October 7, 2012

Bead Soup Blog Hop Tour

I hope you've been following along with the Bead Soup Blog hop this week, if not you can catch up here.  Tomorrow Lori is giving away her grand prize - so don't wait!

I was so honored when Lori asked me to participate in the Bead Soup book.  I always feel a bit like a loving Grandma when I see Lori's success of the blog hop and her book.  You see, it was this little post that Lori mentions in her book that sparked her idea.  Do you know my greatest thrill in life is to inspire others to be creative?  I feel like my little seed planted all those years ago grew into something pretty amazing that has inspired a whole community of beads.   Thank you Lori!

Above was the soup that I sent in, which ended up in the very talented hands of Cindy Wimmer.  You can read about her creation and see a sneak peek here.

This is the yummy helping of soup that Nan Emmett of Spirited Earth sent to me.  I'm a big fan of Nan's, so I was excited to get something so earthy and delightful.  I named my project Vegetable Garden Soup because the colors reminded me of juicy tomatoes, potatoes and zucchini.  The bee adds a nice narrative to the garden story of the design. 

I was a little worried that maybe my design was too simple, it uses a basic wire-working technique.  But just like with the recipes that are your favorite, some recipes are easy and great for everyday and some recipes are tricky like souffles and baked Alaska.  I hope this project inspires that fun and easy everyday feel that readers can borrow again and again for their inspiration.  I loved it when Sandra Young sent me a link to her blog post showing off her design inspired by my project.  Mission accomplished!

That metaphor of a recipe collection that spans from simple and everyday to elegant and decadent - that pretty much sums up the projects in the book.  The creativity of the 26 beaders that participated in the book stuns me.  I love that Lori broke down the creative process of designing that you could use when working with your bead mixes.  This book is a heaping serving of inspiration and highly recommend it!


My prize that I'm giving away this week - a $30 gift certificate to Humblebeads.com. (this is for my website only)  To enter to win leave a comment below. I'll pick a winner on Friday, October 12th.

Click here to read the details and join along!

110 comments:

D Fritz said...

Hope to win your generous gift...

ArtZhodgepodge said...

Love the colors in your soup... can't wait to see what you have done..

Krys said...

Lovely Soup...and as always, lovely beads!

Unknown said...

Your beads are beautiful. Thanks for the chance to win.

AntiquityTravelers said...

Oh how cool! I have to check out the Etsy one too :)

bwheather said...

Love your work, your beads and etsy store. ;-)

Unknown said...

Can't wait to see what you came up with in the book! I love your work. I'm definetly thinking about getting in on the blog hop! It sounds like a lot of fun. :)

Shee Sews said...

Brilliant, love the colours, please enter me, thanks

Christine said...

Your soup is lovely - can't wait to see your finished piece!

Rosalynn said...

I am so excited to see your design in the book and how others incorporated your lovely beads in their designs. Thank you for the generous gift certificate for your shop. Hope my name is drawn. This has been such a fun week!

A Polymer Penchant said...

You did a wonderful job Heather! Too bad we don't all get chocolate with this version but I think that may be too much to ask. Great idea keeping the fun going ca't wait to see what everyone comes up with

Cilla said...

Beautiful beads and thank you for the chance to win them! Looking forward to seeing the book.

Becky Pancake said...

Hi Heather, First I want to say that you have a very distinctive style. I can always pic your beads out of a piece of jewelry before reading the ingredients list. I have spent the last hour at your etsy shop putting together some of your great components in my head. Planning what I would purchase if I was lucky enough to win this giveaway. Thanx for the chance to win. If I don't win I plan on purchasing your bead soup mix & joining your blog hop. The only hop I have entered was the last BSBP & it was an excellent experience. Lori's book is awesome & this hop adds a lot to the enjoyment of her book. I also want to add that I was inspired by your wonderful book. I have recommended it to a couple of friends.

Anonymous said...

Lovely soup! Thanks for the chance to win the gift certificate!

Unknown said...

Thank you for the chance to win a credit in your shop - it would be such FUN to win!!!

dreaminofbeads / SAS Jewelry Designs said...

Oh I love your beads...it would be amazing to win!
Sonya

baymoondesign said...

