Teaser..

So, the bead soup blog party blog hop (what a mouthful!) (http://lorianderson-beadsoupblogparty.blogspot.com/)    is just days away, and I thought I'd post a little teaser on my progress and project. It has come together quite well, and I must say I'm very excited for the reveal. It's a slight deviation from my normal projects. I'm sticking to a few colors, rather than the full spectrum, and am trying to limit the intricacies within my project to move faster and complete on time :)

I've gone with a somewhat Southwestern theme, as inspired by the beautiful focal bead that my partner sent  me. I'm also exploring different shapes and combinations. It's turning out to be a very geometric piece.

I can't wait to see what the other participants have cooked up, and I hope you will come back and blog hop with me to witness firsthand the amazingness!

BEAD SWAG!!!! They're HERE!

YIPEE!!! I recently recieved my beads from my bead soup blog party partner, Brandy Thomason McNair of Bella Vita Jewelry and they are gorgeous! (see her amazing work here: bellavitajewelry.net and bellavitajewelry.blogspot.com)

I'm very inspired by the color scheme she chose and the amazing focals that she included. I've got plenty of ideas brewing in my mind, and I can't wait to share with you all the finished piece!

The whole idea of the bead soup blog party is to get you out of your comfort zone and working with colors, beads or materials that you may not be used to, prompting you to think outside of your normal parameters. I'm so glad that I am a part of this project because I was instantly inspired and found what I think is the perfect composition for my beads. I'm also challenging myself by sticking to a few colors and maintaing the scheme that my partner sent me. It's definitely a new way of working for me, but so far, I love the results! Now, if I can only get Brian (my boyfriend) to let me bead rather than rubbing his feet, i'll be in great shape!

And now, without further ado....the SWAG!!