May 10, 2014

Welcome to My Bead Soup Blog Party 8 Reveal


Welcome
to the joyful fun of jewelry making 
across oceans, from countries near and far,
as we join together today 
to celebrate bead soup, friends, and our creative connections!


My Partner & Bead Soup 

My partner for BSBP8 is Bobbie Rafferty of Beadsong JewelryI had wonderful fun creating with Bobbie and all the gorgeous beads she so generously shared. She is funny and light-hearted, and an amazing jewelry artist. Not only did she send me a generous, lovely bead soup - she created two of them! You can read more about Beadsong & visit the gallery, blog, & FB page -- as well as see all the beads we exchanged - here on my previous "Meet My BSBP8 Partner" post.  

Everything is exquisite. The soups are a jewelry makers dream come true. 

One soup features a blue & green colorway and the other a pink & neutral colorway. The blue and green colorway features a handcrafted lampwork kaleidoscope mandala, crystal rondelles, Czech, vintage, and sterling silver clasps made by Bobbie herself. The pink, peach, neutrals colorway overflows with gems and jewels galore such as fantasy faceted quartz, huge chocolate pearls, snow capped fire agate, cherry quartz, stick pearls, marble, and Czech flowers and rondelles.





Soups I Sent Bobbie of Beadsong:



My Jewelry & Joys 

My challenge was to create using all the beads. I came close! Two projects are yet to be put together, yet everything is Mise en place: a gorgeous quartz crystal gemstone and crystal glass rondelles necklace and a necklace featuring the exquisite cherry quartz butterfly focal and stick pearls, along with my own vintage peach lucite beads. Now, here is what I completed with great appreciation & happiness: 

"Intention"





Intention: The lampwork kaleidoscope mandala (artist unknown) gifted by Bobbie of Beadsong, on soft green suede (gifted from Lori Anderson) with  adjustable Herringbone beadwork rope and vintage glass bead closure. 

This one was not my usual style of color, although I love all color! There is no color I don't like. I'm a rainbow :)  So I worked first with this Boho & bright beautiful focal. I loved using  seed beads with the strong lampwork talisman. The repeating pattern of beads mirrored the focal's blue, yellow green & black colors, and made a meditation of the work. Only bead sizes changed. The finished necklace is soft and comforting. 

"Elixir"






 Elixir: Faceted cherry quartz drops from my Beadsong soup along with faceted cherry quartz rounds wrapped in Vintaj wire with Czech flowers from my bead table.

Making these earrings, I thought of the incredible work of the many women artisans whose work inspires and sustains me. Facebook, blogs, Pinterest -- sharing within our community -- is a gift. Like an elixir, jewelry challenges and blog hops and bead swaps give me strength, encouraging me to try new challenges so I may continue to change and grow. How happy life is creating and learning within the jewelry and bead arts. What beauty we create; what great art we share!

"Beltane"



Beltane Earrings: I used the Czech navy druk beads and lovely flower spacers to create a Beltane "crown" for May Day. I added shimmering teal lampwork beads by Maryse Fritzsch-Thillens of  Glass Bead Art, Swarovski bicones, and lapis drops.


Beltane Necklace is reversible: wire woven and beadwoven bezel made with Chysocolla seed beads, fine silver. 

Beltane Reversible Necklace: Wire woven and bead woven focal using a silver "flower crown" spacer, azurite-malachite chrysocolla gemstone seed beads from Beadsong, bail is created with fine silver & a lampwork BHB by Lea Avroch of LA Jewelry & Bead Designs, with fine silver chain is made of Swarovski sapphire bicones, Glass Bead Art lampwork beads made of recycled glass from French Bordeaux wine bottle.




With one basic wire weave stitch and beadwork picot, you can create this bezel. 
Lisa Barth teaches the technique in the tutorial, "Woven Bezel with Beaded Back."

Glass Bead Art Lampwork -- recycled French Bordeaux wine bottles





"Kai"






Kai: The ocean bouquet came together with one of my favorite gems, blue coral, cotton fiber, Naos greek ceramic squares, lampwork flowers by LA Jewelry & Bead DesignsBobbie's beautiful sterling silver "sea glass" clasp, Swarovski crystals, brass Celtic rings & daisy spacers, Vintaj chain, leaves & butterfly. 

