Hello friends

The very first thing I would like to say is thank you.  Thank you for all of the heartfelt words that you left for me after my last blog post.  Your stories, words of understanding, and virtual ((hugs)) meant so much to me and gave me comfort.

Have you enjoyed seeing the many Bead Soup Blog Party sneak peaks happening in blogs across the land (and beyond)?  This will be my 3rd round in the Bead Soup Blog Party, and I was really psyched to be be paired with Riki Schumacher of Riki Jewelry.  I have been an online friend and a huge fan of Riki for some time now, so this was a real treat for me.  When you visit Riki’s blog, you’ll see her tagline right there in her beautiful blog banner:  romantic relics.  I had that idea in mind when I selected the components for Riki.

While on our recent trip to Maine, we stopped in a few antique stores around Kennebunkport.  That’s where I found this gorgeous 1940’s/1950’s brass and rhinestone brooch.  Not your typical bead focal, but one that I just knew Riki could certainly work her magic with.

I found these vintage metal leaves at the Beadin’ Path up in Portland, ME.  The leaves seemed to go so well with the old brooch.  I added a mix of vintage chain too.

Not your ordinary bead mix….  I chose a pair of vintage mixed metal earrings and rhinestone dangles to add to the soup.  Riki incorporates many beautiful old pieces in her work.  I figured that although my bead soup components may be like an old friend for her, the challenge would really be in the fact that the soup is not a mix of beads at all, but one-of-a-kind treasures from the past.

Would you like to see the amazing bead soup that Riki sent to me?  You can see her recent blog post here.  While you’re visiting her blog, be sure to check out the brand new blog that she just launched, Riki Schumacher’s e-Workshops.  Riki will be sharing online courses, kits, freebies, and information on workshops given by other jewelry designers.  Riki’s new site will be sure to foster a collaborative community and will be a great place to go for inspiration!  Before I sign off, I just had to share this beautiful handmade pouch….  Riki sent my Bead Soup in such sweet, vintage sytle!  Thank you, Riki!