Holiday Bling #2 Blog Hop

Welcome Friends~
Today I am happy to share with you my participation in the Holiday Bling #2 Blog Hop.
Back in the fall I was neck deep in craft/trunk show mode. I had watched with interest the previous Holiday Bling #1 hosted by Shelley Turner and Marlene Cupo and thought "Wow, sorry I missed that one". 
Much to my delight they decided to extend the fun and so I hopped aboard the second blog train.  
I was so tickled to be paired with Ginger Bishop!
Ginger happens to be a fellow Navy wife, currently supporting her lovely family & the 'Global Force for Good' in Okinawa Japan. I had the pleasure of visiting Tokyo when we were stationed in Guam. I wanted to go to say I'd been to Japan, I never expected to fall in love with the culture there.  Coincidentally, my favorite polymer clay approach is Mokume Gane which is based on Japanese metal working technique. 
Ginger & I 'chatted' at bit through emails and FB and shared our likes and what we wanted to swap.  I had a few ideas right away.
Of  course some Mokume Gane was to be expected and based on colors we discussed I developed this unique 'cookie cutter' style ornament.


Mokume Gane in process......
 Being married to the NAVY very often means a tour of duty in Norfolk, Virginia. The city symbol is the mermaid and that emblem abounds.  I am very fond of mermaids and use them often in my designs.
I made this set from polymer clay using translucent cool ocean blues and silver leaf.
Never one to waste, I also made these cool 'Century' beads from my leftover clays from this project. I hope Ginger can make them into something cool.






A few days after I sent my swap I received this fun little box from Okinawa :-)
Wonder what's inside????

A cool shinto shrine ornament
A spectacular beaded collar necklace that Ginger made just for me.  I admire her patience, I'm pretty sure I could never make something this beautiful!

I am in LOVE with this! A Christmas tree made from sea urchin shells. 



A bit of 'bling' ~ sparkling thumb tacks










Thanks for hopping by today. I hope you enjoyed the post. I feel blessed to have made a new friend and to have received a beautiful early Christmas gift. 
Please stop by the other participants below*** and see all the other "BLING"
If you are new to TTE Designs I would love to have you as a follower.  If you are already a friend, please know how much I appreciate you!
If you are interested in learning more about Mokume Gane I posted a more in depth 'how to' at Artisan Whimsy on Friday 12/14/12. 
Warmest Regards~ Tammie
Shirley Moore http://www.beadsandbread.blogspot.com  
Lori Bowring Michaud http://artfullyornamental.blogspot.com  
Catherine King http://catherines-musings.blogspot.com  
Dyanne Cantrell  http://deelitefuljewelrycreations.blogspot.com  
Sonya Stille http://dreaminofbeads.blogspot.com  
Elaine Ray http://elaineray.blogspot.com  
Gina Hockett http://freestyleelements.blogspot.com  
Jo-Ann Woolverton http://itsabeadifulcreation.blogspot.ca  
Debbie Rasmussen http://kepirasmussen.blogspot.com  
Renetha Stanziano http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com  
Ginger Bishop http://lilmummylikes.blogspot.com <<<< MY FABULOUS PARTNER :-)  
Miranda Ackerley http://mirandack.com/category/thoughts  
Sandra McGriff http://skyescreativechaos.blogspot.ca  
Tammie Everly http://ttedesigns.blogspot.com <<<<< YOU ARE HERE  
Alicia Marinache http://www.allprettythings.ca  
Melinda Abrahamson http://www.firstreetcrafts.com  
Rita/ Toltec Jewels http://www.jewelschoolfriends.com  
Chandra Merod http://www.junipergoods.blogspot.com  
Mary Govaars http://www.mlhjewelrydesigns.com  
Kelley Fogel http://www.mylifeonebeadatatime.blogspot.com  
Tiffany Goff Smith http://www.southerngalsdesign.blogspot.com  
Heather Rats Otto http://www.thecrafthopper.com  
Anitra Gordy Boyers www.leelucreations.blogspot.com   
Marlene Cupo http://amazingdesigns-marlene.blogspot.com  
Shelley Graham Turner www.shelleygrahamturner.blogspot.com

Comments

  1. Thanks again for all my pretties. So glad you liked your gifts.

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  2. I am having a problem trying to comment on what I like best about this post - what you sent her or what you received! Holy Moly! All of it is just gorgeous - but you are spot on about that blue tree made from sea urchins - that is spectacular! Merry Christmas!

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  3. Your polymer pieces are outstanding, absolutely gorgeous mermaid. Ginger as always outdid herself gorgeous necklace the sea urchin tree is gorgeous.

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  4. Tammy, I love the star!!! My daughter and I have dabbled with pc, but not that technique. It is really her medium, and she makes lovely miniatures, so I think I need to show her this and have some play time.
    Love the sparkly quality of the beads with the mermaid! And your 'scrap' beads!! What a bunch of talent you have.
    Ginger's necklace is wonderful, I bet it looks great on. I have to say, I'm lovin' all over that sea urchin tree, what a great idea!

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  5. I love what you did with the clay! I am determined to try polymer clay this year! How awesome is the friendship and things in common that you discovered with Ginger. Enjoyed finding out about the mermaids, way cool! Gina H

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  6. I love the Mokume Gane, it is so full of movement!! You are so creative!

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  7. Your polymenr clay is fantastic.

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  8. Tammie, you and Ginger were a perfect pairing. Not only because you both are such artisans, but sure you will continue the "Navy wife friendship" long after this hop. Thanks for "coming on board". Happy Holidays!.

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  9. Your Mokume Gane clay is beautiful! The star ornament is so uplifting and lovely, and I love the swirling beads made in teal and orange. My spouse is a navy vet, and I love the sea theme of your gift exchange. What gorgeous silver leaf clay beads and exquisite mermaid jewelry you made for Ginger! And what a stunning beadwoven necklace she gifted you! Likewise, I agree Ginger's sea urchin Christmas tree is very cool -- brilliant and adorable!

    What a festive and special exchange you two created :)

    Feliz Navidad Tammie!

    Rita

    P.S. love your blog

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  10. Tammie I love all your work and these gifts you made for Ginger are no exception. BUT the mermaid necklace and earrings I LOVE LOVE LOVE!! The shade of blue with the silver mix is perfection.

    Love the ornament, very creative. I love nature-inspired pieces. And the necklace you received - so so sparkly pretty!
    Thanks for participating - HAPPY HOLIDAYS, ~ Shelley

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  11. Thank you everyone for your kind comments. The chaos of the holidays mixed with some family issues prevented me from responding individually to each of you in a timely manner, but I greatly appreciate the time you took~ to look, and post a response. Thanks for your support. Blessings to you all in 2013~ Warmest Regards, Tammie

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