MMMMMmmmmm Bead Soup!

Welcome to Lori Anderson's 5th Bead Soup Blog Party. This time around, Lori randomly picked 200 participants and I was one of the lucky 200! I got paired up with Canadian Jennifer Tough, from Toronto. I was thrilled because I had seen Jennifer's shop on Etsy and had long admired her components and beads. Above is a picture of what Jennifer sent to me. I KNOW! She totally spoiled me! You can get a glimpse of what I sent to Jennifer at her blog post here.
Be sure to also check out what Jennifer made today, here's the link to her post!

She sent me 3 LARGE vials of seed beads in 3 colors. Some of her own lampwork glass beads, a couple of lucite leaves, a strand of faceted glass rondelles, some lampwork glass from Unicorne Beads, a strand of chartreuse glass leaves, a couple of her own handmade bronze metal clay components including a toggle. She also sent a little bag of offset lentils, and some brass disc components. Love it all! The color palette she picked was beautiful! To me, it screams Fall or Autumn.... so I wondered how I would create using the beads but keep the finished pieces all-season. That was probably the biggest challenge for me. I usually can work with any types of beads, so I wasn't too scared about the glass, seed beads, or metal components.

Let's get on with the show and tell, shall we!??  First up, this chunky beaded necklace. Last week I got a pendant from my pal Nan of Spirited Earth and when I held the pendant up to my bead soup, I was floored. It was a perfect match. I immediately set it aside knowing I wanted to use it somehow in my soup pieces.
I used a few of Jennifer's lampwork glass spacers and 2 of the green Unicorne cubes in this piece. The rest of the beads came from my own stash- some large flat jasper ovals beads from Dakota Stones are at the back of the necklace.  I used some large wood squares that are top drilled along the front, and did a fancy loop using some of the pale green seed beads, and a large polymer clay bead from Doreen Willey. The colors in this photo got a bit washed out, and I apologize that you aren't getting the true feeling of this first piece. I may photograph it again in better light.



Here's a nice close-up shot of the pendant and the detail on that bead by Doreen really can be seen well here.


Next up, another necklace design. In this one, I used the large heart focal, the 2 heart links, and the bronze toggle. I beaded the glass Unicorne glass cubes with some copper color pearl heishi beads in between. To add a bit of asymmetricality, I added in a red cube at one side. To attach the beaded strands to the heart links, I seed beaded loops.  Around the back of the necklace, i used the off-set lentils with some seed beads, giving this a nice fringe feel.







Here is a detail shot of the seed beaded loops.







And a shot of the Bronze toggle. Which I love love love!












Switching gears, I created this bracelet using the leaf beads, and some of the dark amber color faceted rondelles. The leaves and that lampwork melon (that reminds me of a pumpkin or squash) just seem to go hand in hand. I added the bronze mushroom charm and some brass chain to finish the piece off.


And then made the necklace to match it! Brass chain around the back, connecting to that swirly brass disc- and more leaf beads, with another melon and lampwork spacer. The acorn adds a nice woodsy touch. I really like that the leaves lie flat when separated by small brass rounds.



Here is another neckalce. This one, I created around the large wire wheel. I wire wrapped a large lampwork melon capped with one of Jennifers bronze bead caps., Below it I dangled the 2 lucite leaves, and some fringe chain. I used up the other Unicorne glass beads, and the rest of the faceted rondelles, and seeded beaded a long necklace with the pale green seed beads.  After it was together, I felt like the large wire wheel was missing something, so I stamped a copper blank with the word "quiet".  I am not sure why I picked this word, but at the time I was designing it was a nice quiet afternoon and I really enjoying it.



Here's a better look at the seed beaded necklace.  I used the same seed beaded loops technique to attach the beaded wire to the wheel.



I had 1 bead left, this lampwork tab. I was determined to use every last bead, although I do have a large amount of the seed beads leftover.  I used a Vintaj Brass bracelet bangle to wire wrap seed beads, and then attached wire wrapped glass dangles along the bangle for some extra movement and weight.
The lampwork glass is flanked by silver bead caps and faceted glass rondelles.


I cannot wait to see what Jennifer put together with the beads I sent her. I hope you have  a chance to check out all the participating blogs.  Have fun hopping!

Be sure to see the FULL participant link list here at Lori's Blog. CLICK HERE!

Comments

  1. Wow - totally awesome pieces. And I loooooove that bangle!

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  2. Anonymous3/03/2012

    What a fantastic collection of pieces from a lovely pot of bead soup. I think I like the heart pendant necklace and the Quiet necklace the best, although they are all beautiful and very inspiring to me!

