Creative Impression In Clay - Tari Sasser: Bead Soup Partner

I wanted to finally share what my Bead Soup partner Tari Sasser of Creative Impressions in Clay sent...

Tari's Website:  Creative Impressions in Clay

Tari's Blog:  Clay Buttons

Where you can find Tari's work: http://claybuttons.com/NearYou.html

Brilliantly colored ceramic beads, toggle clasp, pendant, buttons & "supporting cast."  Eeeek!  I love them!  I tend to shy away from such vibrant and colorful creations...not because I don't love them, but because my creativity seems to hit a brick wall when it comes to designing with them!  Lori Anderson certainly knew how to make me step outside my comfort zone, that's for sure!!  

Mark your calendars....Sept 17th marks the day of the big reveal of over 300+ Bead Soup participants' creations!! 

Only In Virginia....

Last Sunday we took a few of the kids to hike to Spy Rock in Nelson county, VA.  It was quite the hike...complete with everything hurting by Monday morning!  On our way down what we thought at the time was only a thunderstorm graced us with torrential downpour!

Here's a few highlights:

Definitely worth the hike!

Breathtaking views from atop of Spy Rock.

Only a 10 year old thinks that running on top of a mountain is a great idea!

Great spot for a nap.

On the long, albeit scenic drive home, we encountered numerous detours due to downed trees.  No problem...we're flexible like that.  My heart lurched when I glanced to my right and noticed a 10 foot wide path right through the middle of a countryside church.  I didn't take any pictures, as I was always told by my mom "not to become an obnoxious tourist during someone else's misfortune."  Turns out we just missed a tornado by about 15 minutes.

Tuesday morning was like Christmas in my mailbox!  I received a few expected packages and also my Bead Soup beads from my partner Tari Sasser!!!  Woot-woot!

I quickly snapped some shots (next post...stay tuned) of the colorful ceramic creations she sent, and got to work.  I stepped out on the back deck so a few of my pieces could take a quick dip in liver of sulfur when the ground started shaking...and the dog and I were slowly getting shaken off of the deck.  Yep....what everyone has watched on t.v. for the past 2 days....earthquake in Virginia....epicenter approximately an hour from us, in Mineral, VA.  Now, a 5.9 quake is a just a Sunday picnic out west...not so much for us east coast country folk!  We've had a few aftershocks...the worst being around 1 a.m. last night...but now we've moved on to bigger things heading our way today....hurricane Irene!

My lights are flickering as I type...so I'm going to batten down the hatches for now....

Me, Myself & Irene

We've just gotten over our little earthquake and now are gearing up to face Irene.  I have TONS to share once I complete my fight the masses at the grocery store mission this morning! 

Tari Sasser from Creative Impressions in Clay is my Bead Soup Partner & I received some cool & funky ceramic beads this week from her!  I have lots of photography to share...but first I must batten down the hatches on the homefront!

Frozen Charlottes

I have been intrigued with "frozen Charlottes" for quite some time. 

These historical dolls date back from 1860-1900, ranging from an inch in size up to 18 inches.  Many of these cuties were rescued from a dig at the doll factory yard in Thuringia, Germany. The arms and legs do not move or are "frozen." Children used to play with these bisque dolls, and even made clothes for them. Sometimes called bathing dolls (backside unglazed, therefore allowing them to float in the tub), and were even used to decorate or were baked into cakes.

Why "Frozen Charlotte?"   During the mid 1800's there was a story printed that later turned into an American poem about Fair Charlotte. This tale spoke of a vain Charlotte who refused to bundle up on her way to the ball. She froze in her carriage and her beau is said to have died of a broken heart. This story was told to remind children to bundle up when going outside.

Etsy:  Okiedokieartichoky

Etsy:  EKSupplies

Etsy:  OscarCrow

One of above 1 inch babies is on it's way to me....my very own Charlotte.  Now...I'm thinking a pendant of some sort?  Of course my "sensible" husband questioned:  "Please tell me you don't plan on wearing that creation?  Never mind...I know you will...if it causes a second glance, you're all over it!  Only you would wear a 100 year old, dug from the ground and broken doll and think it was mainstream."  I love him!  He knows me too well!

I've Led A Sheltered Life

I realized some time ago, that I've never worked with lampwork beads...well other than the mass produced "generic" versions at the beginning of my beading journey...and they proved to be not so fun to work with.  I know, I know, I've committed a cardinal sin in the bead realm!

Since, I've drooled for hours at the gorgeous artisan glass, but never bit the bullet...nor could I even begin to make a decision on which to try out...until last night.  There are SO many talented "torchers" out there, that I really had no clue where to even start...so I let my eyes make the decision for me.

Here's my small purchase that I can't wait to receive:

Are these not amazing??  They remind me of wintry tutus.  Can't wait!

Snatched up these as well...I mean, how could I not?

Both were purchased from Modern Trails on Etsy.  Beautiful!!!  I left plenty of her mesmerizing work for everyone else...although I was tempted!  Now, I'll be watching the darn mailbox and stalking the mailman til they arrive...I have a one track mind like that!

Bead Soup Partner

This year I'm participating in Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Party Blog Hop.  I'm excited, to say the least.  I received my "bead partner" via email, and about broke my neck to check out her blog.  Enter apprehension...



Tari of Creative Impressions in Clay is more than accomplished!!  Her work is full of color and whimsical!  Just take a look:

Told ya!  You can browse her funky selection HERE.

I finally got Tari's soup out in the mail yesterday.  I made my mix weeks ago, but due to an unforeseen road block with the school system (that's a whole other blog post) I had my plate quite full!!

Anyway....here's "the goods!!!"

 

It's Bead Soup Time!!!!

The Bead Soup Blog Party sign-ups start today,

for three days only.

If you want to take part, then pop over to Lori's blog, click open the registration form and sign-up, there were over 200 participants in the February bead soup, but I feel this one will be even bigger!

 I can't wait!!!  This will be my first ever bead soup participation...which I need to get my butt into gear, and back into the studio instead of hanging out with my kids! :)

Already 217 participants...and it's only the first day!!!!!!!!!!!