beads by breul

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Getting the Christmas Tree

I love this! For me, this is truly the 
beginning of the holidays.

The majestic size, the lights, the SMELL! 
So wonderful. 

We finally went out on Friday night and got our tree. 
The boy and hubby tried really hard to get me to buy into
"needing" the 12 - 14 foot tree. 
Seriously, it wouldn't fit in the living room!
But we did go with the 10-11 foot one! :)

Hubs trimming the trunk.

Lights.....

More lights....

He is growing up so fast..........

Moose "helping out". 
(might be my favorite picture in a while!)


Lights - waiting for my daughter to 
come home on Saturday so we can decorate!

Monday, December 10, 2012

Winner, winner chicken dinner!

Ok,
Here are my winners!!

The Challenge of Color winner is......

Hope of

And for the Floral Holiday Blog Hop
the winner is........

Tanya of

Please send me your addresses so
I can mail out your goodness!

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Floral Holiday Blog Hop

If you are looking for my Challenge of Color hop


So darned excited about this!!!!
Lisa of Pine Ridge Treasures sent out a call
for those interested in participating in this.
Jumped! Love the holidays.

She sent a wonderful floral mix, lovely, and
encouraged us to create outside-of-the-box and 
to try to use the beads sent to us. 

As my jewelry muse seems to be missing
I was really trying to be "outside" the jewelry box.

When it hit me, it hit hard!
I am lovin' what I created!
Light hearted and fun!

So, ok, here goes......
Wine charms ~ I did have to use a few of my red czech flowers
so that I could create enough variety.


What is this, you ask...
It is jewelry for your wine gift! 
Makes it even more festive.

And lastly, what every good bottle of wine needs
a scarf!
I knitted and embellished! Scarves are hot right
now and it is winter, after all.

Well there you have it, festive and fun! Hope you liked them. :)

Now, if you feel that your bottle of wine (or one you
are giving as a gift) needs some dressing up, please say so in 
your comment and I will draw a name!
(lucky wine bottle)

One to the rest! Please hop around and see what
goodness these talented folks have created!

Courtney Breul, Beads by Breul - you are here.
Jeannie Dukic, Jeannie's Blog
Kimberly Flood, Goddesses and Beads
Mary Govaars, MLH Jewelry Designs
Tanya Goodwin, A Work in Progress
Kathy Lindemer, Bay Moon Design
Alicia Marinache, All the Pretty Things
Toltec Jewels, Jewel School Friends

Thank you Lisa for this wonderful hop!








Friday, November 30, 2012

Challenge of Color 2012!

It's that day,
today!
Ok, Erin sent me two amazing palattes to choose from,
both beautiful. Again I am in awe that this
is our Earth!
I looked at my bead stash, as one of my
challenges was to use what I had, and
chose wisely.

I chose Dasht-e Kevir
Spectacular colors! My colors actually.
I visited the USGS website  and googled
Dasht-e Kevir to learn more. 
First, the USGS site, amazing photos! I know I have said it
before, hard to believe that it is Earth!
(lots of time lost there.....)

The Dasht-e Kevir is in Iran and is also
known as the Great Salt Desert.
Somehow I got that from the picture and colors.

Now I immediately came up with an idea! Had a focal in mind,
sat down pulled everything out, created, walked away.
Came back and took the whole thing apart!  It just wasn't speaking to me.
After several rounds, I am happy to say that I love what I made.
I was going for an earthy feel, somewhat grounded and
whole feeling, if that could possibly make sense to anyone but me!

I present my piece!



Pearls, czech beads, MOP circle, Swarovski pearls, leather and
these wonderful earthy brown beads. I have absolutely 
no idea what they are, sorry.


The center of my flower is an a amazing headpin from Anne of
I won them!!! Along with Rustic Wrappings
by Kerry Bogart!! Love!

I love the feel of it and am so proud that I
used LEATHER!  Working on using more fiber
in my work. I love the look, but tend to shy away.

