Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken. - Oscar Wilde

Friday, July 19, 2013

Bead Hoarder's Reveal

I have a dirty little secret that I keep from my co-workers.  They all know that I make my own jewelery and some have even bought a few piecea from me here and there over the years...but what they don't see are the shoe boxes and bins full of strands of beads, beads and more beads. 

Why do I do it?!?!!  WHY!!!

 It wouldn't be so bad if I wouldn't buy them and store them away, waiting for inspiration to strike so I can make something "spectacular".  I haunt pinterest looking for ideas, getting lost there for hours, rather than using that time to design and make pieces of my own.  I need HELP!

That is why I jumped at the chance to join Lori Anderson's latest bead hop ... some incentive to actually do SOMETHING with some of the great beads and focals I have been hoarding. I did not buy one new item to make them! All from my stash. That is a win in my book. Earrings too!

First stop: my favorite medium, polymer clay. Among my favorite PC artists is Christi Friesen.  I first met this wonderful, down to earth lady on one of Lisa Pavelka's Polymer Clay cruises (out of New Orleans).  I bought some pieces from her then that have been living in see-though cases in my studio (for inspirational purposes, ya that's it).  Finally, I opened the case so Leopold could breath and get to see the whole new world outside my one little room.
   Since Leo is from the wilds, I thought to make him feel more at home by pairing him with wood and bone.  It was really hard to string the beads in an order I liked.  It took about a week of trying out various combos before I was happy with the results. What do you think?


I got up the courage to ask Christi if she would consider coming to my neck of the woods to teach. (remember, I had just met her and was still in awe shock).  About a year later (she is a very busy lady), I was able to host her for a weekend of classes in Edmonds.  She also connected with another lady in Everett and gave classes there too. During the Everett class, I made this Firebird that I finally got around to taking down from my inspiration shelf.  I had some copper chain left over from my first bead soup that went perfectly with design. Did some wire work on this set. I had some glass beads in my stash that were a perfect match.

My only trip to Tucson sveral years ago netted me some wonderful ceramic beads from Clay River Designs.  At the time, I had a budget so was not able to buy more.  I really wish I had.  I love the color and style of these gorgeous pieces. The photos do not do the color justice. They literally glow.  I am so happy that I got the companion beads to go with the focals.  Anything else would not have made as great an impact.
 I experimented with collage making to compress all my photos.Heaven knows that I am wordy enough already.  Don't need to load the posts down with tons of pix.  Also trying various backgrounds to shoot against.  Trying to be "artistic" is hard work.

Since I hardly make any pieces from all my beads, I found I have very few clasps in my stash.  I am not that happy with the closures I was forced to use on these pieces.  But I swore not to buy anything new so had to work with what I had.  I think my next bead show visit will focus on closures.

A great big {{{HUG}}} to Lori for thinking of this hop.  She has been having major health issues of  late and I don't know where she finds the strength to carry on.  She is one remarkable lady.  I am keeping her and her family in my thoughts and hope that her new doctor can help her to feel better soon.

Here is a list of all the other beaders who are participating in this marvelous hop. Enjoy!

1.  Lori Anderson, Pretty Things
2. Nancy Dale, NEDBeads
3. Roxanne Mendoza, Roxi Designs
4.  Melissa Trudinger, beadrecipes
5.  Rana Lea, Rana Lea Designs
6.  Perri Jackson, Shaktipaj Designs
7.  Rita Avila, Jewel School Friends
8.  Linda Anderson, From the Bead Board
  10.  Erin Guest, Renlish


11.  Joan Williams, lilruby jewelry
12. Diane Hawkey, Diane Hawkey
13.  Jo-Ann Woolverton, It's a Beadiful Creation
14.  Sue Kennedy, SueBeads
15.  Lisa Cone, Inspired Adornments
16.  Kari Asbury, Hippie Chick Design
17.  Nichole Byers, Nichole Byers
18.  Lori Jean Poppe, Adventures in Creativity
19.  Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings
20.  Lori Schneider, Bead Addict


21.  Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me
22. Cece Cormier, The Beading Yogini
23.  Niki Sayers, Silver Nik Nats
24.  Elsie Deliz-Fonseca, Eliz-Eliz and All That Craft
25.  Amber Dawn, Inventive Soul
26.  Heather Powers, Humblebeads
27.  Sarah Goode, Pookledo
28.  Monique Urquhart, A Half-Baked Notion
29.  JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions
30.  Cheri Reed, Creative Designs by Cheri