I love your beads and I would be thrilled to win a gift certificate to your shop. I would go wild picking some of them to create a wonderful piece to blog about. Thanks for your generous offer.

Unknown said...

Love your beads! Please enter me in the giveaway.

baychriz at gmail dot com
Bead Soup Mix

Cindy Cima said...

Love love those teal branch art beads! Would love a chance to win the soup you are offering!

Sally Anderson said...

Oh, Heather. I'd love to win anything you make! I've been an admirer for a long time (an admirer on a shoestring budget, I'm afraid). Thank you for doing this!

Lori Anderson said...

Your blog ArtBeadScene has been such an email inspiration and so have you! Thank you so much.

Kelly said...

I too am a great admirer of your beads and jewelry. I would love to win a g.c. to pick up some of your creations. Thanks for the opportunity and congratulations on being part of Lori's book.

Prządka said...

Awesome blog, gorgeous jewelry, wonderful giveaway:)
Regards!

Unknown said...

How cute! I can't wait to see the rest of what you made! Thanks for the chance to win these wonderful components.
bean bags brisbane

Samsmama said...

love to win.thanks for the oppporunity

sandi m said...

Congratulations on being a soup contributor. I love what you created with the bee - one of my favorite bugs. And what a great idea to add another soup to the mix.

Cassi said...

That is a very generous gift! I would to win!

Anonymous said...

I so admire your creativity and have your book, Jewelry Designs From Nature, which I browse through virtually every day and find a bit of something to inspire me in a new direction. I can see right now that if I'm not lucky enough to win a copy of Bead Soup, I will have to get a copy just to see your Alphabet Soup necklace! Lynn

PA said...

Love the colors in your soup mix. And love your beads so it would be wonderful to win!

Anonymous said...

After this week full of inspiration, I think I'd like to participate in that blog hop if I won... Unfortunately I can't afford to spend any money right now :( Thank you for the chance to win, you're one of my favourite bead artists!

Anonymous said...

Your beads are so pretty! I would love the chance to win your generous prize!

Heather said...

Those beads...in that colour....are my absolute favourites. I would love to win them.

Thanks for your generous prize.

Saraccino said...

Really beautiful beads! Thanks for the chance to win some of your work from your shop! :)

Maneki said...

Lovely soups!

I'd love a chance to win a gift certificate -- you make such lovely components and I'd love to have a few in my stash (my economy usual prevents me from buying many art beads).

Erin S said...

Love those branch beads!

Jean A. Wells said...

Great prize!

Elena Adams (ElenaAdams1992@yahoo.com) said...

I would love to win this!:)Thanx for the chance and for being such an inspiration for a newbie:)

Rebecca said...

Gorgeous! If I hadn't just placed an order with you, I'd be getting one of those Bead Soup kits. Your necklace is beautiful in the book - you are right, simple is sometimes best.

Rebecca said...

Gorgeous! If I hadn't just placed an order with you, I'd be getting one of those Bead Soup kits. Your necklace is beautiful in the book - you are right, simple is sometimes best.

Manola Maria said...

I would consider myself very lucky to win your gift certificate. I like your work so much! Congratulations! Thank you for this wonderful giveaway.

Cheryl W. said...

Congratulations in being asked to participate in Lori's book. I can't wait to see it in person and all of the beautiful designs. I would love to win a gift certificate to your shop; I have admired your beads for a long time. Thank you for this opportunity.

rrunner444@triad.rr.com

Unknown said...

Can't wait to get my hands on this book so I can see what all you lovely ladies created with your soups!

Ashleigh Becker said...

Great colors in your soup - no surprise there :)
I'd love to win your beauties!

Carol Dee, CZT said...

Fresh garden veggies always make good soup!

mary s said...

love your work and your generosity with products, designs, and inspiration :)

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the book! I would love to win your GC! Count me in, pretty please!

Unknown said...

Love your bead
Thank you.

TesoriTrovati said...

I have a hard time thinking of you like a grandma... perhaps because I am WAY older than you, birthday buddy! ;-)
You are more like a Fairy Godmother granting inspiration with a swoosh of your magic pliers. I remember very well reading that post on ABS and thinking what a cool idea it was! I wanted to do something with it and then I saw that Lori had and I jumped right in to that first one. It was so much fun. It is like seeing this all grown up! To know that hundreds have been inspired around the world by this hop and idea is so amazing! Creating such a special community! Enjoy the day. Erin

Shai Williams said...

