Soup's On!

First off, I lift my glass to all of you intrepid blog hoppers out there! There are a lot of blogs to visit and if you took the time to come by mine - welcome! I'm sincerely honored that you're here and I hope you'll enjoy the soup I made and maybe even leave a comment or come back by in the future!

Just as a refresher, here are the soup ingredients provided by my partner, Judy Riley of Three Red Beads:





The focal is one of Judy's hand-made paper beads. This presented an immediate challenge as I have never worked with a paper bead before and I wasn't sure what style would best set it off or how much handling it would stand up to.

The other ingredients are Czech glass flowers and drops, freshwater pearls, faceted white jade and a Bali silver toggle clasp. Even though this color combination is not one that I would have ever put together myself, I absolutely loved it! Didn't exactly know what I was going to DO with it, but I loved it.

My process normally begins with the focal bead. I usually try to pull colors from it to select my accent beads and/or inform the idea of the design. In this case, the accent beads are already there for me, but the color scheme really screamed copper instead of silver to my brain. So, my first decision was that the clasp would form part of a separate design.

Next thing I noticed was that the paper used on the focal bead seems to have flowers imprinted on it. Put that together with the glass flowers and the fact that the green drops look like tiny leaves...I think I'm looking at a floral garland type of design. I also decided that the focal was a little small to anchor a necklace so...a bracelet it is!





I used 20 gauge copper wire and made large wrapped loops. Before closing each loop, I strung a few of the green drops directly on the wire and then also strung on some dangles I'd made out of the flowers and then closed the loops.





Here's a closeup of the focal bead. I added some Greek ceramic spacers in copper and some copper daisy spacers from my stash.





I quickly discovered that the lavender freshwater pearls did not have holes large enough to accommodate the wire I was using, but I really wanted to keep the lavender color in so I added lavender Czech glass flowers from my stash.





One of the best things in this soup mix are these faceted white jade beads. I never would have thought to use them, but they absolutely glow next to these other colors.





This copper toggle came from my stash.





And here's another overall veiw of the bracelet.





I had enough beads left to make some matching earrings.

Since I still had the silver toggle clasp, most of the green drops and all of the freshwater pearls left, I knew I needed to make more soup. I really wanted it to concentrate on those pearls and when I received my latest order from Lisa Boucher's Etsy shop and this lavender and yellow sunflower pendant was in it...





...well, they were meant to go together.

Except this design called for brass so the silver toggle still had to sit out.

I started with the pendant and some large-link brass chain and I kept picturing a chain-link fence in an overgrown field of flowers and berries with the plants twining through and around the fence links.





Other than the lavender pearls, everything else in this design came from my stash.





Here's a closeup of the amazing focal and you can see how I started weaving the pearls through the chain links using the illusion cord.





I decided to use up the lavender flowers that I still had on my table from the bracelet and then I added in dyed yellow wood round beads, vintage glass leaves, some lapis lazuli rondelles and olive green Swarovski crystals. Yes, up close with the camera eye view, you can see the illusion cord, but I've used this technique before and when the design is worn, that cord just disappears like...well, like an illusion ;-)





I was so excited with the way this design came out that I knew it needed a very special closure. A simple brass hook wasn't going to cut it and none of my brass toggles were the right size or style (note to self: you need better brass toggles!) and then I happened to look over and see some ribbon spilling out of the top of my "to be put away pile" and voila!

Y'know, people always ask me when I buy a certain bead or supply "what are you going to do with that?" And I never have the answer because I don't really have a specific design in mind for the most part. I put it into my stash where it waits for the right moment to come out and make magic. I mean, really, who would have ever thought that I would use olive green ribbon trimmed in lavender edging, right? But look, the right design came along and I think it works wonderfully. My little matchy-matchy heart is singing for joy LOL!





Matching earrings, of course! Olive green glass pearls, lapis rondelles, vintage glass leaves and some more of the lavender Czech flowers. I used brass leverback earring wires for the tops.

At this point, I still had some leftover lavender pearls AND that clasp. Obviously, whatever the design is, it's going to have to be purple and silver to start with...hmmm...didn't I just buy some pretty purple ceramic beads at the Costa Mesa Gem Faire a few weeks ago...???

Why, yes, I believe I did. Good for me!

Then I searched through my stash for some lampwork to mix with them and despite having a MASSIVE collection of it, I couldn't find a set that worked with what I wanted to do (obviously, I need more lampwork...which is really hard to believe) but I did come across some large grey ceramic beads that went perfectly and then I mixed in a few crystals and it was starting to come together, but I felt like it was still missing that magic something...

So, I let it simmer on my bead design board for a few days and then I went through my carefully hoarded (because the prices have gone C-R-A-Z-Y) sterling silver stash and found the perfect pendant.





This design takes me back to my designing roots when I was all about the Bali silver mixed with crystals and, usually, lampwork.





However, I think this gorgeous shell pendant and the shimmering ceramic beads give it a different feeling. Plus, I love how the ceramic can look so earthy in my earlier sunflower piece and so upscale and glamorous in this necklace. What a versatile material to work with!