31.  Robyn, Museiddity
32.  Catherine King, Catherine's Musings
33.  Jacquie, Bead Gypsy
34.  Janet McDonald, Singing Woods
35. Kay Thomerson, Kayz Kreations
36.  Tanty Sri Hartanti, TJewellicious by Tanti
37.  Hannah Rosner, Good River Valley
38.  Rochelle Brisson, A Creative Chelle
39.  Nelly May, Smelly Nelly
40.  Skylar Bre'z, Brising Beads


41.  Beti Horvath, Stringing Fool
42.  Christie Murrow, Charis Designs
43.  Leanne Loftus, First Impression Design
44.  Valerie Norton, Hot Art
45.  Judy Riggs, Rigglettes
46.  Crystal Thain, Here Bead Dragons
47.  Terry Carter,  Tapping Flamingo
48.  Sue, Mid-Life Great Expectations
49.  Nan Smith, Wired Nan
50.  Miranda Ackerley, MirandAck Arts


51.  Marie Covert, Creating Interest
52.  D'Arsie Manzella, This Here Now, Mamacita
53.  Stephanie Haussler, Pixybug Designs
54.  Lori Bergmann, Lori Bergmann Design
55.  Johanna Nunez, The Lovely One Design
56.  Mary Govaars, MLH Jewelry Designs
57.  Becky Pancake, Becky Pancake Bead Designs
58.  Alicia Marinache, All the Pretty Things
59.  Debbie Rasmussen, A Little of This, A Little of That
60.  Nat, Grubbi Ceramics


61.  Marjorie Savill Linthwaite, Bennu Bird Rising
62.  Cheryl McCloud, One Thing Leads to Another
63.  Heather Otto, The Crafthopper
64.  Candida Castleberry, Spun Sugar Beadworks
66.  JuLee Wolfe, The Polymer Penguin
67.  Ginger Bishop, Lil Mummy Likes
68.  Karen Mitchell, Over the Moon Design
69.  Jeannie Dukic, Jeannie's Blog
70.  Dini Bruinsma, Angaza by Changes


71.  Birgitta Lejonklou, Create With Spirit
72.  Shalini Austin, Jewellery by Shalini
73.  Jayne Capps, Mama's Got to Doodle
74.  Ile Ruzza, Ilenia's Unique Beaded Jewelry
76.  Annita Wilson, AW Jewelry 
77.  Sherri Stokey, Knot Just Macrame
78.  Hannah Trost, PZ Designs
79.  Linda Inhelder, Must Haves Jewelry
80.  Miri Agassi, Beadwork


81.  Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
82.  Dyanne Cantrell, Dee-Liteful Jewelry Creations
83.  Susan Bowie, Susan Nelson Bowie
84.  Megan Milliken, MaeMaeMills
85.  Menka Gupta, Menka's Jewelry
86.  Ambra Gostoli, Chic and Frog
87.  Lori Lochner, Bloghner
88.  Gerda Jurimae, Gerda's Crafts Blog
89.  Susan, Mistheword
90.  MaryLou Holvenstot, MaryLou's time2cre8


91.  Mary Shannon Hicks, falling into the sky
92.  Karin King, The Sparklie Things Blog
93.  Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman
94.  Jenny Davie-Reazor, Jenny Davies-Reazor
95.  Donetta Farrington, Simply Gorgeous
96.  Mallory Hoffman, Rosebud 101 - For the Love of Beads
97.  Danielle Kelley, Imbue the Muse
98.  Kym Hunter, Kym Hunter Designs
99.  Dolores Rami, CraftyD's Creations
100.  Marcia Dunne, 13 Alternatives


101.  Marlene Cupo, Amazing Designs
102.  Emma Todd, A Polymer Penchant
103.  Wendy Holder, Jewelry by WendyLea
104.  Michelle Escano, The Cabby Crafter
105.  Louise Glazier, Lily and Jasmine Treasures
106.  Dana Hickey, Wind Dancer Studios
107.  Lennis Carter, windbent
108.  Anne Betenson, Crystal River Beads
109.  Audrey Belanger,  Dreams of an Absolution
110.  Lisa Stukel, Carefree Jewelry by Lisa