Kai means "ocean" -- it's also the name of my grandchild. This necklace is my most intricate and took days to conceptualize into a working design, yet came together from just one bead: a lucite flower Bobbie gave me. 


Wanting to create a necklace that held its "v shape" and feature a bouquet of lucite & lampwork flowers, I made flat finding components rather than the simple loops that let the flowers spin around. I improvised a technique for my single headpins from an Art Jewelry Elements tutorial by Jen Cameron on using double ended headpins, "Quick Stack Disc Stack" by Jen Cameron. 

Lampwork flowers by Lea Avroch within the lucite flowers created a bouquet! 

My spouse and grandson play in the ocean




Kai earrings: Copper ovals from BSBP7, compliments of Nan Smith of Nanmade Handmade Jewelry, brass Celtic rings, lucite flowers with Swarovski crystals.


Kai Ceramic Earrings: Green glass from Beadsong soup, with ceramic sea horses by Firefly Design Studio.




"Bear Totem"





Bear Fetish Totem: Turquoise bear fetish gems, turquoise bear focal from Lennis Carrier of Windbent, Aztec symbol beads, triangle pewter beads (gifted from Lori Anderson :), sterling silver chain, Hello Kitty crystal, Swarovski erinite and grey shadow AB crystals, and Beadsong silver daisy spacers & clasp.

How could I create a genuine turquoise bear totem necklace with my soup? Because Bobbie brilliantly included daisy sterling silver spacers in two sizes. She also gave me three clasps. :) 

Some of you may know my daughter passed on two years ago, during my first ever BSBParty. She had had MS & several operations & was sadly very ill, although we hadn't really expected her death so young. During that first BSBP, a Hello Kitty charm appeared -- her favorite! And I knew she was with me. And as I created for last year's BSBP and this spring, a Hello Kitty charm appeared sparkling right on my bead table -- again! Now, I feel she always creates with me for the BSBparties. And somehow, those Hello Kitty sparkling charms just simply appear on my bead table every time! They really do! 




"Frosted Fire"



Frosted Fire: Snow capped faceted fire agate rounds from Beadsong soup created an Autumn in Spring with beads in my stash just waiting for the right spark: lampwork tube focal by Shazazz, fire agate rondelles, Czech leaves, Vintaj chain & brass leaf clasp. 





"Wrapped in Warmth"





Wrapped in Warmth: Beadsong's beautiful Czech crystals, antique gold seed beads, Vintaj wire wrapped yellow jasper from BSBP7 partner Pam Hurst of Pam Hurst Designs, and my own handcrafted chainmaille in antique copper. 

This began as a bracelet, but wanting to include something from every one of my BSBP partners through the years, I added a wire wrapped rich yellow jasper focal from partner Pam Hurst, BSBP7. I love the natural colors and the earth tones. A few more rings still to be added to the Half-Persian 3-1 chainmaille (known as snake chain) and ta-da! 



"Renewal"





Renewal: Beadsong's chocolate pearls & smoky iridescent Czech flower embrace the sweet spring renewal of my Humblebead focal, ceramic, Sleeping Beauty Mine turquoise diamond cut gems, natural howlite, Czech turquoise flower & leaves. Howlite is separated by matte turquoise seed beads; turquoise diamonds are separated by bronze seed beads. A simple memory wire design with additional Czech floral charms and a bunny ceramic by Grubbi




"Reincarnate: Color Change Chainmaille"


Color Change Swarovski crystals  transform from pink to green in various light.



Reincarnate: Chainmaille Renaissance necklace in copper and rose gold. The large center cherry quartz and faceted cherry quartz rounds are from my bead table (waiting & meant for this regal design!), with all other cherry quartz drops from Beadsong. Swarovski color change crystals in cantaloupe AB and cantaloupe. I created the textured copper handcrafted clasp with Swarovski dangles.

The  Swarovski crystals are a soft pink

Above, the Swarovski are a peachy, soft pink color in traditional light (and somewhat silver pink in daylight). Below, Swarovski cantaloupe color change crystals change to a green shade in energy efficient light. This is so beautiful! My daughter will be modeling the necklace soon, and it is truly lovely worn. So, modeled photos upcoming soon :) 

The Swarovski crystals change to green in different light.





