Delicious giveaway!

As if organizing the Bead Soup Blog Party wasn't enough, Lori is being gracious enough to have a giveaway.  Look at this amazing focal!

Hop on over and get yourself entered!

Family Reunion

It happened! All of the planning worked and we had a great time.  We were up in Gettysburg, PA where the two lines of my MIL's family fought against each other and then, down the road, married.  Lots of work went into genealogy, pictures, planning days, the bus tour of the battlefield, the Olde Style photo and two dinners! We had a great time, the weather held ~ not too hot.  One cousin made mugs with photos we made t-shirts! It was really great to re-connect with family that we haven't seen since the last reunion five years ago.  I wanted to share a few photos from the photo shoot.  The folks were gracious enough to let me snap a few (ok, a bunch!) while we were getting ready. Please keep that in mind when you see the ridiculous colors.

My nephew and his girlfriend.

My nephew and my son.

The kids.

Me and my daughter.

Hubby and son.

Gangsta's!

We had a great weekend, now I just need a weekend to relax!

The Big Reveal

So, the big day is here! While part of me was grateful that I was towards the end, the other part is so nervous. So many amazing soups, so many incredibly talented women. Where do I fall in this and what will folks think.  My daughter thinks I am being silly, and perhaps I am. I guess that the bottom line is that I really like what I created! Yup, that's right!  Amy of Copper Diem sent some really fun, handmade pieces. I love that she plays with fire! Not going to lie, a bit jealous as well.  I love the circles and the pink.  I love, love the copper!

Where to begin?  As always, my beads have to sit on the work table for a bit. I move through, play, touch, design, move beads, re-design, walk away, come back. It can be a long process for me at times. I wanted to take my time and make this piece special, something that I would be proud to wear.  I went through my stash to see what colors I could come up with, tried blues, tried yellows, tried browns. Like the browns! So that is what I went with. I added some hand made boro beads and some great drops from Unicorn Beads. Both have pinks, blues and browns in them.  Also some Czech glass beads and Swarovski pearls.  My other criteria was that I had to have enough to make earrings - have a thing for earrings. So without further ado, here's my Soup!

A close up.

Amy also sent some great copper rings/hoops that I made into a pair of earrings.

This has been such fun! Thank you all for taking the time to come over and look! I have enjoyed blog hopping, seeing what you amazing women are creating, and in a small way, getting to know you better.  Thank you Lori for being willing to organize this again. I am looking forward to participating in another, should it happen.

A few pieces

Well, we head off tomorrow for a family reunion on my husband's side. My SIL and her cousin both asked me to make pieces for them. I know that I have shared a few pictures of the works-in-process, but wanted to share the finished pieces.  First, my SIL's piece.

I tried several different backgrounds and landed here, plywood! Go figure.  The second piece is for our cousin. I am hoping that she likes it. Personally,  I think it came out really well.

Would love your thoughts!

And then, had to include these of the furry "kids".  Although it is a bagillion degrees out, there was a soft breeze and the sun was great!

And then there is this robin who has either just laid eggs or getting ready to....

And the tree man who watches him......

I know, lots of pictures and this posting wandered.  Sorry.  See you tomorrow for the Big Reveal!

Yeah, that's right! They are mine!

I am getting more of Kelley's  eggs! I can't wait to get these jewels in my hands!!!!!  How beautiful are these?!

Ok, they're not ALL mine, but most are! Hee, Hee!  Thank you Kelley for getting these ready before you went on vacation.

Summer ~ fresh foods!

I love summer! The access to fresh and local fruits and veggies is mind boggling and we eat so much better.  I am very lucky that both the kids LOVE fruits and veggies and will eat almost anything!  I got some amazing fresh basil at the farmer's market this weekend. Look at this, so wonderful. I wish you could smell it!

I mean, $2 a bunch! Craziness. So, of course, I got some and decided to make pesto. Now this always sounds complicated, I mean, fresh pesto.....but it always surprises me how easy it is.  Basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, parm. cheese! I added a bit of lemon zest to brighten it up also. Crazy easy and oh, so good.

And of course, the end result. Now, please keep in mind that this smells amazing, and tastes wonderful!  Please keep that in mind when you look at this last picture......

Yeah, yeah, I know what it looks like, but boy is it goooood!  :)

Followers

I now have 12! WOO HOO!

Creations

My sister in law has asked me to create a piece for her. She gave me parameters and colors and let me go to town.  I picked up beads at the last Gem show and went from there.  I have to look, play and touch for a while.  I know - crazy woman. Sometimes the ideas hit fast and other times, it takes a bit for something to hit me.  I found these great frosted "focal" pieces at the show. They are clear, clear, pale yellow, and clear, pale pink.  They are about 2 inches long, oval shaped and open in the middle. I know that my description isn't good, sorry. They feel amazing! Smooth, cold, soft. Very fun.  I wanted to share the two pieces that I have come up with for her. Both are unfinished as I wanted to make sure that I was headed in the right direction.  Here are the two pieces......

Below is a close up of the focal.

This piece is longer, love this!

Another close up of the focals and the colors.  To have my sister in law ask for another piece makes my heart sing! Thank you!

The Give-Away to end all!

Denise Yezbak Moore is having the most amazing giveaway! Please hop over and check it out. It will make you drool! :)

Can you even imagine?! Wow!

Soup is on!

Today is day three in the Big Reveal! Please go on over to Lori Anderson's blog for the complete listing of who is showing today (Sat.and Sun. also) Really amazing pieces. Such a talented group of people. Thank you Lori for hosting! (I can't wait to see what Amy created and to be able to show you what I did.)