And yes, those marbled purple/lavender/grey beads ARE ceramic. Oh, and I did find a way to finish up using the rest of those lavender pearls from the original soup mix!





Here's a better closeup view of the side of the necklace. That lovely purple crystal color is "Cyclamen."





And finally...I did get that clasp worked in! The only thing I'm really missing is that I was out of sterling silver crimp covers so I'll have to add those later, but I didn't want to be late with my soup just because I'm waiting for that order to come in ;-)





Here's a final look at the whole piece. Yes, it's simple and straightforward in design, but I like to think this approach allows the beauty of each individual bead and component to really stand out.

That's it - hope you enjoyed my three different flavors of soup. As you can see, my style is a bit all over the place but that's because I let the beads take charge and tell me how they want to be used.

Thanks for stopping by and if you're continuing on in the hop, here's the list:

The Hostess, Lori Anderson and her partner Manuela Wutschke

1. Aimee Wheaton and Barbara York

2. Alice Craddick and Sandra Richardson

3. Alison Sachs and Amy Severino

4. Allison Scott and Cynthia Abner

5. Amanda Cargill Austin and Charlene Sevier

6. Amanda Davie and Patsy Evins

7.Amber Dawn and Kim Ballor

8. Ambra Gostoli and Christine Hansen

9.Amy Freeland and Christine Altmiller

10. Ana Krepel-Novak and Eleanor Snare

11. Andrea Morici and Hope Smitherman

12. Andrea Trank and Jayne Capps

13. Andrea Turini and Charlene Jacka

14. Angela May and Emanda Johnson

15. Anitra Gordy and Elizabeth Owens Dwy

16. Ann Rishell and Debbie Price

17. Ann Sherwood and Lynne Bowland

18. Anna Lear and Barbe Saint John

19. Anna Sabina and Erin Siegel

20. Nan Emmett and Erin Siegel

21. Astrid Boyce and Birgitta Lejonklou

22. B.R. Kuhlman and Deanna Chase

23. Barbara Bechtel and Bryna Lumb

24. Barbara Blaszczyk and Davinia Design

25. Barbara Judy and Holly Westfall

26. Barbara Lewis and Cathie Carroll

27. Barrie Edwards and Lyn Foley

28. Becky Fairclough and Jana Tarhala

29. Bella Borgouise and Gillian Lehman

30. Beth and Evie McCord and Erin Prais-Hintz

31. Beth Bricker and Heather Pyle

32. Beth Emery and Cassie Donlen

33. Bobbie Rafferty and Cindy Cima Edwards

34. Candice McGinnis and Sally Anderson

35. Carol Bradley and Cece Cormier

36. Cathy Khoury and Molly Alexander

37. Carol Tannahill and Hilary Frye

38. Carrie Tahquechi and Cris Peacock

39. Cat Pruitt and Cindy Gimbrone

40. Charlene Gary and Doris Stumpf

41. Charlotte Pevny and Kate Gardenghi

42. Cherrie Fick and Cathie Carroll

43. Claire Maunsell and Cherrie Fick

44. Cheryl Roe> and Jenny Vidberg

45. Chris White and Norma Turvey

46. Christa Murphy and Kathy Alderfer

47. Christie Murrow and Dana James

48. Christina Miles and Collette Collins

49. Christine Brandel and Elizabeth Woodford

50. Christine Damm and Cynthia Deis

51. Christine Hendrickson and Debbie Goering

52. Christine Stonefield and Dee Wingrove-Smith

53. Cilla Watkins and Johanna Rhodes

54. Cindy Wimmer and Riki Schumacher

55. CJ Baushka and Cory Celaya

56. Courtney Breul and Joanna Matuszczyk

57. Cristi Clothier and Kathleen Robinson Young

58. Cryss Thain and Serena Trent

59. Cynthia Tucker and Kitty Durmaj

60. Dana Johnson Jones and Eva Sherman

61. Davinia Algeri and Janet McDonald

62. Deci Worland and Lara Lutrick

63. Diana Ptaszynski andKristy Abner

64. Diane Cook and Kerry Bogert

65. Diane Hawkey and Jen Judd Velasquez

66. Dorcas Midkiff and Jill Harris

67. Doris Radlicki and Heather Goldsmith

68. Dot Lewallen and Gaea Cannaday

69. Elisabeth Auld and Jennifer Justman

70. Erin Fickert-Rowland and Geanina Grigore

71. Erin Grant and Julie Jones

72. Eszter Czibulyas and Helena Fritz

73. Fiona Christie and Michelle Heim

74. Gail Zwang and Genea Crivello-Knable

75. Geneva Collins and Jana Haag

76. Gretchen Nation and Heidi Post

77. Heather DeSimone and Karin Slaton

78. Heather Marley and Terry Carter