"Black Cherry"





Black Cherry Necklace: Beadsong marble beads & Czech pearlized drop, with rhodalite, brass flower & beaded "flower bud" chain (see the Gossiping Goddess), black organza ribbon, black aluminum chain, cording, and ceramic floral focal by Marla's Mudd.





Black Cherry Earrings: A special gift from my BSBP6 partner, Margareta Saari of Mags-Koruja, (Finland) surprised me with beautiful "endless" hearts lampwork by Pinocean, I created chandelier style earrings with Swarovski fire polished beads & Vintaj antique copper wire. The endless heart glass beads can turn & move in the design. I intended for genuine ruby briolettes to hang from the centers, but after one ruby vanished into the bead table blog party wilderness, they're a work in progress, hehe.. ;) With love from your friend from the U.S. A.! :) Thank you! 




Enjoy the Party!
You'll find links to almost 500 artists here:
Pretty Things by Lori Anderson's 







Toltec Jewels is an author by day, jewelry maker by night. Her literary work is housed by the San Francisco MOMA and is published internationally in popular magazines, literary quarterlies, and university publications. She has won a number of awards for both her literary and jewelry arts. She is happiest making handcrafted jewelry with her entire family, snuggling with her doggies and grandkids, sewing, singing, reading, and learning more jewelry techniques. 

119 comments:

  1. Rita - HOW GORGEOUS! I'd say my favorite are the earrings with the flowers - where on EARTH did you find those? <3!!

    - Linda - http://FromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com; http://cherryOnTopDesign.co

    ReplyDelete
  2. You took my breath away...Wow!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. You took my breath away...Wow!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. You took my breath away !!! WoW !!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Rita, your work is just amazing. I love the sea horse earrings.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Holy Moly, Rita. So many designs. You must have been making them in your sleep, or at least designing them. The Beltrane Necklace is my favorite, even though they each tell a different story. Thank you for such inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Waaaah - georgeous! So busy - you've made such a lot of beautiful pieces, my dear. If I have to pic a favourite it's Frosted Fire - love the warm colours in it!

    ReplyDelete
  8. So many amazing techniques used to create an amazing array of designs. Fantastic. I especially love the herringbone rope!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Absolutely amazing pieces, Rita! You are truly talented in so many mediums and each piece evokes a different feeling. Well done, my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I am speechless. Your jewelry creations and the thought behind them are affirmations of how perfectly in harmony with everything beautiful you are. I am honored to know you and to have viewed these incredible designs you made with the gifts from your wonderful partner! ((((Rita))) !!!! jean

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh, Rita, I'm sitting here trying to decide whether to dance with joy or weep from the beauty of the pieces you made! "Intention" actually made me gasp -- what a gorgeous, perfect setting for that mandala. And of course, you had me with the beadweaving! "Kai" is also especially lovely, and I'm so touched that some of my beads found their way into "Bear Totem", especially since it's a piece that reminds you of your daughter.

    Who am I kidding? I love each piece you created, and I am so pleased that things I sent inspired you to use so many beautiful things from your stash. I guess we really are beady sisters, eh?

    You've been a spectacular soup partner, and I'm happy to have found such a wonderful new bead friend. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wow...wow...and wow again! Simply stunning...lovely pieces all, couldn't make up my mind on which I liked the best...cause I like them ALL! Takes my breath away...seeing all this talent!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Rita you were very prolific with your exquisite designs. Each one made me think that one is my favorite. The blue and green necklace is stunning. The herringbone rope gives it so much texture.The reversible wire wrapped pendant is awesome and the French wine bottle lampworked beads are way cool. I don't wear much purple but I would wear your luscious Kai creation. The copper is the perfect accent to the purple. I will have to try that color combo in a design. How wonderful that you can feel your daughter when you create and that you include her in your designs. The aqua turquoise color family is my favorite so to me the turquoise ans brown design is a winner. Your designs are all fabulous and inspiring. Great job.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Everything you created is absolutely fabulous and I loved reading about your inspiration. Your Intention piece is absolutely gorgeous but I love each one of them.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Holy Cow you outdid yourself! I am in awe of the time you spent and the time to write this very detailed and beautiful blog. Wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oh Rita, I'm once again so humble to find your stunning creations; this is my 3rd visit to this post and I'm lost of words. I really admire your talent. The Intention: not my colors but you make those blues whisper secretly!
    I love the Beltane earrings :-)
    Kai: it is so unique!
    Bear totem, Renewal, Reincarnate... oh dear! Every piece tells me of strong feelings.
    Thank you once again for one of a kind blog post!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Rita- what an explosion of color and creativity are in your pieces. Truly spectacular. These are a feast for the eyes. You've outdone yourself with all these lovelies. I'll be coming back to this again and again for inspiration.

