Alice Dreaming: Erin Prais Hintz

Showing posts with label Erin Prais Hintz. Show all posts

Saturday, March 1, 2014

The Challenge of Music

I always enjoy Erin's challenges and she comes up with great ideas to stretch our minds and creativity.

Having been born in the early 1960's with so many great songs in the '60's and '70's (the best two decades for music in my opinion) it was difficult to choose just one song.

So I started looking at the bands in these two decades.

The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hindrix, The Who, The Doors, Led Zepplin, The Eagles, Jefferson Airplane, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Pink Floyd and so many more. Still too many to choose from. In fact it makes my head spin.

Then I remembered the Coca-Cola Song I heard so often as a child and did a little research.

In 1971 the song was born one foggy day in London and ended with 500 people from around the world singing the song on a hilltop in Italy.

You can read more about the makings of the commercial and hear the song by clicking the link below.

http://www.coca-colacompany.com/stories/coke-lore-hilltop-story

My piece was inspired by the people of different lands, different colors ,different religions and ideals who stood together on that hill all brought together with a simple bottle of Coca-Cola.

The world would be a better place if we could just love more and hate less.

'Perfect Harmony'
Lava beads, ancient carnelian, red jasper, carved bone bead, ceramic beads by Eclectic Prairie
Lampwork beads by Lynda Bead Dreams and Twinstar and one wood bead.

Check out Erin's blog to see what the other participants made.

Friday, September 20, 2013

Erin Prais Hintz Child of God Blog Hop

Erin is hosting a Blog hop inspired by this story. She created polymer beads just for this hop, and I was a lucky winner from one of the ABS Studio Saturday posts. This is the bead I received---gorgeous!

'you are a child of God, and with credentials like that you can do anything'

At first I started to make a bracelet but it didn't show Erin's bead the way I wanted, and ended up with this necklace. By the way, Erin's bead spins around so you can read it all.

I wanted the piece to be bright and cheerful because knowing I'm a child of God makes me very happy.

Included in the necklace are flowered polymer beads from Too Aquarius,teal lampwork beads from Lynda's Bead Dreams, green vintage beads, a jasper bead, tiny Czech bead, plus a lot of Vintaj Components; washers, 'Hope' ring, 'Believe' Ring, a flower pendant, and chain. Honestly I'm not happy with the placement of those rings. They look fine in the photo but not when worn. I wanted to redo it but simply ran out of time.

Closeup of the beads

I encourage you to read the inspiration for these beads and the blog hop. Also visit Erin's blog to see what the other participants have made.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

I Fell Off The Wagon

First, I want to thank everyone who commented on my Bead Soup Reveal and The Challenge of Travel Reveal. I had so much fun with both and met a few new jewelry and bead designers.

And now for the confession. At the end of last year I decided I needed to use up the beads in my stash before buying more. I allowed myself to purchase the necessary components and findings like clasps, spacers, wire, crimps etc, and beads that were required for a customer request, and once for a bead challenge.

I'm surprised that I lasted so long because it sure isn't easy when every blog I visit had some awesome beads they made or purchased themselves. And finally I caved. It was just about a month ago, and once I started, I just kept going. So here are the offenders; the beads that I just couldn't live without:

These are the cutest little lampwork beads I've ever seen. From Pebble Dreams

And Too Aquarius makes these wonderful polymer beads. I've purchased them before and just had to have more for my Challenge of Travel.

Also from Too Aquarius

From Penny at Fagins Daughter
I considered these findings....don't you agree?

More from Fagins Daughter; mostly vintage, and yes, there are definitely beads in here.

I purchased some wire from Fusion Beads, and they just happened to have a great coupon. But I needed to spend just a bit more in order to make the limit. These Jade beads are gorgeous, and of course I love anything Vintaj. If you haven't signed up for Fusion Beads emails you are missing out on some great discounts from time to time, plus free shipping over $25.00.

I purchased a little surprise from Erin for my daughter's Christmas present. I can't show it here just in case she reads this post. But when it arrived there was a sweet coupon that I just had to take advantage of. I purchased one of her Motley Owls, and a beautiful polymer shell pendant.
On the back the pendant reads 'You can't cross the sea merely standing on the shore'. Erin has the most beautiful packaging.

