Celebration and Giveaway!!

I told you yesterday that I had some pretty cool things to announce, well....I won!....not once, but twice!!!

The first was the Featured Artist competition held by House of Gems! They chose my Indian Summer barrette as the 2nd place winner and awarded me a gift certificate to spend on supplies from their website and the chance to have my designs featured on their website! I'm so excited! If you want to see all the entries visit the House of Gems Flickr group. There were some amazing entries, and congratulations to everyone who entered.

The second competition was the Beadwork Pattern Play Challenge. You'll probably remember this bracelet that I wrote about earlier. Well, I found out a week ago that I had been chosen as one of three editor's choices! Please visit the link above to see all the winners. (I'm currently enamored with Cindy Mayer's triangle bracelet.) I'm so honored to be among such a great group of talented designers. Thanks Beadwork for the opportunity!
Okay, now to the good stuff. I've had a great month. It's been so exciting just to rise to the challenge of these competitions, but to win them has been incredible and I wanted to extend the feeling a little. So...I'm giving away this pendant that I designed using my Pattern Play bracelet as inspiration! That's right, now it's your chance to win! If you'd like to enter, simply leave a comment telling me about a contest that you've entered or are going to enter or want to enter. (Of course, if you tell me about it, then you HAVE to enter it!) Also, if you share the word about this giveaway on your blog (and tell me about it), I'll throw your name in the hat twice! I'll leave the comments open until midnight on Friday!
Have a great day and buena suerte in all your design challenges!

Experimentation and Design

First we'll start with the Experimentation category. This week I tried Right Angle Weave for the first time and here are the results:

I like the colors, but I'm not too fond of the look. Right Angle Weave has never really appealed to me, and I think it's because you can never get those little boxes to sit perfectly square no matter what you do. This one is made with aqua-lined transparent beads and AB transparent green beads, both size 11. The embellishment beads are matte size 8's in a peacock color. I'm currently working on another bracelet very similar to this one but in a fall color pallette, I'll post pictures when I'm finished.

Now for the Design category:
This bracelet is an original design. I can't decide whether to call it Estrellas for the little connected "stars" or Mayan Shields because of the turquoise/red color pallette. It's made with size 8's and 11's and I was surprised by how quickly it worked up, I think I finished it in about 2 hours! I really like the design, and I'm looking forward to creating another one, but I'm currently waiting on a package of size 8's that should be here tomorrow or Tuesday. I'll try the bracelet out in some different colors and see if I still like it!

Okay, last two things:

1. I was featured on a blog!! Check out Jewelry and Beading by Cyndi Lavin. She's highlighting favorite summer projects from all different artists. Alls you need to do is send her your favorite summer project and she'll post it on her blog!

2. Also, if you scroll down a little you'll see she's posted information for a new jewelry design contest. Kendra Scott is hosting a competition for a jewelry design to be worn on the Red Carpet at the People's Choice Awards!! Here's the link to the competition: PCA Vote. There are very strict guidelines on how you must design the piece, which in my opinion helps to narrow the focus of your design. Check it out when you get a chance.

Alright, I'm done for the day, but I will say...be sure and come by tomorrow, I've got a couple of really cool announcements to make!

Art Bead Scene Giveaway (Just a little late!)

Check out the Art Bead Scene Blog. They are giving away some cool jewelry components from Green Girl Studios. Head on over and enter, all you have to do is leave a comment. Here's a picture of the goods.
P.S. You better hurry! Deadline is tomorrow!!

Un Regalo

Mari of Mis Amores has given me a gift, it's this cute little tag "a la honestidad". Now, it's up to me to post ten things about my personality, and to send the tag on, so here goes:
1. I'm a procrastinator, I wait till the last minute to finish everything.
2. I'm a singer. If I'm not listening to music, I'm making my own in my head.
3. I love patterns. I'm constantly finding patterns everywhere and trying to see if I could make a bracelet out of them!
4. I'm a wanna-be chef. I watch Top Chef and Food Network constantly and try to cook dinner every night.
5. I'm a conspiracy theorist. I spend way too much time on YouTube trying to connect events in the world.
6. I'm an armchair traveler. I enjoy watching the Travel Channel, and keep a list of places that I'll visit "one day".
7. I'm stubborn, cabezadura. Once I get it into my head, it's hard to get out.
8. I love my family. I don't show it enough, but I wouldn't be who I am without them.
9. I love to speak, hear, read and write in Spanish.
10. I'm my worst critic. I'm way to hard on myself, to the point where my family is always telling me to lighten up .
Now, passing this on, here are a few people whose blogs I read daily. I'm sure they're super busy and don't have time to post their ten things, but if you want to visit their blogs, you'll enjoy it, they are all super talented and make such beautiful things.
1. http://beadjewelryshopgirl.blogspot.com/
2. http://carmenbead.blogspot.com/
3. http://deevadesign.blogspot.com/
4. http://everyheartcrafts.blogspot.com/
5. http://quienlodiracreaciones.blogspot.com/
6. http://quimerasdenayades.blogspot.com/
7. http://ferrarioriginalsyahoocom.blogspot.com/
8. http://chinookdesigns.blogspot.com/
9. http://summersstudio.blogspot.com/
10. http://noeasybeads.blogspot.com/
Whew! What a list! Enjoy your day!

