Menu Plan and Recipe Review

I've never been much on tardiness, but yet here I am again late to the party. Actually, I was feeling pretty crummy yesterday. I think it's just one of those summer colds. (Yeah, yeah...excuses!) But I want to make sure I share my menu for the week. Some of these are repeats as the nieces stayed with us over the weekend so the menu was altered to their benefit.

Breakfasts: Oatmeal/Cheese grits, Juice, Eggs w/bacon & toast, Pancakes, Coffee cake muffins

Lunches: Simple sesame noodles w/carrot sticks, Bean burritos, Soup w/grilled cheese, PB&J, Tuna noodles, Cheese quesidillas, Leftovers

Dinners:

Baked ravioli from Amy Lynn on Tasty Kitchen

Grilled Chicken w/boiled red potatoes & grilled con on the cob

Broccoli Quiche w/salad

Soup (from the freezer)

Baked ravioli w/salad

Pork chops with creamy mushrooms and dill w/roasted cauliflower and lemony green beans

Pork Chops with creamy mushrooms and dill from Pink of Perfection

Though it's no longer Monday, I'm still linking up with Menu Plan Monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

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Recipe Review

(of the meals we actually ate last week)

Slow cooker sticky wings: These were pretty good. I cooked them on low for about 8 hours instead of high for 4. I never quite got the sauce to thicken up though. Hubs had two helpings, but there were still plenty of leftovers. Unless I can find some skinless chicken wings I probably won't make them again.

Hashbrown casserole: This was super tasty. It smelled good before I even got it in the oven. It never quite browned on top but still tasted just fine. I added some granulated garlic and onion powder to it. I will probably make this again.

Spaghetti with zucchini, walnuts, and herbs: This was better than I expected. There wasn't a whole lot of seasoning to it. Per me, I added some granulated garlic but very little. It was tasty and fresh. I will possibly make this again.

Beer Bread

Beer bread: We had this with the cheddar soup (below) and I'm afraid it may have been the star of the show. We both really love bread and this was so very yummy. I was happy to have found a loaf bread that came together so quickly with no rising and waiting to bake it. I will definitely be making this again.

English country cheddar soup: I'll admit that I was a little worried about how rich and over-powering a cheddar soup would be. In the end though, it wasn't bad at all. In fact, we really enjoyed it. The only complaint either of us had was the length of the julianned carrots. I had a problem with them slapping me on the chin and making a mess. Pat said he felt like it should have been cheese strings (being cheddar soup and all) and was a little weirded out when it was carrots instead. I just need to slice those smaller next time. I will most likely make this again.

That's all from me for today. I've got to get back on the ball in some other areas too. Here's hoping this week is treating you well.

Focus on Life Week 30: Capture the Sun

I have a bit of an addiction to taking pictures of the sun. Whether it's the sun and clouds in the sky, the sun glinting off the water, the sun peeking through branches of a tree, sunrises, sunsets, or any of the other beauty that comes with sunlight I'm all over it.

After getting Sally's prompt for this week, I only had to flip through my phone to find some perfect examples for this week. Oh, and all these were also taken while on/near bodies of water (which I also have an addiction to.)

Spanish Fort, AL Causeway

Fish River, AL

Orange Beach, AL

Yeah, I've got a problem. . .

Oh, and this prompt had me singing this song most of the week also.
Check in over at Sally's blog, the Studio Sublime for more sunshine.

Happy Mail

Today was one of those days when I was happy to check the mailbox. I found it loaded with three packages all addressed to me! I just wanted to show off the awesomeness.

Two of the packages were my winnings from the CBC 2000 giveaways.

First were these beautiful lentil beads from Kimberly Rogers of Numinosity!

As well, there was the kit for me to make the hydrangea patten from Sherri Stokely at Knot Just Macrame.

In addition, I received a larger package from Cindy Cima Edwards.

I had purchased some items from a de-stash sale she was having.

As well, she and I had decided to have a bit of a swap. She sent me a bundle of goodies.

She included some ICE Resin and some ICED Enamels with some Medium for it.

As if that wasn't enough, she included all these other goodies.

 

Yummy, right!?

Oh, and do you see the awesome resin-ed heart that I'm sure Cindy made.

It looks like some of the amazing work that can be found in her Zimaj etsy shop.

I can't wait to play with each and every bit that was contained in these packages. I do love me some happy mail. Have you received anything awesome in the post lately?

