Bead Hoarders Blog Hop!

Sorry but I've failed big time on this! Lots of stuff happening in my life right now and I haven't found the time to dig through my hoard of beads to make something. New job;  out of town visitors and deciding to move in a couple of months has defeated me! I will hop and enjoy everybody's creations but I have nothing new to share! Sorry Lori! I had good intentions but life got in the way!

It's here!!! Reveal day for My Country............Of Thee I Bead!!!!!

Welcome to reveal day! I had a thought (at least one a day is good for you!) about creating a Blog Hop /Challenge where people would design and make a piece (or pieces) of jewelry that reflected the country where they live (or were born in).  ( I know that's too many parentheses but it's how I think)!
I decided to plan it around Canada Day which is July 1 and July 4th , Independence Day in the U.S.A.. The response I've had has been phenomenal considering it's my first time attempting this and my blog is still a baby!!!
I hope you have fun hopping and seeing what everyone has created! The list is below.
I have had several fabulous ideas about pieces to create but so far none of them have worked out in reality.  It's been a fun exercise thinking about my fabulous country and what objects symbolize it for me. There are many things that are distinctly Canadian and you may not be aware of them so I will share a few here.

Canadian cuisine! What's that you say? Here is a great post on the subject from a blog I enjoy. Several foods have originated in Canada but the one that stands out and is quite trendy at the moment is Poutine! This is a high fat, high caloric, high cholesterol  French Canadian treat which combines french fries, cheese curds and gravy!

 Delicious and featured on many menus in Toronto which has fabulous eateries. I have heard it's becoming popular in NYC and Chicago! So keep your eyes open for a taste of Canada coming your way in the future. For this challenge I wanted to make a poutine brooch using polymer clay but it turned out to be too big of a challenge for me . I've  only just started experimenting with Polymer clay and have found the learning curve quite steep! I made some Canuck food jewelry but I'm not quite finished so I will post them later in the day.( poor showing for the host, eh?)

This picture shows my failed clay cane which was supposed to become a beautiful white trillium which is the official flower for my province of Ontario. As you can see I have a long way to go before I can make jewelry from polymer clay canes!!!

Hockey used to be a Canadian sport but it has expanded south of the 49th parallel and has become an international sport. I still like to think of it as Canadian. Lacrosse was originally a native Canadian sport that  was adopted and adapted by Canadian arenas to make use of the rinks during off season for hockey. Similar to hockey but played in summer with netted sticks ,rubber balls and hunky men running  in shorts!!! Pretty exciting game too! Of course having a boyfriend in high school who was a lacrosse star added to my excitement. I spent many hot, sultry  summer evenings watching the boys attack the little black ball and each other. Have I mentioned it's a more violent game than hockey?
I attempted to make a lacrosse stick brooch but got stumped with the netting!

The more I have reflected on what makes Canada Canadian ,the more ideas I discover. The only difficulty has been translating these ideas into jewelry. Even though I created this blog hop I'm afraid I haven't met the challenge very well. I am looking forward to seeing what everyone else has created for their countries.
I'm still struggling with the concept of a Bieber Bangle!!!!! In a certain age group all over the world he is our most famous Canadian!

Here are this years participants with their Blog and their country of inspiration.

the country in brackets is where they now live.

Nan Smith (host): wirednan.blogspot.ca Canada

Dini Bruinsma: http://angazabychanges.blogspot.ca The Netherlands

Stephanie Weiss : http://uniquelymebwd.blogspot.com  USA

Ana Cravidao (ACBeads) :http://acbeads.blogspot.com. Portugal

Liz E :beadcontagion@blogspot.com.   USA

Vera: veradesigns.blogspot.com   Germany (USA)

Andra : http://bijouxdemonange.blogspot.com   Romania

Delilah: http://mssdelilah.wordpress.com             Romania

Jessica Murray:  http://whimsicalweavings.blogspot.com USA 

Mischelle: http://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com           

Rebecca : http://www.godsartistinresidence.blogspot.ca/       France (USA)

LiliKrist: http://pcbylik.blogspot.com                            Indonesia

N Vakentine Studio :  www.nvalentine.blogspot.com  Canada

Karin: maverickbeads.blogspot.ca                                Calgary, Canada

Diah Anggreni : http://pernik-manik.blogspot.com         Indonesia

Karen : www.overthemoon-design.com                                 Australia

Cath Thomas : http://samohtac.blogspot.ca                    Switzerland

Asri Wahyuningsih : http://asribeadwork.blogspot.com     USA

Crysalis Jewelry Design                                              Denmark ( Canada)

Jasvanti Patel: www.jewelrybyjasvanti.blogspot.com         USA

Lola: http://beadlolabead.blogspot.ca              USA

Beccy Peterson           Sweden (USA)

Paula Hisel : www.simplybeadiful.weebly.com    USA

Inge von Roos: ingetraud.wordpress.com                Germany

Laurie Vyselaar: Lefthandjewelry.wordpress.com.     USA

Toltec Jewels: http://www.jewelschoolfriends.com    USA

Anindita Basu: www.alankarshilpa.blogspot.com  USA

Please check out their blogs to read their stories  and enjoy their creations.

