300th post & 2 Giveaways

I'm not the most consistent blogger, but I'm pleased this is my 300th post. Connecting with others who make stuff--whether it be stamped cards, ATCSs, jewelry or mixed media--has brought me so much joy. In honor of that, and of Mother's Day here in the States, I'm offering 2 giveaways.

The first is a glass pendant with part of a calendula tile stamp from Blockheads Rubber Stamps. It's inked on a hand-colored background.

The second is a rather large pile of assorted gewgaws. There's vintage ephemera, some beads and ink, a couple of stamps, and embellishments galore. These are representative of how and what I like to play with.

Just post a comment here before 5 p.m. PST Monday, May 14 and I'll randomize comments and pick two. Please tell your friends as well!

And first here's my card for my mom, also featuring a Calendula Stamp from Blockheads.

A wee bit o' Steampunk

Got these fun pocket watch keys at Retro Cafe Art Gallery and couldn't resist a little steampunkery. Added a few gears and a couple of olive glass stones, and there you go. Fun & easy.

Last items for raffle

Wrinkle-Free Distress, Lost Coast stamp

On NGS, Carol runs a book study. We're currently working our way through "Compendium of Curiosities." Wrinkle-Free distress is probably one of the earliest types of backgrounds I ever played with and it's easy breezy. Carol has a nice tute on her blog so I won't post one here.

I will post some pics of my backgrounds, and the pendant I made using a newish Lost Coast stamp. This lady of antiquity appealed to me so much, and I thought she'd look good on a weathered background with a little gold leafing. I came across the fused glass tag pendant and added some muted gold and green beads.

On the worktable

Doing lots with blues & greens at the moment -- Amazonite and Chrysophase, especially. Full worktable!

In the Pink

Continuing my exploration of the color pink, as I try to get to know it and love it better! Here's an asymmetrical necklace featuring some gorgeous hunks of stone: faceted flourite, large faceted rose quartz, some Swarovski vintage gold pearls, a lampworked bead, a vintage Japanese glass bead, and copper chain and findings. Doing up a matching bracelet and earrings for this one as well.

Rainy-day blue & silver

It's been raining here today. A friend had asked me to design something in blue & silver for a friend of hers. Sifting through cool blue & silver beads felt just right for the weather. Designed several pieces today.

Earrings

I've been inspired to sift through my beads lately. Made this pair, with antiqued brass findings and Swarovski crystals, for a dear friend's birthday.