*** My bead partner's blog link is fixed here, but it seems to be messed up on other pages.
To vist her, the correct link is :http://expostfactojewelry.blogspot.com/
thanks ~
Remember this pretty Raku focal that Heidi, my bead soup buddy sent me?
This is where it led me...I actually made raku beads back in college. That was only oh, a dozen or so years ago. Stop laughing...OK, it was a little longer.
I came across some of the beads when I was moving, but they are currently hiding in a box- somewhere. I have a lot of other things in that same place...somewhere.
I can remember giving one of my teachers a handful for his wife to use in her art (which could have been Macrame, not that that would date me or anything...) and wonder what became of them. I used a few for earrings that are also...somewhere.
The black beads are lava and my sweet bead partner Heidi Post, also included them in the soup.
The beads that stumped me were these yellow? pale green? beads that I could not get to match anything until I added the bit of green silk - then suddenly they became a color and rather light green grape-ish. As you can see, I used them as a focal and made up another necklace.
Want to go soup blog hopping?
Click on each name to go to their blogs.
These are the partner pairs.
The Hostess, Lori Anderson and her partner, Manuela Wutschke
1. Aimee Wheaton and Barbara York
2. Alice Craddick and Sandra Richardson
3. Alison Sachs and Amy Severino
4. Allison Scott and Cynthia Abner
5. Amanda Cargill Austin and Charlene Sevier
6. Amanda Davie and Patsy Evins
7. Amber Dawn and Kim Ballor
8. Ambra Gostoli and Christine Hansen
9. Amy Freeland and Christine Altmiller
10. Ana Krepel-Novak and Eleanor Snare
11. Andrea Morici and Hope Smitherman
12. Andrea Trank and Jayne Capps
13. Andrea Turini and Charlene Jacka
14. Angela May and Emanda Johnson
15. Anitra Gordy and Elizabeth Owens Dwy
16. Ann Rishell and Debbie Price
17. Ann Sherwood and Lynne Bowland
18. Anna Lear and Barbe Saint John
19. Anna Sabina and Erin Siegel
19. Nan Emmett and Erin Siegel
20. Astrid Boyce and Birgitta Lejonklou
21. B.R. Kuhlman and Deanna Chase
22. Barbara Bechtel and Bryna Lumb
23. Barbara Blaszczyk and DaviniaDesign
24. Barbara Judy and Holly Westfall
25. Barbara Lewis and Cathie Carroll
26. Barrie Edwards and Lyn Foley
27. Becky Fairclough and Jana Tarhala
28. Bella Borgouise and Gillian Lehman
29. Beth and Evie McCord and Erin Prais-Hintz
30. Beth Bricker and Heather Pyle
31. Beth Emery and Cassie Donlen
32. Bobbie Rafferty and Cindy Cima Edwards
33. Candice McGinnis and Sally Anderson
34. Carol Bradley and Cece Cormier
35. Cathy Khoury and Molly Alexander
36. Carol Tannahill and Hilary Frye
37. Carrie Tahquechi and Cris Peacock
38. Cat Pruitt and Cindy Gimbrone
39. Charlene Gary and Doris Stumpf
40. Charlotte Pevny and Kate Gardenghi
41. Cherrie Fick and Cathie Carroll
41. Claire Maunsell and Cherrie Fick
42. Cheryl Roe and Jenny Vidberg
43. Chris White and Norma Turvey
44. Christa Murphy and Kathy Alderfer
45. Christie Murrow and Dana James
46. Christina Miles and Collette Collins
47. Christine Brandel and Elizabeth Woodford
48. Christine Damm and Cynthia Deis
49. Christine Hendrickson and Debbie Goering
50. Christine Stonefield and Dee Wingrove-Smith
51. Cilla Watkins and Johanna Rhodes
52. Cindy Wimmer and Riki Schumacher
53. CJ Baushka and Cory Celaya
54. Courtney Breul and Joanna Matuszczyk
55. Cristi Clothier and Kathleen Robinson Young
56. Cryss Thain and Serena Trent
57. Cynthia Tucker and Kitty Durmaj
58. Dana Johnson Jones and Eva Sherman
59. Davinia Algeri and Janet McDonald
60. Deci Worland and Lara Lutrick
61. Diana Ptaszynski and Kristy Abner
62. Diane Cook and Kerry Bogert
63. Diane Hawkey and Jen Judd Velasquez
64. Dorcas Midkiff and Jill Harris
65. Doris Radlicki and Heather Goldsmith
66. Dot Lewallen and Gaea Cannaday
67. Elisabeth Auld and Jennifer Justman
68. Erin Fickert-Rowland and Geanina Grigore
69. Erin Grant and Julie Jones
70. Eszter Czibulyas and Helena Fritz
71. Fiona Christie and Michelle Heim
72. Gail Zwang and Genea Crivello-Knable
73. Geneva Collins and Jana Haag
