Makin' Waves

Almost a year ago I attended a beading retreat led by my favorite bead artist, Sherry Serafini. One of the beaded projects we worked on during the retreat was her Rockin' Wavy Cuff.

I wasn't able to finish the cuff during the retreat because I was too busy admiring Sherry's stunning bead creations. Plus, I still have to work on my bpm (beading per minute)!

After seeing my unfinished cuff (and 20 lbs of supplies that accompanied it) on my work station for more months then I care to admit, I finally finished it:

Rock on!

~

When beading a project do you like to use a pre-made kit or do you like to use your own supplies?

I love using my own supplies when making a bead project. Mostly because I have so many supplies to begin with, so it's hard to justify buying a kit, but also because I love getting creative ideas from my own secret stash of beads galore!

Snow Cat

Today I'm linking up with Marionberry Style for her Trend of the Month Challenge. This month is all about the animal prints!

I've been noticing that Snow Cat is a popular print for Fall...And I must say, I absolutely love it!

So when I saw this Michael Korres blouse at TJMaxx the other day I knew it would be finding a new home in my closet. I paired it with sleek black pants, gray suede crystal encrusted wedge shoes and chunky gunmetal/silver jewelry.

The Michael Korres blouse had only just moved into my closet when I found this wrap sweater online at Old Navy:

 Another snow cat addition to my closet!

Finished Friday

I thought I'd use the end of the week to post a new, finished beading project, hence "Finished Friday."

I purchased these gorgeous purple jasper 6mm beads at a bead show ages ago. I was intrigued by the marble-esque color pattern of cream, purple and pink. I had no idea how I would use them, but I had to have them. I started playing around with right angle weave and incorporated the amethyst crystal bicones to add some extra flair. Before the bracelet was finished, I stumbled upon the button shaped purple jasper bead I used as the bracelet's clasp.

How do you buy your beads and supplies? Do you buy items that you like and store them away until inspiration hits or do you buy items specifically to use in an upcoming project?

I definitely do a lot of both. It's really hard for me to NOT buy the entire stock of beads and supplies at any bead show or store!

**Just a reminder that the Innovative Bead Show will be in Allentown, PA at Ag Hall on September 15 and 16. I'll see you there!**

Purple Haze

This past weekend I attended a beautiful Labor Day wedding. The color of my dress was a hazy shade of purple, and while I didn't know it at the time I purchased the gown, I was already in possession of the perfect accompanying accessory:

A beaded necklace I made a few years ago.

When I first had the idea to make this necklace, I began gathering my supplies in shades of purple and gray. A lot of my beaded jewelry tends to incorporate that color combination. As this particular piece was coming together, I worried the color palette of smoky purples, iridescent grays and shimmering irises was being portrayed as too "dark and stormy." Even as I made my last stitch and cut my final thread, I still had my doubts. However, when I paired the necklace with my Suzi Chin dress, I saw the accessory in a brand new light. The precious seed beads, sparkling crystals and glimmering pearls were anything but "dark and stormy" and provided the perfect addition for the "light and cheery" wedding celebration I attended.

Another perfect wedding guest accessory: Nina Forbes heals in steel!

Have you ever witnessed the transformation of an accessory when paired with the perfect outfit?