PJ Clark Designs

Andrew Thornton's Giveaway

2010-09-10T11:19:00.002-04:00

For a chance to win Margot Potter's book go to Andrew's blog for all the details!

Designs from...The Beadin' Path beads #5

2010-09-06T08:32:00.007-04:00

'End of Summer'

Bracelet

Green and gold glass floral button...

Green Czech glass cubes...

Little gold rounds...

An extraordinary reproduction glass button used as a focal makes a simply constructed bracelet, elegant. This dragonfly button, Czech glass Vitrail Light w/gold... gorgeous! Or how about this Czech glass Crystal w/black Adorned Square button?

Choose from a rainbow of glass beads.

Add some bling with precious metal gold beads or select from a unique variety of metal beads.

There ya' have it, your own personal 'End of Summer' bracelet!

The Beadin' Path

Jewelry Designs to Inspire!

Disclaimer: These products have been provided by The Beadin' Path as promotional gifts for reviewing purposes only. I have not been paid or otherwise compensated.

Creative Spark Friday

2010-09-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

**CREATIVE SPARK ONE**
•Artistic Theme•
The Flowers of Summer
----------------------------------
**CREATIVE SPARK TWO**
•Theme Words Poem or Phrase•
When a gauzy purple butterfly, softly tilts a golden flower...
it's cool wings ease the summer flame as laughter sooths a troubled hour.-
Courtney E. Cottam
----------------------------------
**Creative SPARK THREE**
•Theme Color Palette•

The days seem to go by so quickly, and here it is, Creative Spark Friday already!
I loved this week's creative spark! All the elements came together so easily.

A strand of mixed jade is combined with some wire-wrapped
gold and purple glass rondelles,
a purple fluorite bead and a cranberry glass bead.
The metal is antiqued brass.

The necklace is not as dark as photographed.
The close-up below shows the color more accurately.

I finished the necklace with a vintage button and a gold bow of seam binding.

See all the other creations on Becky's blog and find all the info here to create your own spark!

Thanks, Becky!

Local ArtFest

2010-08-30T08:00:00.000-04:00

Downtown Bloomburg- officially the only town in Pennsylvania, recently held an ArtFest. Potters, jewelry designers, graphic and fiber artists and a children's book author were among the many fabulous and talented artists in attendance.

A fun, floral heart-shaped stoneware pendant.

A few neat ceramic buttons.
I love the potter's fingerprints in the pink buttons!

A very contemporary pendant.

Maria Grimes Winner's Choice Giveaway!

2010-08-26T09:08:00.003-04:00

Maria is celebrating 8 years of making lampwork beads and is having a winner's choice giveaway! If you're the winner tell Maria just one word and she'll make you a set of 5-beads. If you've never seen Maria's beads, you're in for a treat... they are fabulous!! Maria's blog!

Designs from... The Beadin' Path beads #4

2010-08-24T09:00:00.000-04:00

Summer Dragonfly Necklace

Green vintage lucite beads from The Beadin' Path.

... and turquoise

... and pink

...and brown

Vintage lucite beads from The Beadin' Path are fun and colorful!
Combine them with gemstones, artisan beads, ribbon or any type of metal.

Disclaimer: These products have been provided by The Beadin' Path as promotional gifts for reviewing purposes only. I have not been paid or otherwise compensated.

Creative Spark Friday

2010-08-20T05:47:00.007-04:00

THE WEEK'S (8/13-8/20) SPARKS ARE-
**CREATIVE SPARK ONE**
•Artistic Theme•
Maiden of the Sea
----------------------------------
**CREATIVE SPARK TWO**
•Theme Words or Phrase•
Sea Voyage, Ship Wrecked, Fairy Tail, Mist, Mermaid
----------------------------------
**Creative SPARK THREE**
•Theme Color Palette•

Sunset Floral Bracelet

Ocean japser floral, moukaite, and carnelian.

