Hello and Welcome to the first Bead Soup Blog Party reveal! If you are here, you are most likely familiar with Lori Anderson’s Bead Soup Blog Party ( or BSBP…) but if you just arrived from the far flung reaches of the Universe then here is a synopsis: 2 people, personally paired by Lori, exchange packages, beads aplenty. Head to the studio and make magic, whether it be ornate, simple, a new style, a challenge… Share your creations here. (For all the details, including the future Hop dates – Bead Soup Blog Party. )
My partner – what a nice way to ‘meet’ new people! – is Cassie Donlen. Cassie is a lampwork beadmaker, jewelry designer, and artist extraordinaire. Her work was new to me… was I out in the far flung reaches of the Universe? I love every thing she sent me, and she was so generous! Here is my loot:
( For what I sent Cassie – she has great pix on her blog. )
The first thing that popped into my head was “Exotic blossom”.
I need to pause here, to build anticipation for the reveal and also to give you a bit of back story/inspiration. My Bead soup from Cassie got lost. There were a few tense days – and the Postal Service is NOT to blame. I sent her my address typed incorrectly. (The whole story is posted here in my first BSBP blog. ) Clearly I did retrieve my package. While some people would attribute this to luck, or coincidence – I think there is a message here. The Universe was shouting at me. The message you ask? Well its all tied in to the ‘exotic blossom’ …
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.
Anais Nin
I kept the 2 main flower focals together, and added dangles. The stamped copper reads “Risk” and “Blossom” to remind me to move forward and push the boundaries. I hung the blossom on a link of chain, showcasing another of Cassie’s lovely beads. The green and blue together, contrasted with the red…and the nature of the focal were all so visually appealing that I found myself designing a simple piece to accentuate the focal. I had planned to use the fab copper chain Cassie sent for this pendant, but I needed more red for balance. (Silk from Marsha Neal Studio). This is an amulet to me, and while I may add more charms – for right now it is complete.
The pendant wasn’t the only creation… The first thing I did was this…
…using Cassie’s clasp and focal bead. I admit – it was my favorite bead so it got singled out for deluxe treatment. Strung with copper and glass from the Soup, and paired with copper chain, and hand spun sari fiber. (You read that right. Its not ribbon. It was hand spun from recycled saris. YetiandYarndrygoods on Etsy) I am thrilled with this one, and plan to wear it often – whenever I am not in the Ceramics studio, that is…
On a final note – thanks to Lori and to Cassie for yet another fantastic BSBP experience! I appreciate all the time and effort went into organizing, and the creation of these beautiful beads. Each year I participate I am excited to have a chance to PLAY, to do something new and unusual, to be inspired, abe to experiment a bit. But enough of ME – you, my dear blog reader, have other treasure to view, creations to see!
Here is the link to the complete list of participants in today’s reveal: Bead Soup Blog Party July Reveal. Have fun! And thanks for stopping by…
Jenny Davies-Reazor 
I love both pieces equal. I love the vibrant blues in the bracelet and I love how you strung accent beads across the circle. The bud is just beautiful as well. So glad you finally got you soup!
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Love, love, love that flower design and bracelet!! You did an awesome job with your bead soup!
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The quote and the necklace! Cool!
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I thought the necklace was super adorable. And then I scrolled down and saw the bracelet! I would totally wear both of these pieces often 🙂 Well done!
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Wow, what a great job you did with Cassie’s beads! I absolutely love your interpretation of Anais Nin’s words, and also the bracelet. Thanks for showing us!
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I am so very glad this worked out! The universe has a definite sense of humor that shows up when we need it – and just to show that it means no harm, things are put right one way or another.
You communicated your inspiration perfectly in both pieces – I can see why the bracelet is a favorite – it would be for me, as well!
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well done, I love them all, you received a bautiful soup and did a great job with it!
ciao dall’ Italia
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Amazing creations! You did a super job! =)
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You got my dream partner! What fantastic soup! I am so glad you found your package! You were destined to be the owner of that soup, I just love that necklace, it’s really awesome. I am not normally into words, but I love the symbolism there. Lovely.
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What a great soup. The flower blossom is so cute, but I really love that bracelet with that gorgeous clasp. Lots of texture in that one.
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I love both pieces. They are amazing. I use Marsha’s silks too. They are wonderful.
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Awesome awesome stuff! Love the mix of colours! I especially like the focal you created! good job! 🙂
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What a fantastic array of beads, gorgeous pieces.
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… you did great justice to your soup ingredients. I love the pendant, and the bracelet has such a warm feeling, no wonder you will wear it often, who wouldn’t?
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