[Necklace] Colorful Fabric Pendant

Hello August!

Here's a happy and colorful necklace fresh from my craft table.

Have a wonderful day!  

Hang in there... the weekend's almost here.

Blessings,

♥  michelle  ♥

[Jewelry] Candy sprinkles pendant

Instead of "What's in a name" I think the more appropriate title for this post is "What in these names?"

Bright colored Candy Sprinkles... lots of them!

Do you prefer a particular COLOR palette?  I love bright colors because it makes me really happy.  

I made these personalized pendants using resin and candy sprinkles.

This first one is for a birthday girl.

Personalized resin candy sprinkle pendant

This one is for a special lady - it had a horizontal layout which turned out nice too.

  

These pendants came with a leather and /or ball chain necklace and a handmade card.

Enjoy your day!

♥  Michelle  ♥

[Jewelry] Carousel Necklace

Do you have fond memories of carousels?  

I remember the first time I saw how brightly lit and colorful it was... and then, i recall how tightly I held on the handle bar - scared to my guts of falling.  Oh, how they looked so huge  back then.  It was just dreamy or rather hypnotic with the music going on and on while the carousel goes round and round.

Carousel pendant

Flash forward a couple of decades later... My most recent memory is when my husband and I went to The House on the Rock - have you been there?  Oh my... the carousel was amazing, jaw dropping and spooky with all the dolls and mannequins staring at you.

Mother or pearl discs, semi precious stones and rondelle crystals

This necklace is definitely a conversation piece!  It combines the playful carousel and the elegance of mother-of-pearl discs, semi-precious stones and crystals.

Carousel Necklace

Do you have fond memories of your childhood?  Do share...

Blessings!

♥  Michelle  ♥

[Clay] "Disc-o Fever"

Welcome back!

I have "Disc-o Fever' and it's all because of this DVD:  

"Mixed Media Polymer Clay Beads by Rona Sarvas Weltman."

I loved the way she conducted the presentation - the instructions were simple, concise and full of information.  The techniques she taught were simple enough for a beginner and the not-so-beginner (that's me) polymer clay artist.

The focal pendant that I sent my Bead soup blog partner was made of 2 discs that were placed together to form one complete disc.  There were various textures and techniques used in the pendant.

There are designs going on in my mind that I hope would be transformed into reality.

See you soon!

♥  michelle  ♥

[Gift] "Bottlecapped Words"

Welcome back, friends!

I love incorporating swirls in my designs so here's some more of them.

These keychains were made for my friend SEC who is going to bring 4 teenage high school ladies out of town to expose them to College life.  SEC wants them to know that they have a bright

future and what better verse to assure them but this:

"For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

See you soon!

♥  Michelle  ♥

[Gift] For Shon

A dear friend of mine is having a grand celebration this weekend: 

 her and her husband's birthday and their wedding anniversary - such a lovely couple.

May God bless you as you continue to enjoy your journey together.

I gave her a leather bracelet with a focal piece that I modified by adding color using PC.

The handmade card was made using Cuttlebug embossing folders, Hero Arts cupcake stamps and 

Stampendous Birthday sentiment.

Have fun!

♥  Michelle  ♥

[Bead Soup] What's Cooking?

Hello friends!

It's time for another Bead Soup Blog Party over at Ms. Lori Anderson's BLOG.  There were over 400 participants and I'm thrilled to be part of the third reveal on August 25.  

This is my second BSBP and I have a new partner / friend. She is Sonya Stille of Dreamin' of Beads / SAS Jewelry.  Sonya makes beautiful beaded necklaces such as this piece with a focal made from

 polymer clay.  I love how she made the intricate beaded design using peyote stitch.  

How I wish I had the patience required in making such beautiful pieces of art in jewelry.  

Head over to Sonya's BLOG to see more of her designs.

Here's Sonya's Bead Soup ingredients ready to be mailed.  

Gave her one of my paper quilled flowers and a polymer clay heart.

The party required us to give a focal piece and a clasp.  I made the focal using polymer clay using a combination of stamping and mica techniques.  Her soup also included coordinating beads

 (stones, crystals and glass beads) and metal findings.

I am eager to see what she will cook with these.

See you soon!

♥  Michelle  ♥

[Bead Soup] Seed Beading Challenge

Hello friends!   How's your weekend going?  It's a long weekend for us in the USA as we are celebrating Memorial Day weekend.  I am relatively new here but I salute and pay tribute to all the men and women who have served and sacrificed for this country, including my dear husband.  

