October 19, 2013

Swaps, Swaps, Swaps ...

  Huh, I'm not very active here lately, am I? In fact I'm not creating very much lately as well. Specially from when the school started again the days are just disappearing, have no idea how. 

  Fortunately, there are always some swaps and challenges that "force" me to find some moments for creating!!!

  In August Tonja Lenderman from the FB My Clay Fantasy Group hosted an inchie swap and I've decided to participate in 2 groups. That means I had to create 2 sets of 12 inchies (1in x 1in or approx. 2,5 cm x 2,5 cm tiles).

  These are the inchies I've created for the swap:

 For the first set I've recreated the pattern I've used for a pair of earrings some time ago - a dandelion.



For the second set I was playing with geometric shapes, pastels and liquid clay, shiny and matte finishes.


  Tonja organized the participants in groups of 12 people. Each participant received back one inchie of every member of the group (including my own).
 
  Do you want to know what have I received?

The first set I've received.

And this is the second set I've received.

I really hope the names are all right, because some of the inchies didn't have the card included. If no, please let me know and I'll change it. 

So many beauties, all so different. I'm really happy to have participated in this swap and already signed for another one ;-) It's also a great opportunity to receive some little pieces of art from other artists all around the world. 
So, be prepared to see more inchies on this blog.

~~~

 In the meantime I've signed up for more challenges and swaps:


Art Charm Exchange 2013
reveal: November 15


Jennifer Cameron of Glass Addictions is hosting the 2013 Art Charm Exchange benefiting Beads of Courage. I've participated last year and couldn't miss this year's event. My art charms were sent out this week and now are flying over the ocean to USA. Hope they arrive in time to Jen's place. I'll tell something more about this in a separate post.



Octoberfest Celebration of Autumn
reveal and blog hop: October 27 
 

Rita of Toltec Jewels is hosting the Second Annual October fest:A Home & Hearth Blog Hop Celebrating Autumn's Splendor with Beads, Jewelry, Home Decor, Food, Friends & Family! 



Inchies Swap Fall 2013
hosted by Jael Thorp

More inchies!!! I've signed for two groups, that means I have to make two sets of 12 inchies that have to be in Jael's hands by November 30.



Share the Love of Hearts Swap in 2014 
hosted by Kimberly Idalski

Each participant have to make 10 hearts per group and I've signed for two groups again. The hearts shouldn't be larger than 2 inches all ways, not smaller than an inch, not higher than 1 inch and could be dimensional. All the hearts have to be in Kimi's hands by February 28, 2014 (just on my birthday!!).
Be happy and keep following me!
There will be more, I'm sure!!

Alenka
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October 2, 2013

Autumn Design Challenge Reveal

   I was one of the 20 winners that were randomly chosen by Caroline of Blueberri Beads and Lesley of THEA Elements and received some of their beautiful components to participate in the Autumn Design Challenge.



   I was so excited when the package arrived and impatiently opened it to find these beauties:
 


  The metal pieces are made by Lesley and the ceramic beads are made by Caroline. 

  This was the first time I was using bigger metal components and handmade ceramic beads and I wanted to make them justice.  I have to say I spent a lot of time contemplating the components and thinking about the arrangements and additional beads and type of pieces  I want to make. It seems my inspiration got distracted too often and I kept changing my mind... 

  Finally, I have finished 3 different pieces: two bracelets and a brooch.

  For the first bracelet I've used Lesley's bracelet bar - I wanted to highlight the floral design on the bar and keep it simple, elegant at the same time. In my small seed-beads stash I've found some golden metallic cubes and decided to make a narrow brick stitch belt on both sides. To make the "back side" more interesting I've put some beads on the rings between the belt and the clasp.
  For the second bracelet I used all Caroline's ceramic beads and recreated similar beads in polymer clay in a brighter color for some contrast. A piece of cotton cord, a few knots and here it is:



  The only component left was the metallic leaf pendant. I wanted to make something different than usual with it and that's how this brooch came out. The flower is polymer clay with some acrylics, bronze patina and Inka golds. I'm still not happy with the result and I'll probably change or add something. 



 
  Thank you Lesley and Caroline for this opportunity to play and create with your components!!

  And now take a cup of coffee or tea and take a virtual trip to see the creations of the hostesses and the other participants of this fun challenge:




Be happy,
Alenka
 
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September 28, 2013

Creative Bead Chat 2000 Thank You Blog Hop


  This summer the Facebook group Creative Bead Chat (CBC) reached 2000 members and the wonderful ladies that keep this group thriving, organized a big giveaway. More that 50 prizes (from components to finished jewelry, magazines and gift certificates) were donated by some CBC members and given away to other members. 
 
  I have to admit I run for several prizes, mostly components. There was also a beautiful purple beadweaved bracelet that seemed just perfect for my younger sister. She is currently undergoing a chemio and I said that if I win that bracelet, I'll gift it to her to cheer her up a little. I do like and wear purple as well, but that bracelet was calling my sister's name from the moment I saw it.


  And guess what – I won just that bracelet!!! As soon I received the bracelet I've gifted it to her without taking any pictures, so I'm using the picture from the giveaway … She was really happy and she loves it! 





The bracelet was created by Ginger Hammond. Here are some more of her beautiful pieces – the pictures are borrowed from Ginger's FB profile just to thank her and show you her lovely work.


by Ginger Hammond

by Ginger Hammond

by Ginger Hammond

by Ginger Hammond
  

Thank you, Ginger, very much, from my sister and me!

And a big thank to Melinda Orr and Marla James and all the other wonderful ladies behind CBC and Artisan Whimsy!


Here are the links to the other participants in this Thank you blog hop:





Alenka  - http://pepita-handmade.blogspot.com ß You are here!









Be happy,

Alenka

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