Tuesday, 9 April 2019

The Bead Peeps Swap and Hop 2019

Hi Everyone,This is so crazy! I havn't blogged in a year! Life is hectic and work is busy, when could I fit it all in? I do need to think about what I want to do with my blog but for now, have a look at what I've been working on! Lets get onto the 2019 Bead Peeps Swap 'n Hop!



My amazing partner this year is Tammy from Paisley LizardTammy creates gorgeous components out of polymer clay. She sent me the most delicious pieces to work with, along with beautiful co-ordinating beads. I stole her pictures that she took of the items I received - as they were so much better than mine! Tammy took the time to get to know me and my love for the ocean and created these beach and sea life inspired items just for me. 


 I was seriously so spoiled. I couldn't wait to get started. I made quite a few pieces and still have lots left over. My goal was to use every item and unfortunately I just ran out of time. But thats okay, I can keep creating in my own time.


First up is the large Mermaid's tail focal. I wanted to keep this as simple as possible so I simply strung it onto a a few strands of the blue coloured cord that Tammy included. Love the colours! 



Oh my goodness, how I love this necklace! 
Tammy sent 2 of these seahorse pendants and I was originally going to make them into earrings. I think this necklace worked way better than I expected.



Simple coral coloured octopus tentacles formed these qwirky donut shaped earrings. My nearly 12 year old jumped at modelling these for me.



This has to be my favourite piece - I wanted to show off the stunning shell pendant and I used the glass beads from what Tammy sent to me. This is so me and I cant wait to wear it. I'm super pleased with this necklace and the colours are just gorgeous.


Tammy included 2 pink starfish clasps in her package and I have to admit I was stumped as to how to use them. I often create this style of bracelet and I didn't want to do the same thing over and over but this clasp just cried out for this design. Its super jingly and sparkly and I just love it!



I love ear drop beads but never seem to use them in my designs. How pretty are these though? I just had to use them for earrings!



Another of my favourite components! I loved the simplicity of this necklace. Sure I could have added more beads to the cord to embellish it, but I wanted something so simple it looked effortless. I almost overlooked these wee burnt red beads and they matched perfectly!



The photos don't do these sand dollars justice. In real life they are more greeny than blue/grey.  I'm not extremely convinced this was how I should utilise them but my daughter loved them and may have secreted them away for her future use! Love her!



 Again I received 2 of these scallop components and I thought the green complemented the glittery glass beads I received. This called for a simple statement piece. I think the end result is really pretty.



Another of my favourite pieces. I love love love this little crab, he reminded me of the Atlantic Blue Crab. I paired the bracelet connector with silver bracelet bands and the lovely multicoloured faceted beads that Tammy sent. I'll be keeping this piece - definitely!



I had so much fun creating all these pieces. So totally me - beachy blues and green ands of course all the sea creatures too! Thank you again Tammy - everything was so amazing to work with.

Let me know which piece is your favourite and please pop across to visit Tammy here and see what she created. This is a sneak peek of what I sent her (Im using Tammy's photos as they are soooo much better than mine).

You can also see my 201520162017 and 2018 hops too.
Thanks for stopping by,

Take care everyone
xxx
https://www.facebook.com/NorthShoreDays?ref=hl https://www.pinterest.com/natsd/


Bead Hop Participants:
Hope Smitherman http://CraftyHope.com