Book Review: Bead Soup

by Staci L. Smith

I was very blessed to receive a copy of Lori Andersons book, Bead Soup, to review. 

 

 

http://www.amazon.com/Bead-Soup-Projects-Happens-Beaders/dp/0871164426

 

Wow.  I really enjoyed it.

 

I have participated in The bead soup blog party 3 times.  Each time was a wonderful experience, I met new people, and was challenged to move outside my comfort zone.  So opening this book, and reading about how Lori came up with this idea was awesome.  I love to know the history behind things, the inspiration for art.  This did not disappoint.  Just like Lori's blog, I felt like I was sitting down and chatting with her, so down to earth, and written from the heart.

 

Then I began to read through the book, what beautiful pictures. (my pictures of the book don't do the pictures justice!!)  Just like the Bead Soup Blog Party, it was fun to see each soup that was sent, and the project that was created from it. 

soup mix

finished project

There were many many great designs, in a wide variety of styles. No matter what you beading level, there is technique and inspiration a plenty.

 

It is written in a fun style of ingredients on recipe cards.  The titles are all named for soup too.  Great little details that I truly enjoyed.

 

 

The artists that picked the soups, as well as those who created projects, were all top notch.  The styles were varied and interesting.

 

I really enjoyed it.  Anyone who likes beads, and likes to see the inspiration and creativity of a piece of jewelry come together, will enjoy this book.

 

Thank you Lori, for writing a great book and sharing your party with all of us!  

Collaboration Comes to Fruition

I think I have mentioned that Genea of Genea beads and I have been working on some collaborations.  Genea makes wonderful and whimsical glass beads that I adore!  We met long ago through Lori Andersons Bead Soup blog Party, and have been fans of each others work ever since.

 

This is a picture of the bead soup that had me drooling!!!!

 

 

 

So, Genea and I did a trade for beads at the beginning of the year, and she was so inspired by the colors in my polymer beads, that she made special sets of wing dings to match.

 

 

 

She came up with the idea to make limited edition sets with her wing dings and my polymer in these colors.  I thought, why not, sounds fun!  And guess what, it was!

 

 

 

 

It was a lot of work, and we had to work out many kinks along the way, but finally, last week, we launched our limited edition one of a kind sets, and we couldn't be more excited!!!!  Each set is completely unique, and comes in its own packaging that Genea created specially for these sets (she is the detail person in our collab!!!  Thank goodness for that!)

 

 

 

All in all, its been a great experience, and it reminds me that only good comes from exploring new possibilities with other artists.  I can't wait to work on another collab with Genea, as well as other artists.  There is a whole world of like minded people out there- who are still different enough to get together and create amazing things!

 

 

If you'd like to see how the sets turned out, or purchase one, you can find them in Genea's shop. 

 

 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/110029697/harvest-heart-2-handmade-lampwork-glass?

 

 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/110032396/sea-limes-batik-donuts-handmade-lampwork

 

Or you can read more about our Collaboration here on our new blog We Social Artists, Collaboration and Inspiration.  We plan to feature wonderful artists who have collaborated to create unique and one of a kind art together!!!

 

 

yes, everything - even metal

mary jane dodd

'everything has rhythm. everything dances.'

~ maya angelou

~~~ 

enjoy blog hopping this weekend for the huge (210 participant) bead soup party hosted by lori anderson of pretty things... follow this link for the list -