    Christie

    ReplyDelete
  18. I don't know that I can choose a favorite as I love them all. The first piece in the blues and greens with the mandala and your beadwork is stunning as are all your pieces. Great work.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Wow, you did an awesome job on all of these. Sure glad I don't have to pick a favorite as I love all of them.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I admire your work with wire and variety of designs!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I love what you've done and the way you've presented it. Outstanding!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I love what you've done and the way you've presented it. Outstanding!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Thank you, Rita, for sharing your inspiring jewelry designs with us. Each one has a strong personality that evokes an emotional response.

    The colors in intention are stunning! The gentle curves and soft pink of elixir are soothing. The Beltane earrings are so delightfully different. (I want them)The Beltane necklace is so beautiful and versatile! The Kai necklace reminds me of Hawaii with its cool lavender ocean breezes and lush flowers! The Kai earring...exquisite. The Bear Fetish Totem is adorable dripping with such sweet sentiment. Frosted Fire, Wrapped in Warmth, Reincarnate, Black Cherry and renewal all fantastic. Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  24. I love each and every design you have made Rita, each piece has been thoughtfully and beautifully designed.
    I am totally in awe of you creative talents.
    Blessed be
    Sam.x

    ReplyDelete
  25. So many beautiful pieces. You did a fantastic job!

    ReplyDelete
  26. An amazing soup to work with and you've certainly been busy. I love the colours and feel in your last 2 bracelets and the pale lilac flower necklace is a winner

    ReplyDelete
  27. I'm overwhelmed by the beauty found in this post! You made so many wonderful pieces, it's hard to pick a favorite. I really love your inspirational pictures as well - just amazing. This whole blog is peaceful and ethereal.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I love that your create and share it with us. Don't ever stop. We need it.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Wow! You've been busy! Very pretty designs.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Oh, Rita, I'm sitting here trying to decide whether to dance with joy or weep from the beauty of the pieces you made! "Intention" actually made me gasp -- what a gorgeous, perfect setting for that mandala. And of course, you had me with the beadweaving! "Kai" is also especially lovely, and I'm
    so touched that some of my beads found their way into "Bear Totem",
    especially since it's a piece that reminds you of your daughter.

    Who am I kidding? I love each piece you created, and I am so pleased that things I sent inspired you to use so many beautiful things from your stash.
    I guess we really are beady sisters, eh?

    You've been a spectacular soup partner, and I'm happy to have found such a wonderful new bead friend. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Rita!!! Spectacular! You're a Goddess of Jewelry making. Sprinkle some of your star dust onto me! Love love love!

    ReplyDelete
  32. wow - you were busy! Love the bluebird chrysocolla piece and the kai necklace - fantastic. All beautiful designs. :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. What incredible lovelies - and I love seeing the "muses" behind your creations - such fun! Peace...

    ReplyDelete
  34. Oh wow, I don't even know what to say except spectacular. I can't pick one because I love them all. Such beauty and with such deep meanings. WOW!

    ReplyDelete
  35. How inspiring!
    your pieces are fabulous and I love the way you name them and get around them.
    If I had to pick just one I´d say that Beltane necklace is the one I like the most.

    ReplyDelete
  36. One can never just hop to and from your posts Rita - it has to be a long lingering journey taking in all the sights en route! Fabulous soup and a veritable cornucopia of designs - all beautiful but to be honest... you had me at the first one! :0)


    ReplyDelete
  37. Rita, oh my lord... I am awed. And inspired. I am looking for words and I just can't find something to qualify all these beauties and give them the justice they deserve !

    ReplyDelete
  38. Wow, so many lovely designs! You did an amazing job with your soup!

    ReplyDelete
  39. I love both the Kai earrings! Good job. What lovely soups! =)

    ReplyDelete
  40. OMG! What incredible designs and inspirations. Your talent always awes me but this time I am truly blown away.