***74. Gretchen Nation and Heidi Post
75. Heather DeSimone and Karin Slaton
76. Heather Marley and Terry Carter
77. Ingrid McCue and Jennifer Pride
78. Jackie Ryan and Nicole Keller
79. Janna Harttgen and Joanne Tinley
80. Jean Yates and Lori Anderson
81. Jelveh Jaferian and Jenny Davies-Reazor
82. Jenni Connolly and Jennifer Heynen
83. Jennifer Cameron and Kristi Bowman
84. Jennifer Geldard and Lisa Liddy
85. Jennifer VanBenschoten and Kim Hora
86. Jess Italia Lincoln and Lori Greenberg
87. Jill MacKay and Lori Bergmann
88. JJ Jacobs and Karen Tremblay
89. Joyce Becker and Kathy Welsh
90. Judy Glende and Karen Sinkowski
91. Judy Riley and Kelly Morgan
92. JuLee Wolfe and Julie Bean
93. Julianna Cannon and Julianna Kis
94. Julie Nordine and Lesley Watt
95. K. Hutchinson and Shea Zukowski
96. Karen Firnberg and Karyn Bonfiglio
97. Karen Williams and Kimberly Roberts
98. Karen Zanco and Polly Barker
99. Kari Carrigan and Laura Twiford
100. Karin von Hoeren and Laura Blanck
101. Kate Richbourg and Lorelei Eurto
102. Kathleen Lange Klik and Maria Clark
103. Kathy Engstrom and Keri Lee Sereika
104. Kay Thomerson and Loretta Carstensen
105. Kelley Fogle and Laurel Bielec
106. Kelly Ramstack and Sally Anderson
107. Kim Stevens and Tiffany Long
108. Kristi Harrison and Mandy Williamson
109. Kristi Kyle and Lana Kinney
110. Kristina Johansson and Sue Hodgkinson
111. Kym Hunter and Laura Sanger
112. Laura Zeiner and Susan Kennedy
113. Laurel Steven and Mary McGraw
114. Laurie Hanna and Lisa Boucher
115. Lesley Weirand Liz DeLuca
116. Linda Djokic and Tracey Weiser
117. Linda Inhelder and Pam Brisse
118. Linda Landig and Lori Dorrington
119. Linda Murphy and Lisa Hamilton
119. Line Labrecque and Marianne Baxter
120. Lisa Lodge and Monica Johnson
121. Lois Moon and Melissa Muir
122. Lola Surwillo and Therese Frank
123. Lori Bowring Michaud and Marci Brooks
124. Lupe Meter and Mags Saari
125. Maggie Towne and Marge Beebe
126. Malin de Koning and Susie Hibdon
127. Mallory Hoffman and Shirley Moore
128. Marcie Abney and Patty Miller
129. Marcy Lamberson and Melissa Clarke
130. Margot Potter and Suzann Sladcik Wilson
131. Maria Grimes and Wendy Blum
132. Maria Horvath and Melinda Orr
133. Maria Rosa Sharrow and Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp
134. Marian Hertzog and Melissa Mesara
135. Marianna Boylan and Sandi Lee James
136. Marina Dobrynina and Michaela Pabeschitz
137. Marsha Neal and Miri Agassi
138. Mary Ellen Parker and Melissa Meman
139. Mary Elliott and Tamara Soper
140. Mary Hicks and Laurel Steven
141. Melissa Pynn and Michelle Buettner
142. Michelle Hardy and Niki Meiners
143. Michelle Mach and Moira McEvoy
144. Missy Rappaport and Norma Agron
145. Molly Alexander and Poranna
146. Mylene Hillam and Nicole Rennell
147. Nadezhda Parfyonova and Stacey Curry
148. Nan Emmett and Nancy Peterson
149. Nancy Boylan and Natalie McKenna
150. Natalie Monkivitch and Niky Sayers
151. Natasha Lutes and Pam Ferrari
152. Noemi Baena and Penny Ilagan
153. Pamela Petry and Rebecca Sirevaag
154. Pat Haight and Mary McGraw
155. Patty Gasparino and Vonna Maslanka
156. Penny Neville and Sandi Volpe
157. Pepita Bos and Wendy Chamberlain
158. Raida Disbrow and Rebecca Watkins
159. Rebecca Anderson and Sabrina Staub
160. Regina Santerre and Rose Binoya
161. Rhea Freitag and Tari Kahrs
162. Rochelle Brisson and Sheryl Stephen
163. Sally Russick and Tracy Bell
164. Sandra McGriff and Shay Williams
165. Sandra Wolberg and Sara Hardin
166. Sarah Elder and Salla Small
167. Saskia Kaffenberger and Sharon Gardner
168. Sharon Palac and Shannon Chomanczuk
169. Shay Stone and Suzette Bentley
170. Shiraz Biggie and Tammy Powley
171. Staci Smith and Tracy Stillman
172. Stacie Stamper and Tracy Martin
173. Stefanie Teufel and Vicky Taylor
174. Stephanie Dixon and Stephanie LaRosa
175. Stephanie Haussler and Valerie Norton
176. Suzanne Tate and Terri Wlaschin
177. Sweet Freedom Designs and Tammy Jones
178. Tania Spivey and Tari Sasser
179. Tara Plote and Terry Matuszyk
180. Terri Gauthier and Deana Hager
181. Theresa Fosdick and Tracey Nanstad
So, now...