What a generous prize. I would love to have some of your wonderful beads to play with.

Kathy ~ Artful Accents said...

Congratulations on your part in Lori's book! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.

Diane Valasek said...

Crossing my fingers for the gift certificate. I love the soup you sent, and the one you got! How fun!

Anonymous said...

Lovely soup and beads. Thanks for the chance to win. You are very generous.

Courtney Breul said...

Congratulations on being a part of this amazing book! And thanks for the chance.

New Moon Scents said...

What a generous prize! Thanks for the opportunity! I love your new beads!

Skye said...

I loved the peeks at what Cindy did with your soup ;)I can't wait to get a copy of the book to enjoy it in full!

Anonymous said...

Love your work Heather and your kind offer of beady soup! I first saw you on a craft show when you lived in San Antonio and have enjoyed your blog ever since then!

Thank you for the offer of the giveaway!

zanc@att.net

Marla said...

I sure am hungry for some wonderful Humble Bead Soup! One that I can make myself! Yummy!

Adaptable Kay said...

Now that I'm actually in the midst of the beading community, I'm starting to recognize designers by their pieces and the components they make. I definitely will say that Nan's lovely pendants have caught my eye! :)

Congratulations on being included in such a great opportunity and thank you so much for the fabulous giveaway prize you're contributing!

TheEclecticElement AT yahoo DOT com

Unknown said...

I have stalked your creations for some time now and I love everything I have seen made with them. Your beads have a special quality! And what you did with Cindy's mix! Swoon!

Here Bead Dragons said...

Your beads are so beautiful and you are so generous.

~cryssT

KayzKreationz said...

Love the story and the name. Can't wait to finish my book and see all the great pieces that were made and have been posted about this week. Keeping my fingers crossed to win a gift certificate so I can get at least one of your fabulous pieces.

Klassy Joolz said...

I would be so thrilled to win your generous gift...love your beads! Congrats on being in Lori's book...so very cool!

Doris said...

Your beads are inspiring and I would love to win your generous giveaway.

Creations by Kari said...

Wow! Would love to win, thanks Heather!!!

Unknown said...

Wonderful giveaway! I can't wait to see your completed necklace when my copy arrives!!

MonaRae said...

Wow, what a generous gift!!!

Carolyn said...

Heather,

Love your beads and would love to win your gift certificate.

Carolyn
carolynscreationswa.blogspot.com

Zeniswoman said...

Heather, Thanks so much for the opportunity! I really love what you have been creating recently. You're always such a creative inspiration. Many thanks,
Holly (zeniswoman@yahoo.com)

Unknown said...

What a wonderful gift, hope i win! Thank you for the chance!

Tara P. said...

I got my copy of the book but haven't had a chance to really dive into it beyond glancing at some of the pictures. I remember seeing your necklace, though, and loved it!

Mary said...

Would love to win coupon. Love learning about all you new jewelry artists

Kathleen Lange Klik said...

Both the soup you sent Cindy and the necklace you created with Nan's ingredients are fantastic! The book is filled with wonderful designs and designers-congrats on being included!

Your bare branches blog hop sounds like a lot of fun! I wish I didn't already have other commitments, I'd love to join in.

Thank you for the awesome giveaway too! Who wouldn't love a gift certificate to your shop!

Alicia said...

As a proud owner of your beautiful focals, I sure would love to win this opportunity to get more :)
Thank you for letting us play!

Unknown said...

I am so excited, I really like your beads. I would love to win the gift certificate to your shop!

CraftyHope said...

Gracious...I'm going to HAVE to get me a copy of this book!!

Lucid Moon Studio said...

I would love to win a shopping trip in your store! I love Nan's beads, and you did a great job with them!

Lilik Kristiani said...

Thank you for the chance to win beatiful beads =)

Spirited Earth said...

I love what you made with the soup mix and the one you sent to Cindy is amazing..

Nancy said...

Love to win a chance to shop in your store.

Nancy

swopemelmel said...

As always, I love your work. swopemelmel @ aol dot com

cathy @ma vie trouvee said...

What beautiful beads you make - I love the leaves.

Maplegirl said...

