Saturday, July 20, 2013

Bead Hoarders Blog Hop

I'm one of the participants in Lori Anderson's Bead Hoarders Blog Hop.  We are supposed to take beads that we've been collecting (hoarding) and actually USE them.  Use them, instead of just staring at them and drooling over how pretty they are?  That's crazy talk!  I do have a lot of beads though.  And tools.  And paper.  I have craft ADD, I really do - I want to do EVERYTHING.  I also tend to get intimidated by new tools and then they sit for a while before I actually get up the nerve to use them.  With that in mind, I decided to do a slightly different take on the bead hoarders idea and do a mixed media post. Don't worry, I promise there are beads!

I have wanted a loom since I saw this pattern in Bead and Button Magazine.  If that wasn't enough, a few months later, they had this one.  They suggested a couple of looms so I did my research and spent a lot of time looking at websites, reviews etc.  I finally decided on a Mirrix.  I loved that the looms are made in the USA, it's a small business, and they have wonderful customer service.  I also really liked the fact that these looms would work for both tapestry and beads.  I bought a Little Guy loom almost 2 years ago.  I am embarrassed to say that he's been in his box since then.  I also bought several kits and a lot of hand painted silk that Claudia dyes, it is just gorgeous.  All of that, like the loom sat waiting patiently for me.  When I saw Lori's post about the blog hop, I decided this was the perfect time to start using my loom and at least start on the kits (I had 5).  It also helped that Debbie at my favorite local bead store Glass Onion Bead Company had just gotten a loom at Bead and Button and kept talking about how easy it was to use.  So I gathered up my courage, got the loom out and started warping.  Here is the picture of my Little Guy warped:

This is the bracelet in progress, and a couple pictures of my helper who was fascinated by the loom:


I know that last picture is fuzzy but every time I look at it, it cracks me up. That is Ninja and he is a very sweet pain in the neck.

Finally, my 1st finished bracelet.  Mirrix calls this style of bracelet the Affinity bracelet - it uses seed beads and hand painted silk.  I finally used my loom and one of the kits!
It's pretty wonky, but I think it's pretty good for my first project on a loom. I am very happy to wear it.

After the first bracelet was finished, I warped the loom right away for another one.  I made this one a little wider, and used some of my favorite colors in it.  There are still some mistakes, but I am thrilled with this one. The beads are from my stash, and I used more of the hand painted silk.  Blues, greens and a touch of pink:


I will be warping the loom again soon to do a tapestry bead cuff so please wish me luck.  I have to say that I really enjoy using it, and I'm very glad I did the research and bought a loom capable of doing fiber and beads. (And finally took it out of it's box)!  I do still have the magazine issues with the purse and lantern patterns and I would like to do at least one of them once I get really comfortable with the loom.

Now on to my other hoarding issue, paper.  I had 3 card making kits that had been waiting for me to use them too. I decided to put those together and offer a giveaway.
 
Each kit made 4 cards.  I'll send the winner one set of 4 cards, just leave a comment letting me know which of the three sets is your favorite. I will announce the winner on Sunday, July 28th, (please remember I will need a way to contact the winner).

Disclaimer:  Mirrix has no idea I did this post, neither does Stampin Up, I provided the links in case anyone wanted to see more about the products I used in this post.

Thank you Lori for giving me the push I needed to get going with my loom and all those hoarded kits!!

Please go and see what everyone else created with their bead stash!!

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


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 Dworak, Cianci Blue  <------------------- You are here
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

43 comments:

  1. Congrats on taking that first step in a new direction. You certainly caught on fast. I would NEVER be able to show anyone the first attempts I made at beads!

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  2. What an amazing start, Kim... I have been eyeballing a tutorial on Craftsy for those so-called tapestry cuffs. I think you just put me over the edge! I have been telling myself I don't NEED to try yet another craft *sigh*. I even have TWO craft room "helpers" who are always thrilled to see me add to my bead collection, especially the round ones that roll so easily over the floor LOL.

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  3. I love those cuffs! I've always been fascinated by weaving; I look forward to seeing your next project.

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  4. Beautiful bracelets, Kim - you've given me courage to try them on my own loom! I love your cards as well - the "Hello to You" set with the white background & bright colors is my favorite!

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  5. Very cool bracelet and the colors are so vibrant and happy. That's the cutest "pain in the neck" ever

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  6. For your first two attempts I think both cuffs turned out great. So pretty! ps...I love all paper cards equally ;)

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  7. Wow, really nice designs. I've been wanting a loom and heard a lot about the Morris ones. Very pretty colors and designs you've made.

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  8. Such pretty designs. I would love to wear them. :)

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  9. i LOVE LOVE LOVE that bracelet. one of my favorite pieces in the hop so far!

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  10. It's a good thing you've finally used the loom. Your bracelets are gorgeous! Ana

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  11. Wow, I love your bracelet. Nice that this hop pushed you to start using the loom because I bet you'll be using it a lot now.