It was a very hectic month for me as I moved to another State.  This weekend was personally designated for crafting and beading.  About two months ago, I joined Lori Anderson's Bead Swap and was partnered with T who sent me these wonderful assortment of semi-precious stones and beads.

The tube of seed beads were gorgeous and because I wanted to challenge myself with seed beading, this was my first attempt.  I adhered the focal semi precious stone to my backing using E-6000.  The clear/silver beads were stitched using even count peyote followed by green and pink 11-0 seed beads.  Black rondelle German crystals were added to the two stones and green rondelles to the piece in the center.

To create an accent, I added gold 11-0 seed beads and finally 2 layers of green.

After 4 hours of stitching and un-stitching, here is what I came up with.

I totally love the organic feel of the stoned and beads and I am hoping that I could assemble it by the end of this day.  Visit the blog soon to see the finished piece.

My first Bead Swap was fun and I can't wait to join the next one.

Thank you so much to my talented partner, T.

Have a great and safe weekend!

♥  Michelle  ♥

Have a Soupa Great Day! [The 5th BSBP]

Welcome to the 5th Beasd Soup Blog Party hosted by Ms. Lori Anderson of Pretty Things Blog.

Today is an exciting (and an anxious) day for me as I serve my bowl of soup.  This is my very first bead soup blog and somehow I had "designer blackout" if there is such a word.

My partner was Ms. Melissa Meman.  She gave me a wonderful bead soup - she made the mixed metal focal piece, enameled beads and clasp.  Awesome!

I love how Melissa made the mixed metal focal bead - it looks very interesting and is such a good conversation piece.  Let me share with you the necklace which I call:  "Serenity."

I love the enameled green beads so I worked around it.  The color Green means self-respect and well-being; it is the color of balance and also means learning, growth and harmony. 

 The suspended glass leaves give the piece more character to the neckalce and for me, it symbolizes life in its active form.

Melissa sent me many beads that could be used to create several pieces but since I didn't use everything, I have time to design and create more jewelry.  I will keep you posted of my future BSBP projects.

And now, it's time for you and me to hop on and parteeeeeey!

So grab your bowl of warm soup and start to click away!

There are 200 participants - now that you've visited my blog, you have 199 left more to go.

Have fun!