111.  Janine Lucas, Travel Stories
112.  Claire Lockwood, Something to Do With Your Hands
113.  Kathy Engstrom, Catherine's Dreams
114.  Paula Hisel, Simply Beadiful
115.  Karla Morgan, Texas Pepper Jams
116.  Mischelle Fanucchi, Micheladas Musings
117.  Kim, Cianci Blue
118.  Linda Sadler, Ida Louise Jewelry
119.  Karen, Spokalulu
120.  Jennifer LaVite, Dry Gulch Bead and Jewelry


121.  Andrea Glick-Zenith, ZenithJade Creations
122.  Karen Martinez, Fairies Market
123.  Robin Reed, Artistry HCBD
124.  Amy Bright, LABweorc
125.  Jasvanti Patel, Jewels by Jasvanti
126.  Tammie Everly, TTE Designs
127.  Karin Slaton, Backstory Beads
128.  Natalie Moten, Running Out of Thread
129.  Sharyl McMillian-Nelson, Sharyl's Jewelry & Reflections
130.  Jenny Kyrlach, Wonder and Whimsy


131.  LiliKrist, Handmade by LilK
132.  Jessica Klaaren, The Truth Space
133.  Cynthia Abner, Created Treasures
134.  Beth Emery, Stories by Indigo Heart
135.  Heather Davis, Blissful Garden Beads
136.  Jeanne, Gems by Jeanne Marie
137.  Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe
138.  Laren Dee Barton, Laren Dee Designs
139.  Steph, Confessions of a Bead Hoarder
140.  Carolyn Lawson, Carolyn's Creations


141.  B. R. Kuhlman, Mixed Mayhem
142.  Patty Miller, Cabari Beads
143.  Elizabeth Bunn, Elizabeth Beads
144.  Marianna Boylan, Pretty Shiny Things
145.  Lizzie Clarke, The Need to Bead
146.  Christina Miles, Wings 'n' Scales
147.  Patricia, The Color of Dreams
148.  Marde Lowe, Fancimar
149.  Ev Shelby, Raindrop Creations
150.  Sarah Small, By Salla


151.  Perri Jackson, Shaktipaj Designs
152.  Laurie Vyselaar, Lefthand Jewelry
153.  Pam Traub, Klassy Joolz
154.  Lisa Harrison, Daisy Meadow Studio
155.  Anzia Parks, Anzi-Panzi's Work Shoppe
156.  Ingrid, Lilisgems Handcrafted Jewelry Inspirations
157.  Andra Weber, Andra's Joyful Journey
158.  Kelly Hosford Patterson, The Traveling Side Show
159.  Adlinah Kamsir, Dreamstruck Designs
160.  Marci, That Nothing Be Wasted


161.  Kris Lanae Binsfield,  Cherish Designs
162.  Stephanie Perry, Mustard Bead
163.  Birgit Klughardt, Gites Beads
164.  Inge von Roos, Inge's Blog
165.  Rebecca Sirevaag, Becca's Place
166.  Sandy Markley, Gypsy Spirit Designs
167.  Elena Adams, Lena's Beady Blog

43 comments:

  1. Absolutely stunning pieces Julee. I've been MIA for awhile so I missed this blog hop. Well done for using your stash and I think we are all guilty of hoarding beads waiting for inspiration or just the fact we can't bare to part with them.

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    1. Thanks Davina. I am looking forward to reading your blog again now that your kitchen is done.

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  2. Wow, what great designs, JuLee... I guess your secret is out now!

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  3. Beautiful pieces! Great way to reveal your "dirty little secret."

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    1. Yea ... all they ever see is the end result. I am so organized at work and my studio is pure chaos. It would really surprize them

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  4. Gorgeous pieces, you did a wonderful job with your hoard.

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  5. I love each one! Your firebird is just gorgeous.

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  6. Lovely pieces you made for the hop! I'm glad some of your stash got to see the light of day! Your pictures turned out great as well.

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    1. Thanks. You don't know how much I sweated getting those pix. I must have taken over 100 just to weed down to the few. But I did learn how to do the collages ... now if I can just remember it next time LOL

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  7. Those are all so gorgeous! I really love the green earrings.

