Passion for Beads Gala Washington DC

Where to begin. As I posted before, I had enter 2 Necklaces to be Juried into the Bead Museum of Washington. They were both excepted which was very exciting as it was my first time entering into a bead competition. Last Saturday night was the big gala in DC and I was able to go. Here are the pics of my 2 entries. This is Autumn Bliss A freeform necklace.

This necklace is called Carnevale. Named for the Venetian Carnevale which I was able to be at last January.
The colors just reminded be of all the beautiful costumes. This one was in the Swarovski category. And I am thrilled to announce it took a 1st place ribbon. I wish the pictures were better . I was told that Jewelry is one of the hardest things to photograph. I also received a very nice gift from Swarovski . They had sent a rep. and she presented the winners in that category with a small shopping bag filled with crystal beads and pearls.
The weekend started out on Saturday morning. We left for DC around 9am. Stopping once in Delaware for gas and extra. It was a nice drive and we had no trouble finding the Hotel. The Marriott Courtyard. Just across the street from the National Portrait Gallery, 2 blocks from the Bead Museum and another couple of blocks to the Naval Memorial Heritage center. Where are the festivities where to take place. It took about 5 hrs. Anyways at 4:00 we left for the Bead Museum deck out in our finery. I wore a black beaded blouse and a chiffon pants. And of course heels. And I will tell you right now, I never learn my lesson. I can't wear 3" heels any more. It's just I like feeling tall. I also feel thinner when I look taller. Dum hah! Well we get to the Museum and as a walk in, don't I twist my ankle. But everyone was very nice and got me a ice pack and a chair. Thanks goodness it wasn't really bad.and I was able to walk on it after awhile.

After some refreshments we all went over to the Heritage Center. I met some wonderful and talented people.
Here I am standing with 2 of (Ihope new friends). Next to me is Sharon Wright Fiber artist. She won 1st place ribbon in the Fiber & Textile category. Sitting is Laura Cater-Woods Fiber artist and one of the Judges for this event. I also had the pleasure of meeting up with Met Innmon
again. I had taken a class with her in Poughkeepsie at I Dream of Beading. Her work is fantastic. I just couldn't stop myself from staring at her necklace. She won 1st place in the seed bead category and a ribbon for Best use of Color.
Here is a closeup of the necklace that I'm wearing.














I was going to make earring to go with the necklace. But decided to do the barrettes instead.















Then last but not least a bracelet. I really loved the bracelet. So I was pretty well decked out.

Tuesday was my Grandson Joseph's 1st day at preschool. I just couldn't resist posting this adorable picture of him and his cousin Michaela.

I'm still working on the necklace for the Gala. It's become 2 steps forward and 1 step back. Very slow going. So I'm off to the bead shop to be inspired with beads that I don't have right now in my stash.

Well, after spending the weekend bouncing off the walls with excitement over the bead show in Washington DC. I'm finally coming down to earth and working on a new piece. A necklace to wear to the Gala. Spent all day yesterday working on it. Approx. 15 hrs so far. And so far I'm more then pleased. I think it has a definite Victoria look to it. I also think it needs a name. But will think of that later.The center stone is a vintage Swarovski crystal that shows darker in the picture then it is in person. I still have a lot of work ahead . I need to do the chain part and the toggle and loop. I also thought I would put some fringe on the bottom. I'm trying to be over the top.....LOL

Today is turning into a really good day. On Aug 10th I entered 2 of my necklaces to be considered for a exhibit at the Bead Museum Washington DC. The competition is being sponsored by the Bead Society of DC. Sept 3rd was to be the day they were to notified everyone and so I have been on pins and needles for the last couple of days. Thinking, that since I didn't hear anything, that I didn't get in. I just needn't to put myself out of my misery.....lol....So I e-mailed the contact person. I asked if only the people who were except got a notice. Because if I didn't get in I would like to post the pictures of my work on my blog. She was so good. Not even five minutes after I sent the e-mail I got an answer. YES I got in. She apologize for the delay and said I would be getting a official notice later today. Yes, I received my official notice. I'm so excited that I'm having a hard time sitting still even to write this. So folks, you will have to wait until after the Gala Reception(Sept. 20th)to see my necklaces. I will be going to the Gala, love that word, Gala . Sounds so posh. It's even black tie. I was surprised that my husband said yes without my having to beg......lol ...He thought it was a great idea.