Have fun! 

Nan from Canada.....Happy Canada Day to my fellow Canucks!

Elements of Summer!!

 Toltec Jewels has  issued this challenge/ blog hop for us to express our interpretation of Summer Elements. It has been a revealing exercise for me and since I've been thinking so much about Canada these days in preparation for my own upcoming Blog Hop I decided to talk about what summer is like here in:

  CANADA, THE GREAT WHITE NORTH

"We get summer here too, and it is so beautiful!"

 For me ,summer officially begins with blooming of the Sakura cherry blossoms in High Park across from my apartment  in Toronto and continues with the stunning views of the gradual greening of the city and always magnificent rainbows visible from my apartment overlooking the park and Lake Ontario! I can count all the sailboats taking advantage of Toronto's beautiful waterfront,sometimes there's over 100! Of course Nelson loves the sun, the breeze and the view of our pool!

One of my favorite traditions of summer is going to see the Toronto Blue Jays, our "Boys of Summer" at the stunning Roger's Centre (which I still call the Skydome) at the foot of the world famous CN Tower. My son and I share a love of baseball.
It's especially fun on sunny days with the dome open.We has a great day in June.

As wonderful as summer is in Toronto I am looking forward to cottage country in August. I have the privilege of spending a week every summer at a little piece of heaven in the Rideau Lakes region of Ontario. Two of my oldest friends, Sandie and Pat, have included my BFF, Tish , and me in their celebration of summer at their rustic family cottage and we always have a fabulous time. Summer is not complete until we make the road trip to Sand Lake!
Beautiful lights , sounds and views are the summer elements evocative of this sublime experience! I don't have a lot of my own pictures of cottage time because I'm usually too blissed out to bother taking pictures. I've Googled several images all of which represent summer at the lake for me.I hope you enjoy my summer elements and learn a bit about Summer in Canada!

Loons! Beautiful with a haunting song that echoes over the lake  and instantly relaxes me!

Mojitos on the deck! They also help with relaxation!

Northern Lights

Not our deck but the view is identical!

Our view!

The Canadian Shield

Thank you Rita for this wonderful start to Summer 2013!

The Summer Elements Blog Hop Participants:

Toltec Jewels (Hostess)     http://www.jewelschoolfriends.com/

Marlene Cupo                   http://amazingdesigns-marlene.blogspot.com/

Cheri Reed                        http://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com/

Ailsa Cordner                    http://www.bramalfiebeadsetc.co.uk/

Robin Reed                       http://willowdragon.blogspot.com/

Nan Smith                         http://www.wirednan.blogspot.com/

Sherri Stokey                     http://www.knotjustmacrame.com/

Christie (Charis Designs)    http://charisdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com/

Carolyn Lawson                 http://carolynscreationswa.blogspot.com/

Susie Harris                        http://jewelleryjunkie.blogspot.com/

Andrea Glick-Zenith           http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/

Nelly May                          http://smellynelly.blogspot.com/

Melissa Trudinger               http://beadrecipes.wordpress.com/

Dini Bruinsma                     http://angazabychanges.blogspot.com/

Kathy Lindemer                 http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/

Cory Tompkins                  http://tealwaterdesigns.blogspot.com/

Robin Reed                       http://willowdragon.blogspot.com/

Gina Hockett                     http://freestyleelements.blogspot.com/

Karen Martinez                 http://www.fairiesmarket.blogspot.com/

Liz                                    http://beadcontagion.blogspot.com/

Jasvanti Patel                     http://jewelrybyjasvanti.blogspot.com/

Solange Collin                    http://www.blog.ahowinjewelry.com/

Gerda                                http://gerdascraftsblog.blogspot.com/

Karla Morgan                    http://texaspepperjams.blogspot.com/

Anindita Basu                     http://alankarshilpa.blogspot.com/

Alicia Marinache                http://www.allprettythings.ca/

Andrea Trank                    http://heavenlanecreations.com/

Dyanne Everett-Cantrell     http://deelitefuljewelrycreations.blogspot.com/

Mischelle Fanucchi             http://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com/

Tanty Sri Hartanti               http://tjewellicious.blogspot.com/

Shaiha Williams                  http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com/

Mary Govaars                    http://mlhjewelrydesigns.com/

Becca Sirevaag                  http://godsartistinresidence.blogspot.com/

Lennis Carrier                    http://windbent.wordpress.com/

Regina Wood                     http://www.gina-design.blogspot.com/

Sue Kennedy                     http://suebeads.blogspot.com/

Kathleen Breeding             https://www.facebook.com/99BOBOTW

My Country!!!!!