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    1. Thanks Roxanne, they are among my favorites too. I get little pieces of left over chain at my favorite bead store (they sell all the pieces at a really great reduced price)... just enough to make a pair of earrings.

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  8. there just aren't enough words to say how cool those focals are--the lion is amazing. love what you did with them

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    1. Isn't he cool! I love Christi Friesen's work.

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  9. What beautiful makes! I loooooove your color style, it's so warm and comfortable for me, as you and I seem to like many of the same shades and hues. :) :)

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    1. Yes, I see by reading other entries in your blog that we like some of the same colors. I, however, do not have the patient you do. All those tiny beads .... oy, don't know how you can do it!

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  10. Love the lion and dragonfly pieces.

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    1. Thanks Cece. I almost didn't buy the dragonfly due to my trying to stay in budget at Tucson. But am so glad I did.

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  11. Oh love your designs. I see that Leo and the beautiful firebird are happy being free and out of their cases now ;) I always gravitate toward lions and birds, love them. Beautiful job on the firebird! Now aren't happy you used some of the hoard? I know I am. ;) funny how we all share the same secret. Have a happy!

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    1. I actually wore the Leopold necklace on Friday and got so many compliments. I am glad he is free now to roam.

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  12. your designs are well thought out and look great - but your focals are just jaw-dropping! great detail!

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    1. Thanks Hannah. I am so glad that Lori "kicked me in the butt" figuratively to actually make something with my treasures.

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  13. Oh my WOW. That lion and that bird ! They are super amazing !

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    1. Christi Friesen is the genius behind both. She is a remarkable artist. I never thought I could make something as remarkable as that firebird, but she made it so easy.

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  14. Oh my word you have been busy! I only managed one make (currently hiding from me).
    The firebird you made is just gorgeous. You've done a wonderful job showcasing birdy and Leo without. Just beautiful makes throughout.

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    1. Thanks for your kind words. I hope you find your piece soon.

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  15. I LOVE Leopold! I think he's very happy now he's at home in a stunning necklace. And that Firebird - beautiful! You came up with some fantastic designs but my faves are definitely Leopold and the Firebird.

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    1. Thanks. It is hard for me to say which I like best. Leopold did take the longest to sring ... he just wasn't happy till I got it right.

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  16. Fantastic pieces. Love the bird and dragonfly necklaces.

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  17. I love Leo♥ the most :-) But the Fire Bird and the dragonfly as well... Beautiful jewellery, thanks for the story of 'the making of' too!

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  18. JuLee you pieces are amazing. Loepold made me smile. The wood and bone suit him perfectly. How lucky you are to have taken Christie's class. Your photos are great too.

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  19. That lion is fabulous! I love that piece.

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  20. Wow... everything is just gorgeous. I honestly can't pick a favorite, they are all just exquisite. I wish I had your talent!! :)

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  21. Your work is incredible. Christi is an amazing artist, and you are every bit as talented a student of hers. I couldn't pick a favorite. Great job!

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  22. I too love Christi and her work! I met her a couple years ago in Tucson at a clay play night, so sweet and funny! Any whoo, your designs are AWESOME! I am a great fond of Clay River Designs, too. You did a beautiful job with all the pieces you designed!

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    1. Hey, I was at Tucson several years ago and attended her Friday night clay party. Maybe we meet there. It is a small world anymore.

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  23. How AMAZING!!!! Leopald is soo cute and I love all your designs.

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  24. Absolutely stunning - I love all your pieces, but Leo is by far my favourite. Not only is he a beautiful work of art, the whole necklace has such an organic feel on it! Your firebird is gorgeous too :)

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  25. Great designs!! Love the lion and the firebird!! but really my favorite would have to be the dragonfly!

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  26. Great work! Especially the dragonfly.

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  27. Leo made me smile (too cute), the firebird is awesome, your green ceramic necklace is really pretty, but it's that turquoise one that gets my attention. Oh how I love my blues. And you did an amazing job with each and every one of these designs. Congrats on using up some of the hoard!
    Oh, and I feel you with the closures too. Mine are in a sad, sad state too!

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  28. Each piece is stunning, I love the lion, the firebird is so beautiful and the turquoise is stunning. Great job!

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  29. Oh my what wonderful creations you have here. The Lion and the Bird they are just lovely!! Really well done!

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