TANGLED BEADS

I finally finished the necklaces using my tangled beads. They work well as pendants because they will take less abuse than a bracelet would. The beads are sealed with acrylic sealer, they'll tolerate raindrops but not a swim. Why am I telling you this? I want to give them away.

February 10 will be the two year anniversary for my blog. To celebrate, I want to give away a necklace to two readers. Just leave a comment saying you would like to win one and you'll be entered into the draw Feb. 10. If leaving a comment frustrates you, just email me saying you'd like one.

Thank you for spending time on my blog. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy doing it.

Have a fantastic and creative day!

CARE TO TANGLE?

A few years ago, I came across Zentangle. It is a registered trademark (can't do the symbol thingy) and you can learn more about it here.  At the time, it got my attention but I wasn't ready to jump in. Fast forward to now and you could say I'm in up to my neck. The scan shows my first sampler. There are literally hundreds of 'tangle' designs to play with.

What do you do with this? How about jewelry- I have beads drying and will be back with a finished product soon. I have items ready to be decoupaged.  I also have ATC's ready to trade.

Aside from having a beautiful, totally handmade designer paper to use, I get the added benefit that comes from doing the tangles- it's very calming. I like that it's very portable too.

If you have a look at the link I mentioned, and think you may want to try, check out their blog as well. They show lots of uses for this too. Use Google as well and you will have lots to try.

Thanks for looking and have a wonderful day!

BEAD FACELIFT

I've had these gold and silver filigree beads for some time now. I've used a few here and there, but always wondered what else I could do with them. I read about a jewelry artist enameling her wire beads and I thought I could try faux enameling with embossing powder. I love the results! The photo shows the gold and silver beads before 'enameling' and after. The turquoise beads were done with Versamark ink and turquoise embossing powder. The plum beads were done with plum pigment ink and clear embossing powder. A hint of the gold and silver show through the filigree.

I love them!

They still sit in the little bowl waiting to be turned into jewelry.

If you try this, keep in mind that the embossing coating can flake off so they're better for necklaces than bracelets. I'm thinking of applying a coat of Crystal Effects for added strength. I'll do that later today and follow up here.

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!

10 tips for the New Year

1. Start the new year off right by putting away all of the Christmas stuff strewn about in the haste to get your cards, gifts and last minute tags done. Make a goal to put away the previous project before you start in on the next one. If the first project isn't fully completed, put it and everything you need for it in a basket or large ziploc bag, and it will all be together when you do go to complete it.

Lyssa has graciously allowed me to post her great tips here. I copied the first one for you and the rest are here.
Check out her website while you're there- you won't be sorry.

I hope you enjoy this little 'share' today. Feel free to share any New Years' insight websites that caught your eye in the comments.

Thank you for coming by!