I would love to gift someone with this, so if you
are interested please let me know as I will have a drawing.

Now, below is the list of all of the hop participants!
Please, please hop around and see what these insanley talented
folks have created!

Kris Auderer http://strandedinthecity.wordpress.com
Chrizette Bayman http://beadsoupmix.blogspot.com
Lori Bowring Michaud http://artfullyornamental.blogspot.com
Courtney Breul http://beadsbybreul.blogspot.com/ - You are here.
Lynsey Brooks
http://yellowunicorncreations.blogspot.co.uk
Stephanie Buss http://maxandlucie.blogspot.com
Iveth Caruso http://www.creativeatelier.net/
Shannon Chomanczuk http://www.formysweetdaughter.blogspot.com
Lisa Cone http://inspiredadornments.blogspot.com/
Cece Cormier http://thebeadingyogini.com
Lori Dorrington http://lorisglassworks.blogspot.com
Dawn Doucette http://designsbydawnmarie.blogspot.com
Jeannie Dukic http://site.jkdjewelry.com/blog/
Kim Dworak http://cianciblue.blogspot.com/
Beth Emery http://storiesbyindigoheart.blogspot.com
Janice Everett http://JLynnJewels.blogspot.com
Pam Farren http://www.re-maker.blogspot.com
Donetta Farrington http://simplygorgeous-donetta.blogspot.com
Gloria Ferrer http://judetaama.blogspot.com.es/
Cherrie Fick http://designsinthelight.co
Therese Frank http://www.theresestreasures59.blogspot.com
Patty Gasparino http://www.mylifeunderthebus.typepad.com
Tanya Goodwin http://pixiloo.blogspot.com/2012/11/3rd-annual-challenge-of-color.html
Ambra Gostoli http://chicandfrog.wordpress.com/2012/11/27/3rd-challenge-of-color
Jess Green http://tabbiekoshka.blogspot.co.uk/
Denielle Hagerman http://somebeadsandotherthings.com
Mary Harding www.maryhardingjewelrybeadblog.blogspot.com
Karla Hartzog http://www.karlakrafts.com
Kim Hora http://www.kimmykats.com
Brandi Hussey http://brandigirlblog.com
Emanda Johnson http://ArtemisiaStudio.blogspot.com
Jennifer Justman http://soulsfiredesigns.blogspot.com/
Sue Kennedy http://suebeads.blogspot.com
Ema Kilroy http://emakaye.blogspot.com
Lee Koopman http://Stregajewellry.wordpress.com
Linda Landig http://www.LindasBeadBlog.com
Kirsi Luostarinen http://kirsiluokorut.blogspot.com
Cynthia Machata http://antiquitytravelers.blogspot.com/
Alicia Marinache http://www.allprettythings.ca
Beth McCord http://www.ebbeadandmetalworks.blogspot.com
Mary K McGraw http://mkaymac.blogspot.com/
Karen Mitchell http://www.overthemoon-design.com
Cheri Mitchell-Reed http://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com/
Aimee Moisa http://threecatsdancing.blogspot.com
Karla Morgan http://www.texaspepperjams.blogspot.com
Penny Neville http://copperpennydesigns.blogspot.com
Becky Pancake http://beckypancakebeaddesigns.blogspot.com
Kashmira Patel http://sadafulee.blogspot.com
Alice Peterson http://alice-dreaming.blogspot.com
Kayla Potega http://www.teejewelry.blogspot.com
Debbie Price http://greenshoot.blogspot.co.uk
Bobbie Rafferty http://beadsong.blogspot.com
Caron Reid http://caronmichelle.blogspot.com.au/
Nicole Rennell http://nicolerennell.com/blog
Cynthia Riggs http://cynthsblog.blogspot.com/2012/11/3rd-annual-challenge-of-color.html
Andrea Ross http://silvermapledesigns.blogspot.com/
Sally Russick http://thestudiosublime.com
Annie Scherz http://www.studioluma.ca
Pam Sears http://crazycreativecorner.blogspot.com/
Renetha Stanziano http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com
Sandra Stein http://sannipanni.wordpress.com
Kristen Stevens http://kristen-beadjourney.blogspot.com
Tracy Stillman http://www.tracystillmandesigns.com
Sherri Stokey http://www.knotjustmacrame.com/2012/11/challenge-of-color-reveal.html
Lola Survillo http://www.beadlolabead.blogspot.com
Kay Thomerson http://KayzKreationz.blogspot.com
Jo Tinley http://daisychaindesignsjewellery.blogspot.com
Emma Todd http://www.apolymerpenchant.com
Cory Tompkins http://www.tealwaterdesigns.blogspot.com
Pam Traub http://www.klassyjoolz.blogspot.com
Melissa Trudinger http://beadrecipes.wordpress.com
Michelle Tucker http://michellescreativemusings.blogspot.com/
Shelley Graham Turner http://www.shelleygrahamturner.blogspot.com
Monique Urquhart http://ahalfbakednotion.blogspot.com/
Rachel Van-Walsk http://balancedcrafts.com/blog
Patti Vanderbloemen http://www.myaddictionshandcrafted.blogspot.com
Lesley Watt http://thegossipinggoddess.blogspot.com
Lynn White http://lynnwhitejewelry.com/Lynn_White_Jewelry/Lynns_Jewelry_Blog/Lynns_Jewelry_Blog.html
Joan Williams http://www.lilrubyjewelry.com

