Bead Soup Blog Party - what I recieved and what I sent

My Bead Soup Blog Party Partner is Anita Creazioni. I already wrote about her here. Now we have recieved each others soups, so I thought I'd show you what we sent to each other.

For Anita I wanted to create a soup with a rustic and whimsical feeling. Simply because I thought that is basically the only style I haven't seen from her so far (Anita is very skilled at whatever she does craft wise it seems). I believe that must have been kind of Lori's intention when she matched us. And she did it well, coz that is what a lot of my stash consists of. Rustic and whimsical.

I started the soup with two artisan components. The Barn Owl in polymer clay from Heather Powers of HumbleBeads and the Green Color Drenched Clasp from Shannon LeVart of MissFickleMedia.

Those of you who know me well have noticed that I keep mentioning these two bead artists over and over again here on my blog. In fact I just yesterday decided I shall write a post on its own about my love for their beads and components, and how important they have grown to be for my jewellery making. Expect it to turn up within the nearest two weeks or so.

Then I added green rustic glass beads matching the clasp in colour, and wooden beads, three bigger worn ones and a few smaller darker heishi shaped ones. Two Ocean Jasper irregular beads matching the owl in colour. A few greyish peacock coin shaped pearls. Components in Brass, a chain, some square profiled wire, etched jumprings, ear hooks from Vintaj, and some more things. Mr Owl also might need some softness, for a possibility to make it all cosy for himself. So I added a few strands "messy" fibers/yarns. And finally I put in two feathers from a pheasant.

From Anitas soup to me I first noticed the handfelted podlike beads/links. She made them herself especially for me. Wow! I love them! I have never worked with felted beads before.

But hey, then look at this large carved leaf in MOP. I can't belive how pefect it is. So utterly well made, carved from a really thick and beautiful piece of shell. Anita also added some more MOP beads, a bag each of the orange and yellowy seed beads she used on the big felted bead, and a golden toggle clasp.

And just look at that postcard of an Italian cat strolling casually on a street in Rome. Adds a perfect Italian atmosphere to the whole group of beads.

I think Anita has managed to give me a good and tempting challenge with her soup. I still don't have a clear vision of what I will make from her ingridients, I believe I will allow my ideas to simmer for a few more days before I make up my mind.

All my best,

and

Ciao for now,

Malin