Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

I’m just back from France where I’ve spent 2 weeks with my family. It was great and I must say I’m a bit homesick at the minute but I’m sure it’ll pass . Dylan has started to  walk over there and he’s not 12 months yet!! Walking, crawling with his bum up lol by the end of next week he’ll be walking like a pro. Unfortunately, Dylan got back home with a cold and a rash…We thought he had developed chicken pox or roseola but the GP said it could be just a simple rash and cold…this morning we discovered more spots…But then, the teething, difference in temperature between ireland and France and different routine/food/travelling….Could be it.

So all that to say that I haven’t been able to take photos of the two boxes I received from Cassandra and Bryanna…I’ll try to post pics of them tomorrow if Baby’s better…But I already had taken pics of the boxes I sent, so without wasting anymore time, first a big thank you to you two girls and especially Cassandra for organizing the whole swap. I definitely have a taste for it now! If you (dear reader) know of a cute swap happening soon please let me know ^_^

Anyway, so here they are, first for Bryanna : Marie-Antoinette theme

I absolutely loved making these 2 boxes  using new collage and resin encasing techniques…They are my very first altered boxes! I’m a beginner you know…

I wanted to go for different handmade beads that I usually go for. (As you probably know, I mostly work with high quality artisan lampwork beads) So that was a challenge for me and I opted for  handcrocheted beads… They match fabulously the handmade and silver Rose pendant I got from www.dottyral.etsy.com She’s a brillant artist!

I handmade the card (oups forgot to take a pic) to match the box and sent it out lovingly packaged!

And then for Cassandra : A ‘Chic Parisienne’ theme

I simply went for black, silver and sparkly crystal…So hard to catch with the camera! I promise it looks even better in reality

Vintage crysal brooch and vintage chandelier crystals are the components…With mini handcrafted pink see through lampwork beads and big silver cotton handcrocheted beads. All handmade or vintage!

Card made by me to match and off the package went to Cassandra. You can go to her page here to see what the other participants have made…

Also, if you’d like to swap boxes or ATC with me or know of an other challenging swap, please let me know!

I’m actually organising an ATC swap, reveal first week of September…

Thanks for looking and hope you enjoy the blog , ^_^, Virginie

We’re just back from England where we’ve attended a family funeral  But we’re off again this week end for 2 weeks in the south-west of France where we’re going to stay with my family. 

Unfortunately before we can relax we’ve got loads to do and prepare. Given that on wednesday I’m going with Dylan and an artist friend to the craft market, I need to get all my available jewelry tagged and ready to go. That means making sure I’ve got enough handmade gift pouches with me (I made a few last week), look into taking a table + chairs, a table clothe, my earrings displays, enough food and toys to feed and keep baby happy…oh!and closing the etsy shop for 2 weeks and everything else I can’t think of right now but will hit me at a later date lol.

So anyway, I’m sure somehow it’ll get done. That if Dylan will let me, He’s growing 2 teeth at the moment and has the sniffles since the week-end.

He’s got nearly 8 teeth now, is starting to stand up from sitting on the floor when holding on to something and started to crawl a couple of weeks back. Yes it’s all happening and he’s just turned 11 months!

The quilt I was talking to you about is now complete and thought I would share with you some pics before I take it to France to its new home…

It’ a single bed size and there’s nothing complicated about this quilt, as it had to be done relatively quickly, it’s the print that really makes it…

I shipped a set of lampwork jewelry yesterday. It was very satisfying to see them go off to a good home in the US and to see that the gifts certificates are being used, it’s fantastic! For some reason, the code didn’t enter properly, so I promptly sent a quick refund.  We were both delighted! However I do need to look into it in Paypal (If any of you know anything about voucher codes on Ppal, let me know ).

These are ‘Waterlillies’ handcrafted lampwork beads I had custom ordered for myself because I had previously bought a pair of the same beads, had sold them (set in a different way) and decided that I fancied a pandora style bead and earring pair tomatch.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   In the end I opted for a sterling silver snake chain…(It has such an effect on! Plus you can still slide it on your pandora bracelet. Fun!) Such a colorful piece HAD to be in the shop….I couldn’t possibly keep if for myself ^_^

All nicely packaged with gift box and matching handmade tag (I really took the time as I enjoy it so much)

It was actully sent to the recipient as a gift from the customer so I added a note in one of my handmade cards.

and a little surprise!

 As most of you know, I’m a member of the Ireland team on Etsy and I thought I would organize a challenge  for the team. Artists from all streams of life are more than welcome to join in the fun with the Irish team :

An ATC swap where all participants will be paired up to exchange their Artist Trading Card. Tany Bond wrote an interesting article about ACEOs which are very similar to trading cards only ATC are swaped, ACEOs sell.

All levels are welcome but I do hope that this challenge will be a nice introduction to Art Cards for beginners. Old timers at ATCs/ACEOs, you’re definitely invited to share your ATC wisdom with us and if you have pics of your cards please let me know so that we can show examples in the next post.

The goal of this swap : Share your love of art + promote our Ireland Etsy Team as well as individual boutiques.