Menu, Recipe Review, and Shop News

I feel like I accomplished so much yesterday (and even already today) that I didn't even stop. Somehow I completely forgot to take the time to mention what's on my menu this week. So here goes:

Breakfasts: Oatmeal/Cheese grits, Juice, Wheat pancakes, Eggs w/bacon & toast, Coffee cake muffins

Coffee Cake Muffins from Keeping Life Creative

Lunches: PB&J, Bean burritos, Soup w/grilled cheese, Chicken salad roll-up, Simple sesame noodles w/baby carrots, Pizza quesidillas, Leftovers

Simple Sesame Noodles from The Pioneer Woman

Dinners:

English Country Cheddar Soup from Serious Eats

Slow cooker sticky chicken wings w/hashbrown casserole & green beans (carried over from last week)

Spaghetti with zucchini, walnuts, and herbs w/salad

English country cheddar soup w/Beer bread

Broccoli quiche w/salad

Grilled chicken w/grilled corn on the cob & boiled red potatoes

Zucchini with Spaghetti, Walnuts, and Herbs from Pink of Perfection

I'm looking forward to each of these meals and am linking up my menu at I'm an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

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Recipe review

Let me review the new recipes we tried out last week.
1. Mushroom Lasagna: I failed to read the directions or the comments before I made this dish so I was unaware of how long it would take and how many dishes it would dirty. In the end (finally), it was really tasty and mine looked just like the picture. However, because of the time and mess it made I'm not positive I'll make it again. . .I may though as it's a great vegetarian option.

2. The Best Broccoli: I'll admit that this wasn't the first time I've ever made this broccoli but it deserves a review. It is SO SO SO GOOD!! I will be making this version of roasted broccoli for may years to come!

3. Pioneer Woman's Perfect Potato Soup: This soup was quite tasty. Though, I kinda hated having to blend it in the blender (I WILL have an immersion blender one day!) I did save the leftovers in the freezer for eating later, but I probably won't make this version of potato soup again. I actually have another one that we prefer. This was worth the effort, but just not as great.

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Shop news

Newly listed

Renewal Necklace

Re-listed

Doo-Dad Earrings

On sale

Pretty Pink Princess Necklace - 30% off

That's all the news that's new today. Now it's back to the grind for me. I hope your week is going swimmingly as well!

Bead Hoarders Bog Hop Reveal

The anticipation is over, it's time for the Bead Hoarders Blog Hop hosted by Lori Anderson of the Pretty Things blog.

I think bead hoarding is a malady which all jewelry artists suffer. The genius Lori decided to try to push us all to use some of that hoard with this hop. The beads I tend to hoard most often are art beads. Whether I've bought them from the designer themselves or won them in a giveaway, I usually just can't seem to bring myself to actually WORK with the beauties. I think I fear my inability to meet up with their awesomeness. For this challenge, I started by pulling out some of my stash from which to select.

As time wore on, I narrowed it down to the beads below.

1. from Melinda Orr 2. From Tree Wings Studio 3. from Gaea 4. from More Skye Jewels

I ended up only using three of those four selections, but I'm so pleased with what I was able to create that I'm hoping it keeps me on a roll to design with some of my other stashed away beads.

My mom and grandmother watched me pull this one together as I visited with them. They oohhhed and aahhed all over it. I'd say that's one of the best votes of confidence I could get.

I really liked the idea of this charm/pendant used in a bracelet as a play on a watch. It makes me smile.

 

This design is my favorite of the bunch. I wish I could capture the beauty of this pair better. Trust me, they're gorgeous! I may end up hoarding them this way now Ha!

I'm so glad I jumped on board with this hop. While I waited until the last minute to get anything made, I am quite pleased with my results. It's time to see what everyone else has been hoarding and what they've created. Make sure to hop over to Lori's Pretty Things Blog and see what magic she's worked. (Also, don't forget to wish her well as she's just come out of the hospital. . .She's just amazing isn't she!?)

