My Gypsy Soul....

So...I don't know what it is with me lately (maybe turning the BIG 4-0?!?) but I have been wanting to change my "style" a bit (like I even have a style really...ha) but there has ALWAYS been a part of me, ever since I was a little girl begging my dad to play Rhiannon over and over in the car, that would like to dress a little "Stevie Nicks-ish", a little boho gypsy perhaps?  The jewelry that I have been making lately is reflecting that and unfortunately I want to keep it all for me..but that won't work..must sell jewelry to buy more beads and supplies, right?!?

The bracelet above started out with the intention of selling it, but I had a copper hand stamped piece on it and then I just knew I had to get out my metal stamps and make this one "mine". So the words "Gypsy Soul" came to mind. I just love it, it's so me!

I also made this necklace...I was inspired by something that one of the Junk Gypsies was wearing on an episode. I have been trying to find it online but to no avail. Btw, LOVE that show...so inspiring!

 

And I also made these earrings...now, I won't be wearing all 3 together (I guess I am not THAT gypsy) but earrings with the bracelet or necklace with the bracelet...that would work! 

 

Goodies from the Intergalactic Bead Show

This bead show had great timing...my birthday! It's not actually until the 17th but I had birthday $ to spend and so off I went! My husband went too, he is a lampwork artist and enjoys talking to all the lampworkers that have booths there.

 Okay, onto the important stuff...what I bought!

 

I was so excited when I saw the strands of Roman Glass, I had to buy one...after much consideration, I finally chose the strand for me. Those green beads are yellow turquoise, I just love them! The orange agate pendant is a bit different for me but when I saw it I just had to have it and I'm always a sucker for Chalcedony and Sari silk!

I bought these 4 pieces for myself...well I was spending birthday money so why not?

The top two are from Fire Goddess. Susan is a real sweetheart, and so is her husband.

Chain from AD Adornments, I always spend most of my money at this booth.

And a few more pieces from AD Adornments and a few other vendors.

I fell in love with these Amber beads (2nd and 3rd strands from the bottom) and the top 2 strands have a really cool texture. They are called Rudraksha.

I'm excited to try out the Vintaj patinas! Maybe that will be my next blog post...

Inspiration!

Last week I was inspired to do something a little different for me and I have my friend Susan to thank for that! She loved my husband's mushroom beads and wanted a necklace made using 3 of them. Here's a pic of some of the beads, check out his Facebook page if you are interested in purchasing a few for yourself.

She wanted something similar to a necklace she had seen in the Sundance catalog (love that catalog but VERY pricey pieces), here's a pic and a link to the necklace. The necklace shown is on a very short mannequin (it's actually 23" in length but appears much longer).

I played around with adding more beads but since the mushroom beads were small, the ones she chose were .5" they seemed lost with other beads. So, here is what I decided on and the good news? She LOVES it!

Somehow, I ended up at the Bead Show...

I wasn't going to...but...when Dean & I had to run up to Cincinnati Pool & Spa, I thought, we're SO close...why not? I'll be good and not overspend (yeah right) but actually I behaved myself. It probably helped that we were on a deadline because we had a showing of our house this afternoon so I didn't have a whole lot of time.

Wanna see the goods???

 

I spent most of my money at the  AD Adornments booth, which is nothing new. I could spend hours looking through everything there! I bought seven various chains this time and a couple of little trinkets. I bought hand dyed silk ribbons from Riverstone Bead Co.. He always has a nice variety and is priced reasonably as well.

 I bought peanut seed beads....several hanks! The Beadroom booth is always a favorite of mine and she had lots of peanut seed beads AND they were 20% off. I couldn't resist.

 

Last but not least...I bought these lovelies! I can't wait to use them.

My husband also had a great time talking to the various lampworkers there...like Susan Barnes from Fire Goddess and Nikki Thornburg from Thornburg Studio. Check out their websites...they're quite inspiring!

Fantastic Giveaway!

Are you an art bead lover? You MUST check this out and enter to win!

Designer Highlight Bead Trends November 2011

I just received my copies via UPS today but I have to confess...I went to Barnes & Noble last week to buy one! I just couldn't wait!

 

I will be listing these pieces on my website (all except Thunderstorm-that is sold already) in the next couple of weeks. I know I know..I am terrible at keeping up with my website. I tend to have around 20 pieces at all times that aren't listed. I do try to list though on my Facebook page so check it out and let me know if you see something you are interested in. Thanks! ~Kristy

An exciting creative opportunity has come my way...

Heather Powers of Humblebeads asked me to be a contributor on her new blog Earrings Everyday and I am thrilled! There are seven of us and each day there will be a new post on earrings. On the weekend, Heather will spotlight creative ways to store and display our earring collections. So look forward to lots of inspiration and eye candy!  Please consider following our new blog and sharing on Facebook! Thanks :)
I'll leave you with a picture of the first featured earrings by Heather, they are lovely.