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!

Winner, winner chicken dinner!

Ok,

Here are my winners!!

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

Hope of

Craftyhope fame!

And for the Floral Holiday Blog Hop

the winner is........

Tanya of

A Work in Progress!

Please send me your addresses so

I can mail out your goodness!

Floral Holiday Blog Hop

If you are looking for my Challenge of Color hop

click here

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!

Your Host: Lisa Lodge, Grateful Artist (Pine Ridge Treasures)

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

Cheri Reed, Creative Designs by Cheri

Toltec Jewels, Jewel School Friends

Rana Wilson, Definitive Designs by R. Wilson

Thank you Lisa for this wonderful hop!

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

Gardanne Beads.

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!

Erin Prais-Hintz http://treasures-found.blogspot.com/2012/11/3rd-annual-challenge-of-color-reveal.html - Our amazing Hostess!
Rebecca Anderson http://songbeads.blogspot.com

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!



Creative Blog Hops!

 

Ok, I did it.

Signed up for two wonderful hops.

 

The first is Erin's from

Treasures-Found

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!

 

Lisa of Pine Ridge Treasures

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.

 

 

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!

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!

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!)

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.

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!!!!!!

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

studio waterstone

 to see more macro goodness.

Hoping you all have a great Sunday,

the weather is spectacular in the DC area!

Go Skins!

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 

Lori Anderson.

She has this amazing blog called

Pretty Things, and started this little thing

called the Bead Soup Blog Party.

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

Lea Avroch http://lajewelrydesign.blogspot.com

Leslie Wayment http://www.aabeadsonline.com/blog

Kelley Katherine Hagerty-Fogle http://www.mylifeonebeadatatime.blogspot.com

Sheila Davis http://www.stonedesignsbysheila.blogspot.com

Amanda Effron http://craft-o-licious.blogspot.com

‎Solange Collin http://www.blog.ahowinjewelry.com

Jennifer Chasalow VanBenschoten http://www.vanbeads.blogspot.com

Isolina Perez http://IsolinaPerez.blogspot.com

Toltec Jewels www.JewelSchoolFriends.com

Sherri Stokey http://www.knotjustmacrame.com

Mary Howell Govaars http://mlhjewelrydesigns.com

Bee Kuhlman http://mixedmayhemstudios.blogspot.com

Lynnea Perry Bennett http://designsbylynnea.blogspot.com

Alicia Marinache http://www.allprettythings.ca

Heather Otto http://www.thecrafthopper.com

Kimberly Flood http://www.goddessesandbeads.blogspot.com

Courtney White Breul http://beadsbybreul.blogspot.com - You are here!

Lisa Liddy http://lisaliddy.wordpress.com

Marlene Cupo http://amazingdesigns-marlene.blogspot.com

Marianne Baxter http://www.simplyseablimejewelry.blogspot.com

Mária Horváth http://horimarikabeads.blogspot.hu

Andrea Beth Trank www.heavenlanecreations.com

Heidi Mansfield Kingman http://mybeadtherapy.blogspot.com

Emoke Schmidt http://emoke1.blogspot.com

Sandra MrtzDiaz www.petaloazuljewelry.blogspot.com

Lupe Meter http://gesmpccorner.blogspot.com

Tanya Boden http://fusionmusebangkok.blogspot.com

Ambra Chicandfrog http://chicandfrog.wordpress.com

Kumi Fisher http://maliekaidesigns.blogspot.com

Sandra Young http://blog.gypsyroadbeads.ca

Sandi Marinaro Volpe http://www.sandivolpe.com

Gretchen Nation http://www.artfoodlodging.blogspot.com

Mimi Gardner http://www.othercuriosities.blogspot.com

Marian Hertzog http://mhertzog-msplace.blogspot.com

Audrey Belangér http://esperianterra.blogspot.com

Sandra McGriff http://skyescreativechaos.blogspot.com

Shelley Graham Turner http://www.shelleygrahamturner.blogspot.com

Marlene Cupo http://amazingdesigns-marlene.blogspot.com

Terry Matuszyk http://pinkchapeau.wordpress.com

Heidi Mansfield Kingman http://mybeadtherapy.blogspot.com