9 Terrific Tuesday

OK, so you thought that yesterday was my BRAGGING day, right?  

Well, only partially right!  

I get to BRAG today even more!!!  

First off, let me brag about my daughter!  Last night was her end of the year Chess Club tournament.  Between the 2nd through 5th grades there were about 250 kids in the tournament.  My beautiful, talented, wonderful, smart young lady took 6th over all for the 4th and 5th grade level!!!

 Even her teachers and coaches were proud of her!

 She was moving so fast I barely got this photo!

 And here it is!!!

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So, I am very very very proud of my children, and here are some more things I am proud of.  First, this wonderful review from blessedelements - goinggreen.  She found me through a hop and things have 'blossomed' from there.  PLEASE go read her review, it is amazing!  She has caught all the 'little' things that I try to do.  From the detail in my work to the detail in my packaging.  It is so very wonderful to know that people who purchase my items actually notice my work!  It is about so much more than JUST beading!! 

This is the bracelet she purchased!!

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OK, so you think that is enough?  

NOPE!!  

Now I get to the feature that Artbeads has done on me.   The last set that I did as part of the blogger challenge has made it to their Fan Page!!!  I can't believe it!!  I am so excited!!  Then when I get over there to check it out I find out that many of the people want to have me write a tutorial - I guess that might be next on my list!  I am just amazed as how many have commented and viewed it!!!  YA HOOOOO!  Here is the set we are talking about!!   

If you would like to read the original blog post, you can view it here - wonderful-wednesday.

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Enough???  

NOPE!! 

There is more!  

I also haven't done my numbers lately, so.......  here you go!  

Blog
4/25/11 -  765 followers
5/17/11 -  969 followers

Twitter
4/25/11 -  1792 followers
5/17/11 - 1990 followers

Fan Page
4/25/11 -   3519 Fans
5/17/11 - 3589 Fans

Totals
4/25/11 - 6,076
5/17/11 - 6,548

Growth - 472 (22 days time) 
 
So, once again, it shows that hops and networking really do work!

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And here are the HOPS I am doing today!!!
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So, as you can see I am a PROUD MOMMA today!!  So as you go about your day and get your work done, remember that sometimes things happen for a reason, and sometimes they just happen!!  ~KM

17 Wonderful Wednesday

Many of you know that I participate in a wonderful blogging challenge by ArtBeads.  Here is the explanation we received as a theme for this challenge:

‘What’s Old is New Again!’ is our new blogging challenge. For this theme we would like you to seek inspiration from the past by incorporating old, vintage or antique items into your designs and combine them with modern elements such as Swarovski crystals, Glass, Resin, etc. The only requirement for your creations is for each piece to have at least one ‘old’ element. It can be a family heirloom, vintage cameo, an interesting bead, pendant or item you found in an antique or thrift store, an old key, photo or any unique element of the past. You can even re-use an old jewelry piece and ‘borrow’ items from it.

 I was able to choose items from several categories. 

I choose from steampunk and pearls.  

And here is what I picked.

These dragonflies were purchased about 20 years ago and have sat in my drawer for almost the entire time.  I fell in love with them the moment I saw them and just had to have them.  But for what ever reason, I have never been able to make anything out of them.  I added them into my mix as the 'OLD' part of my design.

And then I added a few more things.

And then.... I beaded..... beaded and did just a little more beading!  And here is what I came up with.

 So, what do you think?  I think I am 'IN LOVE'!  I have named it - A Dragonfly Hidden in Blue and Green Pearls Necklace Set.  Most of you know my love of dragonflies and I think this one maybe my new favorite!

If you are interested in a great deal on beads, please visit and support ArtBeads.  They almost always have some special or contest going on beside their great deals!  Right now they are also offering FREE shipping in the U.S. on orders $10 and over*.

Please let me, and ArtBeads know what you think of my design.  

Enjoy your day and look around, you maybe able to see a dragonfly!  ~KM

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And a HOP too!! 

4 Waggin Wednesday

This Waggin Wednesday I am going to be doing a little 'waggin' myself!  Yesterday I received two things I was waiting for and I want to show them off to you.  First is my SKUNK SALES FAIRY from Heartshaped Creations.  I had featured her shop a short while ago and just fell in love with her little guys.  Then I found out that she made a 'sales fairy' for a mutual friend (Kreativlink) via a contest they were both in.  I knew that Kreativlink's fairy must be doing really good, beacuse she can't even keep her shop stocked...I wanted in on that luck!!  So, after some wonderful converstaions and a few changes, Heartshaped Creations designed me my little SKUNK SALES FAIRY!  I have been anxiously awaiting its arrival from Greece everyday since I was told it was shipped....well, it is here!!!

The second item I received was my order through the blogger's program from Art Beads.  This order was very unique in that I am using these beads for my design in the monthly EBW Challenge.  So, if you are a FaceBook Fan of mine you will be able to follow along with the steps of this necklace design and see how it all works out.  So, here is a photo of my wonderful 'Waggin Wednesday' catch, and below are the better photos of my 

Skunk Sales Fairy....I just love him!!!  

Enjoy your Wednesday and for all of you in the SNOW, remember, it is almost spring....almost!  ~KM

1 check out this new design....

Black and Silver Wonder Set

 

This set is directly out of my imagination! I had a passing image of a design one night, and this is very close to what I saw!

Offset and containing some free hand bead weaving and also some simple stranding this necklace is not the norm! I was recently excepted into the Artbeads blogging program and they provided the Swarovski Crystals and Swarovski Pearls that are in this design. Originally these beads were slated for something else, but my mind wouldn't let go of the design, so here it is!!! 

Necklace measures at 22 inches in length and the longest drop hangs 3 inches from the center. This necklace can be lengthened if needed.

Earrings measure at 2 inches in length.

Earrings can be changed to post of clip on's if needed for no additional charge.

Similar ArtBeads can be purchase at: http://www.artbeads.com/swarovski-crystal-beads.html

Here is one that is actually used in my design: http://www.artbeads.com/5810-mblack10.html