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  3. I love them all, I can't decide my favourite :)
    I'm a partecipant from Italy, I'm trying to visit all of you.
    this was really a great experience!
    ciao ciao

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  4. Wow! You were really successful making these more than just autumn pieces. I love the stones and wood you used in the chunky necklace. They really provide a great background for the lampwork and cubes to pop. And *swoon* - I love that Doreen/Nan bead & pendant combo. Super clever way to marry your color palette.

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  5. Scrumptious bead soup pieces! That second necklace is totally cool. I'm always in awe of how comfortable you are mixing and matching colour.

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  6. What a great set of pieces. I love them all! Great job!

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  7. Wowzas! I would tell you which is my favorite thing you made but I honestly would wear them all. Although I have to say that little bangle is extra fabulous! Great soup and great finished jewelry!

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  8. Wow! Incredible pieces! I admire your wire work! :)

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  9. Wow, you made very good use of your soup ingredients! Every piece is lovely!

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  10. What a great display of wonderfully created pieces. Love them all but can especially relate to the one you added the tag "quiet." I think we were both making our pieces on that quiet snowy Sunday and I too was taken by the quiet of the day and made a video of myself doing the peyote stitch part of what I made for today and called it Peyote Stitch Silence. Silence can be so condusive to creating, I think. I am glad to read that you too enjoy it. Thanks so for stopping by my blog and leaving me such a great comment.
    I love the bangle you made especially. The wirewrapping of the seed beads and the chunky bead all go great together.

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  11. Great interpretations!
    Especially love what you did with the heart pendant and links - brilliant!

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  12. well done, l - keeping it all season, earthy... the pieces are terrific!

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  13. Great pieces. Particular like the bracelet with mushroom charm. I would not have thought to add the orange but it made the black and green pop!

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  14. I knew you would not disappoint. Fabulous showing you have here. My favorite of the group... the green heart necklace, followed by the "quiet" piece. Keep stringing us along ;)

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  15. Your creativity is amazing! You made some fantastic things from your soup.

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  16. Your creativity is amazing!!! you made some fantastic things from your soup.

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  17. What a treasure trove you received! And all the beautiful pieces that you created with it! Wow! Can't decide which is my favorite. Maybe the necklace with the bee pendant. No, wait. Maybe the necklace with the hearts. And so it goes!

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  18. How wonderful! The bracelet with the mushroom is my favorite.

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  19. Wow! Lorelei, I love what you did with everything I sent - I especially love the quiet stamping you added to the wire component.

    I'll get some better pics soon of the clasp - still having camera issues unfortunately :-(

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  20. All gorgeous peices, I especially like the necklace with the acorn. Fabulous colours too :) x

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  21. Lorelei, all of your pieces are GORGEOUS and inspiring as usual.

    I'm especially loving they seed bead detail that frames the lampworked bead in the pendant/focal in the first necklace. So cool! You definitely handled the oranges without making everything feel "fall-ish" or halloween-y. I'm in love with those green fringe lentils!

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  22. Ooh! Love all these pieces and each has it own feel. The little green leaf beads give a great pop of color.

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  23. All your designs are gorgeous. I can't pick a winner they are all outstanding.

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  24. Anonymous3/03/2012

    Oh, Lorelei -- I love, love, LOVE these designs. If I had to pick a favorite, it might be the "quiet" wheel one -- but they are all truly gorgeous! Way to go! ;)

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  25. Boy girl you were spoiled! You did a fantastic job as always!!!
    Off to check out what your partner made,
    happy hopping

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  26. Wow! lots of great designs - I can't even pick a favorite!

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  27. These pieces are fantastic Lorelei! My favorites are the bracelet and necklace with the leaves. I also really like how you added the quiet stamping over the wire wrapped circle, it reminds me of a bicycle wheel and therefore makes me think of summer!

    You have such an amazing eye for design, I love your work!

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  28. Gorgeous Lorelei! I don't think I can even pick a favorite!!

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  29. I love them ALL! I like the seed beaded loops with the hearts (very cool detail) and the bangle is neat! "Quiet" is cool because it's not a traditional word you'd expect to see stamped, and I think that makes it even more special. I like the tassel off that piece, too.

    Very well done!

    I hope you join me again in the summer!

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  30. I love the first necklace best, and the bracelet with the leaves and mushrooms. As always, I love your asymmetrical style!

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  31. What beautiful beads, and you made such wonderful things with them! I love your sense of color and design.

