From The Earth

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. ~John Muir 

I recently was asked to join the blogging program over at Auntie's Beads .I choose some African Turquoise beads and a strand of copper rondelles as well as a few other items. I incorporated these great items with some organic and hand made pieces. The very cool square clay fired beads are from my friend Lori of Cedar Swamp Pottery, lampwork bead from BeingBeads.etsy. Be sure to check out Auntie's Beads they have a great selection of beads, components and supplies.

You can find this piece in my Etsy shop. 

I have received these beads free of charge from Auntie's Beads in order to write a review and/or create a project free of charge for you. I have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to the products received. 

Simplify

sim·pli·fy (smpl-f)
tr.v. sim·pli·fied, sim·pli·fy·ing, sim·pli·fies
To make simple or simpler, as:
a. To reduce in complexity or extent.
b. To reduce to fundamental parts.
c. To make easier to understand.

 The focal for this bracelet is a porcelain piece from my friend Lori of Cedar Swamp Pottery. I love how she created a channel for wire to wrap around the bead. The little reservoir was just calling out for something, so a the vintage dictionary word Simplify filled the space. The clay beads are from Pottery Girl on Etsy.

Rambling Week

I can not believe Monday was my last post...where did the week go? We have been having a problem with our computer or at least with our browser Mozilla Fox, it seems it ran away....I am lost without it, nothing looks the same and it seems harder to post....please husband fix it soon!
I have finally after like 6 months of purchasing Muriatic Acid and peroxide gotten to try some metal etching. Oooooh, that stuff scares me! After lots of careful planning I finally did it....and I am loving it! It is a good start and I can't wait to do some more later today. A completed pair of earrings...Yay!

The Nashville Flea Market was this weekend, I was debating on going in this terrible heat but the longing for some new beads made me go. Here is my stash...don't you just love the keys! The Chalcedony was a splurge, the quality of the beads were irresistable.

I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday!

Beads, beads and more beads!

It is that time of the month again, the third weekend of each month is the Nashville Flea Market. I promised I would share a picture of Mary "my" bead lady. Here she is in all her glory amongst her beads. She is one colorful lady and she just loves to talk. It is really fun visiting with Mary and her husband Larry. The flea market runs Friday to Sunday. I usually go on Friday mornings as the crowds are less and it is so much easier to shop. Yesterday after I picked up my girlfriend Eileen at the airport we had a nice lunch at the Yellow Porch in Nashville and then I surprised Eileen by taking her to see Mary. I knew Mary sets up on Thursday and she had mentioned to me about customers seeing her then so I thought we would pop in and see her. We spent 3 hours pouring over beads with no one bothering us, it was so nice of Mary & Larry to let us shop early.

Eileen and Mary

Here is my bead stash....lots and lots of great turquoise! The turquoise briolettes were a must have, they are faceted and I can't wait to make myself a pair of earrings with them.

So today, guess what we did? Got up and went back to the Flea market. Went to see Mary again and then shopped around. I found a few great treasures that will make it to my antiques booth. We also stopped at an Estate sale where I was able to get 2 vintage typewriters. All in all a great day spent with my wonderful friend!

Unlock Your Dreams

..."Dreams unlock the passion, that in your heart has concealed"

A unusual antique brass key with stone cabochon has been re-fashioned into a pendant for this piece I call "Unlock Your Dreams". This one of a kind necklace has wonderful bursts of color from the handmade lampwork beads and wire wrapped lapis. Handmade brass textured bead caps add great texture. An antique watch chain has also been used and adds a unique element design. Hand forged brass hook and eye for a closure.

Handmade lampwork beads from Being Beads on Etsy.

You can find this piece on my new website. I am also hosting a giveaway to celebrate the new site. I have chosen a custom Typewriter Key Pendant to give away, you can enter here to win. Thanks for stopping by.

Flea Market Friday

The third weekend of each month is the Nashville Flea Market held at the fairgrounds in Nashville. Besides hunting for antiques and treasures I look forward to going each month to purchase beads from Mary "the bead lady". Every jewelry designer needs a "Mary". She has really awesome beads and findings and it takes me hours to make my selections. I finally thought to take a few pictures of her tables and I know you will just die when you see all of her stuff.

..these trays are stacked 3-4 high and there are at least 100 of them!

This is the stash I came home with. Stunning labradorite, green amethyst briolettes, bone beads, citrine, smoky quartz, pearls some turquoise and lots more. It is so hard to choose and the great thing is she is always getting new things every month. She also gives me great deals....$28 strands for $20 and so on.

These were my antique and vintage finds...late 1800's mother of pearl pin, glass wire wrapped bead necklace, old religious charm, old brass and stone key brooch ( I can't wait to make a pendant out of this one!) I also could not resist the vintage link necklace, I think the links are so cool!

....I know I promised to open up my new website today but you know how that goes..a few more things to tweek and hopefully tomorrow I can share it with everyone.

Color....Color....Color

I just received these wonderful polymer clay beads from Aslan Crafts. These are so rich in color, some are matte and some are polished to a nice shine. Can't wait to start working with them.