    ReplyDelete
  41. I have tried very hard but it is impossible to choose a favourite! Absolutely beautiful pieces Rita.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Wow Rita... awesome!!! You are so talented. Your creations are beyond great! your blog writing is well composed and very interesting. Awesome, awesome, awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Amazing array of beautiful designs from two great soups!! Thanks for providing all of the links so we can source some of your unusual supplies!!! PEACE!

    ReplyDelete
  44. I can not stop saying wow wow everytimes I saw you pieces. Excellent!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Very unique. I love your pieces, specially the earrings...

    ReplyDelete
  46. Oh Rita, AMAZING!!! So many beautiful creations, all in one place!! I knew I would remain with open mouth as soon I would visit your reveal post, but this is incredible! So many different feelings, techniques, ideas ... and a perfect craftsmanship.
    Gorgeous work!!
    Alenka

    ReplyDelete
  47. Amazing designs and wonderful colors, so great! My favourites are the cherry quartz earrings and the chainmaille necklace. So beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Stunning designs Rita, I'm in love with your lucite flower necklace, it's beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Dear Rita, how can one person create ALL these beauties??? Your mind must have been overfloated with ideas... Great pictures, and stunning jewellery, I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  50. You Just Blow Me Away!!! I know you are an amazing artist and I know you can create wondrous pieces but these are beyond even what I know of your ability!!! Your individual personality shows in all of the designs, the intricate in the first beadweaving and the one with the reversible focal, the light hearted seahorse earrings, and the symbolic hello kitty [bear fetish] necklace. You leave awed!!! Happy Mother's day and I hope you are Blessed!!!

    ReplyDelete
  51. WOW! You've created some beautiful pieces with your soup. I love how you were so creative with your inspirations, fabulous - Cheers!
    Lori in Atlanta

    ReplyDelete
  52. Rita, as per usual, you outdid yourself! How do you *do* that?! ;)

    Everything is lovely, although I am rather fond of the color changing chainmaille necklace. :)

    Love & light,
    Andrea Glick

    ReplyDelete
  53. So many beautiful designs! I'm not sure how I would choose a favorite and a bit overwhelmed with where to comment. I love how each design had an inspiration image and all the earrings...wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  54. All this from one bead soup?? Seriously I love the way you have any inspiration picture with color stories and designers - done like a true blue designer - wow!! Would you mind if I use some pics with credit for my design process lectures?

    ReplyDelete
  55. WOW!
    You really made great works with your soup!
    Congrats

    ReplyDelete
  56. WOW!
    You really made great works with your soup!
    Congrats

    ReplyDelete
  57. What a beautiful post! You are amazing-so many gorgeous creations.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Oh my goodness...dreamy soup for sure! I love how your brain works! Your designs are stunning. You are one uber talented lady! Really Really Soup-er!

    ReplyDelete
  59. Every single piece is just beautiful and so creative. You made so many gorgeous pieces of jewelry. I always feel like I need to study each piece of yours to learn new ways to connect and pair beads. Your work colors and designs are marvelous. Congrats on a job well done!

    ReplyDelete
  60. your designs are amazing! the attention to detail and your creativity blew me away... I got tired just scrolling through the post ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  61. Oh, lovely Rita! I have heard of you so many beatiful words from my friend Mags. And now I realize what she has meant.

    You truly are an amazing artist, and also your inner beauty comes out in many ways. You jewellery are full of many meanings and strong feelings.

    I love all your incredible pieces, but perhaps my favourite is one of my favourite colour "Kai" (not least because it is also the name of my dear husband :D).

    ReplyDelete
  62. Wow, not only did you use the majority of your beads, you used an amazing array of techniques and styles. I am wowed, I am impressed, I am happy to look and read and look again. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Stupendous!! Wire work, bead weaving! Fantastic!!! Some of my favorite pieces so far!

    ReplyDelete
  64. just lovely creations with a great soup!

    ReplyDelete

  65. Wow, amazing creations, just beautiful, all of them!

    ReplyDelete
  66. I am in awe of this presentation, truly! There is a story behind each piece of jewelry, a technical and yet flowing description and the jewelry is magnificent. I would single out the KAI necklace for its beauty and the brainstorming behind its creation and Wrapped in Warmth because of its soft sunset-like glow!