Thank you Erin for putting this together and supporting
all of us on our journey!


Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Creative Blog Hops!

 
Ok, I did it.
Signed up for two wonderful hops.
 
The first is Erin's from
This woman has the most fun and creative
hops. I try to join but am not always
able. I did jump at the chance for this.
 
We were given two amazing color palettes to chose from.
All shots of our wonderful Earth.
 
These were the two I was given,
you will just have to wait to see which I chose!
Both very beautiful, hard to believe that these
are our Earth.
We will hop on Friday, Nov. 30th.
 
 
Now, my second one!
I signed up for this ages ago because
I LOVE THE HOLIDAYS!
 
sent out a call for folks who wanted to particpate
in a holiday hop. She sent us a most
wonderful mix of lucite flowers, leaves, seed beads and
a few other goodies.
 
She challenged us to venture
Outside-the-Box.
Oh, I did!
Kinda love what I did!
We will hop on Saturday, Dec. 1st.
 
Please come back and see what magic has happened.
 
 

Sunday, November 18, 2012

See, I have done something!

(photo heavy post)

What have I been up to.....

My sister asked me to take their family portraits/christmas card

Corny pose, but they are soooo cute!


Love these two!


Then I had the privilege of shooting this
adorable little one.


Loved this!


Then there was playing with the leaf blower.....



BOYS!

And lastly,
I have made some great new pieces.

This is my new favorite, not sure that I will part with it. Labradorite and sterling. 
I wear this every day!

Czech beads and some of my handmade polymer clay flowers

This is fun, leather and tiny emerald rondelles, brass cross. 
Pretty proud of me - using leather!

My buddha necklace uses one of Barbara Bechtel's 
wonderful buddha pendants. Go and check out her blog and shop!

And lastly, these gems!
They feature headpins from Jo Tinley, that I turned into ear wires, some
great circles from Miss Ficklemedia. I then wire wrapped some mystic briolettes
and seed beads.  Again, I am working my daily outfits around these! And have been 
known to say "screw it" should the outfit not work with the earrings! :)  
After all, the jewelry is the most important, right?

Here's to a great, short week!

Friday, November 16, 2012

Where I am

In a weird place.
Feeling not really a part of this or that.
Trying to sort through.
Trying not to let life get me down or, for that matter, get in the way.
 
