Here is a look at the beads I received from my Bead Soup partner, Sue. I have been thinking through what I think I'll do with these treasures. Reveal Day is July 28th. Looking forward to see all the amazing creations by the participants.

My "new" lamp.....

I found a wonderful vintage movie projector at one of my favorite thrift stores. I knew right away that it was going to be a lamp in my living room. The $20.00 price tag was just right, so it came home with me. At first I was going to drill a hole in the projector. But it was just so cool and still works, and I couldn't do it. So the next plan was to find a really big dictionary and drill a hole in it. I bought a $3.00 lamp from the thrift store to use as the new lamp. Took the legs off it, painted the small section at the top with black spray paint, drilled a hole half way through the dictionary, mounted the old lamp on the dictionary. I cut a grove in the pages so the cord comes out the middle of the dictionary. It turned out great and I love it.

I am very, very excited to be a part of a bead swap titled Bead Soup. A lovely, generous gal named Lori puts it all together. She pairs us all up and sends out the info. The partners swap beads and then on a certain reveal day we will post of creation on our blogs. Then we have the chance to visit all the blogs and see everyone's creation.

This is a necklace I made copying a drawing done by my then 6 year old son (he is now 23). I made it using the lost wax technique. I made the bee in wax, using melting tools. Then I cast it in sliver using a centrifuge. I used amber beads in order to replicate a honeycomb. It makes me happy when I wear it. :)

June 13th, 2011, I was in Venice, Italy with my daughter. June13th, 2012, I went to the bread store. Guess I can't have exciting travels all the time ~smile~

My college girl is home.......

One of the gifts of joy today......to have my sweet girl home for the long weekend. Thanks you, Father for blessing me with such a lovely daughter. How sweet it was to have breakfast together this morning. We have some fun stuff planned. I'll post pictures...

Giveaway of THREE pounds of beads, findings, etc

I am following a neat blog all about beads- Copper Diem......the gal is having a giveaway so go to her site and sign up.

http://copperdiem.blogspot.com/2012/02/three-pound-giveaway.html">