2015 Bead Peeps Swap N' Hop Goodies Revealed!

We received our goodies!  And our partner received her goodies too!  We're participating in the Bead Peeps Swap N Hop 2015; participants swap beads and then post what they created with them!  This year, our partner is Annica Larsson from Zestyfrog.wordpress.com.  Without further ado, here are the yummy beads.

First, we sent Annica our soup, and we posted our teaser photo a while ago...

Inside the package was this!

We wanted to send a pastel mix of pinks and greens for spring to Annica.  We've included lampwork from Jennifer, a ceramic pendant made by Deborah, a twisted wire glass bead pendant by Gianna and a chunk of rough Rose Quartz that Catherine mined from the Black Hills in South Dakota, USA.  The metal flowers have been given patina (by Jennifer and Gianna) and the pink ribbon is vintage seam-binding ribbon that Deborah hand-crinkled.  The metal components we included are Shibuichi, a metal alloy made by combining 1 part silver to 3 parts copper.  Dry Gulch carries several findings and components of this metal on our website at www.drygulch.com.  We all had a blast putting this soup together!

Second, we have Zestyfrog's collection!

So much great earthy in this mix!  We absolutely love the colors she sent us, very organic and down-to-earth.  Annica sent us several of her wonderful hand-made ceramic creations, which we especially love!  She included a large heart pendant (that I discovered took many firings to create!), a set of Raku textured beads and some lovely little shells.  We can't wait to get started working on this fabulous selection.  Thank you, Annica!  Stop by often, bead peeps, we'll be posting our creations May 2nd.

A Variety Of Jewelry Has Been Made

I love being surrounded by piles of ribbons, jars of buttons, and boxes and walls full of beads.  I feel like a lucky person.  This has been such a fun challenge, with a trinket here and a flourish there, a variety of jewelry has been created.  We can't wait for the reveal to show what's been made with the beautiful Bead Soup we received from Dana Hickey of Magpie Approved.  One thing for sure...it's so easy to make things that you love work together!

Designs Underway

I have an unbelievable mess on my desk, and it all looks so good!!!  No master plan as of yet, just a collection of visual stimulation.  I love the impact that copper makes when paired with natural woods and pops of jewel tones or pastels.  And then, of course, beautiful turquoise with copper, the perfect compliment.  I know one thing for sure, the Bead Soup sent to us from Dana Hickey of Magpie Approved has many possibilities, and that is my favorite part of the creative process.  The magic has begun and the transformation moment is happening.  There is happiness in creating things you love.

Soups On!!!

Our Soups have reached their destinations, and when we opened up ours "We Fell in Love".  It would be impossible not to be inspired by the wonderful bead soup sent by Dana Hickey of Magpie Approved.  We love these copper, handmade treasures!!!  There are many ideas dancing through our heads.  I'm sure a lot of happy surprises will emerge with a little torch time.  With that said, "Onward to Creating!"