I love that the colors in the soup from Nan reminded you of garden produce, yummy. Andrea

Linda Landig said...

Thank you for giving away a gift certificate! Fingers crossed!
llandig at msn dot com

Shannon Chomanczuk said...

I really really hope I win :-)

Stepha said...

Heres hoping i win? Your art so beautiful.. I really live the fall designs you do.

teachergustavson said...

My goodness, what a treat it would be to win!

Anonymous said...

Wow! So you're the one who got all the fun started! This book tour has been so much fun. I can't wait to get the book and see what you made with your beautiful "soup". Thanks for the chance to win.

Anonymous said...

Love the beads you got to work with, looking forward to seeing what you made! and I'd love to win your prize too! melissa_trudinger at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

I absolutely love that bee focal piece! Its one of my favorites! Sometimes its the "simple" designs that show off everybody's creativity. I can't wait to see your finished piece!

Vivi Magoo said...

How fun and what a creative giveaway! I sure hope I win ;o}

Wendy said...

I'm really looking forward to getting hold of the book, I can't wait to see your project

EB Bead and Metal Works, LLC said...

Love the soup you sent in and the soup you received and the piece you made was awesome! Love your giveaway and I have my fingers crossed :)

Unknown said...

Love your beads and I would just love to win a chance to have some of them.

Shel said...

Your beads, as always, are so lovely and inspiring. I am glad you included the past blog post about where Lori's ideas was sparked for her bead soup blog parties and the book, I saw her mention it in the bead soup book and thought "how cool is that?!" And your design in the book is so pretty, too - it does remind me of vegetable garden soup! very yummy!

Jami aka DaMamaShipp said...

Love what you did to the soup Nan sent you and love the soup you sent. Thanks for contributing to the book and the opportunity to win.

Giorgia Rossini said...

thank you so much for this giveaway :)
ciao dall'Italia

Valerie said...

I love the simplicity of your design. I have drooled over your creations for awhile now and would love to win a gift certificate to your shop! Thank you!!

Cynthia said...

Congrats on being in Lori's book. Loved what Cindy did with the soup ingredients from you! And loved your soup too! Sometimes it's the simple designs that become our everyday favorites!

Unknown said...

Love your work - very inspiring!

Would love the opportunity to with the $30 G/C!

Cindy said...

Heather, I really enjoyed working with your bead soup - it was really an honor. You happened to pull together my favorite colors of both beads and metal... I was very lucky to contribute a project with your Humblebeads! The necklace you made with Nan's soup was so beautiful - another great pairing.
I do remember WAY back when, that post on ABS that sparked the flames that has turned in to the BSBP. Isn't is amazing how one thing can lead to another? :-)
Your new blog hop/challenge looks like a lot of fun. I'll be following to see what others make with the same components I worked with - what a great idea!

Nancy said...

Your Fall colors are just what I need to brighten this gray Anchorage day!

Heather Otto said...

What wonderful fall colors! I'd love to win some!

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness - you sure got a lot of comments today. I popped over as always when I got your email, and was reading about your kit - I need to email you about that.

Thank you so much for giving one of us the chance to win a voucher to spend on your fantastic beads - what an honour it would be to win

Good luck everyone

Dianne said...

Your work and your book are a constant inspiration to me in my own jewelry designs. I love the way you share your passion for color and creativity. I always find a new idea and have so much fun playing with your great beads. They add a unique touch to each piece.

Thanks so much.

Anonymous said...

Love your work so much! Thank you for the offer of the generous giveaway!

zanc@att.net

Michelle Foster said...

Here's looking at you, kid and hoping I win your gracious prize!

Michelle

Anonymous said...

Hey Heather-your creativity continues to amaze. Please pick me. Can never have enough of your beads. ;) Joellyn W.

Catherine Sorensen said...

Hi Heather!

I have always enjoyed the Bead Soup creations & can't wait both to see how your's came out & to get my hands on that book!

~Catherine

Michael and Cherrie Fick said...

Heather, I am always amazed by the amount of inspiration you are able to put out to us. The many different ideas spinning in your creative mind. I am enjoying working with your beads and oh by the way I always think how fun to win. Thanks for the opportunity. Cherrie

Nur said...

Your beads are beautiful from nature art. Thanks for the chance to win.