Jenni's beads: beading challenges

Sunday, November 13, 2011

I Heart Macro - Bead Love.

Hello dear readers,

A few days ago, I went to the Melbourne Bead Expo. This annual event is one of two annual bead shows held in Melbourne, Australia.

This particular show is run by the Bead Society of Victoria.

There were lots of bead suppliers from around Australia, many locally talented lampworkers, classes available and a wonderful exhibition of jewellery items as part of the Challenge Exhibition. ( all competitors had to use the same beads as part of the challenge)

I was fairly restrained in my purchasing this year, mainly buying strands of smaller beads and gemstones that I could incorporate with a few pieces I am working on for Christmas presents and on-line beading design challenges.

The blue ones are Peruvian Opal, coloured pearls, Hessonite Garnet, and Grey Quartz to name a few.

Wonderful glass daggers...fabulous aren't they?

Today, I am linking up to I Heart Macro. Please click on the photo link below to take you to see other 'I Heart Macro' photos at our host, Lori's site - Studio Waterstone.

Cheers for now,

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Fairy Tale/Spring Bead Hop..... "Leap Frog"

Hello dear friends,

As you will have read previously, I am participating in the Fairytale/Spring bead challenge organised by
Lori Anderson.

My swap partner is Erin Prais-Hintz from Treasures Found.

You can see pictures of the lovely jewelry components she sent me here.

I have (loosely) based my necklace on the fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm - "The Frog Prince".
The gist of the tale is that a Princess took a walk in the woods, sitting down to rest beside a pool. A golden ball she had been playing with rolled to the ground and into the pool. A frog appeared asking the princess why she was so upset...

"Whilst she was speaking, a frog put its head out of the water, and said, 'Princess, why do you weep so bitterly?' 'Alas!' said she, 'what can you do for me, you nasty frog? My golden ball has fallen into the spring.' The frog said, 'I want not your pearls, and jewels, and fine clothes; but if you will love me, and let me live with you and eat from off your golden plate, and sleep upon your bed, I will bring you your ball again." ......

Of course she was a little scared, did not like the suggestion (well we are talking frogs here!)
More than your average leap of faith was required.....!

"Leap Frog" necklace.
Can you see the little jade frog, pearls and golden ball?

Also fluorite, crystals and lucite flower.

Take a LEAP, simple truth pendant by Erin.

Ceramic focal by Lisa Peters, green goldstone. (looks so black here!)

Sweet little vintaj butterfly, smokey quartz nuggets, faceted green goldstone.

As the fairy tale goes, from memory, the frog was a prince, etc...... Of course there was a happy ending.....!

Most people would agree that fairy tales are for children.. I personally think we make our own luck and future.

However often a LEAP of faith is required to initiate a change, it can be a little scary, more often than not there will be rewards to come, if not straight away, then down the track...

I am slowly making that leap ( more like a small hop)......!

Please click on the links below to take you to see the other blogs and items other participants in the Fairytale/Spring bead hop.

Lori Anderson, Pretty Things

Rebecca Anderson, Song Beads

Courtney Breul, Beads By Breul

Loretta Carstensen, Designs by Loretta

Evelyn Hall, Dragon Lady Evelyn

Sandy Richardson, Sandy's Coloring Box

Dana James, Dana's Jewelry Design

Tara Plote, Newbie Beader

Christine Brandel, A Hot Piece of Glass

Lisa Sittniewski, Alterity Art

Joanna Matuszczyk, Filcowe

Jenni Connolly, Jenni Bead You are here!