Hostess, Lori Anderson
Special Book Sneak Peeks, Cindy Wimmer

1.  Adlinah Kamsir (Singapore) and Hajer Waheed (Kingdom of Bahrain)

2. Adrienn Lukacs (Hungary) and Agata Grygiel (Poland)

3.  Agi Kiss (Hungary) and Carolien Muller-Genger (the Netherlands)

4.  Agnes Asztalos (Hungary) and B.R. Kuhlman

5.  Alesha Conklin and Becki Mendivil

6.  Alice Peterson and Carol Dillman

7.  Alicia Marinache (Canada) and Dita Basu

8.  Amanda Dittloff and Brandy Thomason McNair

9.  Amanda Tibbetts and Andrea Trank

10.  Amy Freeland and Kay Mallery 

11.  Andra Weber and Christine Murrow

12.  Ann Sherwood and Diane Welte

13.  Barbara Bechtel and Kerry Bogert

14.  Barbara Lewis and Cat Pruitt

15.  Bonnie Coursolle (Canada) and Fay Wolfenden (Canada)

16.  Carmel McGinley (Australia) and Tracy Stillman (Australia)

17.  Cassie Donlen and Deryn Mentock

18.  Cathie Carroll and Janel Dudley

19.  Cece Cormier and Morwyn Mullins

20.  Charlene Jacka and Christina Hickman

21.  Cheryl Brown (Canada) and Diana Ptaszynski

22.  Christina Stofmeel (the Netherlands) and Eva Kovacs (Hungary)

23.  Christine Damm and Deb Brooks

24.  Cilla Watkins (Canada) and Elaine Robitaille (Canada)

25.  Sabrina Straub (Switzerland) and Kathy Combs

26.  Cindy Cima Edwards and Eleanor Burian-Mohr

27.  Cory Celaya and Rhea Freitieg

28.  Courtney Breul and Dana Hickey

29.  Cynthia Abner and Jennifer Boreck

30.  Cynthia Tucker and Jean Peter

31.  Debbie Goering and Heidi Post

32.  Dee Elgie (UK) and Joanne Lockwood (UK)

33.  Dian Hierschel (Germany) and Eniko Fabian (Austria)

34.  Diane Cook and Lyn Foley

35.  Donna Bohler and Lisa Lodge

36.  Donna Millard and Kiersten Giles

37.  Doris Stumpf (Germany) and Eszter Czibulyas (Hungary)

38.  Elisabeth Auld and Eva Sherman

39.  Elke Leonhardt-Rath (Germany) and Marjolein Trewavas (UK)

40.  Ema Kilroy and Laurie Keefe-Cecere

41.  Erika Nooteboom (the Netherlands) and Giorgia Rossini (Italy)

42.  Erin Grant and Jean Wells

43.  Evelyn Duberry (Canada) and Gaea Cannaday

44.  Genea Crivello-Knable and Heather Powers

45.  Ginger Bishop (military, Okinawa) and Martina Nagele (Germany)

46.  Heidi Kingman and Lori Greenberg

47.  Helen Kemp and Lisa Wangeman

48.  Helene Goldberg (Australia) and Karen Vincent

49.  Jamie Hogsett and Jeannie Dukic

50.  Jeanette Ryan and Jelveh Jaferian

51.  Jennifer Cameron and Tania Spivey

52.  Jennifer Justman and Kari Carrigan

53.  Jennifer Tough and Lorelei Eurto

54.  Joanna Matuszczyk (Poland) and Julianna Kis (Hungary)

55.  Joanne Tinley (UK) and Michaela Pabeschitz (Austria)

56.  Julie Anne Leggett and Kelley Fogle

57.  Karen Hess and Linda Landig

58.  Karyn Bonfiglio and Kathleen Lange Klik

59.  Kashmira Patel and Kat White

60.  Kat Barron Miller and Kelly Morgan

61.  Kathy Lindemer and Rose Binoya

62.  Krafty Max and Sandra Miller

63.  Kristen Latimer and Pam Ferrari

64.  Kristie Roeder and Lea Avroch

65.  Kristina Johansson (Sweden) and Penny Neville (Canada)

66.  Krisztina Erlaki-Toth (Hungary) and Nicole Keller (Germany)

67.  Lara Lutrick and Lisa Suver

68.  Laura DeMoya and Lisa Hanna

69.  Libby Leuchtman and Melanie Brooks

70.  Linda Koch and Rosemarie Cowit

71.  Lisa Chapman and Menka Gupta

 72.  Lisa Liddy and Marion Simmons

73.  Lori Anderson and Marcie Abney

74.  Lori Bowring-Michaud and Mary Govaars

75.  Lori Dorrington and Maria Rosa Sharrow

76.  Lori Finney (Canada) and Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp (Canada)

77.  Lynn Bennett and Mandi Ainsworth

78.  Marta Kaczerowska (Poland) and Milla Starchik (Canada)

79.  Mary Harding and Shannon LeVart

80.  Mary Jane Dodd and Stacey Curry

81.  Melinda Orr and Molly Alexander

82.  Melissa Meman and Michelle Escano-Caballero ---->  YOU ARE HERE!!!

83.  Michelle Jensen and Sandra Young (Canada)

84.  Nan Emmett and Nicole Valentine-Rimmer (Canada)

85.  Nancy Boylan and Suzette Bentley

86.  Natasha Lutes and Patti Vanderbloemen

87.  Pam Hurst and Rebekah Payne

88.  Patty Miller and Sara Rhoades

89.  Rebecca Anderson (UK) and Lori Anderson

90.  Rebecca Sirevaag and Sharon Driscoll

91.  Rochelle Brisson and Shannon Chomanczuk

92.  Rosa Maria Cuevas (Mexico) and Tejae Floyde

93.  Sabine Dittrich (Germany) and Sally Russick

94.  Sandi Volpe and Sarah/Saturday Sequins

95.  Shanti Johnson and Tracy Mok (Canada)

96.  Skylar Brez and Theresa Buchle

97.  Sonya Stille and Traci Zeller (Canada)

98.  Stefanie Teufel (Germany) and Tania Hagen (New Zealand)

99.  Stephanie LaRosa and Vonna Maslanka

100.  Terri Wlaschin and Wendy Blum

Challenge of Music: "Sampaguita" by Dolores Paterno

Welcome to Erin of Treasures Found and Tesori Trovati's

Challenge of Music Blog Hop!

I had fun with this challenge. We were asked to listen to whatever music that we liked and to be inspired to create a piece of jewelry. Different types of music brings about different moods in us. There are days when I love creating with dance music and there are times when I prefer the soft, soothing sound of the guitar.

There are many great Filipino classical guitar artists such as Angelo Favis and Michael Dadap.  Professor Favis is an Associate Professor of the Deapartment of Music of the Illinois State University where he teaches classical guitar. He has been given several accolades and is known in the music industry worldwide. I heard his CD Philippine Treasures through my brother in Australia. His CD albums (Philippine Treasures Vol. 1 and 2) consist of traditional Filipino folk and love songs.