if you have read ALL THE WAY to the bottom here?
I'm throwing in a surprise.
Would you like to have this pale green grape-ish necklace???
just leave a comment!
It would also be super nice if you'd go "LIKE"" my facebook page, but it's not required. I have a problem with people that make you jump through too many hoops just for a slim chance at that new book or magazine you already have a copy of...
so, if you'd like this? just let me know and your name goes in the proverbial hat!
happy souping!
xoxo
gretchen
Gretchen, this is a great necklace! I'm friends with Heidi here in NOLA! You both did a fantastic job!
ReplyDeleteGretchen, I love what you did with both pieces! Especially the raku leaf. But you know, I've had bunches of those green grape beads for nearly 2 years or so, and I love them. I pick them up and try to do something with them, but I've never been able to. I'm so glad you solved that mystery!
ReplyDeleteHi Gretchen - We missed you yesterday. I'd love to win the necklace, especially since I don't make jewelry. I used to do raku, too, but it's been years. Both pieces are really lovely!
ReplyDeleteMary, down the street
My but that is a long list of partners in beading! I know absolutely nothing about the world of beads. I've only ever heard the word raku and have never had a clue as to what it means. Bead soup? An interesting concept. I will go and "like" you, my dear.
ReplyDeleteAir - Kiss/Kiss
You did a great job, fabulous soup!
ReplyDeleteDeb x
I saw that yellow beaded focal, and thought it looked just like your banner- a sweet little pear! It is so cute! I love that raku leaf focal too- beautiful work!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful soup you made my friend, your work is truly stunning!! Thanks for sharing & all I can say is yummmmmy!!!
ReplyDeleteThe first necklace is so rich, and the second is so simple and sweet. You're right, that little pop of ribbon was just what it needed. Great soup!
ReplyDeleteI am SO sorry for being late — today our internet provider decided to crash. My stress level is through the roof, to say the least! They’re still working on it, but it’s like dial-up.
ReplyDeleteYou know I don't normally like yellow but I'd love to know where she got those beads so I could buy a small stash!
You did a great job!
I hope you’ll participate again!
Love, Lori
Love the raku pendant, you did a great job with the necklace. The yellow bead, turned out cute!
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job! Have a nice day, Yours Doris
ReplyDeleteI love both pieces. The raku necklace is lovely. The red silk really brings out the variations in the finish of the pendant. And like Lori, I think that yellow faceted bead is wonderful.
ReplyDeletethere is something so incredibly complex in the simplicity of your designs. Great work.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great pair of necklaces. That Raku focal is gorgeous. But the little yellowish/green grape bead/focal is so sweet. I'd love a chance to win. You did a great job with your soup.
ReplyDeleteyellow is tough(mom's fave colour & I still have trouble working w/ it!)but you rocked it, the green fiber could not be more perfect. the raku piece is awesome , i love the lava rock w/ raku, great match.
ReplyDeleteLovely creations! You did an awesome job!
ReplyDeleteWonderful Autumnal necklace!
ReplyDeleteGretchen, that raku focal was stunning and I love the way you set it off - it really looks natural.
ReplyDeleteLovely necklaces -- I especially love that fab raku leaf necklace. Great work!