I've been thrilled by the response to my invitation to participate in my Blog Challenge/Blog Hop!
The idea I came up with is to make jewelry that reflects or symbolizes the country of your home or that of your ancestors.  I hope all the participants will tell a story about their country and what has inspired them in this challenge,It's so exciting to have participants from all over the world.
The reveal will be on June 29th which is just prior to Canada Day (July 1) and the USA Independence Day (July 4). The response has been wonderful.  Below is the list of all the wonderful folk who have decided to be part of my inaugural Blog Hop! Check back on June 29th to see what everybody has created!

Thanks  and Hugs to  the incredibly generous Dini Bruisma of Angaza By Changes for designing the badge! It's perfect Dini!

I'm new to the blogosphere having just started blogging for Lori Anderson's 7th Bead Soup Blog Party which was an incredible event with more than 500 participants from around the world creating jewelry made from bead soup sent to them from another jewelry designer. What a great introduction to the wonderful world of jewelry bloggers! I had so much fun and have met some wonderful people so this is my way of giving back!!!

I'm working on creating pieces of Canadiana to gift to randomly selected participants in my Blog Hop!

I can't wait to see all of the creations on June 29th!

Maybe next year I'll be organized enough to match participants up to send their creations to others in a great international exchange.

Here are this years participants with their Blog and their country of inspiration.

the country in brackets is where they now live.

Nan Smith (host): wirednan.blogspot.ca Canada

Dini Bruinsma: http://angazabychanges.blogspot.ca The Netherlands

Stephanie Weiss : http://uniquelymebwd.blogspot.com  USA

Ana Cravidao (ACBeads) :http://acbeads.blogspot.com. Portugal

Liz E :beadcontagion@blogspot.com.   USA

Vera: veradesigns.blogspot.com   Germany (USA)

Andra : http://bijouxdemonange.blogspot.com   Romania

Delilah: http://mssdelilah.wordpress.com             Romania

Jessica Murray:  http://whimsicalweavings.blogspot.com USA 

Mischelle: http://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com           

Rebecca : http://www.godsartistinresidence.blogspot.ca/       France (USA)

LiliKrist: http://pcbylik.blogspot.com                            Indonesia

N Vakentine Studio :  www.nvalentine.blogspot.com  Canada

Karin: maverickbeads.blogspot.ca                                Calgary, Canada

Diah Anggreni : http://pernik-manik.blogspot.com         Indonesia

Karen : www.overthemoon-design.com                                 Australia

Cath Thomas : http://samohtac.blogspot.ca                    Switzerland

Asri Wahyuningsih : http://asribeadwork.blogspot.com     USA

Crysalis Jewelry Design                                              Denmark ( Canada)

Jasvanti Patel: www.jewelrybyjasvanti.blogspot.com         USA

Lola: http://beadlolabead.blogspot.ca              USA

Beccy Peterson           Sweden (USA)

Paula Hisel : www.simplybeadiful.weebly.com    USA

Inge von Roos: ingetraud.wordpress.com                Germany

Laurie Vyselaar: Lefthandjewelry.wordpress.com.     USA

Toltec Jewels: http://www.jewelschoolfriends.com    USA

Anindita Basu: www.alankarshilpa.blogspot.com  USA

Please check back on June 29th to see what everybody creates and read their stories!!!

I, for one, can't wait!

My Country.....Of Thee I Bead May 31st deadline for sign up

Thank you to all the talented jewelry designers who have already signed up for the Blog hop/challenge on June 29th. It is going to be so much fun to see what everyone comes up with.Please remember to include your email/ blog address when you comment. I'll post all of the participants next weekend.You can use any country you have a connection with or feel inspired by to create jewelry for this challenge. There will be some bits of Canadiana  prizes!!!
Thank you so much , Dini Bruinsma  of Angaza by Changes for helping out and creating the fabulous badge for me. You can put in on your blog if you like.
Here's the Blog Hop Badge:

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGOiDK-KnxpZKAtaEKSQRtptVuvPA3bI05L7mzlY47xPo4Hk99IHEdoRsxjpWpXo9ofnomnf9GmdpPITzeQXQz_3JCsAXT0YTaZO4Pqxg8q5phyjtIrePKMgW_JBi9PC2pmiuFJ-3BtJL/s1600/Dini's+Badge+for+Country+Blog+2013.jpg

Have fun!!!!!!!

