Bead Soup Blog Party Sneak Peek

The Bead Soup Blog Party deadline is fast approaching. I have my beads ready to go. I just need to package them for mailing. Here is a sneak preview of the beads I am sending to my partner.

I can't give too much away. I don't want to ruin the surprise for my Bead Soup partner. I will show the full set of beads in another post.

My partner is Elizabeth Freeman of Desert Whimsies on Etsy. Elizabeth works with polymer clay to create beautiful beads. I can't wait to hold some of her beautiful handmade creations in my hand and have the opportunity to design with them.

Elizabeth can also be found blogging at Turquoise Sky.

Just look at these beautiful beads Elizabeth has for sale in her Etsy shop

 There will be more to come on the Bead Soup Blog Party.

Thanks for visiting with me.

Updated to include 2011 Bead Soup links:

Sneak Peak

What I Rec'd 

The Big Reveal 

What I Sent 

Ema

Metal Stamp Giveaway

Lori Anderson of Lori Anderson Designs is giving away some Metal Stamps. How cool is that. I think you should stop by and read her blog.

I have always wanted to do metal stamping. I purchased the metal. I purchased some stamps, plain and simple stamps. I just haven't done it yet. If you have been following my blog you know that this year it is my intention to pay more attention to the details of my life and make my heart sing. Working with metals is one of those details I really want to make happen.

The set of stamps Lori is giving away is beautiful. The stamps are made by ImpressArt. In fact, quite recently, I was reviewing their products and consideed purchasing a set of these stamps.

A New Team on Etsy...Handmadeology Team

'It is all about Love from the Handmadeology Team' by emakaye

A collection of work from the NEW Handmadeology Team. A reflection of the amount of love which goes into each and every handmade piece.

chairity TimothyAdamDes... $2100.00	Pink Power - Genuine Sea Gla... SeaFindDesigns $30.00
DECLARATION OF LOVE . origin... hrushton $28.00	Pearl Cluster Bracelet - Spr... skyejuice $22.00
Knit Cowl/ Circle Scarf Doub... jgaido $12.00	Raspberries and Cream Ribbed... AshlynDesign $36.00
Fill my Eye (Peony), 8x10 Fi... eyeful $28.00	Vintage Valentine Cupid Hear... allthingshomey $10.00
FOUR - Bliss Premium Soy 18 ... blisscandles $74.00	Shimmery Shiny Fused Glass P... SassyGlassStud... $25.00
Vintage Pink Grey and Pearl ... RetroChalet $12.95	Close up and Pretty - Print susanmossphoto... $15.00
Personalized Sweetheart Tree... LittleSketchyC... $4.00	Cotton Candy Pink Frosted Gl... BeachCoveJewel... $25.00
Lisa's Earrings - Light ... PrizedPossessi... $5.00	Copper Cuff Bracelet, Hand H... arcoirishandcr... $45.00

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com.

Cast Your Vote for Your Favorite Bead

The Fire Divas like to play...this month we are hosting a lampwork bead challenge. Let's see what the incredibly talented Divas came up with for our True Love Challenge this month. It could be hard choose they are all so fun and delicious, don't forget to vote on the right side of the Fire Diva's blog!


Entry 1


Entry 2


Entry 3


Entry 4


Entry 5


Thanks for voting! Results will be posted in one week!

Art Charms Final Pictures

At last I have the pictures ready of the beautiful treasures I received in the Art Charm Exchange I participated in last fall. I know I am a bit late but I got a little busy with shows and holidays so you must forgive me.

The pieces I received ARE like little treasures to me. I felt like a little kid, anticipating Christmas, as I waited for my package to arrive in the mail.

I do appreciate the artists involved in this exchange and Jennifer Stout Cameron for organizing the event.

First I will show the stash of art charms I sent.

Now for all the beautiful works of art charms I received.

Again I thank the artists who participated. You can find their work on the web.

Art Charm Exchange Participants:

1. Jennifer http://glassaddictions.blogspot.com

2. Susan http://suebeads.blogspot.com

3. Kristie http://ArtisanClay.blogspot.com

4. Paige http://pmaximdesigns.blogspot.com/

5. Nan http://spiritrattles.blogspot.com/

6. Amy http://copperdiem.blogspot.com/

7. Lauren http://maybeads.blogspot.com/

8. Loretta http://www.designsbyloretta.blogspot.com/

9. Ema http://emakaye.blogspot.com/

10. Janel http://janeldudleybeads.blogspot.com/

Step 1 in my 2011 Overhaul - Event Planning and Organizing

In my effort to better organize myself this year I intend to get a day planner which I will use specifically for my art and my business. In the past I have not been very good at meeting deadlines for events I want to participate in. I have signed up or intended to sign up for various contests or exchanges only to forget when the deadline is. I have printed out paper work to apply for a contest, written notes to myself, set up alarms in my cell phone calender only to end up loosing the paperwork amongst the mass of paper that finds it way into my home daily or realize I haven't given myself enough time to actually complete the work. And thus another opportunity floats right on by.

I am a visual person. I think if I leave a planner on my work bench and check it every couple of days I will be much better motivated. I will have a visual reminder of my intentions and become much better organized and actually meet deadlines and entry dates. Yes I definitely need to get better organized.

I found this planner while searching Google. Unfortunately the seller is no longer active. Maybe I should make my own, but then again that will take away time from the beads and jewelry I am intending to create. Perhaps I should support another Etsy artist and just buy one. Now if I can find one which suites my needs. (the one above does)

I have been searching Etsy and haven't found what I am looking for. My kids are home from school today, I didn't plan on working, I think making my own planner is going to be in my plans for the day. Stay tuned. I will show you a picture when I'm done.

The Direction of My Art and My Life

Happy New Year. 

I become self contemplative when the new year rolls around and this year I find myself in an unsteady, unsure space. Last March I had a major health issue take charge of my life. I slowed down for a while and didn't sign up for any shows. Then a couple of opportunities presented themselves and I jumped back on the band wagon. Now I find myself wondering about my direction again.

I have such a strong desire to create, I find it difficult to deny myself any opportunity to create. However, by next September I will looking at two sons in college and also feel the need to contribute financially to my family. Up to this point my business has not been able to provide that. So what does one do? It is quite a task running a business when you are the one who is responsible for creating all the products as well as handle ALL the other responsibilities related to running a business...business plan, marketing, vending at shows,  bookkeeping and so on.

In addition to my work I am MOM. I have been blessed to be able to be a stay at home Mom. I still have a younger son who still needs Mom around. I am pulled in many directions and at times feel conflicted as to where my attention should go. So what does one do?

My artful ideas are plenty. It seems my ability to translate those ideas into profitable internet sales are where my shortcomings fall. Selling my work at outdoor venues is always a joyful experience; it is however physically draining and I am still concerned about my health. So what does one do?

If I am going to continue to do what I love I need a plan. A better plan than the one I have been working with the past few years. I wish I could say I have the answers I seek. I don't at this very moment. I do have a plan for the moment. I am offering 30% OFF ALL lampwork beads in my Etsy and Artfire shops. I am practically giving my beads away. Beginning February 1, I will remove all items from my shops and I will slowly begin to list items which I see as a new direction for me.

Ema K Designs Esty use coupon code NY1130 for 30% OFF lampwork beads.
Ema K Designs ArtFire all items are priced to reflect 30% OFF

Thanks for visiting with me.
Ema