ReplyDeleteWonderful! You have created two terrific pieces of wearable art. I like your use of color and texture, and I love the leaf focal bead. Thank you for sharing your artistic process along the way. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteLori
What a beautiful necklace you created! That raku leaf is gorgeous. Hope you find your raku beads when you least expect it.
ReplyDeleteWell, it seems I'm with everyone else...I love that little green bead! You did a great job on both pieces!
ReplyDeleteYour necklace is beautiful very earthy and that focal is beautiful. Yes I went all the way to the bottom and that little blossom necklace is adorable.
ReplyDeleteGreat work!
Lovely pieces, the focal is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThe little "grape-ish" necklace is so darn cute. I love it.
ReplyDeleteBoth of your necklaces are wonderful!
ReplyDeleteBoth of your necklaces are very pretty!
ReplyDeleteThe raku leaf with the lava beads and that dash of red - those gorgeous lighter beads and chain - I'm really enjoying the contrasts between the colors and textures.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely combination of beads and fiber! I am a very simple kinda gal and so I love the necklace for the giveaway..thanks for including that!
ReplyDeleteOh, the wonderful rustic-ness of the first necklace won me over immediately, and then when I saw your photo of the second one. . .wooo! You've really made some fabulous jewelry here. I'm so glad to have discovered your blog though this hop!
ReplyDeleteSo lovely. Very nice use of the raku leaf. off to like your FB page! :)
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for being so late my computer was resisting too labor intensive:^)Very nice designs I really love jewelry from nature.
ReplyDeleteBe blessed to be a blessing
I love all the colors, textures, shapes, and asymmetry you have going on in that first necklace! Delightful!
ReplyDeleteNice use of your ingredients. At first I thought it was the same necklace and I couldn't figure it out:). The little ribbon does work nicely on the second one.
ReplyDeleteYour pieces came out lovely and I really like the splash of green silk :)
ReplyDeleteI love all you have cooked up with your soup. Nice job with the design.
ReplyDeleteThe rake pendant is wonderful..and I love it paired with the black and copper.. and the rich red ...fabulous combo. The sweet little yellow bead
ReplyDeletenecklace is Oh! so cute with a dash of ribbon.
Lovely raku necklace - all of the details are wonderful! Your "grape" necklace is really sweet!!
ReplyDeleteI love what you did to the leaf!
ReplyDeleteGreat job.
That leaf is amazing - I actually thought it was real! Haha! Great necklaces you've made
ReplyDeleteWow, that leaf is raku? It is really beautiful. And I love the pal green grape-ish necklace :D
ReplyDelete*pale, not pal :)
ReplyDeleteOk, you rock. That necklace is so totally perfect! I love it, so earthy! And the asymmetry is sweet fabulousness. And the cute little green necklace? Love!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I went to college a dozen (ish) years ago, too ;-) Your pieces are really cool!
ReplyDeleteI love what you did with the raku leaf. That little piece of green band really solved the yellow issue. Well thought!
ReplyDeleteAmbra
Love the rustic raku leaf necklace. Soup-er cool designs! And those lava beads add the right texture to compliment the other elements.
ReplyDeleteAnd I would love to tell everyone who asks where did you get that greenish grape necklace...and then I could tell them the story of how I won it from Gretchen.(smile)
Love what you made with the raku leaf. The necklace is sooooo cool.
ReplyDeleteThe raku leaf is really neat!! I'm glad I chose to comment, or I would have missed the giveaway!! Very, very tricky!!
ReplyDeleteI really love the raku leaf focal! and the necklace you made with it!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous pieces, and yes, I would LOVE that necklace! That leaf is amazing, and you've done a marvellous simple job with both of them.
ReplyDeletethis leaf necklace is SO beautiful! when i saw it, i could hear the leaves crunching under my feet as i walked through the woods in fall. my yard has several leaves on the ground that look just like this one :-) i would wear this every single day. peaceful and earthy and perfect.
ReplyDeletelove the simplicity of the green and yellow necklace too :-)
I do so love the necklace with the leaf focal. Everything about it is so lovely and simple and well resolved. I would wear that everyday! Lovely soup to work with, but you MADE it....
ReplyDeleteThe raku leaf is so beautiful. A very lovely finished piece.
ReplyDeleteBoth necklaces are beautiful, but the raku leaf necklace is my favorite. Lovely Fall accessory!
ReplyDeleteLove the raku leaf necklace, wonderful colors and design. I am amazed at the simple little yellow grape thing. Looks great the way you dressed it up!!
ReplyDelete