1.  Lori Anderson, Pretty Things
2. Nancy Dale, NEDBeads
3. Roxanne Mendoza, Roxi Designs
4.  Melissa Trudinger, beadrecipes
5.  Rana Lea, Rana Lea Designs
6.  Perri Jackson, Shaktipaj Designs
7.  Rita Avila, Jewel School Friends
8.  Linda Anderson, From the Bead Board 

  10.  Erin Guest, Renlish

11.  Joan Williams, lilruby jewelry
12. Diane Hawkey, Diane Hawkey
13.  Jo-Ann Woolverton, It's a Beadiful Creation
14.  Sue Kennedy, SueBeads
15.  Lisa Cone, Inspired Adornments
16.  Kari Asbury, Hippie Chick Design
17.  Nichole Byers, Nichole Byers
18.  Lori Jean Poppe, Adventures in Creativity
19.  Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings
20.  Lori Schneider, Bead Addict

21.  Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me
22. Cece Cormier, The Beading Yogini
23.  Niki Sayers, Silver Nik Nats
24.  Elsie Deliz-Fonseca, Eliz-Eliz and All That Craft
25.  Amber Dawn, Inventive Soul
26.  Heather Powers, Humblebeads
27.  Sarah Goode, Pookledo
28.  Monique Urquhart, A Half-Baked Notion
29.  JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions
30.  Cheri Reed, Creative Designs by Cheri

31.  Robyn, Museiddity
32.  Catherine King, Catherine's Musings
33.  Jacquie, Bead Gypsy
34.  Janet McDonald, Singing Woods
35. Kay Thomerson, Kayz Kreations
36.  Tanty Sri Hartanti, TJewellicious by Tanti
37.  Hannah Rosner, Good River Valley
38.  Rochelle Brisson, A Creative Chelle
39.  Nelly May, Smelly Nelly
40.  Skylar Bre'z, Brising Beads

41.  Beti Horvath, Stringing Fool
42.  Christie Murrow, Charis Designs
43.  Leanne Loftus, First Impression Design
44.  Valerie Norton, Hot Art
45.  Judy Riggs, Rigglettes
46.  Crystal Thain, Here Bead Dragons
47.  Terry Carter,  Tapping Flamingo
48.  Sue, Mid-Life Great Expectations
49.  Nan Smith, Wired Nan
50.  Miranda Ackerley, MirandAck Arts

51.  Marie Covert, Creating Interest
52.  D'Arsie Manzella, This Here Now, Mamacita
53.  Stephanie Haussler, Pixybug Designs
54.  Lori Bergmann, Lori Bergmann Design
55.  Johanna Nunez, The Lovely One Design
56.  Mary Govaars, MLH Jewelry Designs
57.  Becky Pancake, Becky Pancake Bead Designs
58.  Alicia Marinache, All the Pretty Things
59.  Debbie Rasmussen, A Little of This, A Little of That
60.  Nat, Grubbi Ceramics

61.  Marjorie Savill Linthwaite, Bennu Bird Rising
62.  Cheryl McCloud, One Thing Leads to Another
63.  Heather Otto, The Crafthopper
64.  Candida Castleberry, Spun Sugar Beadworks
65.  Tracie Dean, Dean Designs
66.  JuLee Wolfe, The Polymer Penguin
67.  Ginger Bishop, Lil Mummy Likes
68.  Karen Mitchell, Over the Moon Design
69.  Jeannie Dukic, Jeannie's Blog
70.  Dini Bruinsma, Angaza by Changes

71.  Birgitta Lejonklou, Create With Spirit
72.  Shalini Austin, Jewellery by Shalini
73.  Jayne Capps, Mama's Got to Doodle
74.  Ile Ruzza, Ilenia's Unique Beaded Jewelry
76.  Annita Wilson, AW Jewelry 
77.  Sherri Stokey, Knot Just Macrame
78.  Hannah Trost, PZ Designs
79.  Linda Inhelder, Must Haves Jewelry
80.  Miri Agassi, Beadwork


You're Here --> 81.  Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
82.  Dyanne Cantrell, Dee-Liteful Jewelry Creations
83.  Susan Bowie, Susan Nelson Bowie
84.  Megan Milliken, MaeMaeMills
85.  Menka Gupta, Menka's Jewelry
86.  Ambra Gostoli, Chic and Frog
87.  Lori Lochner, Bloghner
88.  Gerda Jurimae, Gerda's Crafts Blog
89.  Susan, Mistheword
90.  MaryLou Holvenstot, MaryLou's time2cre8

