Cannaday

October 8, Linda Larsen

October 10, Andrew Thornton

October 11, Lori Plyler

October 12, Diane Cook

October 13, Lori Anderson

October 14, LeAnn Weih

October 15, Jen Judd Velasquez

October 17, Melissa Meman (that's me! yay!)

October 18, Lisa Crone

October 19, Shannon LeVart

October 20, Cindy Wimmer

October 21, Laura Twiford

October 22, Erin Prais-Hintz

October 24, Jennifer Cameron

To thank you for following along, Barbara is offering a  BONUS PRIZE at the end of the book tour! All of the entries will be included in the drawing for a kit containing all the elements of "Floral Cascade," one of the projects in the book. You'll receive everything you need to make the necklace, including the chain, jump rings, clasp, enamel beads, and head pins!

But that's not all! Really? Seriously? Seriously.

For a chance to win the Grand Prize - a Torch-Firing Kit (or $110 shopping experience atwww.paintingwithfireartwear.com) - please leave a review at Amazon.com by November 24. Remember, leave an honest review... the book must stand on its own.

Thanks for playing along! 

P.S. Unfortunately,  the giveaways are restricted to U.S. residents. Winners should contact Barbara  with their name and address through her author website: www.torchfiredenameljewelry.com so that you can receive your prizes!

Tool Giveaway Alert!

Sweet Laura Twiford, over at Souvenirs From Life, is having a great giveaway in celebration of her blogiversary...these very cool double flush cutters!

Go on over and see how you can enter to win them!  While you are there, ooh and ahh over her gorgeous photography...I especially love all her flowers!

Giveaways Galore!

My blog reader has been filled with giveaways lately..and some really great ones!

Over at Art Bead Scene, they are celebrating the release of Beads 2011, which is chocked full of gorgeous art beads from lots of my favorite artists!  Go on over and read Erin's post, see a sampling of the prize package, and find out how you can be entered into this totally rocking contest!

If that weren't enough, Anne from Gardanne Beads is celebrating her 1000th sale and 2nd anniversary on Etsy by having a sweet giveaway of some of her lampwork and enameled beads!  She is also offering a 10% coupon on purchases from her Etsy shop, but hurry, as it expires tonight!

Over at Vintaj, they are having their first ever Art Bead Partner product giveaway!  Go over and leave a comment, and mention my name so we can both win!!

And just in under the wire, Andrew Thornton is giving away a cute set of metal ImpressArt Design stamps from PJ Tool Jewelry...hurry through, the drawing is tonight!

Last, but definitely not least, Melinda Orr is giving away one of her gorgeous bangle bracelets in celebration of 100 followers!  Don't miss out!

So, what are you waiting for...you have some blog reading and commenting to do, don't  you?

Bead Fest Goodies Giveaway...

over at Pretty Things!

Lori Anderson is at it again!  She went to Bead Fest this past weekend and felt sorry for all of us who couldn't go, so she picked up a few things just for us!  That's right, she is having a giveaway of some really fun loot!

Check it out!

To enter to win 1 of these fab prizes, go visit Lori's blogpost and leave a comment!  For more entries, blog, tweet or do a facebook link.

Thanks Lori! You and your pink hair ROCK :)

Spring Flowers Winner...

was drawn this morning the old-fashioned way...I wrote down the commenters on a piece of paper...recycled from B's back-pack :)

Then I enlisted the help of an available volunteer...

and from the names he drew...

...note to self, make sure boy has manicure!

Congratulations, Shyme...get me an address and I will send out your assortment of Czech glass leaf and dagger beads!

Thanks for all your comments - lots of Tulip love!