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  12. Beautiful bracelets!

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  13. So want that loom! I have been eyeing that same model. Gorgeous bracelet.

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  14. OMG! You have an underfoot who helps you bead, too. Looks like my Eyesis. I think I like the card with the big hexes on it best.

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  15. Kim - I think the textual design of your bracelets are amazing and I see that blue is your favourite colour. Thank you for visiting my blog.

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  16. I'm in awe of the loom (and I love The Glass Onion if they are the same guys that come to Bead and Button, I have a couple hoarded pieces of their's, too!). And the paper -- that's what my business started as, card making. I particularly like the top one, "Hello to You" -- love the colors!

    Thanks for participating!

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  17. Love that you chose to use the loom! Loom work is still one of those things I haven't tried and am in awe of. Love your pieces too!

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  18. Oh my that picture is hilarious!! My cat would be the same, actually I imagine they would both go totally bonkers if I had a loom. These bracelets are really stunning, I love all the texture and the way the colour changes, just beautiful!

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  19. Oh, my, the 'fuzzy' picture is adorable - i can only imagine Ninja wanting to play :)

    The bracelets are beautiful - love them!

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  20. The bracelets are stunning...and Ninja is adorable! Cats will be cats, right? I can see mine doing exactly the same thing.

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  21. Nice colors, and it seems as if you are going to be an expert on the loom :) beautiful bracelets.

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  22. Oh my gosh, Kim, I can so relate to your Craft ADD. Now I don't feel so bad that my tumbler has been sitting since March. :)
    Your bracelets are wonderful - how fun that you've learned a new skill! Ninja cracks me up!
    ps - the cards are fun! I really like the "hey there, friend" set.

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  23. Your bracelets are so beautiful ... and I'm in love with your funny cat!!!

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  24. OOOooooohhh - a LOOM. I really think I need a loom. If I were to buy a loom, that wouldn't count as adding to my bead stash, since it's not a bead. Right? Totally legal?

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    1. Totally legal. Tools don't count as beads. You can collect as many of them as you need :-)

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  25. Lovely-so glad you tried your loom. I do the same thing-buy new tools to try and then it takes a while before I get to do it.
    Linda

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  26. Some lovely help you've got here ;)

    And wow, those bracelets ! I don't think I would have the patience to do such a thing !

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  27. I never knew that you could bead weave like that on a loom. The bracelets are so pretty.

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  28. What a great opportunity to use your bead loom. I think your first projects are brilliant and your little helper is so adorable! Cats just love to offer 'assistance' to beading projects don't they ;-)
    Also, how nice to use the blog hop as an opportunity to make cards, the hey there friend ones are my fave!

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  29. Kudos to you for trying something new, and creating lovely bracelets to boot! The colors are so pretty and vibrant. Christie

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  30. Awesome bracelet!! It only took me four years to finally tackle my loom! Now I love to bead loom. I haven't use fiber yet but you have inspired me. I love your cards esp. the hello to you set. It reminds me of a quilt top!

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  31. That is a beautiful bracelet. I love the colors I am afraid if I had that on I would drive off the road staring at it. Loved your cards also. I use to work in a craft shop that taught card making and stamping and I also sold Stamping Up for a short time. Thank you for stopping by my blog.

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  32. Beautiful bracelets - such pretty colors! I can definitely identify with having a furry helper while you work.

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  33. What a nice looking loom. The bracelet turned out beautiifullly!

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  34. Kudos to you Kim for finally using your loom.

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  35. Wonky is good! and Fun!
    I think both bracelets are gorgeous. First attempt? Nah! You are already a pro! :-)

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  36. I love loomed bracelets and yours are gorgeous. Lovely colours with lovely sparkly bits and a very handsome helper indeed.

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  37. Very cool cuff bracelets! Love them AND your helper :-)

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  38. Dang. . .now I want a loom!! My local bead store actually is having a loom class next week and I was semi-interested in it. Now you've got me seriously interested in it. Thanks! ;)
    Yes, both of your bracelets are THAT COOL! I really like the mix of the seed beads and the fiber in them. You created some exceptional loveliness and I'm sure there's plenty more in store.

    Oh, and I thought I was the only one who used the term craft ADD! Ha!!

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  39. I know I'm a bit late in commenting, but I just wanted to let you know that I love, love, love your loomed bracelets! Wow! I'm totally in awe, and now I want to try it too! (Because, yeah... I definitely have crafty ADD, too.)

    Wonderful work! :)

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  40. Very nice work, love the colors you used!

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  41. Such nice colours for the bracelets. I used to love looming as a kid. Should dig out the stuff and give it a try too :)

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  42. Both bracelets are fantastic! I think it's great you took this challenge to learn a new technique and had the bravery to show us all your first go at it...you should be very proud to wear either bracelet they really are both wonderful!

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