91.  Mary Shannon Hicks, falling into the sky
92.  Karin King, The Sparklie Things Blog
93.  Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman
94.  Jenny Davie-Reazor, Jenny Davies-Reazor
95.  Donetta Farrington, Simply Gorgeous
96.  Mallory Hoffman, Rosebud 101 - For the Love of Beads
97.  Danielle Kelley, Imbue the Muse
98.  Kym Hunter, Kym Hunter Designs
99.  Dolores Rami, CraftyD's Creations
100.  Marcia Dunne, 13 Alternatives

101.  Marlene Cupo, Amazing Designs
102.  Emma Todd, A Polymer Penchant
103.  Wendy Holder, Jewelry by WendyLea
104.  Michelle Escano, The Cabby Crafter
105.  Louise Glazier, Lily and Jasmine Treasures
106.  Dana Hickey, Wind Dancer Studios
107.  Lennis Carter, windbent
108.  Anne Betenson, Crystal River Beads
109.  Audrey Belanger,  Dreams of an Absolution
110.  Lisa Stukel, Carefree Jewelry by Lisa

111.  Janine Lucas, Travel Stories
112.  Claire Lockwood, Something to Do With Your Hands
113.  Kathy Engstrom, Catherine's Dreams
114.  Paula Hisel, Simply Beadiful
115.  Karla Morgan, Texas Pepper Jams
116.  Mischelle Fanucchi, Micheladas Musings
117.  Kim, Cianci Blue
118.  Linda Sadler, Ida Louise Jewelry
119.  Karen, Spokalulu
120.  Jennifer LaVite, Dry Gulch Bead and Jewelry

121.  Andrea Glick-Zenith, ZenithJade Creations
122.  Karen Martinez, Fairies Market
123.  Robin Reed, Artistry HCBD
124.  Amy Bright, LABweorc
125.  Jasvanti Patel, Jewels by Jasvanti
126.  Tammie Everly, TTE Designs
127.  Karin Slaton, Backstory Beads
128.  Natalie Moten, Running Out of Thread
129.  Sharyl McMillian-Nelson, Sharyl's Jewelry & Reflections
130.  Jenny Kyrlach, Wonder and Whimsy

131.  LiliKrist, Handmade by LilK
132.  Jessica Klaaren, The Truth Space
133.  Cynthia Abner, Created Treasures
134.  Beth Emery, Stories by Indigo Heart
135.  Heather Davis, Blissful Garden Beads
136.  Jeanne, Gems by Jeanne Marie
137.  Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe
138.  Laren Dee Barton, Laren Dee Designs
139.  Steph, Confessions of a Bead Hoarder
140.  Carolyn Lawson, Carolyn's Creations

141.  B. R. Kuhlman, Mixed Mayhem
142.  Patty Miller, Cabari Beads
143.  Elizabeth Bunn, Elizabeth Beads
144.  Marianna Boylan, Pretty Shiny Things
145.  Lizzie Clarke, The Need to Bead
146.  Christina Miles, Wings 'n' Scales
147.  Patricia, The Color of Dreams
148.  Marde Lowe, Fancimar
149.  Ev Shelby, Raindrop Creations
150.  Sarah Small, By Salla

151.  Perri Jackson, Shaktipaj Designs
152.  Laurie Vyselaar, Lefthand Jewelry
153.  Pam Traub, Klassy Joolz
154.  Lisa Harrison, Daisy Meadow Studio
155.  Anzia Parks, Anzi-Panzi's Work Shoppe
156.  Ingrid, Lilisgems Handcrafted Jewelry Inspirations
157.  Andra Weber, Andra's Joyful Journey
158.  Kelly Hosford Patterson, The Traveling Side Show
159.  Adlinah Kamsir, Dreamstruck Designs
160.  Marci, That Nothing Be Wasted

161.  Kris Lanae Binsfield,  Cherish Designs
162.  Stephanie Perry, Mustard Bead
163.  Birgit Klughardt, Gites Beads
164.  Inge von Roos, Inge's Blog
165.  Rebecca Sirevaag, Becca's Place
166.  Sandy Markley, Gypsy Spirit Designs
167.  Elena Adams, Lena's Beady Blog

 What are you waiting for!? Get to hoppin'!

Industrial Chic Goodies

Several weeks or maybe even months ago (I don't even know anymore, time is just slipping by me so quickly) I received a package from the Susan Lenart Kazmer, LLC Industrial Chic line of products. The products are available at Michael's Arts and Crafts stores nationwide. I've purchased from this line before and really love the mixed media, eclectic-ness of it. Here's the awesomeness I received.