And I just had to share what I won from Heather Power's Bead Fest Pity Party (the prize was a coupon to her site). The little squirrel, fox, and bird house are just adorable!

I'm going to hop back on the wagon and see how long I can continue this self-imposed 'bead diet'. If you want to join me I could use the company.

Saturday, September 1, 2012

The Challenge of Travel

If you’ve been reading my blog for long you already know I love to travel. In fact I crave it. So when Erin offered up the Challenge of Travel I signed up right away. The challenge was to pick a region we do not live in (Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania). Then we were to pick a nation from that region, or let Erin Choose for us. I chose the Oceania region, and since this was a challenge I let Erin choose the Nation, which is Kiribati.

The republic of Kiribati is an island group in Micronesia straddling the equator. Kiribati's 33 atolls and one raised coral island are scattered over an area of 3.5 million km, however their land mass comprises of only 810 sq. km. Kiribati has a population of roughly 90,000 people. While there are sandy beaches and warm water year round, Kiribati has almost no tourists. Getting there is not cheap or easy, but if by chance you find yourself there, you should be prepared to rough it.

The average high temperatures are quite reasonable compared to other well-known places in the tropics but the humidity more than makes up for this, making it feel very sauna-like. Industry includes fishing and handmade crafts. Exports include coconuts, seaweed, fish, and Copra which is dried coconut kernels from which oil is obtained. Agriculture includes Copra, taro, sweet potatoes and fish.

I chose to tell the story of Kiribati through the pieces I made; all earrings, because I can't seem to stop making them.

Nearly every article I read reported the Kiribati people to be very polite, laid back, warm and friendly, and very welcoming to tourists. They love to dance and host lavish celebrations with colorful costumes.

The earrings below represent the people of Kiribati, their personality and colorful costumes. I used polymer flower beads from Too Aquarious, tiny lampwork beads from Pebble Dreams, and Vintaj Brass.

'South Pacific Paradise'

These earrings represent their heritage, hard work, pride, and independence. I used lampwork beads from Flameart, Copper dangles from Missficklemedia, and Vintaj Brass.

'Polynesia'

Kiribati is home to the South Pacific's largest marine reserve. It is also one of the low-lying Pacific island states seen as highly vulnerable to rising sea levels and global warming, and frequently lends its voice to calls for action on climate change. In the last couple years there have been articles predicting the entire island chain sinking under water, and the prospect of finding land elsewhere or even settling in Australia.

These earrings represent both fresh and salt water; the very water they depend on for living and making an income may very well be the thing that destroys this beautiful nation. Made with tiny lampwork beads from Pebble Dreams, and sterling silver.

'Drops of Water'

Not everything is bright and colorful in Kiribati. Tarawa is the capital of Kiribati. South Tarawa is one of the most densely populated, severely poverty-stricken places in the world. Other islands have far fewer people, but getting to them can be difficult, and conditions are even more primitive. These earrings represent the darker side; poverty, overcrowding, lack of jobs, and wondering if or when they will have to leave the islands. The earrings are made with Czech nuggets, Swarovski pearls and crystals, and sterling silver.

'Storm Brewing'

A big thanks to Erin for hosting another fun challenge. Please visit Erin's blog for the list of the other participants.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Simple Truths Celebration Blog Hop

I was so excited when Erin started her Simple Truths Sampler Club and I was able to snag six wonderful charms as a result. Every month was like Christmas with a package arriving in the mail. Tucked inside was one a little piece of art lovingly made by Erin. And making it even more fun was that we never knew what it was going to be until we opened the package.

I have a confession, one that you can probably relate to; I'm a hoarder. I've held on to these lovely charms until now. I have Erin to thank for giving me a kick in the pants to use these. They are just too beautiful to be stuck in a plastic tackle box! The photo below are the four I didn't use.

For a long while now, I've been making asymmetrical pieces, but these Simple Truths charms just deserved their own spotlight, and I didn't want to make elaborate designs for fear of the charms being swallowed up. I have to say it kind of felt good to make symmetrical designs. So here are the two pieces I made.

