Summer Elements Blog Hop

This is my entry for Toltec Jewels Summer Elements Blog Hop.

My inspiration for this bracelet was water, as a water sign (Pisces) I have always loved being close to the water.  In the summer I like to go out in the boat or just relax on a float soaking up the sun.

Check out everyone else's inspiration below...

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/

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 Jewelry is in Bead Chat Magazine!

The June issue of Bead Chat Magazine has published a few of my jewelry pieces!  

Back in April I found out about Artisan Whimseys (AW) 5x5 Test Group. This group is comprised of 5 AW artists who test 5 identical samples from the host for that month. The host for the June issue was going to be Elaine Ray, a sweet and talented ceramic artist.  I was chosen as one of the testers and Elaine sent me the following components:

Elaine Ray Components for June Bead Chat Magazine 5x5 Test Group

My job was to play with these components, comment on them and create with them...FUN!!

I started with the leaf headpins, these earrings came to me pretty easily, I love headpins and I LOVE how these came out!!

Elaine Ray Leaf Headpin Earrings June 5x5 Beat Chat Magazine

Next was the square component.  I think it looks like a pendant and would make a great one.  I also saw it as a bracelet focal and I really wanted a wide flat piece of leather to go through those wire ends.  I asked the hubs if he had any leather and he offered me an old leather glove!  

So, I cut out a strip and wired it in place...voila!

Elaine Ray Component bracelet

Next up was the dark blue dangle.  All the loops had me stumped.  I thought about dangling chain or connecting strips of macrame between the loops but nothing seemed to come out the way I saw it in my head.  I did end up trying a section of wire macrame inspired by Lesley Watt (see it at the top on either side of the glass art bead)!!  Here's what I made:

The last piece had me completely stumped!  My mind kept going to a "Stop Light" which didn't help.  Once I changed my perspective and opened my mind a bit I thought of a planter box or trellis.  I made this one into a magnet.

Here's a picture with all of the jewelry pieces I made together

This experience has been so much fun!  I loved "meeting" Elaine Ray and working with her components.  You really need to check out Bead Chat Magazine  now, you can see what the other 4 testers did with these same pieces!  

The whole magazine is full of gorgeous Eye Candy and some seriously talented people.  I am so happy I got picked for this challenge!