So here’s the deal folks :

- A sturdy 2.5”x3.5” card (64x89mm) using anything from watercolor paper, mountboard, card stock, bristol board, wood, canvas, playing cards, leather, interfacing, fibre…you name it!

- Content using anything from fabric, paper, mixed media, paint, collage, pen, ink, watercolors…you name it (again)!

- A Back Artist Info (example of info found here - you can also google it, there’s zillions of them out there)

- A standard Trading Card Enveloppe sleeve (example of template here - same thing here, there’s loads of different ones out there)

- A swap partner who will be attributed to you after all the participants have signed up

- Optional: a little goodie (from you/your shop or a small voucher…totally optional)

These are the basic requirements.

Now, the rules are simple but plain common sense:

- Cards must be sturdy

- Art traded should not be of controversial, offensive, religious, sexual nature (obviously, so as not to offend anyone)

- You must have made the card yourself (helllllloo, makes sense but has to be said, sorry)

- Follow the ‘Golden Rule’ and only send to someone the quality of craftsmanship you’d want to receive (in other words, simply do your best)

- Shipping is the sole responsability of the swapping partners so please package your items securely.

- Final date to enter the swap is 2 weeks from now. So the list of participants and other updates will be posted here after that.

- Showcase on sat 4 sept

FAQ:

*How to showcase?

on our personal blog or the team blog if you don’t have one. Please send me the link to your reveal post or pictures for the team blog by friday night the 3rd September

* Are any costs involved?

shipping fee+ card making costs

*Can I participate even if I don’t have an Etsy shop or are not part of the Etsy Ireland Team but follow the blog?

Of course, please do!! and don’t hesitate to give a shout to people you’d think would be interested. Simply showcase your pics on your blog, or send me your photos and comments for the team blog.

*When do I get my goodies?

They can be sent off after the reveal day on sat 4 sept. Please be sure to communicate your mailing address to your partner.

If you agree with ALL the conditions above and are ready to have and share some craic, please convo me on my etsy boutique http://www.vivibijoux.etsy.com/ or comment below with : your name, blog/facebook/twitter and Etsy shop.

Aslo I’m having a gift certificate giveaway, don’t forget to read the post below to participate…

You’ll be hearing from me with the complete list of participants and partners on the 24th july.

Thank you for reading and let the fun begin!

Sounds good doesn’t it? Well this is basically the custom order I’ve got for this bracelet: bali silver beads, black lampwork beads, hints of fushia and a purple daze…on a budget. So here’s what I’ve come up with. It’s not the most difficult design, but the simplistic elegance works I think…

I love the toggle here, which works really well because of the close match with the bali beads: all these raised dots give a oriental yet modern look.

And the earrings of course, whose design has been picked by the lady. I had made orange lampwork earrings using that design, she saw it and wanted that same shape for her matching earrings…hooks made by me…all sterling silver and swarovski crystals….

This is the lovely pendant that Lori Anderson made for our 2010 Bead Soup Party…And it’s out there, for anyone to win. I’m giving it a go right now…

                                                                             Here it is at last! I must say that I quite like the result… I would specially like to thank my BSP partner, Sonja for sending me such an array of colourful beads.  At first I was like ‘Oh,my, goodness.I don’t even know where to start’ .You see, the way I work is like I start with a couple of beads or a colour palette. And then, I just let it take me to wherever the creativity will take me. And I add as I go. So even though it was a personal challenge , I gladly welcomed it and dearly enjoyed it :)

I wouldn’t be what you call a ‘necklace person’  but I just had to go for it!  It is not a complex looking piece and yet is sophisticated (Well, I’d like to think so anyway). I hope the photos will speak volumes… Please after you have a wee look at my finished pieces, don’t forget to participate to my first ever giveaway on this new blog…I’d love it if you could participate, it’s quick and easy. See post below…

 Now,  Have a look. I hope you do like it…:)

Not making the most of such a gorgeous day (which doesn’t happen often in Ireland) would have been a crime and so it was decided that the pics would be taken outdoors

 I hope you like the earrings as much as I do. I used the cord from the kit to make the tiny bows. Was tricky! I’m afaid I’ having a bit of a bow fever at the moment :) Everything’s got to come with bows! lol The glass pearls have been wire wrapped and match the center or the necklace where I added jump rings to ‘cap’ the pearls on each side.

Thanks for looking!  If you like the blog, don’t hesitate to follow, I love comments and do post eye candy regularly (I promise :))

And have a look at the giveaway!

Smiles, Virginie ^_^

So the results of the challenge are coming up. Originally, it was going to be this week end, but now it looks like this is going to be a daily festival of eye candy. There was so many participants! Here are the dates on Lori’s blog. For all the designers, click on the bead soup party badge located in my links.

