Early July Morning, Cocoa Beach, Florida

Friday, October 25, 2019

Time for Another Bead Swap

Yes, another one!

This time it was to be a bit different. Arlene Dean, at Bead Soup Cafe, paired everyone up, as all other swaps, but this time we were to document our progress...and one other thing...

We were to learn something new. We were to challenge our partner, in other words, help them learn something new.

I was paired up with Heather Canepa, who is a very talented seed beader. Yes, that's right a SEED beader. You know, those itty bitty, teeny tiny little beads?

When I first found out I was in panic mode. I've tried seed beading before, but my eyes and my hands, with all their issues, will NOT allow me to work with seed beading.

Now, don't get me wrong, I do use SOME seed beads, but not like Heather does. I'll be honest, I really don't know how she does it. It is just amazing.

So, any who....Heather and I contacted each other, and I learned that she too, was in a bit of panic mode. You see, she is LOVES seed beading, and just does not like working with anything but seed beads. 

hmmmm....so, what to do.

One other thing I forgot to mention, we were given color palettes to choose from to use to pick out what we send our partner. After talking to Heather, I decided to send this color combo.


Aren't these gorgeous colors!? So, here is what I sent...


Since she likes seed beads, I decided to send her some in the color palette


Remember I said I don't work with seed beads much? Well, I have used them in making things like this, so I decided to send her this link. 


I then went through my stash of charms and sent her a sampling. 

So, here is where the challenge came in. I love to work with seashell fragments, and I also love to work with recycling old guitar strings into pretty things...including jewelry, ornaments and keychains. I sent Heather some old guitar strings, wire and a seashell fragment that I wired up for her. I'm hoping she does something with them and her seed beads.






I threw this ribbon cording in. Figured she might like to use it for a necklace or something. 


Then one last thing...I wanted to sent her a little gift. I make adjustable bracelets, and decided to try to make one with little beads. I didn't use the itty bitty beads Heather uses, I used E-beads...the are just a little bit bigger. This is the first time I tried it, and I really like how it came out. I hope Heather likes it. 




I had fun putting everything together for Heather. I'll tell you about the beauties she sent me in my next blog. 

Stay tuned.....