Sunset Swimmers Haiku

Sherbert sky ablaze

waves chase after running feet

we drift aimlessly

Humblebeads Spacer, Sue Beads spacer, agate, copper and lotus pod beads. Copper clasp, directions for the clasp can be found here.

I'm thoroughly enjoying my vacation. Each day is such a blessing to be surrounded by my family. I'm looking forward to some time with my sister this weekend.

I will be back "working" on Monday with beads in my etsy shop. Internet is not the best here, so please allow a day or two if you email me.

Hatched

I didn't get a chance to photograph the eggs before they went to Bead & Button with me. I was tickled with them, they are so sweet and simple. Each one is handpainted with multiple glazes for the color and then speckled with numerous different colors and textures. I don't have any for sale, but if you email Bello Modo I know she has some on hand. I made them in 4 different colors: teal, green, pink and light blue. (The teal and the light blue match my birds exactly.)

The bracelet is created with a Vintaj bangle. I used a headpin to connect the middle and added a few charms: a key, dream charm and a little bird. You can find the Vintaj components at Bello Modo.

Funny Caption Contest & Bead-O-Sphere Links

First things first, the Silver Parrot is the winner of last week's funny caption contest. We had some computer issues for the last few days, so sorry this is a little late. Silver Parrot please email me your mailing address, I have a crazy squirrel who wants to come visit you.

And hey, why not do it again? The Rings & Things Russ Troll bead is back this week. He's made his way to the top of a polymer clay scrap heap in the studio this week. What would he say once he made it to the top? Leave a funny caption in the comments and I have Knobby Urchin bead to send to one lucky winner who will be randomly drawn next Wednesday.

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And for a little mid-week inspiration here are the top picks from the bead-o-sphere:

A Bead A DayLisa shares her selection of summery pink beads and crystals. The "Watermelon Crawl" bead mix is sure to conjure up visions of a family picnic on a warm summer day!

About.com Jewelry MakingTake these quick polls about wearing and making jewelry. Which are your favorite pieces?

Art Bead Scene The Trendy Bead shows off wood filigree pendants.

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten ArtifactsRead Barbe's interview on the Objects and Elements blog.

Beading Arts Cyndi's initial thoughts on working with the new CopprClay. There'll be lots of projects coming this summer!

Carmi's Art/Life WorldCarmi hand felts a pretty bead from wool roving.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork DivaA trip to glass city doesn't go as well as planned. Yet Cindy finds inspiration and few new tools!

Earthenwood Studio ChroniclesMelanie mixes up gunmetal chains and components with brass to make a necklace with one of her Toolbox Treasure pendants

Humblebeads Heather sketches out some new designs using this summer's hottest color.

Jean Campbell Ink: Eureka! Beading in the fresh air clears the mind, bringing fresh creativity.

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio Searching for some new inspiration? Lorelei's got just the place for you to find it!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Jean reviews Wirework, a new book by the famous Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

Strands of Beads Melissa shows off her new lunar phases and compass rose designs

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
While traveling in Florida, Andrew shares a new variation on a favorite skull bracelet.

Homeward Bound

I'm off today to visit my family until July 22nd. I'm so happy, it's hard to contain myself.

I've done some planning and have decided to keep blogging while I'm gone. So visit check back daily for all sorts of goodies that I have planned! Also, just like last summer my etsy shop will remain open while on vacation. All items are in stock and ready to ship. Orders will go out 2-3 times a week while I'm in Michigan.

Bead Cruise Design Contest Winners

Every year on the Bead Cruise each student receives a gift bag from our incredible sponsors. Talk about a pirates' treasure! In the past they have been filled with art beads, beads, findings, product samples and much more. This year I decided to get a little creative and the Bead Cruise sponsored a design contest using 2 or more items our gift bags into a jewelry creation. On the last night of the cruise we displayed the winners and everyone voted for their favorites. Here are the winners:

Show favorite from Sherry Bercaw. Sherry used a pendant from Off Center Productions and seed beads from Foxden. I wish I had a better photo, but lighting on the cruise at night is impossible. Sherry was the show favorite and won first prize!

Royelle Gidding, who is a very talented instructor from the Houston area, created this stunning lariat. I think every mouth dropped when they saw this one. She did this in a week, while on a cruise. I can get over that! She won runner-up in the Intense Beading category. She used turquoise cubes from Rings & Things and Vintaj brass charms that were included in the gift bags.

Our next runner-up in the Simple & Sweet category is from Kathy Annane. Kathy used another pendant from Off Center Productions, those charms from Vintaj, tiger eye cubes from Rings & Things, a lampwork bead from Sue Beads and a brass filigree from Beadaholique. There may be more beads from the gift bag snuck in there but those are the ones I can identify.

And here are the winners sporting their creations: Kathy, Royelle and Sherry. Great job everyone! I will upload the other entries in the Bead Cruise flickr group later next week. Again, me+camera+cruise ship=bad photos! Sorry about that.

Bead Cruise registration opens tomorrow, don't you want to come play with us next year?