Professor Dadap is the artist / music director and conductor of The Children's Orchestra Society in New York since 1984. He is also highly recognized in the field of classical guitar. He has performed worldwide and is a "passionate folklorist and advocate of music in the Philippines."

Filipino traditional folk songs and love songs are nice to listen too. Most of the love songs are so melodramatic to the point of being a martyr in the name of love. I love the song "Sampaguita" composed by Dolores Paterno. The song describes the flower as a symbol of purity. It talks of the love of a woman for her lover who passed away, her tears fall like sampaguita buds. I told you... the songs are melodramatic.

The Sampaguita is the Philippine's National Flower. The flower is white in color and it has a scent similar to Jasmine. Nowadays, it is being used in the perfume and spa industry.

Watch this Youtube Video to hear the intrumental version by Prof. Dapdap and learn more about Traditional Filipino culture. The paintings in the video were made by one of our famous artists, Fernando Amorsolo.

Sampaguita flowers are commonly used in making leis. 

This was my inpiration in designing this piece:  "Sampaguita Necklace."

I made the white flowers using Premo white, yellow and olive green polymer clays.

The flower was laid on a filigree base.

To depict the "lei effect,"  I place the 3 flowers together, added crystal rondelles and a two way toggle clasp.  The two way toggle clasp gives detail to the design and at the same time creates a longer chain. 

The necklace measures 27 to 30.5 inches.

And now it's time to listen to more music and see more beautiful jewelry.

Let's take a big LEAP and hop on to other amazing bloggers!

Have fun!

Erin Prais-Hintz

Marcie Abney

Christine Altmiller

Elisabeth Auld

LJ B

Lori Bowring Michaud

Shannon Chomanczuk

Cece Cormier

Jenny Davies-Reazor

Malin de Koning

Beth Emery

Michelle Escano-Caballero - YOU ARE HERE

Erin Fickert-Rowland

Therese Frank

Amy Freeland

Tanya Goodwin

Stephani Gorman

Amy Grass

Beth Hemmila

Kristina Johansson

Jennifer Justman

Tari Kahrs

Susan Kennedy

Ema Kilroy

Kathleen Lange Klik

Kirsi Luostarinen

Paige Maxim

Beth McCord

Natalie McKenna

Alice Peterson

Cat Pruitt

Bobbie Rafferty

Johanna Rhodes

Cynthia Riggs

Sally Russick

Sarah Sequins

Amy Severino

Staci Smith

Kristen Stevens

Lola Surwillo

Stefanie Teufel

Sandi Volpe

Holly Westfall

Shaiha Williams

Enjoy!
♥  Michelle  ♥

Challenge of Music [Tesori Trovati Challenge]

Have you noticed that music plays a big part in setting our mood?

Picture yourself having dinner by candlelight with your loved one and a background music of soft tones and romantic melodies.  Or being in a fun party where '80's music is played.

Do you play music to set your crafting or creative mood? If you do, I have great news for you!

I will be participating in Erin of Tesori Trovati's Music Challenge. Join us in celebrating the Leap Year by blog hopping with us on February 29, 2012.

In her blog, Erin about a study done by a Psychologist from Cambridge University on Music and how it (almost) parallels our personality.

Watch this video clip to have an idea what it's all about:  Cambridge University:  "The Music in Me."

So come back on February 29 for a day fun and surprises!
There will be lots of music and music-inspired jewelry.  I can't wait to see and read what other jeweller-bloggers come up with.  It will be very interesting.

See you soon!  Have a safe, healthy and blessed week!

Happy crafting!

♥  Michelle  ♥

Bottlecapped Words [2011 Christmas Gifts]

What handmade gifts did you make this year?

I made these keychain, made with braided leather and bottlecapped words from polymer clay.

I incorporated several techniques in making these.  It was my first time to do it and I had a lot of fun.

I tried a different kind of glaze and was glad with how it turned out (the photo doesn't give justice though).

I like the enamel look of the piece.

The back part had a printed note that was sealed.

The red rosebuds where inspired by the work of a talented artist, RockyBeads.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, FRIENDS!

Blessings to you and your family!

Floral Barrettes [Polymer Clay and Metal Barrettes]

On a cold and dreary day, I decided to make an inventory of all my jewelry and craft supplies.

Among my stash were metal barrettes that were calling me to rescue them from their bare state.

And so I did.

I conditioned Premo black polymer clay, added texture and layered turquoise dots and millefiori flower canes.