Be sure to check out all the other sparks at Becky's blog,
The Gritty Bird Journal.

See how you can create your own spark!

Becky's Creative Spark Fridays

2010-08-13T09:00:00.002-04:00

I'm so happy to be able to create a spark this week!!

The three sparks for this week are:

#1 Artistic theme- woodland

#2 Theme words or phrase- trees, birds, fly, clouds, moss, grass, twigs, mist

#3 photo and color palette

Woodsy Yellow Bird Necklace

To add a touch of brighter color, I chose to pull out the yellow from the photo even though it wasn't in the color palette. The clay leaf (actually a pin which I wired on) has a bit of yellow glaze and is made by a local artist, except I'm sorry to say I don't remember the name. The yellow polymer clay bird is crafted by Heather Powers, Humble Beads.

I strung some matching beads, ridged wood rondelles and a wooden button for a clasp. A simple spark.

See all the Creative Sparks at The Gritty Bird Journal. To have fun creating your own spark... go here!

Copper Loves Blue + two

2010-08-11T06:22:00.006-04:00

Copper Loves Blue

Late Autumn

Row of Hearts

... go to Ebay

Designs from... The Beadin' Path beads #3

2010-08-05T09:00:00.001-04:00

The next set of designs from the little package of beads from The Beadin' Path.

Triple strands + triple colors = a triple fun bracelet!

LOTS OF VINTAGE LUCITE!

An extra vintage lucite bead + a bunch of coordinating buttons =
a dapper dangler!

BEAUTIFUL BUTTONS!

A fabulous purple focal bead + a few simple elements =
a great summertime necklace!

VINTAGE LUCITE BAUBLES!

Disclaimer: These products have been provided by The Beadin' Path as promotional gifts for reviewing purposes only. I have not been paid or otherwise compensated.

Just added...

2010-08-03T23:09:00.004-04:00

Buttons & Colors... listed on Ebay

Havana Beads Giveaway

2010-07-30T06:40:00.004-04:00

Raida is having a giveaway for these gorgeous
neutral lampwork beads that she made.
Go check out her blog for all the details!

Andrew's Thursday Giveaway

2010-07-29T17:42:00.004-04:00

To celebrate the 4th anniversary of his blog, Andrew is giving away this wonderful stash! Go get all the details, because there are several ways to aquire extra entries.

Aside from his weekly Thursday giveaways, Andrew shares many things with his readers. I like the simple things that he shares about nature, scrumptious dinners, new family additions, and beautiful designs. He also shares his heart and soul, not an easy thing to do!

So... thanks Andrew, not only for your generous giveaways, but for sharing yourself!

Designs from... The Beadin' Path beads #2

2010-07-27T07:12:00.006-04:00

I'm having lots of fun with this neat little package from The Beadin' Path!

Feuilles Vertes Earrings

I attached these lovely green lucite leaves to the ear wires with a chain jump rings. They come in many shades of green... dark erinite, dark tourmaline and hunter, just to name a few. Their leaf beads come in every color, shape and size that you can imagine.

Feuilles Vertes Bracelet

Green vintage lucite beads galore... over 3 pages! There are some real beauties! Great assortment of Czech glass, too! I mixed them all together with gunmetal chain and a pewter leaf.

Get a free gift with every order from The Beadin' Path!

A Seahorse Request

2010-07-26T08:44:00.005-04:00

I'm looking for sources for unique seahorses made

from stoneware/porcelain, metal, polymer clay

or any other mediums... any suggestions?

Daylilies are...

2010-07-24T09:00:00.001-04:00

photo courtesy: Seth Monroe

...simple garden pleasures. What is your favorite perennial flower?

Designs from... The Beadin' Path beads

2010-07-20T21:38:00.006-04:00

A while ago I received a packet of beads from The Beadin' Path. These are the first two designs!

Party Pink

Two shades of pink Lucite and pink vintage glass are combined together with sterling silver and ruby jade teardrops. I added assorted black beads and chain for contrast.

Iridescence

For this necklace I strung together pinkish-lavender Lucite and some little lavender glass rounds with white iridescent pearls. For something a little different, I made a toggle clasp out of an earring hoop. Find lots of cool hoops and rings here!

The Beadin' Path has a large selection of vintage Lucite in lots of juicey colors!

Disclaimer: These products have been provided by The Beadin' Path as promotional gifts for reviewing purposes only. I have not been paid or otherwise compensated.

A little black box full of fun!

2010-07-15T08:15:00.017-04:00

And the little black box beheld...

Czech glass and Greek ceramic

Vintage lucite

Polymer clay

An assortment of copper chain, copper beads,

fossil stone, sunstone, ceramic disks

and more vintage lucite.

Lampwork

...all that and tons more.

A little shop that is jam-packed to the brim!

Friendly service!

Iowa Falls, Iowa

Do you love green?

2010-07-11T22:07:00.005-04:00

Green, green and more green! Jenn is celebrating having her designs published and has all the details on her blog. Congratulations!!

Valley Junction

2010-07-05T07:25:00.015-04:00

On my recent trip to Iowa, I wanted to check out some beads shops at Valley Junction in West Des Moines which is only about 6 miles from the airport in Des Moines. A quaint area with lots of unique and specialty shops, there were three... count'em, three beads shops within walking distance of each other!

Each one was unique in their offerings. Artistic beads had a great variety of Czech glass, seed beads and findings, Eyebeads had an outstanding amount of the most gorgeous gemstones you ever laid eyes on and Fishlips3 (don't ya' love that name?) had an eclectic mix cloisonne, cinnabar, gemstones and lampwork.

The choices were indeed difficult to make, so below is just a small sample of each shop.

Eyebeads

Fishlips3

Artistic Bead

Evidently I couldn't even wait until I had photos taken before started working on jewelry!

Be sure to set aside plenty of time in your schedule if you go beading in Valley Junction!

P.S. There's a great little restaurant that sells soup and sandwiches for lunch. I can't remember the name of it, but you'll know it because it looks like an old fashioned store inside.

Patti

Pretty Little Charm

2010-07-03T22:49:00.004-04:00

Head on over to Copper Diem for a chance to win this adorable little fine silver, lime green/yellow enamel charm!

Soon to be new designs...

2010-07-02T07:45:00.013-04:00

Colorful

Sweet

Cool

Delightful

As a design partner to The Beadin' Path, I received this fabulous mix of Vintage Lucite and Czech Glass. I've had it quietly tucked away in it's yellow mailing envelope awaiting the day when I could bring it to life as newly designed jewelry. Some ideas have formed, sketches have been drawn and now the fun begins.

The Beadin' Path has lots of other beads and components for designing fabulous jewelry such as artists beads, buttons, freshwater pearls, vintage components, seed beads and so much more! You'll love it all!!

Warm wishes,

Patti

Erin's having a give-a-way!

2010-07-01T14:40:00.005-04:00

Erin from Erin Siegel Jewelry is celebrating! She had a necklace published in the July issue of Bead Trends. Way to go Erin!! Check out her blog to get the details for a chance to win these sand dollar components.

Bead Soup Reveal!

2010-06-23T12:26:00.008-04:00

My bead soup day is here! Just a note- for some reason I found it difficult to photograph this necklace, so I hope you can tell how the colors correlate.

When I was first contemplating ideas from the great stuff that Stacy sent, I had planned on combining everything into one necklace to mix the metals and beads, but it actually looked like two separate pieces so that is what I went with.

For the necklace I added some more copper chain and when I made the bead dangles I added some swirls to go with the ever so cute tiny ones from Stacy, which dangle from the focal. I tied on a vintage olive button near the clasp which pulls in the olive from the Swarovski cubes.

For the bracelet I decided to combine the Bali silver, coral and chain. All I needed to add was some small coral rounds and a clasp. I think this would make a really great bracelet for summer or winter!

I'll soon be around to everyone's blog to see all the great jewelry... for now, though, I'm on my way to Amy's Creative Beads in Iowa Falls.

Patti

Artbeads Summertime Blogging Fun!

2010-06-22T18:01:00.014-04:00

Making jewelry + gardening = fun in the summertime! That's why I chose pendants featuring floral motifs for the Artbeads.com summertime blogging fun. I also chose Swarovski crystal glass pearls in coral and brown, wire-wrapped them alternately in copper and brown wire and linked them together with brass chain. I added a clasp that has the same shape as the focal.

I added some Swarovski crystal margarita's to add a bit of sparkle and made a pair of coordinating earrings.

For the second set I picked out a Lilly Pilly shell pendant appropriately named 'Blue Bouquet.' I strung two strands of vintage blue beads and added some leftover crystal pearls onto silver rectangle links. Using brown silk ribbon for a tie, makes this necklace light and airy. Great with demin and a white T!

Check out all the glass beads, pendants and charms at Artbeads.com to find really cool beads and components to make your summer jewelry...fun!

Disclaimer: These products have been provided by Artbeads.com as promotional gifts for reviewing purposes only. I have not been paid or otherwise compensated.

Ashley's jewelry party...

2010-06-21T13:18:00.011-04:00

I had a great time meeting Ashley's friends and neighbors!

Some tabletop displays.

New bracelets.

On my way here tomorrow...

2010-06-09T08:32:00.009-04:00

photo courtesy: University of Texas

Tomorrow at precisely 6:25 am (provided the plane leaves on time) I'm on my way to Ft. Dodge, IA to visit Ashley and Seth. I'll be flying into Des Moines and heading up from there. I haven't seen them since Christmas... thank goodness for telephones! We have lots of fun stuff planned, starting with a couple of bead shops and a trip to the mall. While I'm there, Ashley will be hosting a jewelry party for me.

I have my Bead Soup Blog Party jewelry finished and it's coming with me since I'll be blogging from Iowa the week of the reveal. I'm anxiously awaiting for my reveal day of the 23rd! I made two pieces- hope you like them Stacy and I'm looking forward to seeing what you have made.

I also have my Artbeads Summertime Blogging Fun jewelry made! I'll be posting about that ASAP!

Westward ho!

Patti

Andrew's give-a-way...

2010-06-04T05:10:00.003-04:00

Andrew's give-a-way this Thursday is absolutely wonderful! Five fine pewter pieces from his family's business Green Girl Studios. You'll really enjoy incorporating them into your jewelry. Excellent quality and craftsmanship goes into each piece! Also, while you're at Andrew's blog, check out the new additions to his family. They are adorable!!

Warm wishes,

Patti

Bead soup beads

2010-06-02T14:06:00.004-04:00

Stacy's photo

These are my bead soup ingredients from my partner, Stacy. They are so neat! I love dragonflies and copper, so the focal is perfect. I'm definitely going to have fun with this combination of goodies. I'll be picking them up at the post office within the next day or so...can't wait to get started.

See what I sent Stacy at her blog Sissy and Jack's. I went to our local bead shop Ellacinders and meandered around. I started with the clasp and found a Botswana focal that complimented it. Then I chose coordinating beads and metals.

The big reveal is coming soon!

Patti

These lonelies need a home...

2010-05-29T05:46:00.005-04:00

These lonelies are first class and gorgeous! Go to Beads by Laura and leave a comment.

Cindy & Jeanette's cool, new adventure!

2010-05-27T06:37:00.007-04:00

Presenting...

Cindy Wimmer and Jeanette Ryan

You'll want to check out their blogs for all the fabulous info!

Have a day full of sunshine!

Patti

Andrew's give-a-way...

2010-05-21T07:19:00.004-04:00

Andrew has a fabulous give-a-way every Thursday.

This lucite is lovely! He has two new adorable

little buddies and he makes beautiful jewelry!

Great giveaway from Andrew Thornton!

2010-05-16T06:05:00.008-04:00

Andrew is giving away these very pretty beads from Natural Touch.

Go leave a comment for a chance to win!

A thought...

2010-05-15T11:41:00.003-04:00

Measure of Success

When sunset falls upon your day

And fades from out the west,

When business cares are put away

And you lie down to rest,

The measure of the day's success

Or failure may be told

In terms of human happiness

And not in terms of gold.

Is there beside some hearth tonight

More joy because you wrought?

Does someone face the bitter fight

With courage you have taught?

Is something added to the store

Of human happiness?

If so, the day that now is o'er

Has been a real success.

___Selected

A greeting...

2010-05-09T07:33:00.003-04:00

Have a very Happy Mother's Day!

With warm wishes & smiles,

Patti

Can anyone help?!

2010-05-07T11:06:00.002-04:00

In reference to the below post...I can't get the image to stay!! Also, all the blogs that I am following show the same image with the question mark. Does anyone know how I can fix this problem?

Any help would be appreciated very much!!

Thanks,

Patti

Bead Soup Party Time!!

2010-05-06T07:47:00.012-04:00

Send your beads... May 18th

Party week starts... June 19th

The Bead Soup Party is such a blast!

Seeing everyone's creations is a ton of fun!!

You'll be glad you joined!!!

Go to the very talented Lori's Pretty Things Blog to join.

Barbara's Enamel Bead Give Away

2010-02-20T06:39:00.004-05:00

Really cool torch fired enamel beads from Barbara Lewis. She's created a whole new look for her business...pretty snazzy and eye catching! Go on over to Painting With Fire and see the 3 sets of beads Barbara is giving away...become a follower and post it on your blog!

Jen's Carnival Bead Give Away...

2010-02-17T09:23:00.004-05:00

A super generous give away from Jen Judd Rocks! Jen was inspired by the Art Bead Scene Carnival. Go check out details 'cause you only have until Sunday, February 20th! You won't want to miss this!

Have a great day!

Patti

Finished...I think!

2010-02-15T08:50:00.005-05:00

40% off sale

I think I have completed posting comments for the Bead Soup Party. My computer seems to have an ailment and for some reason there were 12 blogs where the page would start to load and then it would just quit...also, if I x'd off of a page too quickly, my computer would start to spasm and open a multitude of brower windows (!?). The only way to get it to stop would be to restart my computer. Talk about slow going... I think I have contacted everyone, but if I've missed you; please let me know. I did however, post comments on the Flickr group. I have no idea if these problems can be fixed and I figure some day it's just going to up and die. (You know, right when you're in the middle of something important!)

Extra special thanks to Lori Anderson for hosting this super fun event!! Check out her beautiful jewelry and new blog!

Change & Rearrange

2010-02-12T13:37:00.007-05:00

Some serious organization needed!

This mess sits on top of my filing cabinet. Assorted containers of stringing wire, chain, ribbon, wrapping wire, etc. I couldn't decide if I wanted see through containers, open containers, all the same size containers... you get the picture.

As much as I love the comfort of well-loved furry friends,
I decided they needed a new home (just else where in the house).

For organizing the mess in the top photo, I decided on these boxes that I found at Wal-Mart because...

...they match to color scheme of the room (most of which doesn't show in the photo)

...they were on sale- 1.50 per box (cheap)

...there is extra storage room in each box (for even more stuff)

...they look organized (for the moment)

...they have lids (for keeping out the dust)

I'm still deciding on how to letter the labels the boxes...maybe rubber stamps.

I brought my beading books out of the closet (which is also in need of cleaning and organizing).

Bead Soup Blog Party...soup's on!

2010-02-10T06:13:00.008-05:00

The big day is here...
Lori from Pretty Things hosted a bead soup blog party and today everyone is showing what we've made from all the really cool goodies! If you click on the button above, it will take you to Lori's party page. Also, the complete list is below.

This is my bead soup mix that I received from Jo Ann at Jo's Jewels. I love green... this couldn't have been more perfect!

I've been experimenting... adding buttons, wire wrapping, chain and stuff like that; so I decided to see what I could do... and I have a new bracelet! It was definately a challenge! Many of the components had two holes, something I haven't worked with much. I have some two-holed vintage beads that I've had for some time now... guess I don't have an excuse not to work with them now! Thanks so much Jo Ann!! I'm going to be wearing it often!

Here is the complete list...

1. Lori, An Artists Year Off

2. Mallory, For the Love of Beads

3. Terri, Blooming Ideas

4. Cindy, Sweet Bead Studio

5. Lorelei, Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio

6. Kerry, Kab's Creative Concepts

7. Erin, Treasures Found

8. Jeannette, Jeannette Blix Wire and Metal Jewelry

9. Adrienne, Adrienne Designs

10. Nan, Spirit Rattles

11. Laurel, Rue's Daftique

12. Nancy, Beading From the Heart

13. Mary, MK's Creative Musings

14. Cassie, The Glass Beadle

15. Dot, Winchell Clayworks

16. Sharon, Sharon's Jewelry Garden

17. Lisa, Lo and Behold

18. Norma, Bead Dreams and Moonlit Fantaseas

19. Judith, Judith B.

20. Debbie, Prairie Emporium

21. Maria, Garden Path Beads

22. Susan, Kaplan Creations Jewelry and Glass Design

23. Melissa, Melissa Meman: Art, Love, Life

24. Marianna, Pretty Shiny Things

25. Lisa, Joolz by Lisa

26. Cristi, 2 If By Sea

27. Sandra, Marbella Jewelry Design

28. Maria, Greene Earth Originals

29. Barbara, Jewelry of Distinction

30. Leslie, Bei Mondi

31. Loretta, Designs by Loretta

32. Linda, Bella Bead Jewelry

33. Kathie, The Bead Cult

34. Patty, Plays With Fire

35. Nicki, Nicki's Reef

36. Anne Marie, Heart's Desire

37. Mary, Mary Harding Jewelry

38. Jayne, Mama's Got to Doodle

39. Emanda, Artemesia's Studio

40. Whitney, Whitney Lassini

41. Marcie, La Bella Joya

42. Suzann, Beadphoria

43. Jen, Jen Judd Rocks

44. Julie, Credit River Art Glass

45. Janiece, J Birds Garden

46. Kate, Organic Odysseys

47. Laurie, The Mermaid Tale

48. Michelle, My Crazy Crafty Adventure

49. Sue, Sue Beads

50. Janeen, Wild Vanilla Designs

51. Nancy, The Rabbit Muse

52. Kristie, Artisan Clay

53. Regina, Regina's Writings

54. Tari, Pearl and Pebble

55. Lyn, Lyn Foley

56. Beth, Sunshine Daydreamz

57. Cathryn, Chile Cats

58. Emma, Fred Bean's Nook

59. Connie, Cetta Cheese Chatter

60. Juli, Jul's Beads

61. Julie, RockerJewlz

62. Libby, LibbyLeu and Glass Too

63. Melanie, Earthenwood Studio Chronicles

64. Katie, My Life and My Beads

65. Zuleykha, Zuleykha's Polymer Clay

66. Rekella, Me But a Little More in Depth

67. Ricki, What's New at Ricki Voges Design

68. Lisa, Lucid Moon Studio

69. Jo, Daisychain Jewellery

70. Lynette, Rock Hill Designs

71. Lynne, Island Girl's Insights

72. Chas, One Woman's Haven

73. Ruthie, Rose Works Jewelry

74. Elizabeth, Turquoise Sky

75. Maire, Maire Dodd

76. Janet, Singing Woods

77. Eileen, Dorset Hill Beads

78. Julie, Miss Kitten's Jewels

79. Joann, Jo's Jewels

80. Patti, PJ Clark Designs

81. Mel, Kookie Designs

82. Erin, Every Heart Crafts

83. Dale, Flights of Fancy

84. Dee, Runako Designs

Can't wait to see what everyone has made!!

