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.

T.G.I.F. - Random Stuff

Kansas weather has been all over the place this week. Below is a photo from a tornado that hit Tuesday evening just miles from our town. Nearly half the little town of Harveyville was destroyed, and one person died when his house collapsed on him. In this economy it is difficult for little towns like this to recover.



Wednesday and Thursday were nice and sunny, and today it's snowing. Yes, snowing! I'm guessing the weather forecasters in Kansas are getting a run for their money this week.


A view from my house.

Are you up for a challenge? Join the Fusion Beads 30 Day Bead Challenge. Follow the link for details and to print off a calendar for daily challenges. Don't feel pressured to do them all, this is just a fun way to keep you creating and to share your creations on the Fusion Beads Facebook page.




And last but not least, tomorrow is Lori Anderson's 5th Bead Soup Blog Party! This is my first time to participate and I'm looking forward to the party tomorrow. Stop back by so you can enjoy the party and see what all the talented artists made.