    ReplyDelete
  67. Oh, wow... I kept going... and going... telling myself 'wow! this one is the most beautiful' then 'wow! this one!' and then I gave up :) They are all gorgeous: full of delicate thoughts, full of crystal clear background pictures and meaning. Delicate pieces, colourful pieces, cheerful pieces, happy pieces - plain perfect and beautiful pieces. I love your descriptions, I love your stories, and - no wonder - I love your designs. Another 'Wow!' moment - thank you for sharing your godess-like splendour with us, humble mortals :)

    ReplyDelete
  68. Wow. As I kept reading and scrolling to one beautiful design after the next I thought maybe I had accidentally clicked into past posts too. I am stunned by how much you created with you soup.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Amazing! Your soup was incredible and the sheer number of your creations astounding! I had to scroll back and forth, back and forth and changed my mind about 6 times before I decided on my favorites (and its still not definite). You are truly a master of many techniques! I love the Wrapped in Warmth necklace the best and those Elixer earrings talk to me. Beautiful job!

    ReplyDelete
  70. Rita, you never cease to amaze! Your reverence for life and love of friends and family is evident in your work. Such emotion and depth is displayed in each piece. I love them all, backstories and all. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Amazing!! Your bead soup(s) are to die for and the pieces you made with them (so many) are just absolutely gorgeous! And the way you have written your blog, lovely

    ReplyDelete
  72. Stunning designs - that blue green lampwork focal is beautiful =)

    ReplyDelete
  73. Holy cow! You put a lot of care and intention into your soup and it shows. So many stunning pieces. I have to say that the first one is my absolute favorite!

    ReplyDelete
  74. um... I think I need some cherry quartz... I honestly don't know how to describe your pieces. They pretty much left me in a jaw dropped, speechless and awed kind of stupor. May I just say "Wow!"... and still know that's a gross understatement. Beautiful pieces.

    ReplyDelete
  75. What an amazing collection you have created Rita. Every piece is just stunning. I love the bohemian feel of your "Kai" necklace. The elegant Renaissance style of your "Reincarnate" necklace. The bead work in your "Intention" necklace is exquisite. The special meaning of your "Bear Totem". Every one of your inspiration photos perfectly sets the mood for the piece. Love that you included pieces from your past soup partners. Everything about your creations is enchanted. Beautifully done!

    ReplyDelete
  76. Amazing designs! So many gorgeous creations.

    ReplyDelete
  77. Seriously, how did you find the time to make so many awesome pieces, all so different and with awesome construction!!!I particularly love the lilac necklace with the flower buttons because it is so original and there are so many different elements in it and so many details.

    ReplyDelete
  78. Rita, your blog posts are always such a fun journey to different lands and far away places!! I love how you add stories and quotes and pictures to touch all the senses...you are truly Amazing! I can usually choose a clear favorite from a group of jewelry designs but yours are all so different and wonderful!

    The Beltane Earrings are near the top of my list because I love those glass beads so much and the wreath of silver flowers is precious. I love how you used Marcia's lampwork tube bead in Frosted Fire (what a great name too), what a beauty!! Your Kai necklace would be awesome worn with just a bathing suit (and sarong for us modest types, LOL). I want to grab it and go on vacation!! Your Reincarnation necklace is incredible with the little dips of chain between each perfectly executed chainmaille flower. I can't wait to see it on your daughter!

    Like I said...Amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  79. Wow! This is just stunning I really love how you have themed all the jewellery you made, I couldn't possibly pick a favourite as each has its special charms, well done.
    Jackie

    ReplyDelete
  80. I love the tropical/ocean feel of all these pieces. Beautiful work!

    ReplyDelete
  81. you were really busy using your soup! everything is lovely can't decide what I like best

    ReplyDelete
  82. All of your pieces are amazing. How inspired you were by your soup to have made so many pieces of jewelry. But the thing I like the most is the graphics you used for each pieces of jewelry and the prose you used in describing your creations.

    I especially liked how the Hello Kitty charm would show up on you work table just in time for the BSBH I know your daughter's spirit is with you

    ReplyDelete
  83. Wow, you are fabulous!! Your work is stunning, I love every piece of it, especially the necklace with the copper flower!! And indeed, those beads are to die for!!!'Wonderful soup and wonderful designs!!

