Finally, My Bead Soup is Ready!!

I am a Bead Soup Virgin so this has been very exciting!

  I am so used to being inspired by the beads and components I create or purchase that in a very fun way it was challenging to get the soup from my partner Emanda and start there.  I was inspired by the fish pendant Emanda sent to create with an ocean theme in mind, something I love already.

I twisted up the yarn ribbon she sent and added oodles of randomly strung blue/green/purple seed beads. I wrapped them with two strands of purple seed beads and 

tiny fresh water pearls I had to hold the twist in place.  

This took several attempts and wiring one strand to hold it all together  

but finally I had a water feature in the necklace.  

I had to remove a tassel from the fish pendant and add the big knot of yarn and bead ends to it 

so I covered those messy ends with glue and made beaded beads over them. 

The next part should have been easy but like Goldylocks and her porridge dilema I redid it 3 times.  

I wanted to use all the beautiful amethyst, cloisonne and dark blue stone beads Emanda sent me 

BUT the first try was too long. 

So I shortened it. 

AND .. the second try I didn't like my bead order! 

So I took it out again, 

 at last the third try with the beads rearranged 

 It was finally just right!

Emanda also had included three lovely little lamp work beads so I purchased my first sterling silver wire and made the loop part of her link longer using one of them, attached her pretty hook and then wired another one to the fish pendant.  

I wanted to challenge myself to create another asymmetrical design and so here it all is. 

Emanda was generous so I still have leftover beads. 

I was able to make a bracelet to match with some of them and the third lamp work bead.  

I made my own clasp (!!) the wavy one from more of the sterling silver wire!

And a little set of dangle earrings that match the wrap on the necklace with fresh water pearls. 

                                            

This has been a blast to blog hop and see so many wonderful designs. 
Thank you again to Emanda for the lovely ingredients.  
If you haven't already be sure to see her creations made from my Alamo inspired beads. 
(Just a click away - click her name)  

Truly the most inspiring thing I have participated in online. 

A HUGE thank you to Lori of Pretty Things for getting us all organized, partnered up and inspired!!! 

Be Sure to visit the rest of Today's Cooks!! 

72. Cindy, Cindy Dolezal Designs

73. Valerie, Hot Art

74. Courtney, Beads by Breul

75. Johanna, Fire Phoenix Creations

76. Shea, gr8findings

77. Julie, Pryce Designs

78. Jeannie, Jeannie's Blog

79. Patricia, Verre Design

80. Christa, Adventures of One Beady Woman

81. Heather, My Muse   you are here

82. Susan, Night Beader at Large

83. Sonja, Drachenei

84. Jennifer, Glass Addictions by Jennifer