A selection of charms, chain, and ribbon/rhinestone chain

Some cool Industrial Chic pendants

I love that this was another challenge to use products I may not have selected for myself initially. Those kind of challenges really get my muse a-working!

I grouped the fun glitter-filled bottles together for this triple-layered necklace. First though, I altered the labels on the bottles with some alcohol inks and sandpaper to give them more of an aged look. There's something very Halloween-y about this necklace. I think it looks like a witch's secret stash of ingredients/potions.

With the gray faceted charms, I used some gray agate beads from ZnetShows to make these simple, neutral earrings.

I was so intrigued by the black rhinestone ribbon that I just knew I had to use it for something. A little embroidery thread and some bright e-beads turned it into this lightweight bracelet.

A necklace was for sure in order with the pendants. I altered the way the flat wires were attached at the top and bottom of the pendant and made a bit of fringe with some of the chain and ribbon from the stash I received. A large, brass ball pin chain completes the necklace.

I actually have another necklace made, but I'm considering submitting it to a magazine. As such, I don't feel comfortable sharing it here at the moment. Let me just say. . .it's awesome!

If you haven't seen the Industrial Chic line at Michael's you are missing out. There are some really great components available. Have you created with this line before? Isn't it great!?

Returning Home and Planning my Week

I'm running a little behind this week after not getting in from out of town until LATE Sunday night and spending most of yesterday recovering from all the fun and excitement. As such, let me just try to catch up.

You may remember all the baggies of beads I mentioned last week that I was taking with me on my trip. I did get a brief chance to break into them, but this was as far as I got!

 

Now that I'm home, I don't really have time to complete that necklace since the Bead Hoarder's Blog Hop is this Saturday and I haven't even started on my hoarded treasures yet. Though, I have narrowed the pile down to these beauties.

I need to make something with at least one of those before the week's out. Wish me luck!

Though I miss my Rainbow friends, it's good to be home from the convention. While the food there wasn't bad at all, I tend to have my nerves so tied in knots that I don't eat well. I'm looking forward to some home food now that I have my menu made. Here's what I have planned.

Breakfasts: Cereal, Juice, Cinnamon sugar croissants, Pancakes, Cheese Omelets

Lunches: Leftovers, Tuna noodles, PB&J, Bean burritos, Soup w/grilled cheese, Chicken salad roll-up, Snack lunch

Dinners: (we've got a busy week so there are very few days that we're both home at the same time so this is a short list)

MyRecipes Mushroom Lasagna

Mushroom Lasagna w/Best Broccoli

Pioneer Woman Potato Soup

Slow cooker sticky chicken wings w/hashbrown casserole (1/2 recipe) and green beans

Sticky Chicken from Six Sisters' Stuff

My mouth's watering just looking at the above list!
What do you have planned for the week?

Pre-packing bead palettes for travel

I'm heading out of town for a couple of days and though I know I probably won't have time for it, I insist on taking craft supplies with me. I pondered for several days what kind of craft I'll be craving and after tossing out grand notions about kumihimo and embroidery, I realized that I just want to meditatively wire wrap some beads.

At first I simply packed several selections of wire, my pliers, and a single divided box of miscellaneous beads. However, I soon realized that the idea of even sorting though that single organizer felt cumbersome. While I still have that organizer packed (along with a few small seed bead containers), the notion of pre-packing some bead selections hit me. I liked it.

I hate pictures of beads in baggies too, but there was just no other way to get a picture of these. I apologize

I absolutely have not had time this week to be creative, though my body has been yearning for it. Yet, sorting through my beads and coming up with these color palettes healed that feeling some.

This picture is a little better, right?

Picking out the beads was almost meditative and slightly addictive. I know that these fourteen baggies of beads are way more than I need for a BUSY four day trip, but it makes me feel better to know I have options.

And I KNOW this one is better.

Oh, and I did add some waxed linen cord and buttons to my craft bag as well. . .you know, just for good measure.

What's your method for making sure you can get your craft/bead fix while away from home?

Focusing on Life Week 27

Do you have any idea how hard it is to get a picture of the BACK of a cat's head when all she wants to do is look at you?

Of course, it's difficult to get a cat to do what you want them to in any other circumstance as well. If I had wanted her to look at me, I wouldn't have been able to make that happen. That's a cat for ya.
This week, Sally of The Studio Sublime challenged us with capturing a photo of "Texture" or how things feel.

