Monday, April 9, 2012

Bead Swap

Lori Anderson put together another quick bead soup - with no reveal or blog-hop, just a fun "let's swap beads" event. I was paired with a wonderful Canadian, from Tofino, BC - Tina Holden from Beadcomber Originals.

After a quick chat she figured me out pretty well and last week I got my gift! Oh, boy! Love at first sight, second sight... any time I look at them - I love them even more. Judge for yourself!

My bead soup swap from Tina Holden @ Beadcomber Originals :: All Pretty Things
This is the view that greeted me when I opened the package!

I could barely stop enough to take some pictures :) I had to first peek through all the bags, though!

She sent me not one, but 2 focals, both made by her - one can be used as a clasp (that was my very first thought when I saw it!)

Polymer clay focal (Tina's signature, a star fish!) by Tina Holden @ Beadcomber Originals :: All Pretty Things
Polymer clay Starfish (made by Tina)
Resin / Copper Pendant / Clasp focal (with Tina's signature, a star fish!) by Tina Holden @ Beadcomber Originals :: All Pretty Things
Resin / Copper Pendant / Clasp focal (with Tina's signature, a star fish!)
also made by Tina
Tina added a variety of assorted beads - some pearls in the most amazing shade I've ever seen, and such a beautiful baroque shape; and polymer clay beads (made by her) to match the focal.

Freshwater pearls, baroque :: All Pretty ThingsPolymer clay beads by Tina Holden @ Beadcomber Originals :: All Pretty Things 

She also put in complementary beads: beautiful Amazonite nuggets, ceramic beads (judging by the smile on the note, she read my blog a couple of weeks ago :)), and a sand dollar made by her, with matching mother of pearl beads.

Ceramic beads in my soup from Tina Holden @ Beadcomber Originals :: All Pretty ThingsAmazonite nuggets in my soup from Tina Holden @ Beadcomber Originals :: All Pretty Things 

And like all these wouldn't be enough - she graciously added bronze and copper findings - so I wouldn't event need to get to the store for extra supplies (she knows I work mostly in sterling silver, and never used copper or bronze before! what better time than 'right now'? :))

This is the picture of the whole content:

My soup from Tina Holden @ Beadcomber Originals :: All Pretty Things

Thank you, Tina - it is a wonderful mix and I love it (did I say that before?). I can't wait to start working with it, right now I am in the planning phase :)

I hope Tina will have as much fun with the soup I sent her.

14 comments:

  1. Some cool things! I love getting new beads.

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    1. Me too! I feel like a kid on Christmas day :) Thanks for putting it together, Lori.

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  2. Yay Alicia :)
    yes, read your blog to try and figure out a bit what your likes are and thought a little added 'copper' challenge or 'out of the silver loop' might be good for the creative soul. Looking forward what you will do with it ;)

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    1. Thanks, Tina - they are indeed very good for my soul :)

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  3. Those are wonderful! Have fun playing with them!

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    1. Thank you, I will have fun - I so love the colours and the whole mix! Tina has been amazing in picking this mix for me.

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  4. Can not wait to see what you create with these beauties..

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  5. It's beautiful surprise. It seems so fun to join bead swap. And it'll be my first experience. Can't wait my bead swap arrive =)
    I think the starfish is pretty 'throw down the gauntlet' bead to play, don't you think Alicia.

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    1. Hi Lili - yes, it it tons of fun, you'll enjoy this beautiful experience. Hehe, the starfish might be a challenge, a lovely one :)

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  6. Hi Alicia,
    Beautiful soup mix, I love the starfish! Looking forward to seeing what you create.
    Therese

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  7. Hi Alicia, am linking back to my blog to show what I made with some of the beads I received from you. Am quite pleased with the results. http://beadcomber.blogspot.ca/2012/04/bead-soup-swap.html
    Now for the challenging part, lol...making something with the quartz crystal, lampwork beads and czech glass. Putting on my thinking cap, haha

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    1. Oh, my, Tina - you did a wonderful, **wonderful** job!! I love both necklaces!

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