Are you up for a challenge??

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan and admirer of the ladies that make up the Bead Mavens. I've never met a more talented group of seed bead artists! They each have a unique style, which makes for an interesting challenge they've put forth. Their new challenge, called the Maven Meld, asks that you submit a finished piece that melds or incorporates at least 2 of their tutorials. Clever, huh?

I love working with seedbeads myself and am so appreciative of these ladies' hard work in putting forth truly remarkable designs. I've purchased several tutorials myself and so I've decided to donate a $25 gift certificate to my Artfire shop to one of the winners. Please go to their website for details on how to enter and check out the other fabulous prizes on the Bead Maven blog. I can't wait to see all the fabulous creations!

Here are a few inspiration photos from the Bead Mavens themselves.

Mikki Ferrugiaro

Nancy Dale

Cynthia Newcomer Daniel

Waiting, Waiting, Waiting......Tap! Tap! Tap!

I've been having a blast making these ring tops for interchangeable rings & pendants. No matter what I'm working on in a particular session, I try to make a few of these too. So fun! I've sold out all my rings and waiting for a new supply to come in.

There's just one person in the US that carries the rings that I know of so I ordered from the UK this time around. She had a snafu with her mail, but they're now on their way! I sit & stalk the mailman every day! :-) Meanwhile, these are a few ring tops from my most recent torch sessions.

What do beaders and those with dreadlocks have in common??

Give up????

They all love using spirals! Here are some spirals I've been working on recently. My friend, Mikki Ferrugiaro, is working on a book with a very unique spiral pattern that I got a sneak peak of (it's gorgeous!). The pattern uses spirals for the focal piece. She makes poly clay spirals as well. They're so beautiful that I had a hard time telling them apart from the glass. It's great to be able to have options. Change out the focal for a new look to coordinate with any outfit.

I sold some recently to people wanting to decorate their dreads. Here's a photo of one of my beautiful customers with a spiral in her hair. I love it!