Bead Challenge Winners - Featuring...

On Aug 22, Jewelry By Solange & BeadieandThings had a Bead Challenge where 10 contestants participated & created a handmade creation using 2 Beads that were sent out by me & other materials they could find. Voting begun & these 10 individuals competed with each other (in a friendly manner, I might add) to become a Winners Choice & Honorary Choice Winners. The Winners Choice, Kay, chosen by all of you, Won my "Ice Princess Pendant" & a blog feature. The Honorary Choice, Susan, chosen by using random.org, Won a $10 Gift Certificate to use in my supply shop & a blog feature as well. So here is to honoring my two winners & saying Thank You for participating & Congratulations!

Lets meet our first feature Kay Thomerson from kayzkreationz (Etsy & Zibbet). She was the Winners Choice in the Bead Challenge for her "Waltz in Texas" Necklace. Congratulations on your win Kay! (& Thank You to everyone who voted for her)

• Tell us a bit about yourself and what arts/ crafts you make?
  

I mostly make Stained Glass, Mosaics and Fused Glass kreationz for the Home and Garden. But I started beading/adding beads to my kreationz a couple of years ago. I live in Texas and we have a small ranch where we do Wildlife management, so most of my items are nature themed or for your yard/garden.

• When & How did you start creating?
  

When my boys were little, my hubby would have to be gone a lot and I couldn’t sleep when he was gone, so I started trying out my hand at different hobbies. I’ve done sewing, painting (which I’m NOT good at), crocheting/knitting. I finally settled on glass. I’ve always loved stained glass and found an old window I wanted to take the glass out of and replace with stained glass, so had to take a class to learn how to do that and fell in love with glass.

• Where do you find your inspiration?
  

Mainly from nature. I love to make things for my yard/garden. I make birdfeeders, stepping stones, candle holders, etc that I can put out in my yard and garden.

• Is there a craft that you'd love to learn?
  

I tried lampwork/torch work, but fire and I don’t get along so well. LOL But I’d love to learn to weld so I could make metal sculptures/stands for some of my Glass Kreationz. Just not enough time in the day/year.

• What are some of your favorite things to do outside of etsy?
  

I love to do things with my family. My hubby and I love to travel. And I love gardening. Although with the heat (112 yesterday) and the drought here in Texas I’m not real successful with that this year.

• What other hobbies/crafts do you enjoy?
  

Mainly just my glass and now getting further into beading. I’m participating in the Bead Soup Blog Party this year for beading.

• Tell everyone a random fact about you:
  I really want to learn how to weld.
  
• Where can we find your work?
  

KayzKreationz on Etsy, KayzKreationz on Zibbet. I have a website with just pictures of things I’ve done: http://kaysglass.com And I’m hoping to have my own website up to sell off of before long.

Our next feature is Susan from FrumsGlassMenagerie & ArtistPeepsRUs

(Etsy). She was the honoray winner of the Bead Challenge for her "Celtic Elegance" Earrings. Congratulations on your win Susan!

• Tell us a bit about yourself and what arts/ crafts that you make?
  

Frums Glass Menagerie evolved from an etching I did using a unique shaped bottle to donate to my dog's rescue organization. I am self taught to cut, fuse, etch, and paint on glass, mostly jewelry sized items. Recently I started minature painting with watercolors and mixed media.

• When & How did you start creating?
  

Since before I can remember. My parents encouraged me with craft kits and classes, even at an early age. I have photo of myself making clothes for the cats. Poor kitties.

• Where do you find your inspiration?
  

My pets, animals, and nature.

• Is there a craft that you'd love to learn?
  

Many. Freeform crochet, metalworking, enameling, and needlefelting

• What are some of your favorite things to do outside of etsy?
  

I love to spend time with my husband and dogs. I enjoying gardening, reading, and cooking.

• What other hobbies/crafts do you enjoy?
  

Sewing, silk painting, weaving

• Tell everyone a random fact about you:
  I once went to junior high school with a curler in my hair.
  

• Where can we find your work?

Glass Jewelry:http://www.etsy.com/shop/FrumsGlassMenagerie?ref=pr_shop_more Painted jewelry (search: SF ) http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtistPeepsRUs?ref=ss_profile --

Thank You Kay & Susan & to all the other participants who were part of my Bead Challenge. Don't Forget to stop by their shops for some great handmade finds :0)