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  32. Lovely jewellery! I think you succeded well in making round the year jewellery from an autumnal soup palette. I think the heart necklace is my favourite.

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  33. Lovely color palette that you had to work with, the lampwork beads are so beautiful. I have been eyeing the oranges ones for awhile. As always Lorelei your rocked it out!!!

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  34. Those bronze pieces she gave you are amazing! I love everything you made and can't pick a favorite....maybe the bangle, but I'm not sure why because I really love the bronze heart and the mushroom, etc. I would wear every one of these pieces. Gorgeous!

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  35. Lorelei, you sure received a gorgeous bead soup mix...I love the colors. Everything is beautiful, as I always! I especially love the necklace with the heart focal - absolutely stunning!

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  36. Those are just gorgeous. I especially love the second necklace. I'm a sucker for hearts and earthy tones. Absolutely beautiful.

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  37. Wow, Lorelei - again, you have outdone yourself! I love your style, and I can see it in every one of the pieces you made here. I am completely drooling over the "quiet" necklace, and may have to hop on over to your store and snatch it up!

    :) Molly

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  38. Wow - I bow to your talent. You really maxed out and your pieces. I had a brain-freeze working on one. Very very nice - as always.

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  39. Beautiful designs! I really like that cute mushroom bracelet! :)

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  40. From sophisticated to colorful to playful, you nailed it. I am particularly drawn to the first piece. There is such a painterly sophistication in the choice of color palette and design. Love what you did with the pinwheel too. It makes me want to find a county fair wit a ferris wheel and walk through the grounds early morning before anyone arrives.

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  41. Oh thank you for sharing your two combined spirits! I felt strongly about the "Quiet" necklace and once again shake my head at how you NEVER fail to delight.
    Shannon

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  42. Delicious soup, Lorelei! You had terrific ingredients! I think the heart neckace is my favorite piece.

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  43. Lorelei! I have taken a fancy to the necklace with the heart and key hole focal.. the seed bead loops are great for durability! Doreen's bead and Nan's Bee Pendant are perfect for each other! You have done a fantastic job and I liked the color combination from the start.

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  44. Mmmmmm, your determination paid off! Such a lovely assortment of fun pieces.

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  45. Lorelei,
    All of your pieces are beautiful done up in beauty only you can do.
    Therese

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  46. Wonderful soup you received and of course you made all wonderful creations! Hard to choose a favorite but I think it would be the necklace with the green leaves.!

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  47. Lorelei, what a great stash and a fabulous turnout of pieces. You did some symmetrical pieces! Love them! And the bracelet in the your Lorelei style was stunning. As always, I love your work. Had fun hopping by.

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  48. Anonymous3/03/2012

    Awesome designs Lorelei! Suzette

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  49. great designs, and a great soup to build from. Love the heart necklace, but that bangle with the single orange bead.... well!! WOW!!

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  50. Oh wow...please don't make me pick a favorite...they are all perfect...although I am eyeing that mushroom bracelet!

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  51. You have such a way with color! All of your pieces are amazing, but I WANT THAT BANGLE! Great job!

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  52. My goodness, girlfriend! You got about a year's supply of beads there and made a ton of gorgeous stuff. I love the mis of blue/green with orange I the first necklace, but I think my overall face is the heart necklace!

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  53. Lots of great pieces here, but the mushroom bracelet and heart necklace are out of this world kinds cool. Whoo Hoo to you!

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  54. Beautiful design! I love all the pieces but the green set is my favorite, I'd wear those ever day! !:)

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  55. Wow, so much nice ideas and designs! Every piece you've made, has it's own charme - I couldn't make a choice which one I like the most! And your photopgraphs are adorable!

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  56. You worked your heart out didn't you, designing all those beautiful pieces? I think if I had to choose which I like best, it would be the design with the wire wheel, which is not what I would have expected Lorelei1 I bet it has to do with the dangle and those luscious lucite leaves =) I bet it gives off a nice soft rattle with that fringe chain =)

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  57. All of your pieces are truly amazing. I love the pieces you used the green leaves in(maybe because green is my favorite color...lol). But I also really like the first necklace and how you added that seed bead loop around the clay bead. Wonderful stuff.

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  58. Wow! All your pieces are amazing! I love the green heart necklace...gorgeous!

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  59. Nicely done!!!Lovely pieces!!

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  60. Fantastic Designs! Everything is so well balanced and just terrific! Love what you did with your soup!

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  61. Your heart necklace was definitely my favorite.

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  62. I love you u used the mini hearts to accent the large heart in the necklace.. I never would of that of that... I would have thought "earrings" so kudos for thinking outside the box in making a wonderful necklace!