These are a few of my favorite things....

Okay, here's a round-up of some things that I've been admiring lately:
First, about three years ago I bought a purse from a woman who owned a shop in our little downtown area. Her Etsy shop is called Lala Land and she carries the most beautiful purses. I highly recommend buying from her, my purse is three years old and it's just beginning to show wear. The picture below is of the purse that I bought for her as a gift for my sister. My sister loved it and wears it every fall when the cooler weather comes on.

Secondly, I've been looking to get a new purse (as much as I don't want to let my old one go!). I found Appetite on Etsy, and I really like her over-the-shoulder bags. They are great for hands-free shopping, and since I'm normally out with at least one niece or nephew, hands-free is essential.

Third, I've been browsing through Jacaranda Designs lately, and I came across this lovely bracelet. I love the way she's woven the knot into the bracelet so seamlessly. It's beautifully designed, along with the rest of the items in her shop. I would love to buy something from each of these shops for fall, but unfortunately, I can't....

Why?? Because, I bought these: Dancing Shoes. Our Salsa classes start up next month and I was in need of some shoes pretty badly. I got a great deal though, and I'm lookin' forward to testing them out when Salsa rolls around next month.

Well, have a great Tuesday.

Monday Blues

Back around to another Monday, and here's what I did on Sunday:

This worked up quick. It's just basic herringbone, but instead of two bead columns, I used four size 11 seed beads and 3mm bugle beads.

Also, I have to tell you about a contest that I'm planning on entering. It's the new Concurso/Contest on Beads Perles blog. The contest is to create something inspired by the good fairy/bad fairy theme, and they've given some beautiful inspiration pictures from some wonderful artists. If you want all the details, click here for the pictures, and then click here for the contest rules in English (note that these rules are for the last contest, but they have not yet posted the rules for this one in English, however, they are identical.) Here's one of the inspiration photos for the contest:

Indian Summer

This is a hair barrette that I created for the Starving Jewelry Artists Challenge. The theme is Indian Summer, which is perfect for around here because summer creeps way on into October.

The challenge was to use the colors of fall, reds, yellows, browns, and a Native American theme, motif, or weave. I chose to create a bead embroidered barrette using a turquoise cabochon that I'd had on hand for a while. For the Native American motif, I decided to use the medallion pattern on either side of the cab. I really liked the cross pattern that I saw in a lot of Native American beadwork when I was doing the research. I think it turned out great and it'll be great to wear this fall (or Indian Summer)!


My little sister playing model:

Entrevista/Interview

Guess what??

I was featured today in the blog Beads Perles! This is another one of those came-across-by-accident blogs and the first time I read it, I was hooked. Basically, they showcase the work of jewelry artists all over the world by interviewing them and then keeping them in an artist's list to reference at any time. I'm so excited and I feel so honored to be part of such an incredible group of artists. The interview is in Spanish, because the authors are based out of Spain, however, I've posted it here in English for all my English-speaking friends to read. Thanks everyone for your support and kind words! Yay!

INTERVIEW
Would you like to tell us your name?
My name is Marcie Abney
How old are you?
I am 26 years old
What country are you born? I was born in the United States in the state of Tennessee
Where do you live now? I currently live in Wilmington, NC, on the east coast of the U.S.
When did you started with this hobby?
I played a little bit with making necklaces when I was in high school, but a little over a year ago was when I started beadweaving.
How did you started?
I bought a ring from a little shop in Winston-Salem, NC and I really liked it and I wanted more of them, so I bought some supplies and decided to recreate it on my own. It just bloomed from there.
Who are three artists who inspire you the most?
Sherry Serafini: http://www.serafinibeadedjewelry.com/
Heidi Kummli: http://www.freespiritcollection.com/
Smadar of Smadar's Treasure: http://www.flickr.com/photos/24149059@N05/
How many hours a week do you dedicate to this hobby?
I would say anywhere from 20 to 30
Is this more than your hobby? Is it your job?
No, just a hobby right now.
What other hobbies do you have? I have a large family, so I'm constantly with my niece, nephew, sisters, mom, dad, fiance etc...
Would you like to tell us a little bit more about you?
I also speak Spanish, and one of my favorite pastimes is looking for good music in Spanish. I would love to travel the world, but because time and money don't permit me, I spend a lot of time looking at pictures of the world on Flickr, and watching the Travel Channel. I get most of my inspiration from other cultures and I love the designs and asthetics of different countries.