 Here are the few artists and their blogs that will be featuring their designs tomorrow and sunday ( I know I’m going to check them out )

Saturday 19th june :

1. Lori, Pretty Things

2. Lorelei, Lorelei1141

3. Norma, Moonlit Fantaseas

4. Beth, EB Bead and Metalworks

5. Katie, KatieBead

6. Kimberly, Bahama Dawn

7. Debbie, Prairie Emporium

8. Lisa, Joolz by Lisa

9. Kate, Tropical Blonde

10. Janet, Singing Woods

11. Julianna, Juls Beads

14. Jen, Jen Judd Rocks

15. Kella, Me But a Little More In Depth

16. Emanda, Artemisia Studio

17. Marie, Skye Jewels

18. Loretta, Designs By Loretta

19. Stacy, Sissy and Jack’s

20. Joanna, Filcowe

21. Diane, Diane Hawkey

22. Marianna, Pretty Shiny Things

23. Anna, The Laughing Raven

24. Marcie, La Bella Joya

25. Lois, Que Onda Q’town?

26. Jayne, Mama’s Got To Doodle

27. Lisa, Alterity

28. Dale, Dales’ Flights of Fancy

29. Melanie, Kookie Designs

30. Christine, A Hot Piece of Glass

31. Nancy, Beading From the Heart

32. Laurel, Rue’s Daftique

33. Sandi, Do Be Do Bead Do

34. Nicki, Nicki’s Reef

35. Virginie, ViviBijoux ME!!

36. Janeen, Wild Vanilla

37. Filomena, Pink Velvet Bird

38. Lyn, Lyn Foley

39. Tari, Pearl and Pebble

40. Rebecca, Song Beads

41. Regina, Regina’s Writings

42. Nancy, The Rabbit Muse

43. Whitney, Whitney Lassini

44. Maria, Garden Path Beads

45. Michelle, Life in the Bead Lane

46. Ann, My Critical Eye

47. Lisa, Lucid Moon Studio

48. Nan, Spirit Rattles

49. Amy, Copper Diem

50. Malin, Beading by Malin de Koning

51. Anne, Gardanne Glass Lampwork

52. Alice, Alice’s Beads and Baubles

53. Barbara, Second Surf

54. Amanda, Articulations

55. Heather, Humble Beads

56. Melissa, Melissa Meman, Art, Life, Love

57. Kate, Organic Odysseys

58. Patti, PJ Clark Designs

59. Stefanie, Stefanie’s Sammelsurium

60. Carol, Carol Bradley Designs

61. Wanda, A Frayed of Fibers

62. Diana, Vintage Blue Studio

63. Marieke, Marieke’s Blog

64. KJ, Silver Parrot

65. Maire, Maire Dodd

66. Shannon, Miss Fickle Media

67. Dana, Dana’s Jewelry Designs

68. Charlene, The Bead Dreamer

69. Elisabeth, Beads for Busy Gals

70. Cathryn, Chile Cats

71. Missy, Melissa Rappaport

72. Cindy, Cindy Dolezal Designs

73. Valerie, Hot Art

74. Courtney, Beads by Breul

75. Johanna, Fire Phoenix Creations

76. Shea, gr8findings

77. Julie, Pryce Designs

78. Jeannie, Jeannie’s Blog

79. Patricia, Verre Design

80. Christa, Adventures of One Beady Woman

81. Heather, My Muse

82. Susan, Night Beader at Large

83. Sonja, Drachenei

84. Jennifer, Glass Addictions by Jennifer

85. Melissa, One-Eared Pig Beads

86. Rebecca, 2SistersBeadwork

87. Karyn, Releases by Rufydoof

88. Denise, Bling on the Blog

89. Doris, Glaszwerg

90. Megan, Churchy & Her Sailor

91. Jo, Daisychain Designs

92. Jen, VanBeads Jewelry and Design

93. Kristie, Artisan Clay

94. Jess, Vintaj

95. Suzann, Beadphoria

96. Sharon, Sharon’s Jewelry Garden

97. Michelle, bMichelle

I have shipped  orders in the past few days. It’s been absolutely brillant and exciting obviously. The earrings that have gone first are the Lampwork spring flowers.  They were sent off lovingly packaged…including 2 gift certificates of $5 each.

Here’s a card that I made for my customer as she is getting married at the end of the month and is planning on wearing the earrings on the day!

And here they are, off to new shores and to a good home too. I just received my feedback from my customer and she’s absolutely delighted with them, here’s what she said:

 ’I received my earrings today, and they are sooo beautiful!! And such detailed artwork, WOW!!! You have a true gift my dear. I just love them, and Thanks for the card full of well wishes, that was the best personal touch ever! And I will be sure to use my gift card, and I plan to give the other to my maid of honor. Again, Thanks a Bunch, it has been a pleasure!!!!’

What’s what is so rewarding, when a customer is over the moon with your creations. I hope it will happen again and again and again…^_^

 If you are in an american mood, why not try these : Cup cakes earrings and Hawaii earrings.

One if you feel in a yummy foodie mode and the other one if you feel like you are badly in need of a sun holiday

In any case, they’re both simple but lovely to wear. I just added them to my shop on etsy. I really need to update my euro shop here on my blog. As soon as I get a chance to list all of the last of my bijoux, I’ll have to do it. It seems that I am running out of lampwork beads…I am going to go on a bead hunt soon. But for now, I’m just getting into mixed media…Will post a bit more about it soon. To be followed…