What I have cooked up will need to stretch across both shows. (I promise I will hold some really good pieces back just for those of you planning to come to Cottonwood.)   I’ve made lots of earrings, and double the amount of bubble necklaces with my new popular wire ” Scribbles.”  Here’s a peek.

We are having another one, and Lori Anderson is the hostess, again. She’s an inspiring jewelry designer, and a very sharing, caring lady. I’ve only met her online (would love to meet her in “real” life) but I know how much she gives. Organizing the swap of hundreds (yes, this time around it’s over 200) of participants and their beads is a big task. She’s coached us along the way, and the back scenes process is in full swing.

My partner is Christine Damm. She sent me a wonderful assorment of beads (the polymer ones she made). Aren’t they spectacular? The patina elements are from Shannon Le Vart. Then there’s amazonite chips and beautiful smooth agate rectangles. Deep orange maple leaf agate. Oh, I am goin to have such fun coming up with a design. See the patinaed flower bead peeking through the top of the collage? That was a special surprise gift, just for me. How nice is that! I’ll keep you posted on how my creation is coming.  The big reveal is February 26.

Beads Christine sent to me for the Bead Soup Party

 Here is a peek at what I sent Christine.  I included my glass flower beads, glass lentil beads, and my glass head pins. I found the focal at a flea market. What is it? I don’t know, but thought it was interesting. The lion and other creature I discoered at Antique Weekend here in Round Top–I think they are furniture pulls. The brown beads are freshwater pearls, and the others are copper or brass. I’m looking forward to seeing what Christine creates. A challenge like this is so inspiring, and ideas are stewing.

Beads that I sent to Christine

Now we are gearing up for Dallas City Arts which is just around a tiny corner and starts this Friday. I am happily at my bead board today,  making even more new pieces. So those of you that didn’t get out in the SNOW the last time I was in Dallas, come on by and see us. We’ll be indoors at Fair Park, with lots of new goodies. 

I’ve given up on Paypal for a lot of reasons, so have set  up my web site with "e-mail me if you are interested" links instead of "Buy Now" buttons. So for today’s sneak preview, follow this link to see most of what I have been making.  Maybe you recognize some of the beads shown in the previous post. Check it out. And just to repeat myself, e-mail me now if you want to buy something  that is posted, ’cause with three shows in a row, these pretty babies will go F-A-S-T. Lots of really new ideas from me, such as the wire beads I’ve been making out of copper and steel. Fun stuff, fall colors – Wearable Art | Born in Fire.

Later ……

In another few days we’ll be at the Ruidoso Art Festival. I so look forward to it – a lovely group of people from the Chamber of Commerce host the show, it’s packed with quality art made by good artists,  it’s held inside a lovely facility, and, ahhh, it will undoubtedly be cooler than Texas.

Here’s a sneak preview of three of my latest, to tickle your fancy before their unveiling in New Mexico.

I’m off and running to  set up the booth, and complete all those other last minute "to dos" before tomorrow.

Bubbles in black and white with lava stones:  $385

This necklace is a standout, and even though the lava is heavier than my bubble beads, it is surprisingly comfortable.

Bubbles and Black: $315. One of my now classic bubble necklaces with some new fun back and white decorations on the beads. Strung on black stainless steel cable, and is about 18" long. Fun!

Spring Flowers, Leaves and Bubbles: $465

Does the picture say it all? A stunner. Can you see yourself wearing this one to a party with some salsa sounds?

Tidepool: $145

The picture doesn’t do this pendant justice. Jim has one again made a graceful silver drop to showcase a sea green bead I made with some sea urchin type murrini. Lovely colors that will wow you when you see this, and it hangs so from a silver neckwire.

Spring Wrapper with Pearls: $395

A long (about 40 inches) necklace that can be worn as it, or wrap it for a double mid length effect. Full of hollows, leaves and assorted shaped beads in luscious summer colors.

Summer Fun Bracelet: $115

Lots of new earrings, in prices from $35 to $55. Too many new pieces to post. This sneak preview just the top of the haystack. Come on out for a day in the country at the Fayetteville Art Walk!

And I can get on with making more jewelry for our upcoming show in Fayetteville. The Art Walk will be Saturday and Sunday, May 2nd and 3rd. Come on over if you are within driving distance. It promises to be a lovely show on the square under big spreading oaks, with lots of nice artwork (including mine).

Here’s a sneak preview: