One World One Heart

I have been gliding on my own magic carpet meeting new artists and being constantly reminded of the wonderful spirit of fellow bloggers. I couldn't let another day pass without joining in as a participant giver of this kind-hearted project created by Lisa Swifka.

In case you haven't heard, One World One Heart is simply a way to spread the love and meet new people. And what better way to do that than give a handmade gift? So my friends (both old and new), leave me a comment and include a way to contact you - either your blog name, email address or both!




If you happen to be the name I randomly select, I will send you a refillable Post-it-Note holder that has been completely hand stitched and beaded by me! It will be a pretty little addition to your desk or purse.

Even the back has been embellished, because-well, you know, sometimes its just hard to stop beading once you get started!


That's my little logo on the inside (its supposed to be a bleeding heart stem)

So if you could use a handy little note holder,

leave me a comment by Midnight on February 14th

I'll post the lucky new owner on February 15!

And then click on the 'ticket' in my sidebar and take your very own magic carpet ride to other wonderful blogs! But be warned - it may be a long (but happy) journey....... on last count I saw over 800 participants! I would have to say this should be called One World One BIG Heart :)

Keeping the love flowing

I had 2 small porcelain heart beads as part of my Artbeads Valentine promo. Naturally, I thought a pair of earrings would be perfect, but as you know, earrings are my least favorite to make. I love the gigantic rings that are popular now. Hmm, why not try a bead embroidered ring!

I backed it in ultrasuede and then attached a peyote stitched band with random colors mixed in for fun.

Oh yes indeed, definitely going to be making more of these! Too fun to make and it matches my turtle love necklace quite well. The bright colors are just what I needed on such a blustery wintery day as today.

On a more subdued color scale, I made a very feminine looking necklace with the wooden laser cut pendant. It drapes really nice when it's on, but you'll have to take my word for it. Nobody here would model it for me for so I could take a picture of it in action.

The clasp is a really sweet puffed sterling silver heart available through Artbeads. It's very secure. The size 11 beads are those awesome matte jet apollo that I had gotten awhile back (they are the same as what I used on the box in my banner, in case you couldn't tell). And the 3 mm faceted rounds are a pearlized champagne color (also available from Artbeads) that I happened to have from an old project too. Those crystal drops are 16mm Swarovski baroque pendants (again, available through Artbeads) that I originally had bought for my Marcia Decoster Whitby earrings that I didn't use. Well I guess that just makes it a total Artbeads piece!

Fine Print: I received the porcelain heart beads, laser cut pendant and sterling silver heart clasp at no charge from Artbeads as part of their blogging partners program.

So Silly

I love turtles. So when I was given the choice of Valentine components from Artbeads, I knew I just had to have this stoneware pendant. It was so funky and fun.

I was really surprised at the quality of the finish. So smooth and shiny. Yum! Artbeads carries a huge selection of these stoneware pendants - I wish I could have them all. Hmm, maybe if I win the $1,000 Shopping Spree Sweepstakes from Artbeads.......yeah, that would make my year!

Since the pendant was so great, I didn't want to over-embellish it. But that little turtle-love was looking a bit lonely, so I decided to make a playmate for him.

After making the shell, I stitched it to a piece of pellon-covered posterboard, added the legs, tail and head and trimmed it as close as possible. I used my favorite glue (Crafter's Pick) The Ultimate and sandwiched the chain between the turtle's base and the ultrasuede. After letting it dry overnight, I edged it in a color to match the stoneware pendant.
I had visions of the beaded turtle sliding right down the chain, but luckily that didn't happen.

I've got another Artbeads project on the table - using this beautiful wooden heart shaped pendant, I think its going to be really sharp.

(If you hurry, Artbeads is offering their Valentine components at 15% off)

Fine print: Artbeads graciously provided the stoneware pendant at no charge to me, but that did not influence my opinion of the product, it really is sweet!