Patti

So exciting...!!

2010-02-09T11:21:00.006-05:00

My jewelry has been published in the February issue of Bead Trends!

A fantastic publication!

Noir et Gris Asymetrique Collier

Lemon Zinger Necklace & Earring Set

These are my photos- their photos are waaay better!

Great Giveaway from Summers Studio Pottery

2010-02-06T06:28:00.005-05:00

LeAnn over at Summers Studio Pottery makes the neatest porcelain pendants, buttons and beads and she's having a fabulous give away! Check out her etsy shop to see all of the neat porcelain goodies that she offers!

Have a great day,

Patti

A Little Pink...

2010-02-05T06:47:00.007-05:00

pjclarkdesigns.com

A Valentine's Day variation... not the usual hearts, but a more natural approach with riverstone, dark wood beads and 'a little pink' of fuchsia Swarovski crystals tossed in for color. The sage polymer clay rondelle (Humblebeads) in the center has a band of cream, fuchsia and brown to tie all the colors together. You can find more of Heather's polymer clay in her Etsy shop.

Stirring up something different...

2010-02-04T16:14:00.005-05:00

My tag line... "Made from an eclectic mix of beads and metals." To the mix I've added chain and wire wrapping.

White Pyrite Coin Jewelry

2010-02-01T07:43:00.005-05:00

New jewelry at www.pjclarkdesigns.com

Reminisce

2010-01-29T11:13:00.008-05:00

Pappap and Gram Davis

Ralph C. (1900 - 1970) and Sara L. (1908 - 1973)

I never cared much for history in school, but interestingly enough, as the years go by it becomes so much more important; specifically, when it's about personal family history. Many people are researching their roots these days. Knowing where your family originates from can give you a sense of ..... (fill in the words that make it personal for you). Although it can be a difficult and frustrating task, the results are well worth it.

Pappap's teething beads.

Gram's jewelry and a belt buckle.

We might have things like antique dishes and furniture that have been passed down for generations (how wonderful is that?). But it's so special to have unique and personal objects and memento's that belonged to our family. I'm especially glad that I have my dad's roller skates, perfume bottles from both my grandmother's and teething beads that were Pappap's. And although Gram's jewelry is old, stained and many pieces are broken, I'll treasure it always. When my time with these treasures is over, I'll pass them on to my children.

Thoughtfully,

Patti

Copper Connection

2010-01-25T06:15:00.005-05:00

New additions...

R & R...

2010-01-23T06:28:00.008-05:00

as in recycle and repurpose.

A snowman cup full of cocoa and marshmallows. A yummy treat on a cold winter's night while enjoying your favorite beading book or magazine. This time of the year I'm also partial to a good gardening book.

The sagey green ribbon caught my eye (since I love many shades of green!). I figured there ought to be something I could do with it.

After scouring through my bead stash, I found these lapidalite jasper beads which I've had for quite sometime. The combination of the beads, ribbon and brass really compliment each other.

The lapidalite is from Lima Beads and while you're there have some fun and check out the Big Green Bead Machine!

Have a great Saturday,

Patti

My bead soup mix...

2010-01-21T16:38:00.006-05:00

in my favorite color.

See one here, one more here, and another here. You can get to all of them from here.

Purple, sage and brass...

2010-01-18T21:33:00.003-05:00

Two new pieces...

Birthday Fun!