    ReplyDelete
  84. Wow, you are fabulous!! Your work is stunning, I love every piece of it, especially the necklace with the copper flower!! And indeed, those beads are to die for!!!'Wonderful soup and wonderful designs!!

    ReplyDelete
  85. Holy crap! Talk about gorgeous creation overload! lol You were BUSY!! :) I just adore Kai.. it stands out from the rest, despite all of them being just gorgeous. Reincarnation also catches my eye above the rest... and damn, both are pink... I'm NOT a pink person ( aside from the hair at one point ;) ) but those are the two that stand out in my mind. You have truly outdone yourself... not only in the designs, but in the 'story' behind and naming of them all!

    ReplyDelete
  86. Awesome! I cannot believe all of your lovely creations. Frosted Fire, reincarnate......I cannot choose a favorite. We'll Done, take a bow!

    ReplyDelete
  87. Awesome! I cannot believe all of your lovely creations. Frosted Fire, reincarnate......I cannot choose a favorite. We'll Done, take a bow!

    ReplyDelete
  88. WOW! You are so incredibly talented... I love everything, and simply cannot chose a favorite. Amazing, amazing work! (And how cool that each has a story!)

    ReplyDelete
  89. I wrote an glowing comment and my son unplugged the wi-fi and it was lost, let's see, there was complete amazement at your mastery of so many techniques, oh, the second time is never as good as the first, Every piece you did shows such assurance

    ReplyDelete
  90. So many fabulous pieces and each one so special in its own way - just amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  91. Your pieces are really stunning! So many different techniques and just beautiful designs! Really amazing job!!

    ReplyDelete
  92. You are SOOOOOO talented, my friend!! I did a quick drive by the other day but will all the eye candy, I knew I had to come back when I had more time to peruse all the pretties & not feel rushed. Each piece is more beautiful then the previous one. I'm hardpressed to find a favorite, but I just LOVE the double sided pendant idea with seed beads on 1 side & intricate wirework on the other. Just WOW!I recognized my BHB in the bail. Thank you for creating such a beautiful piece!

    My other favorite is the V-shaped lucite flower necklace. I love the mix of glass, metals, fiber, lucite.....So pretty! Delicate & yet not overly so.

    I'm honored to have you choose to use my beads in TWO of these beautiful designs! Such talent you possess!

    ReplyDelete
  93. Dear Rita, I'm just back from hospital and just starting to hop from my bed.I guess I won't get many hoppers since I fell behind when my heart failed. I managed to read my partner's blog before I went to the hospital but none since,,,,,,,poor wifi at hospital!
    Ilove all your lovely creations but typing makes me almose as short of breath as talking so we'll talk more later.














































    ii

    ReplyDelete
  94. Rita, yours are enchanted creations. Every piece is full of life and beauty. It is a delight to see each one and to read about it. Thank you for sharing with us your art.
    Ana

    ReplyDelete
  95. This is amazing, elegant, brilliant, awesome, beautiful, stunning, breathtaking, spectacular, fabtabulous, and all the other adjectives that have the same meaning as those words...I love every dad blasted thing you made ...so mistical and down to earth with a whimsical feel girl ...you are the bees knees, the cats meow and the dogs bark ...I love your style you def. did the soup your partner sent you justice...good for you...okie dokie this granny has loads of hopping to do and you done gone and blew my socks off...my poor feet...bye now

    ReplyDelete
  96. So MUCH beauty! I really love every piece, but there's something about the Elixer earrings that make my heart sing. Simle, dramatic, beautiful - I love them!

    ReplyDelete
  97. An absolutely stunning collection Rita, and I just love everything about it! You make so much from your soup ingredients! I can't even pick a favourite, the choice is overwhelming! Standouts to me include Frosted Fire and Black Cherry, and those cute lil seahorse earrings!

    ReplyDelete
  98. Every item you make is more breath taking than the one before. I absolutely love every piece, but the set of "Beltane" and the Kai are probably my favorites. I love the intricate but simple design of the Beltane. So beautiful. Such exquisite work!

    ReplyDelete
  99. Oh Rita you have created an absolute utopia of glorious creations. Your imagination is so incredibly fertile!
    I am irretrievably drawn to Beltane. A childhood full of ancient May Day rituals, weaving ribbons round the May pole at school, the crowning of the local May Queen and the parade of floats full of flowers to carry her down the high street to the fair. It's such a fascinating piece with it's intricate metal work on one side and the tiny little woven beads on the other. It perfectly represents Beltane for me.

