Bead Soup Blog Party #7 – Partner and Soup Reveal!

God, this is riveting stuff, innit?

Well this is MY blog and it’s exciting for ME so shut up.

As you may or may not be aware, I signed up for Lori Anderson’s Bead Soup Blog Party #7 (BSBP#7) and was partnered up with The Lovely Ginger who (currently) hails from Olde Okinawa Town. We pretty much sent each other’s beady soups off straight away which is sort of bittersweet because we’re in the second reveal, so that means we have to wait until June (JUNE! ARGH!) April (which isn’t so bad as June – I was reading the American date wrong) to show our creations off. Though I suppose it gives me loads of time to think of something to do with all the pretties she sent me, which I will get around to showing you now…

First, this is the pack that I sent Ginger. Some gorgeous lampworked beads by fabulous artist (and my friend) Anne Dundas. I have loads of Anne’s beads and these had been in my collection for some time just waiting for the right moment to be used. They were perfect for a bead soup and I couldn’t not send them. I also packed one of my favourite kinds of toggle clasps from Bali to go with it. (For the BSBP, you really only needed to send a focal and decorative clasp but most people have gone all out for their partners.) I had these picked out long before the partners were revealed and it was good to know that Ginger, like myself, is into blues and ocean colours so I knew these would be a challenge.

The “soup” I put together for Ginger. Lampwork beads, Bali toggle and some Swarovski bicones in “Alabaster”.

Of course, when I got Ginger’s parcel last week, I was immediately put to shame not only by the amount of beads she packed for me, but the sublime packaging and decorations.

Which she made herself.

I am in awe of her patience.

Anyway… I opened the mailing box and this is what I had saw:

Pretty boxes – and a lovely little dish!

Of course, I went “squee!” over the little dish that was supplied for my soup. I’ve been into collecting little dishes and tea sets and the like for a while now and this will add nicely to my eclectic collection:

A gorgeous dish for my soup!

So, into the first box we go:

Sliver of agate in amber tones and a great copper toggle clasp. These are the official Soup requirements.

And then the next box:

A mix of beads in browns and ambers, including a polymer clay artist bead (OMG, so funky!) and a shell focal. Man I am spoiled.

I adore the box!

The top of the box. Everything was all nicely labelled for me too.

And then the NEXT box:

Beautifully boxed and labelled for me. I was curious over this one. The pink pompom was also made by Ginger. Seriously crafty chickie. A very pretty touch.

Apparently the original version of the bead soup. Hell, I would have been happy with just these. I LOVE the pendants and beads.

Finally, Ginger also sent me a cute little set of silver and paua shell earrings which she put together herself. Sadly I don’t have pierced ears so I can’t wear them! I think I will have to incorporate them into a pendant or bracelet for myself just so I can wear them.

Earrings for me!

Needless to say, Ginger was extremely generous and totally put me to shame, even though I did fulfil the official requirements. So Ginger, expect something else in the mail real soon!