Rainy Saturday Morning

... Wondering why I'm up so early on Saturday morning. It's 7 am now - been up since 5:30 and I've actually been pretty productive.

*I'm pleased to say I now have one clean flat surface in my "studio". It is just a 14x19" snack table. but it does provide clear work space! 

*I've inventoried and put away several orders from the last few months.

*Found some gold-filled jump rings.

*Found some great stone focal beads.

Unfortunately there's still a lot more to be done.

Including creating bracelets to fill customer orders.

In case you're wondering how I get anything done - it's simple - I just move to another clean surface!

I'm really looking forward to June and retiring from teaching - my goal is to clean my "office" and create a real studio.

Hope you all are having a great Saturday!

Time To Party! Bead Soup Blog Party, That Is!

My partner Tracie Dean sent me this amazing collection of red, white and silver beads.

Since it was close to Valentine's Day, I immediately did a few quick wraps with the cinnabar heart and red ceramic beads.  Threw them on a ribbon and had the perfect necklace for a first grade teacher to wear to school.

The other beads presented a bit more of a challenge.









I knew the clasp Tracie sent was too pretty to hide in the back, so I had to figure out a way to feature it in front.
She also included some beautiful matching 2-hole connectors. I added seed beads, glass pearls, and sterling silver rounds.  The result was a very romantic 24" necklace.  My designs are usually symmetrical so, I'm really pleased with how it turned out.

I love the oval focal - I think it's a dyed "jade". 
It told me it wanted to be wrapped. I know it's not the best wrap - It's still a pretty new skill for me, but I am excited with the results. I must admit that I am still wrapping chain links. Yes - that is a totally handcrafted sterling chain. I'm not sure how long it will take to finish so here it is...

Don't forget to visit Tracie's blog to see what she created with the blue soup I sent her.  http://homeofthepurskey.blogspot.com/

and Lori to see what the other artists have created with their soups.
http://lorianderson-beadsoupblogparty.blogspot.com/

It's Here!!! Bead Soup Blog Party 2nd Reveal

And I'm embarrassed to say - I'm late to the party.
Here I am at 5am frantically working to finish up three pieces.  Yep - Type A overachiever who procrastinates and lets life get in the way. I'm sorry - I'm just too brain dead after teaching 1st graders to come home and be creative.  Thank you Common Core Standards. (but that a whole nother blog)

My goal is to finish making chain, take photos and post a new blog by noon.
So, please, please, please check back later.

In the meantime take a peak at the gorgeous blues I sent my partner, Tracie Dean @ http://homeofthepurskey.blogspot.com/

See you all later!!!

Check out all the other wonderful artists' creations.
Here's the link to the 2nd reveal - http://lorianderson-beadsoupblogparty.blogspot.com/
And the first reveal - http://lorianderson-beadsoupblogparty.blogspot.com/2013_03_01_archive.html

Thanks so, so much to Lori Anderson for taking on the huge task of organizing the Bead Soup Blog Party!!!

FACEBOOK GIVEAWAY

About a month ago, I decided my business page needed more fans. Actually, I'd known it for a while, but finally decided to try to do something about it. So with just 110 fans, I set a modest goal of 125 and offered an earring giveaway to any fan who also commented on the giveaway post. How hard could it be to get 15 people to like my page????
Apparently, very hard :(  Here we are 5 weeks later and I have just 116 fans.

Please visit my facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/GemsByJeanneMarie?fref=ts

Please click "like" for the page.

Then read and comment on the post for the earring giveaway. It's that simple!

The earrings will be similar to these.
Completely handcrafted. (yes earwires, too)
And... you get to choose your color!

Hope to see you on Facebook soon!!!

 https://www.facebook.com/GemsByJeanneMarie?fref=ts