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  63. Oh wow, what a lovely package you got! And I love what you did with it, specially the acorn necklace, wow! Well done!

    Hugs, Carolien

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  64. Thanks for posting the close up of the seed beaded loops. They are so cool. You did an amazing job with the bead projects.

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  65. Mmmm I just love your harvesty soup color palette! My very favorite pieces are: the heart lock necklace, the "quiet" necklace. I just LOVE how you created that wonderful pendant! and the last bracelet! I love the wire wrapped seed beads with gaps in the band left open! Such a creative design!

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  66. I love how all of your jewelry always looks so wearable. I am especially drawn to your quiet necklace. It seems to radiate calm.

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  67. I just love the green one with the acorn, but I would wear any of them!! wonderful job! ~KM

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  68. I really love the mushroom bracelet. My family has land in central Wisconsin and it reminds me of hiking around on their property and stumbling across beautiful, large orange and yellow mushrooms.

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  69. Love this color combo for your soup! All your pieces are wonderful, but my favorite is the heart lock necklace. So gorgeous!

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  70. * gasp!!! * I expected to be amazed when I reached your blog, but oh WOW!... Lorelei, you've done it again and really knocked me down with your designs. They are each gorgeous, but the Quiet necklace... now that one speaks to me! The simplicity of the design is so perfect. And the tassel of leaves is wonderful! It brings to mind a quite day in the woods at autumn time when there's no sound but the soft patter of leaves floating to the ground... so day-dreamy! Love, love, love! Oooh! I so want it! :-)

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  71. Lorelei, you are incredible! I adore all of your pieces - I can't even pick a favorite, they're all so lovely. As always, I'm very inspired by you, your talent and your style.

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  72. OMG! I love all of your jewelry. What great designs and inspiration. I will look for you book.

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  73. Oh my gosh, your work is stunning! Each piece is lovely on it's own, but together they make a fabulous cohesive collection. I aspire to create designs as lovely as yours. Cheers!
    Lori D.

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  74. First off, you really did luck up in the soup you received. Everything is fabulous. Now, per you. . .everything you created is just fantastic! However, I'm really partial to both the bracelets.

    Thank you for giving so much detail about your thought process and how you made these pieces. I always like to know how designs evolve.

    Again, beautiful work as always!

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  75. Lorelei, I especially love that tassel hanging from the "Quiet" charm!!! I'd love to know how you made the seedbead loops. I've noticed you do that often with buttons, and I've always wondered how you do it with no crimps showing. If you ever feel like doing a tutorial, I know I would really appreciate that. :)

    Since I have a November birthday, autumn is my fave season, of course! So, all of these really appeal to me; but I would wear any of them year-round. I think you did really well with that challenge. :)

    Alesha

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  76. Wow! You made soup! Wonderful ingredients and I love the way you put them together!

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  77. They're all so different, and yet all so obviously your creations -- beautiful combinations of colors and textures as always. And I think we could all use a reminder to appreciate (or seek) the quiet in our lives!

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  78. Wow Lorelei!!! You created so many really beautiful pieces!!! But that doesn't surprise me at all. Fun woodland feel these pieces have - with the earthy colors...and that pendant in your first necklace is gorgeous - terrific choice! :)

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  79. Anonymous3/08/2012

    Lorelei - I tried to leave you a comment yesterday, but it would not go through for some reason. Anyway, I just wanted to say that your soup creations are AWESOME! Love the necklace with the melon and the leaves. The quiet charm is so pretty. Your pieces always incorporate nature themes in a creative way!

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  80. What an amazing bead soup you received. And all the great jewelry you created.

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  81. Oh, wow, Lorelei - you did wonders with your soup! Everything is so earthy, I love the natural, warm colours - and the accents of mixed media or colour! Beautiful.

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  82. Great group of pieces and wonderful choices to go with them from your own stash. I really like the heart connectors with that heart pendant.

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  83. Beautiful, just beautiful. I love everything you made, especially the mushroom bracelet!

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  84. Fantastic pieces.
    The set with the green leaves is my fave!!

    DESPINA
    deb_oro@yahoo.gr

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  85. Everything is gorgeous as always, Lorelei :) The mushroom bracelet is my favorite.. though the bangle is a close second! I love how you wire wrapped the seed beads around it! Awesome!

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  86. Wow, you created a bunch of really great pieces...they are all very pretty. The first one is my favorite, I really love the focal and the seed bead loop.
    Sonya

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  87. I love your work. Great colors and combinations.

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