Reveal for Earring Blog Hop!

Thanks  are deserved by Jessica of Whimsical Monkey for coming up with this idea and organizing it for all of us. Unfortunately it seems there are people who were unhappy with the rules and took it out on her.  She certainly doesn't deserve grief for organizing this.  The rules were very clear from the beginning.This stuff is just supposed to  be fun ! Thanks again, Jessica!!!!!
These blog hops are great for our community and encourage everybody to reach out to other jewelry makers and share our enthusiasm for this art.
I was paired up with Leah Tees, a jewelry artist from northern Ontario, who does incredible work with seed beads including soutache ! I am in awe of her talent and style. It was a challenge to make something for her since our styles are completely different. I hope she likes the earrings I sent!

I love,love,love the earrings she made for me.

"Stella" by Leah Tees

They are gorgeous , lacy and elegant.....perfect for a little black dress! If I had one! I might have to get one! She used rizo and rulla beads, delicas and crystal drops!

Aren't they stunning? My photographs don't do them justice. They remind me of delicate squares of beautiful black lace with gorgeous pale purple crystals dangling from them. They suit me to a "T". 

Thanks Leah.... I will cherish them forever.

Now hop over to her blog to see what I made for her. and visit the other participants blogs and see what they made and swapped.

Inge von Roos: ingetraud.wordpress.com

Jessica Murray: http://whimsicalweavings.blogspot.com
Marianne Baxter: http://www.simplyseablimejewelry.blogspot.com/
Leah Tees: mybeadylittleeyes.blogspot.ca
Andrea Trank: www.heavenlanecreations.com
Miranda Ackerley: http://blog.mirandack.com/
Cheri Mitchell-Reed: http://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com/
Susan Kennedy: www.suebeads.blogspot.com
Michele Dotson: http://star-jewels.blogspot.com/
Deanna Cox: www.deannaaki.WordPress.com
Shelley Graham Turner: www.shelleygrahamturner.blogspot.com
Ingrid McCue: www.wrappedinsilver.com
Lennis Carrier: http://windbent.wordpress.com
Ginger Davis Allman: http://thebluebottletree.com/
Mary Anne Flesch: www.handcraftedserenity.blogspot.com
Nicole Valentine Rimmer: www.nvalentine.blogspot.com
Stephanie Weiss: uniquelymebwd.blogspot.com/
Silvia Sernicola: http://pipa-the-latest.blogspot.it/
Karla Morgan: www.TexasPepperJams.blogspot.com
Kay Thomerson: http://KayzKreationz.blogspot.com
Paula Hisel: http://simplybeadiful.weebly.com/simply-stated.html
Carol Dillman: http://dillmansdallies.blogspot.com/
Spun Sugar Beadworks: Spunsugarbeadworks.blogspot.com
Tara Plote: http://newbiebeader.blogspot.com/
Rachel Baron: http://rbarondesigns.blogspot.com/
Laurie Keefe: http://treeofliferootedinmysoul.blogspot.com/
Kashmira Patel: http://sadafulee.blogspot.com
Gina Hockett: http://www.freestyleelements.blogspot.com
Shellie Grindy: http://www.creativeeclectica.com/
Shai Williams: http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com/
Dyanne Cantrell: http://deelitefuljewelrycreations.blogspot.com
Mimi Gardner: www.OtherCuriosities.blogspot.com
Jessica McMullen: http://pheonixgatedesigns.blogspot.com/
Jennifer LaVite: www.drygulchbeadsandjewelry.blogspot.com
Laura Medeiros: http://zoeowyn.blogspot.com/
Alenka Obid: www.pepita-handmade.blogspot.com
Elsie Fonseca: http://www.ladelizchica.blogspot.com/
Cheryl Dunham: www.renaissance-jewelry.blogspot.com
Sandra McGriff: http://skyescreativechaos.blogspot.ca
Tania Spivey: http://moobiegrace.blogspot.com/
Mowse Doyle:  http://mowsemadethis.blogspot.com

Facebook:
Beccy Peterson: Beccy's Baubles
Mischelle Fanucchi: www.facebook.com/micheladasmusings
Marde Lowe: FanciMar Designs

Thank  you for looking and for your comments if you feel so moved!!!