When I was young I looked forward to summer. Since we lived outside of town we didn't go to the pool or library often. Instead we spent our summers riding our old pony, slopping the hogs, watching the ducks and geese swim in the pond, taking walks 'up north' in our pasture, and wading in the creek. To us, summer was carefree--well except for sweeping up duck and geese droppings from the sidewalk and pumping water from the cistern, lugging bucketfulls to the trees.

This necklace is very simple and sweet, just like the summers of my youth. Liquid Silver and mix of Swarovski Crystals called 'Heartthrob' from Fusion Beads is all it needs.

'Carefree Summer'

Erin's sweet bicycle charm. On the back it reads 'I have no time to be in a hurry'

Erin made the sweetest dandelion charm reminding us to set our wishes free so they can be made known to the universe. This necklace includes wasabi czech nugget beads, tiny turqouise jasper beads, pineapple jasper beads, and Vintaj components.

'Dandelion Wishes'

Thursday, May 31, 2012

The Challenge of Literature

For many of us, being born in the early 1960’s meant families with a single income where the father worked and the mother stayed home to raise the children. It was also a time where buying for the sake of buying was unheard of. In our family there were few toys and we were not exposed to many books, so I never developed a love for reading.

Fast forward to today. If you were to visit our house you would see a virtual library in each of the kids’ bedrooms. Our children love to read, and we have all genres of books one could imagine. I credit my mother for our children’s interest in reading. She cared for them when I worked full time in another city. Every day she would read to the kids, and bought Golden Books and other fun books at garage sales. The joy of reading was just one of the wonderful gifts my mother gave to our children.

But I do remember a few of my own childhood favorites such as Kavik The wolf Dog, written by Walt Morey in 1968, and of course I still have my first Little House on the Prairie hardback book. And I’ll never forget the cute story about Ralph, the star mouse in Beverly Cleary’s The Mouse and the Motorcycle from 1965. But my favorite book is The Borrowers, first in a series of fantasy novels by Mary Norton. (Oh how the fantasy genre has changed since 1952—the year The Borrowers was first published.)

In case you didn’t know, The Borrowers are tiny people who borrow things to survive while trying to keep their existence a secret. Who knows, maybe there are Borrowers living behind the walls in your home. The piece I made represents al l the little things the Borrowers might have ‘borrowed’ if they lived in my house. So if you’re still with me after that long intro, here is my piece inspired by The Borrowers.

'The Borrowers'

I have a little bowl where I keep little odds and ends, bits and pieces just for such an occasion. Included in the bracelet are washers, buttons, bingo game piece, watch face, tiny 8 ball bead, safety pin, paper clip, Barbie doll sandal donated by my daughter, various keys, odd beads, wrapped jacks game piece, and other interesting bits. I’m not sure who would want such an odd bracelet, but hopefully it makes someone smile.

Thanks for stopping by, and thanks to Erin for another fantastic and fun challenge! Please be sure to visit all the other participants to see what they made.

Erin Prais-Hintz
Rebecca Anderson
Rose Binoya
Lori Bowring Michaud
Shannon Chomanszuk
Marlene Cupo
Jenny Davies-Reazor
Kim Dworak
Beth Emery
Therese Frank
Amy Freeland
K Hutchinson
Kristina Johansson
Jennifer Justman
Susan Kennedy
Linda Landig
Lisa Lodge
Lisa Lowe
Kirsi Luostarinen
Beth McCord
Melissa Meman
Sharon Misuraco
Tracey Nanstad
Melinda Orr
Kashmira Patel
Alice Peterson
Sally Russick
Niky Sayers
Pam Sears
Amy Severino
Tracy Stillman
Emma Todd
Melissa Trudinger
Lesley Watt
Shai Williams

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

The Challenge of Color Blog Hop Reveal

Today is the reveal day for the Challenge of Color Blog Hop hosted by Erin Prais-Hintz. There are 54 participants who were assigned a color palette chosen by Erin. These beautiful color palettes were created by Jessica Colaluca of Design Seeds (Thank you Jessica!). If you are ever in need of inspiration visit her blog for more colorful ideas.

The palette Erin chose for me was ‘Island Play’ Just look at the lovely colors! Don’t they make you wish you were on a beach or island far, far away?

The bracelet I created began with this gorgeous etched, patina clasp made by Melinda Orr . Check out her etsy shop to see more of her lovely handmade creations.