The instant I read her prompt description all I could think of was the soft mats of fur right behind and almost below Asia's (that's the cat in the photo) ears.

They're baby fine and rabbit soft. It's one of my favorite places to scratch her. And, fortunately, she doesn't mind me doing that at all (most of the time.)

Check out more Textures over at Sally's blog, The Studio Sublime.

Oh! And don't forget to head over to the ZnetShows Blog for the Partner Picks Summer Challenge blog hop and information on the GIVEAWAY!!

ZnetShows Partner Picks Summer Challenge and Giveaway

As I mentioned last month, ZnetShows offered up another challenge to their design team. We were paired with another design team member and asked to pick out ZnetShows beads for out partner as inspired by one of my favorite places. . .the BEACH! In turn, we each received beads that our partner had selected. As with the Bead Soup Blog Party, the challenge was then to design with the beads our partner chose.

I was lucky enough to get not one but two partners for this challenge. That meant two sets of beads. Here's a reminder of the first set of beads I received from my partner, Christine Stonefield of Sweet Girl Design.

Base metal necklace,  antique silver tone (M0535-AS); labradorite oval pendant (PT513-07); base metal coin nugget beads, antique silver (M0278-AS); royal blue freeform cultured sea glass pendant (P37-B33); Chinese crystal rondelle beads, amber glow (zmx-05-01); dark gray glass pearl rice beads (BDS1923-07FIVE); and yellow green aqua terra jasper round beads (BDS1880-02)

Gorgeous right!?
I'll admit that with both of my bead mixes, I had a hard time envisioning all the beads together in a single piece so most of the components were used separately. I started with the labradorite and silver nuggets. I also had some labradorite chips leftover from the Diamonds in the Rough challenge. These all came together beautifully.

Next, I quickly pulled together some simple earrings with links from the chain and terra japer beads. I really love that the chain had two sets of small links on either end of it.

I liked those so much I used the round links and some rose quartz (also leftover from the Diamonds in the Rough) to make these earrings. I really like the contrast between the round links and cube beads.

The gray pearls were next to be tackled. I thought and thought over these and finally decided to try my hand with some memory wire again. This bracelet turned out beautifully, but just not as precise as I wanted. It may be re-worked

Finally, I worked with the sea glass pendant. I added gold foil to it to dress it up a bit then upcycled some gold-tone shell earrings, strung the amber crystal rondelles, and added some recycled sari silk to make up this necklace.

I really love this one!
Thanks go out to Christine for a wonderful selection of beads.
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Next, I moved onto the beads from my other partner, Kelly Patterson of PyxeeStyx~Traveling Sideshow. Kelly sent me an array of beads in a variety of colors.

Gunmetal tone chain (M0508-GM), aqua terra jasper light red barrel beads (BDS1881-05), champagne glass pearl beads (BDS1617-39FIVE), dyed green sardonyx twisted oval beads (BDS1650-11), veridian green Chinese crystal flowers (RS186-122L), Globe beads, turquoise with gold lines (BDS1495-19), and cherry red cultured sea glass conchs (S29-B05S)

To me, the most distinctive beads in this mix were the globes. I just couldn't fathom how to use them. They were the PERFECT challenge for me. I pondered and pondered on those beads and inspiration finally hit when I thought about the globe shape literally.

This was harder for me to make than you think. Getting that wire to wrap just perfectly around the bead was a monster of a task. But, I did it!

The size of the sardonyx ovals intimidated me also. In the end, I knew that simple was best so I knotted it on some leather cord.

The little conchs are just so perfect for earrings and combined just right with the flower links from the gunmetal chain.

I attacked the light red terra jasper next with some turquoise waxed linen cord, shell beads, brown lava beads, and clear glass beads. The natural feel was perfect.

I knew the crystals were absolutely elegant and needed very little to accent them. Some silver-tone chain was all I added to make these fun earrings.

Finally, the champagne pearls and a swirl of the gunmetal link of chain were combined with a thrifted chamdelier crystal drop.

It's my favorite from this mix. Thanks Kelly for sending me some beads that really challenged me and made me think out of the box!

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The title of this post does say GIVEAWAY so I need to tell you that you'll need to visit the ZnetShows blog on Saturday, July 6th to get the details on how to enter to win a mix of beads from them and see the complete list of Design Team participants. Don't forget to visit my partners Christine and Kelly. I personally can't wait to see what they made with the beads I picked out for them!!