    ReplyDelete
  100. BEAUTIFUL!!! Both your design work (good job) and your blogging. Lovely!!!

    ReplyDelete
  101. Totally amazed by the number of variety of pieces that you created. The herringbone "chain" on your fist necklace is exquisite. Really enjoyed your inspirational pics too.

    http://mistheword12.wordpress.com/2014/05/10/bead-soup-ready-set-make/

    ReplyDelete
  102. So much to look at between your soup, photos of your jewelry and the other pictures! It was like scanning through a magazine. Lovely. Your first necklace might be my favorite because that focal bead is stunning which your design compliments very well. I love the variety of your designs!

    ReplyDelete
  103. Your work is always so varied and lovely. My favorites on first read-through are the Intention necklace and the Beltane earrings. I'm sure on subsequent looks my favorites would change. Your jewelry is so full of feeling I think my favorites would change with the day and my mood.

    ReplyDelete
  104. Dear Rita; I was literally speechless the last time I looked at this blog post . I thought it was because I was feeling tired and breathless from being sick but today I am feeling much better physically and I remain without words to adequately respond to your artistry!!!!
    Every single piece you've designed clearly comes directly from your heart and your word magic adds beautifully to the experience of your blog. All the sentiments you've expressed and the jewelry you've designed have lifted me from the dark place my recent illness sent me.
    Whenever I feel discouraged all I have to do is spend some time here! Thanks again for being my friend and partner. I feel truly privileged to know you. Thank you for all the beauty.

    ReplyDelete
  105. So many beautiful pieces! Everything is very creative and well done. The beltane earrings are my favorite I think. I love the little flower crowns.

    ReplyDelete
  106. I enjoyed your post as well as all of your creations. I love the beltane earrings. You must have started creating as soon as the package arrived. I can tell you love making jewelry.

    ReplyDelete
  107. Wow! Just Wow. I don't know how it's possible that I would love each and every piece out of so many. Such a variety of techniques used. I was in awe because every time my eyes landed on another piece I thought Wow, that's going to be my favorite I think.Then another beauty took its place. Beautiful work!

    ReplyDelete
  108. Oh my word! You were super inspired! I love how you included touches from all the past soups. I always get more things than I never know what to do with and the fact that you could keep them all straight and use them in this massive collection is incredible! Each one is more lovely than the last but I have to say that I am very intrigued by the double sided setting you created for the pendant of the Beltane necklace and the undulating beauty of the mandala necklace. Thank you for sharing your creations in the 8th Bead Soup! Enjoy the day. Erin

    ReplyDelete
  109. P.S. I don't know if I was aware of your daughter's passing. I am sorry for your loss. But what a very unique tribute to her with your connection to the Bead Soup! You have brought her much honor and delight I am sure!
    Enjoy the day. Erin

    ReplyDelete
  110. Rita, I always enjoy reading your blog posts so much--the story, the feasts for the eyes and mind, and the glimpses into your soul with your writings--and your jewelry creations. I won't attempt to pick a favorite, but for each piece I see the touch of your personal feelings and outlook on life--and what means the most to you. This post is a journey to be savored---to the very last cherry. Thank you for the sharing of your self. Gina H

    ReplyDelete
  111. Amazing! It's apparent you are a skilled and prolific jewelry artist. I'm sorry for your loss, it must make Bead Soup a bittersweet endeavor... peace

    ReplyDelete
  112. Visiting one of your posts is always a lyrical experience, Rita! I won't try to pick a favourite amongst these incredible designs, but I must say, any creation you describe as "soft and comforting" would be my idea of heaven :)

    ReplyDelete
  113. Seriously girl you are a jack of all mediums!!! I love the themes for each piece and your ability to make each one stand out! WOW just WOW

    ReplyDelete
  114. You really got a lot made in the time frame and with the beads you received. As well, you put so much thought into each of your creations, they all came out so exquisite. My favorites are "Elixer" and "Renewal" but all of your designs are really beautiful.

    ReplyDelete

Gracias for your comments and for visiting! I appreciate every word :)
Namaste --
Rita