The blue lampwork bead is from an ebay seller (which I can’t seem to recall). I’ve been hoarding these lovely beads for a long time. Also included is a small, sand colored lampwork bead, some pretty faceted aqua beads from Nina Bagley from her recent studio cleanout (check out her lovely blog and amazing jewelry!) a Wasabi Silk Czech Nautilus Shell, and Vintaj Brass components.

Please go to Erin’s blog to see her own creations, and to enter her giveaway. And take some time to visit the other participants to see what they created. A big thanks to Erin for organizing this challenge. I enjoyed it very much!

Norma Turvey
Jeannie Dukic
Mary McGraw
Jo Tinley
Rebecca Anderson
Kristi Jaro
Stephani Gorman
Melissa Meman
Kathleen Lange Klik
Cynthia Riggs
Heidi Post
Cece Cormier
Amy Freeland
Alice Peterson that's me!
Rose Noble
Kristina Johansson
Kirsi Luostarinen
Tari Kahrs
Mallory Hoffman
Molly Alexander
Regina Santerre
Emanda Johnson
Amy Severino
Bobbie Rafferty
Tanya Goodwin
Lisa Lodge
Hope Smitherman
Linda Landig
Ambra Gostoli
Lori Bowring-Michaud
Pippa Chandler
Keirsten Giles
Jennifer Justman
Sandy Richardson
CJ Bauschka
Shaiha Williams
Kay Thomerson
Sally Russick
Cilla Watkins
Shirley Moore
Jenni Connolly
Tamara Soper
Sharyl McMillian-Nelson
Jen Velasquez
Maria Grimes
Elisabeth Auld
Susan Kennedy
Shannon Chomanczuk
Holly Westfall
Patty Gasparino
Angela Little
Lizzie Zawinski
Kristen Stevens
Dawn Doucette

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Catching Up

Wow I can’t believe how long it’s been since my last post. I’ve been so busy that I nearly meet myself coming and going. So here’s what I’ve been up to: organizing the annual Christmas Home Tour for our city, helping organize the Christmas Program at our church, attending a few school functions, writing long-overdue thank you notes, trying to figure out ways to promote my business, attempting to clean of my end of the kitchen island where I tend to stack papers (the other half belongs to my husband—the island has really become a dumping ground for important papers), and the usual laundry, bills, dishes, bookkeeping,

and this…….

Erin Prais-Hintz is hosting a Challenge of Color Blog Hop using color palettes from Jessica Colaluca of Design Seeds. The palette Erin chose for me is Island Play (after my request to stay with blues). It’s a lovely palette, but so far I’ve only had time to pull out some beads I thought matched the palette. Hopefully I can come up with a design before the contest ends. There are 52 participants. Be sure to check back on the 30th to see what everyone has created.

and this……

Getting ready for my youngest daughter’s birthday. Sarah turns 15 today, and my how the time has flown! This photo (actually a photo of a photo) was taken when she was almost two years old. She’s grown to be a beautiful, intelligent, kind, thoughtful, artistic, athletic young woman. I know she will do amazing things.

and this…..

I’m also participating in Sally Russick’s Ornament Swap/Blog Hop. I can’t show you what I’m working on as it is supposed to be a surprise for my partner, Erin Prais-Hintz. But I can tell you it will be sparkly. Stay tuned for the blog hop on December 17th. This is the first time I’ve participated in a handmade ornament swap, and I’m excited to see what everyone makes!

And last, but not least, I’ve been the lucky winner of a few blog giveaways, and would like to share them here with you---something I should have done weeks ago (my apologies to the artists).

From the talented lampwork glass artist Jane Perla, is a lovely ruffled flower and two green leaves. Check out Jane’s etsy site to see her wonderful offerings. I guarantee you will be drooling.

And from artist Shannon Levart who does wonderful things with metal and patina, this beautiful pile of shiny copper goodness.

photo from misficlkemedia's blog

And from Patty Gasparino, this very lovely bracelet customized just for me. Check out her sweet etsy shop where you’ll find more of her delightful creations.

And if you've stayed with me during this long post, I commend you. I hope to find a rhythm in posting here on the blog, but I'm not making any promises.

Tomorrow, count your blessings, and smile at someone--it just might turn their day around.