2010-01-17T07:33:00.005-05:00

Gram J., Ashley and Seth

On my first post, I mentioned that my daughter and her husband were coming from Iowa for Christmas. What a day! They were to arrive at our airport about 12 noon on Christmas Eve day, but when all was said and done, it was 8:30 pm. However, we are very thankful they arrived safely.

Birthday beads from Ellacinders

Since my birthday is in early December, Ashley decided to bring my birthday present with her. Birthday bead money!! (If you're a beader you know what I'm talkin' about!) While they were here we went shopping and stopped in at my LBS (local bead shop), Ellacinders in Lewisburg, PA. I didn't spend it all so you're likely to see what I purchase with the balance. The pink rectangles are to make something special for Ashley, which I'll post about later. The tool is a pearl reamer.

Do you have a favorite LBS to shop at and what do you like to buy?

Have a great day,

Patti

You can help too

2010-01-15T13:23:00.006-05:00

"Think of Me" necklace

Check out this post on Lori Anderson's Pretty Things blog if you would like to help bead artist Michele Goldstein. I'm sending this necklace. Hope it helps.

Thinking of spring

2010-01-14T14:02:00.006-05:00

I like many things garden related, but I especially like to read books by Sharon Lovejoy. Her illustrations are whimsical, the text is informative and her approach to gardening is organic. Many of her books are geared toward gardening with children. If you like to garden, I'm sure you'll like her blog.

Patti

Wonderful winter sale!

2010-01-13T06:36:00.007-05:00

40% off sale!

I'm having a sale on my website- pjclarkdesigns.com.

My bead soup party partner is Joann Gallagher. Check out her blog, Jo's Jewels to see her gorgeous wire wrapped jewelry. I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone's creations!

Looking forward to tomorrow,

Patti

Only your hair dresser knows for sure...

2010-01-11T18:52:00.006-05:00

My friend Lisa, who owns and operates her hair salon, The Total Look, in Millville, PA sells my jewelry for me to her great customers...and she makes really neat quilted purses and table runners, too! If your in the area, stop in and say 'hi!'

Tomorrow,

Patti

Bead Soup Party

2010-01-10T13:44:00.004-05:00

Join the fun!!

Have a great day!
Patti

Another entry...

2010-01-09T08:40:00.009-05:00

Snow Shadows

for the Art Bead Scene challenge. The focal pendant is from Kristie Roeder, Artisan Clay. Check out her blog for a really cool Monochromatic Color Scheme Challenge. I've added riverstone and jasper. The wood bead frame and clasp are from artbeads.com. They're having a 10th anniversary sale!

Have a great weekend!

Patti

Just Listed...

2010-01-08T21:58:00.004-05:00

Cinnabar & Riverstone Earrings

A bright and cheery addition to any wardrobe on a cold wintry day! Find them here. Stay warm!

Patti

January monthly challenge...

2010-01-06T06:50:00.004-05:00

Winter Butterfly

(This necklace is not as dark as photo indicates. I'm workin' on my photography!)

I entered this necklace in the Art Bead Scene monthly challenge. La Pie (The Magpie) by Claude Monet. I love this painting! It reminds me of a scene that you'd see here in PA. Be sure to check out all the prizes! They are fabulous!! Art Bead Scene has a great group of talented and generous artists.

I'm working on...

2010-01-04T06:34:00.006-05:00

buy here

...a more eclectic style jewelry that includes chain, wire-wrapping, cords, ribbon, buttons and such.

...submitting more jewelry to publications.

...becoming more technologically knowlegeable.

...improving my photography.

It's Time

2009-12-19T06:27:00.004-05:00

I've been looking forward to starting my blog for a while now. Pretty basic at the moment. I'll be doing some tweaking after the holidays. My daughter and her husband are coming from Iowa. Can't wait!

See my jewelry at www.pjclarkdesigns.com

My next great news is... my jewelry is being published in Bead Trends magazine! The February, March, April and May issues!! I've never been so excited about the arrival of February before.

Have a great day,

Patti