The design was inspired by a designer paper that I also used as the background of the photo.

The polymer clay was baked with the metal barette and was secured after baking using superglue.

The barette measures 3 1/2 x 3/4 inches.

I'm on barrette mode.

Enjoy!

Happy Crafting!

Crocheted Case for Android phone [Wednesday Crochet]

Today is Crochet Wednesday and I made a crocheted case case for my Android.  Yay! 
I made it following the video tutorial of Teresa of Art of Crochet.  Her video tutorials  are great for beginners and for those who want to improve or try out new crochet designs.
I used brown yarn and an olive green button for accent.  It took about an hour (with a few distractions) to finish it.  I love it! 
More crochet projects on another Wednesday.  Have fun!


Android phone Case



Petunia pickle bottom bag [Sugar Pop Ribbons giveaway]

Two weeks ago, I discovered a new website that makes very nice bags:  Petunia Pickle Bottom.  Check out their Cake line of bags... absolutely delish!
I don't own a PPB bag yet but I'm glad that SUGAR POP RIBBONS has a giveaway.  I am hoping that I would win the green cameo clutch.  I love the look of the fabric and the over- all design of the bag.  It looks so stylish and chic plus the versatility that comes with every PPB bag.


Apple Tart Cake
Evergreen and lime vintage inspired floral European cut velvet with coordinating evergreen tweed and evergreen water resistant lining
Diaper/Wipes pocket
Ointment/cream/pacifier pockets
Fold-out, detachable, water-resistant changing pad
Detachable inner zippered coin purse (in matching cut velvet fabric)
Detachable wristlet strap
Embossed plastic Cake wipey case in coordinating color
Dimension of Clutch: 12 X 8 X 4.5"
Dimension of Changing Pad: 23" diameter circle

 I don't know about you, but I am dreaming of having my very first PPB bag.  For now, all that I can do is to wish... hope...  pray... beg ☺.

Gifts for the ladies [Christmas 2010 Gospel Bracelets]

This was a "handcrafted filled" Christmas for me.   I combined jewelry making with paper quilling and handmade packaging... yup, labor of love lots-of-love ♥.  This was a Gospel bracelet comprised of 2 pairs of  7 colors of Swarowski crystals:  yellow, black, red, green, blue, white and lavander.  Why these 7 colors you ask?

Yellow:  represents GOD'S PERFECT LIGHT.  1 John 17 says:  "But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin."

Black:  represents SIN.  Romans 3:23 says:  "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Red:  represents the BLOOD of Jesus Christ shed ont he cross for us.  Romans 5:8 "God demonstrates His love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Green:  represents ETERNAL LIFE.  John 3:16 "Fod God so loved the world that He gave Hhis one and only Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Blue:  resresent obedience in BAPTISM, being immersed in water to show the "death and resurrection" in Christ.  Baptism does not save you, but we do it to follow Jesus' example.  (Matthew 3:13)

Clear:  represent RIGHTEOUSNESS, a new or a clean heart.  Once we accept Christ, we become a new creation (2Cor 5:17).  God saves us instantly through our faith in Christ, He washes away all of our sin and makes us white aas snow before Him (Psalm 51:7; Isaiah 1:18).

Violet:  represent the CROWN OF LIFE.,  The Bible says:  "Be faithful to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life." (Rev. 2:10)

It is nice to be able to share God's word and be a blessing to other people.  To complete the gift, I made copies of the gospel message and glued them to a #1 envelope.  To make the dimensional envelope:  I started with a 5 1/2 x 5 1/2" Bazzill cardstock and scored 2" on 2 opposite sides and 2 1/2" on the other 2 opposite sides.  Cut the corners then fold the sides and trim the edges using a corner rounder.  I then added brads on the lower half of the envelope and a paper quilled daisy on the top flap.  I added embroidery floss used to close the envelope.  

Oh, it's so dainty and very girly.  I love it!

Raspberry Beret

Hello friends!  I would like to share with you one of my recent crochet project.  It's officially fall in Chicago and it's been really cold lately, hence, my obsession with crocheted hats.  I recently bought the Special issue of Crochet today (http://www.crochettoday.com/) and I fell in love with the Raspberry beret. 

So I bought a Red Heart Soft Yarn, 5oz, 140g skein in #9779 Berry and followed the detailed instructions.  It was a bit challenging for me at first, though the pattern was classified as a Beginner level...ahahaha... After 6 hours of crocheting and "uncrocheting," I finally finished it.  I added a flower brooch that I made using mother of pearl and german crystals.
Tada!  Now, I could keep my head warm while I explore the beauty of nature that autumn brings.