79. Ingrid McCue and Jennifer Pride

80. Jackie Ryan and Nicole Keller

81. Janna Harttgen and Joanne Tinley

82. Jean Yates and Lori Anderson

83. Jelveh Jaferian and Jenny Davies-Reazor

84. Jenni Connolly and Jennifer Heynen

85. Jennifer Cameron and Kristi Bowman

86. Jennifer Geldard and Lisa Liddy

87. Jennifer VanBenschoten and Kim Hora

88. Jess Italia Lincoln and Lori Greenberg

89. Jill MacKay and Lori Bergmann

90. JJ Jacobs and Karen Tremblay

91. Joyce Becker and Kathy Welsh

92. Judy Glende and Karen Sinkowski

93. Judy Riley and Kelly Morgan

94. JuLee Wolfe and Julie Bean

95. Julianna Cannon and Julianna Kis

96. Julie Nordine and Lesley Watt

97. K. Hutchinson and Shea Zukowski

98. Karen Firnberg and Karyn Bonfiglio

99. Karen Williams and Kimberly Roberts

100. Karen Zanco and Polly Barker

101. Kari Carrigan and Laura Twiford

102. Karin von Hoeren and Laura Blanck

103. Kate Richbourg and Lorelei Eurto

104. Kathleen Lange Klik and Maria Clark

105. Kathy Engstrom and Keri Lee Sereika

106. Kay Thomerson and Loretta Carstensen

107. Kelley Fogle and Laurel Bielec

108. Kelly Ramstack and Sally Anderson

109. Kim Stevens and Tiffany Long

110. Kristi Harrison and Mandy Williamson

111. Kristi Kyle and Lana Kinney

112. Kristina Johansson and Sue Hodgkinson

113. Kym Hunter and Laura Sanger

114. Laura Zeiner and Susan Kennedy

115. Laurel Steven and Mary McGraw

116. Laurie Hanna and Lisa Boucher

117. Lesley Weir and Liz DeLuca

118. Linda Djokic and Tracey Weiser

119. Linda Inhelder and Pam Brisse

120. Linda Landig and Lori Dorrington

121. Linda Murphy and Lisa Hamilton

122. Line Labrecque and Marianne Baxter

123. Lisa Lodge and Monica Johnson

124. Lois Moon and Melissa Muir

125. Lola Surwillo and Therese Frank

126. Lori Bowring Michaud and Marci Brooks

127. Lupe Meter and Norma Agron

128. Maggie Towne and Marge Beebe

129. Malin de Koning and Susie Hibdon

130. Mallory Hoffman and Shirley Moore

131. Marcie Abney and Patty Miller

132. Marcy Lamberson and Melissa Clarke

133. Margot Potter and Suzann Sladcik Wilson

134. Maria Grimes and Wendy Blum

135. Maria Horvath and Melinda Orr

136. Maria Rosa Sharrow and Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp

137. Marian Hertzog and Melissa Mesara

138. Marianna Boylan and Sandi Lee James

139. Marina Dobrynina and Michaela Pabeschitz

140. Marsha Neal and Miri Agassi

141. Mary Ellen Parker and Melissa Meman

142. Mary Elliott and Tamara Soper

143. Mary Hicks and Laurel Steven

144. Melissa Pynn and Michelle Buettner

145. Michelle Hardy and Niki Meiners

146. Michelle Mach and Moira McEvoy

147. Missy Rappaport and Mags Sarri

148. Molly Alexander and Poranna

149. Mylene Hillam and Nicole Rennell

150. Nadezhda Parfyonova and Stacey Curry

151. Nan Emmett and Nancy Peterson

152. Nancy Boylan and Natalie McKenna

153. Natalie Monkivitch and Niky Sayers

154. Natasha Lutes and Pam Ferrari

155. Noemi Baena and Penny Ilagan

156. Pamela Petry and Rebecca Sirevaag

157. Pat Haight and Shannon Hicks

158. Patty Gasparino and Vonna Maslanka

159. Penny Neville and Sandi Volpe

160. Pepita Bos and Wendy Chamberlain

161. Raida Disbrow and Rebecca Watkins

162. Rebecca Anderson and Sabrina Staub

163. Regina Santerre and Rose Binoya

164. Rhea Freitag and Tari Kahrs

165. Rochelle Brisson and Teri Baskett

166. Sally Russick and Tracy Bell

167. Sandra McGriff and Shay Williams

168. Sandra Wolberg and Sara Hardin

169. Sarah Elder and Salla Small

170. Saskia Kaffenberger and Sharon Gardner

171. Sharon Palac and Shannon Chomanczuk

172. Shay Stone and Suzette Bentley

173. Shiraz Biggie and Tammy Powley

174. Staci Smith and Tracy Stillman

175. Stacie Stamper and Tracy Martin

176. Stefanie Teufel and Vicky Taylor

177. Stephanie Dixon and Stephanie LaRosa

178. Stephanie Haussler and Valerie Norton

179. Suzanne Tate and Terri Wlaschin

180. Sweet Freedom Designs and Tammy Jones

181. Tania Spivey and Tari Sasser

182. Tara Plote and Terry Matuszyk

183. Terri Gauthier and Deana Hager

184. Theresa Fosdick and Tracey Nanstad