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)