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Monday, March 12, 2012

A Little of This and A Little of That...

When I look back over the past two weeks I have to stop and catch my breath.  The Bead Soup Blog Party was an amazing first-time adventure for me.  


When I blog hopped to take in the creation of the participants, I was blown away by the genius of it all!  If you haven't already, I encourage you to visit some of these talented artists...they will truly inspire you...no matter what your medium of choice.  You can find their buttons after this post.


So, while I was busy cooking up the "soup" and sampling what others were cooking, a few things were put on the shelf ~ until today...


Our Tucson Swap Queens had an amazing February "LOVE" themed mini matchbox swap. 



Our gracious host, Queen Kathleen, chef extraordinaire!


chose a FAB menu of bruschetta based on the same menu found at Postino Winecafe' in Phoenix
warm artichoke spread on toast



The combinations were over the moon!


Roasted Red Pepper(chopped) with  Goat Cheese
Salami with Pesto
Brie with Apple(Granny Smith) and Figs drizzled with honey
Mozzarella with Tomato and Basil (fresh leaf)
Proscuitto with Figs and Mascarpone
Warm Artichoke Spread
Smoked Salmon with Pesto
Tomato Jam and Goat Cheese
Ricotta with Dates and Pistachios
White Bean with Chopped Tomato (Humus)



It was an amazing evening and no one went home hungry!  
One thing I did realize was that we need to swap first and eat later....otherwise we miss seeing all the treasures!  It's too much like little ones at Christmas! lol
Here are a few pix I managed to take...


These are from my amazing "cupid," Sharon...
love this uber-modern take with cool copper charms and mesh w/sparkle!

the treasures blew me away ~ a vintage red dress pin and 2 Patricia Healy copper charms!!!
this was Sharon's darling daughter's idea!!




I played "Cupid" to Rose and here's what I created for her...


all wrapped up




unwrapped
the matchbox with a "Rose" theme


and all the contents
This month we are altering a 6 cup egg box, an idea I "borrowed" from the lovely Cassandra at Artful Adventure.  We'll be swapping at the end of the month and I promise to showcase all the egg boxes!

Remember I told you I was cutting back on my swaps so I could work on my jewelry?  Well, I've been busy and here's a peek at some that I've finished....
My dear sil, Anna Marie, placed an order for a vintage necklace and matching earrings...
vintage clasp on brass disc



Swarovski pearls and crystals with crystal rondelles

vintage chain

double chain - sorry for the blurriness


the earrings with the Swarovski elements
I had another custom order from dear friend, Karey-Ann.  This time it was for a small, 3/4 inch cuff ~ in her signature color, pink.







Thank you so much for stopping by today....I love your visits and cherish your friendship!  Have a most beautiful week, dear friends.
xoxo
Karen


Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 (NRSV)

6 comments:

Fran. said...

Hello Karen such beauty in the form of art!! What would we do without creating!! Lot's of therapy I guess! LOL The cuff bracelet is yummy. It always amazes me how much stuff you can put in to the matchboxes! Doesn't you? What an awesome meal you had!! Yummo!!! Take care!! XO Love, Fran.

Unknown said...

Oh I love what you made! You talented cookie you! And your gals are just as great, just look at all these beauties! :D

Hugs,

Something Special said...

Oh Karen you have been busy. The food from your swap party looks divine and what little treasures there was for swapping. Maybe next year I can get in on the bead blog hop party! Looks like fun!

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

You look like you have joined in some fun parties...maybe I should move to Tucson!!

Lynn Stevens said...

What a fun party. Love all those matchboxes! Your jewelry is gorgeous!
hugs Lynn

Cathy L. Calamas said...

Love that pink pearled cuff!! lovely blog. Thanks for stopping by mine!