I have signed up for two wonderful challenges
that I have been remiss about blogging about, but
promise to soon
(this weekend)
 
I am looking forward to Thanksgiving!
My daughter will be home on Tuesday, my mom
comes on Tuesday and my sister is hosting!  I
can't wait to have family everywhere. 
Feels good.
 
I am getting up the gumption to head
down another road shortly.
Absolutely terrified and yet excited.
 
Will keep you posted. 
 
In the mean time, here is a picture from
parents weekend.

He is finally taller than she is!

Sunday, November 4, 2012

I.Heart.Macro

Oh hello there!
It has been forever and I'm sorry.
I will work on being here more often.
I have had some time to create (thanks Sandy) and have 
made some WONDERFUL pieces, but we have had
no sun for awhile and my pictures have not really worked
out. But, there is sun today! Keep your fingers crossed!

On to macro goodness.


I.Love.Fall!

Head on over to Studio Waterstone and see Lori
for more macro goodness. 
(I dare you to not hop on over to her shop and grab
an amazing bag, iPad case or clutch!)


Sunday, October 7, 2012

I.Heart.Macro!

I.Heart.Macro!


Summer grasses.

Please hop over to Lori's wonderful blog to 
see more Macro goodness!

Happy Sunday to you all.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Long time, no see

First, let me apologize.
It has been forever since I have posted.
Life!

Anyway,
I was given the greatest honor when I asked my sister
what my niece would like for her birthday
and she said
"one of your necklaces"
She turned 7!
One of mine!
I can't even tell you what fun I had planning,
deciding and making!!!!!
She is 7, and a girl.
Can you say pretty, sparklie, pink?

I CAN!

Pearls, Chinese crystal and a wonderful fairy pendant

Wonderful metallic sparkly beads on memory wire

Zipper pulls, one for the birthday girl and one for her sister.

I can't wait for her sister's birthday this month!!!!!!

Sunday, September 16, 2012

I.Heart.Macro

Backyard treasures.
My husband found the discarded hive and the dead butterfly
while doing yard work.

Please visit Lori's wonderful blog
 to see more macro goodness.

Hoping you all have a great Sunday,
the weather is spectacular in the DC area!
Go Skins!

Thursday, September 13, 2012

In the Pink!

What is "In the Pink"? 
you ask.

Let me share.
This is an amazing group of women who have
gotten together to give tribute to a 
truly amazing, wonderful, talented woman.

That woman is none other than 

She has this amazing blog called
Pretty Things, and started this little thing
We just finished up our 6th party, 
it was amazing.

I started this little blog so that I could
participate in the Bead Soup Blog Party, as
that was one of the requirements. I had no 
idea the world it would unlock for me, in
so many ways. 

So, this bunch of crazy women 
(of whichI am honored to be a part of) 
all agreed to dye part of our hair pink in honor of Lori
as she has dyed the tips of her hair the most
beautiful shade of pink. 
If not dye, then extensions,
if not extensions, then something wonderfully
pink in our hair.

Without further ado....

Lori, thank you, for everything,

your support,
kind words,
positive outlook,
mad organization skills,
keeping so many people moving forward
being so giving of your time and talent,
your sense of humor,
your wonderful blog,
and for being you!


Your blog party is the reason I created
this little electronic space. I can't 
thank you enough for the door you
opened, unknowingly.

Please visit these other fun, amazing women
as they honor Lori.
 
Gail Vanderster-Zwang http://angelmoose.blogspot.com
Kelley Katherine Hagerty-Fogle http://www.mylifeonebeadatatime.blogspot.com
Jennifer Chasalow VanBenschoten http://www.vanbeads.blogspot.com
Mary Howell Govaars http://mlhjewelrydesigns.com
Courtney White Breul http://beadsbybreul.blogspot.com - You are here!
Andrea Beth Trank www.heavenlanecreations.com
Heidi Mansfield Kingman http://mybeadtherapy.blogspot.com
Sandi Marinaro Volpe http://www.sandivolpe.com
Heidi Mansfield Kingman http://mybeadtherapy.blogspot.com