New Bracelets

There are some days when I am very grateful for the ability to speak another language. For three years it was my job and source of income, which made it necessary, but along the way I have come to appreciate it for other reasons. One of those is my ability to connect with people from all over the world who like to do what I like to do. One such person is the artista from Quienlodira Creaciones. She posted the tutorial for this bracelet on her blog, I printed it off yesterday and finished the bracelet yesterday afternoon. It's lovely, and such a great use of bugle beads.

This is a new design that I created myself. I call it Beaded Filigree. It's more elegant than most of the pieces that I design, and it reminds me of snowflakes and winter. I can see someone wearing it to a formal dinner party. It's gold and just a little sparkly. My inspiration was Miriam Haskell and her Chromatic line. I'm very pleased with the way it turned out, it took a long time to make, because it was assembled from individual pieces, remember these?

Did you see this??!!

This is today's post on the ABS blog:

Each Monday we feature the Designer of the Week.

One of our editors pick their favorite from the Monthly Challenge entries.This week Cindy Gimbrone has picked the August ABS submission created by abney-m/Marcie A entitled Sea Scallops.

Cindy had this to say about Marcie's design: "The simplicity of the ceramic art bead surrounded by the beadwoven scallops echoes the feeling of the wave in the woodcut print masterfully. The colors are perfectly chosen and layered in the beading. Lovely interpretation of the challenge!"

Thanks so much Cindy and thank you ABS!!

Midnight Rose

Yeah! The weekend! Sunday is usually girls day out around here. My mom and my four sisters will head to the mall to shop/laugh/talk and spend time together. It's become a tradition for us and we all love it.

Alright, to the good stuff....
Yesterday, I finished up this necklace that I call Midnight Rose. It's a bead embroidered piece and I tried a little something new. I layered the beads in the center of the rose to give it some depth and shimmer.


I know the colors are kind of drab, but this was my inspiration. I bought this shirt from Forever 21 because I loved the big flower in the back. When I got it home, I set to work creating a necklace to go with the shirt. I think it turned out well, and I really enjoyed wearing it last night.

I hope you have a great Sunday!

House of Gems Contest

Thanks to wonderful Sharon of Sharon's Jewelry Garden for tipping me off to a great contest being held by House of Gems. Here's the official "press release" from the website with all the information. Check it out when you get a chance!

Looking for a Few Good Featured Artists:
Do you do a happy dance when you come across a gemstone you don't already own? Do you find that every conversation you have comes back to your latest jewelry project? Do you love to help other people on their projects by giving tips or showing them step-by-step how to do things?
If you answered to yes to any of these questions, we may have the perfect opportunity for you. If you answered yes to all three, then consider this destiny.
House of Gems is looking for Featured Artists to spotlight and promote on our website. In addition to the opportunity to present yourself as an artist, you will also generate traffic to your personal blog, Etsy store or social media profile. Artists may also be given opportunities to test new products, receive additional discounts and be the first to be informed of new releases.Fill out entry form here: spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=t-nh2cLJGns_PPZR7E8y...

Grand Prize (1): $1000 Shopping Spree on HouseofGems.com
Runners Up (1):$500 Shopping Spree on HouseofGems.com
Consolation Prize (5)$100 Shopping Spree on HouseofGems.com
Timeline:Contest runs July 18th, 2009 thru August 15th, 2009
Submissions:Enter formal entry form here: spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=t-nh2cLJGns_PPZR7E8y... and then Contestants are to upload a maximum of 5 original jewelry designs to the House of Gems Flickr "Featured Artists" group www.flickr.com/groups/featuredartists/. Any and all design types and styles are welcome.
NOTE: In addition to completing this entry form, you must also upload digital images of your entry pieces to this Flickr Group: www.flickr.com/groups/featuredartists/ and share the contest on your personal blog or website.

Tuesday's Schedule

What have I been up to today?
Well, I made these.... (hhhmm, I wonder what for?)
And then I made these.... (again, I wonder what for?? :) )
I still have about 14 more to make of the top circles, and about 11 more stars to make. (more pictures later) And, if you're wondering why I've gotten so much beading done, here's a picture of the clock/thermometer from our porch. Enjoy your day!

Funny Monday and a Question...

