Monday, February 17, 2014

Participants have now been notified!

After a lot of hair-pulling, I just sent out the first email to the 490 participants of the 8th Bead Soup Blog Party.  If you didn't get one, PLEASE check your spam.  Please pretty please, before you say you didn't get one, check.  Thanks.


(This is the list of participants -- partners will be given by Feb 28th unless I completely fall apart.)


Now that I've sent out the "Congratulations" email, I'm starting to pair people up.  Now is ALSO the time for you to start putting together a few different soups.  Why prepare your soup before hand?  Well, for one reason, the idea is NOT to send what your partner normally creates with.  If your partner creates with vintage, please don't send vintage components.  If your partner is an earth tones person, choose other colors.  And if you have several soups ready, you can mail IMMEDIATELY.


A special ceramic pendant made by Nan Emmett


As I've said before, you do not need to send a million beads.  If you want to send more than one soup, go for it.  If you want to send more beads than required, that's fine.  You just cannot get upset if you don't get the same back.  As long as you and your partner are following the simple three steps of quality focal, special clasp, and coordinating beads, you're good.  And if you get a LOT of beads, you do not need to use them all -- just the focal and the clasp and not even in the same piece.


In previous posts, I showed examples of beads soups from my book.  Here are some photos of various types, styles, and amounts of bead soup other participants have sent...



The majority of people receive beads they have either never used before or don't have access to, and that helps expand your design power.  When you get your Bead Soup from your partner, dig into your own stash and start seeing what ELSE you may have that works with it, and embrace the challenge.

Things to keep in mind:

:: You are not required to use the focal and clasp in the same piece
:: You are allowed to make as many pieces as you want -- one or ten
:: You get to keep the piece you make and wear it, sell it, or donate it.



If you plan on making your clasp, please do not use craft wire or a thin wire that will not hold up.  If you aren't in the habit of making your own clasps, this may not be a good time to stress yourself out.


Packaging

Some people like to go wild with their packaging.  I have done both -- sent beads in my normal jewelry boxes and beads in hand knitted pouches.  DO NOT feel that you have to compete with anyone with packaging, ESPECIALLY if you are sending overseas.  Packing needs to be secure so the beads don't break, but consider the weight of your package when you put things together.




What do I mean by a focal?  Well, to most people, it translates as something meant to be used as a pendant.  The vast majority of pieces made for past Parties were necklaces.  However, you can send a large bead that is special and let your partner know THIS is the focal, and I was thinking it could work for a necklace OR a bracelet.


If you get a focal that is not screaming "PENDANT!" to you, try what I did with one of my jewelry creations:

I used the lampwork tube bead in a bracelet rather than make it a pendant for a necklace.







Yeah, I'm sorry, but there has to be one.  I'm not disparaging these materials, and have even used most of them, but for THIS blog hop, please do not send:


:: Plastic, plastic pearls, or metalized plastic ::

(exceptions -- quality vintage beads in new condition)

:: Seed beads NOT going to a seed beader/weaver ::

:: Anything you have considered throwing away ::

:: Second quality beads ::


and per the request of this large, worldwide group,
no religious, political, or similar beads.




Also, if you are sending overseas, be sure to ask if there are restrictions.  Many island nations are NOT allowed to have seeds or certain shells sent into their country and it will have to be destroyed.





(Have a question?  Just email me.)





Stay tuned for even more info.







Please stay tuned to this page, as more information, tips, and hints will follow!





Lori Anderson creates jewelry and bead kits as well as collaborative mixed media art with her son, Zack. Visit her shops by clicking on the right side bar of this blog (please and thank you!). She is also the creator of the Bead Soup Blog Party® and author of the book "Bead Soup" via Kalmbach Publishing.

19 comments:

  1. I.m excited. Thank you for the suggestions of what to put in our soups.

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  2. Oooo ready to roll! You are the best Lori! and your hubbs as well! My goal is to hop at least half this year!

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  3. You two are the best and have an overwhelming task ahead of you. Good luck on the pairing and may everyone have a wonderful time with their soup and the party. I am ready to create!

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  4. Great and informative post Lori! This is my 3rd BSBP and I'm just as excited (and a wee bit nervous if we're being honest) as the last two ^.^

    I've already got my soup cooked up and ready for my partner! Although depending on what they work with I might have to come up with an alternative soup just in case.

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  5. I know this is a lot of work for you to put this together , but I know a lot of love goes with it. I am so happy to be part of it, just hope I can create some things just as wonderful as y'all are. I am so excited! Hope everyone has fun creating and won't it be awesome to see every ones creation!

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  6. I can't believe how excited I am! Thank you for all your hard work.

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  7. Thank you so much for all your work. Wow. 490 participants. This is my first time and I'm very excited!!

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  8. Thanks so much for your efforts. I was just wondering if a vintage button could be used for clasps as this is what I use in my seed bead designs.

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  9. Name is on the list...haven't gotten the email yet...but am ready to rock and roll....been working and adding to my soup all year.....love it and kudos to you and your hubby! You guys are the best!

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  10. If you are looking for doubles there are 2 Kim Williams listed that might be a duplicate.....

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  11. I'm so happy to take part in the fun also this year :)

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  12. OMG.. What an extensive list!!! Can't wait!!

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  13. Have a couple of different ideas for the soup depending on the receiver - have lots of lampwork beads but scared to send them as they might break

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  14. I'm so excited to be participating once again and am getting my soup ingredients pulled together right now! Am eagerly awaiting news of who my partner is and what ingredients I'll be sent to work with!

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  15. My name is on the list, but no partner emails as of yet. I did look in my Spam folder and it is not there. I get other emails, so I am not sure why it has not arrived.
    Thanks for your OVER THE TOP efforts for us all. I am excited to be a part again.

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  16. I have not received a partner email. I looked in my spam folder and it is not there either. I thought I'd wait a few days to see if my partner would contact me, but nothing so far. I am on the list above - Tina Bosh. Sorry to cause you more work. I am very excited to be a part of this again......

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Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!