First of all, I have a question for yous guys.... I've got $15 to spend at Amazon.com and I'm looking for a really good beadworking/jewelry making book. Does anyone have any suggestions? What's your favorite and why? I currently own Mastering Beadwork by Carol Huber Cypher and I love it, but I'd love to hear your suggestions before I make my pick.

Finally, here's a funny to start your Monday. Enjoy the week!

What are you wearing today?

Well, I dunno 'bout you guys, but I'm wearin' this:



This is my current entry for the August ABS Challenge. It was inspired by a Japanese woodcutting called Kanagawa oki nami ura (Great Wave off of Kanagawa). Lucky for me, Kristie Roeder of Artisan clay (her blog, her shop) had previously sent me this beautiful cabochon with this splash of blue that went perfectly with the color scheme. I wanted to capture the feeling of the huge wave cresting at the top of the picture, so the scalloped edges are a nod to the wave. I love it and am extremely happy with the way that it turned out.

In other news: I finished up my Turbulence bracelet in four different colorways.

Lastly, well, this isn't really a project, but it is a very unhappy Peek-a-Poo. He hurt his paw and in an attempt to keep him from licking it, we had to put him in a "Cona". (My sister came up with the term.)

Have a great Thursday!

Concursos/Contests

Nunca pensaba que yo podria participar en concursos con mi aficcion, pero de repente me encuentro con la confianza para entregar mis disenos. Aqui estan algunos concursos que quiero entrar si puedo. Tambien, si Uds. tienen ganas de entregar sus disenos en algun concurso, estos estan abiertos a todo. Que tengan buen dia y buena suerte!

I never thought that I would be able to participate in contests with my hobby, but suddenly I find myself with the confidence to enter my designs. Here are some of the contests that I want to enter if I'm able. Also, if you feel like putting some of your pieces in a contest, these are open to all. Have a great day and good luck!

1. Good Quill Hunting Haute Couture Contest

*La foto es de este concurso. / The photo is from this contest.

2. Starving Jewelry Artists

3. Beading Daily Contests

Monday already?

Whew! Monday already? I dunno bout yous guys, but my weekend just flew by! What did I do? Well, first of all, I took some photos of a necklace I made a while ago for my sister. I call it "Pearl Play". It's not made with pearls, but with semi-precious stones, however, it looks like one of those cute little retro pearl necklaces just with brighter colors. I also submitted it to Lark Books. They are going to publish a book called 30-minute necklaces and they have a call for submissions out right now. Here's the link: 30-Minute Necklaces The bad news is that the deadline is today, but the process to enter is pretty easy, so if you've got the time and a quick project on your hands, go ahead and send it in, it couldn't hurt to try.

Pearl Play

I also submitted my entry for the Beadwork Pattern Play Challenge. My inspiration was a shirt that I purchased at Old Navy. I loved the bright colors, and the seahorses. :) I bought the shirt long before Beadwork issued the challenge, and I had planned for a long time to make a bracelet to go with it, but when I got the info about the challenge, I kicked my butt into gear and used a variation of circular peyote/brick stitch to create beaded circles based on the ones in the pattern. I also used hook and eye closures to fasten it so that it looks seamless when worn. I think it turned out well! We'll have to see what the Beadwork editors think. I tell you what, I've seen some entries from other similar competitions, and there are some SUPER creative people out there. So, good luck to all.

Have a great day! (I'll probably spend at least an hour of it streaming an episode of Seaquest from Netflix with my mom. Anybody wanna join?)

Beaded Flower Challenge

Have you ever visited Beading Daily? If not, you should definitely check it out. It has a ton of resources for beaders at every level, including free projects!
Recently, in the forums, Beading Daily hosted a Flower-Inspired challenge. I don't normally enter challenges, and in fact, this is the first that I've ever entered, but voting starts today! My entry is in the Experienced Beader category and I would love your vote. I'm not going to post the picture of my entry here because I don't want to sway your vote. However, if you want to go look at my Flickr page, and then hop over to the Flower-Inspired Challenge Gallery I think you can put two and two together! If you haven't joined yet, it's going to ask you to before you can vote. I know it's a pain, but one of the upsides is some great weekly e-mails with everything from links to resources all the way to entire free beading projects. It's well worth your time to sign up.
(P.S. Be sure to look through all the entries, there is some amazing work in there.)

Photo from National Botanical Garden, Washington DC

For your ticker: Okay, last thing...Here's what I learned at Cardiac Rehab. There is some surprising new evidence linking calcium intake to the strength of capillary walls. Meaning that if you are getting enough calcium, it's helping your bones and the walls of your veins and arteries so.....Got Milk?