Hi, Sparkle Squad! It’s been a few months since I received my package for a 2025 Bead Soup Swap, but the winter weather has allowed me time to catch up on editing the videos!
Bead Soup Nourishes the Sparkly Spirit
I am participating in my 2nd bead soup swap. I’m posting a 3-part video series showing the unboxing of what I received, what I sent to my partner and what I ultimately create from my goodies. Previous bead soup exchanges were primarily moderated by Lori Anderson and hosted at her Bead Soup Café Facebook group. That’s changed since my 2021 participation. Sweet Lori is still an admin and has allowed several mods and some passionate participants to coordinate ongoing swaps whenever they’re willing to organize sporadic events. I’m glad to see the occasional activities in the group and am still amazed by those who create glass beads, in addition to making jewelry in a variety of techniques. I get inspired by my fellow jewelry designers and these swaps are an excellent way to receive unique beads and other fun components.
Lori’s written a book called Bead Soup: 32 Projects Show What Happens When 26 Beaders Swap Their Stash. I just ordered myself a copy, as I love collecting books in my favorite craft niche. I’m hungry for the “mélange of projects bursting with every flavor imaginable”!
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I’ll be posting this bead swap series at my Sparkle by Monica Youtube channel. Please be sure to keep checking back to get your fill of all the bead soup bliss.
Bead Soup Swap Series
What I Sent my Partner
Arlene Dean was selected to be my bead swap partner. She’s participated in these swaps before and lives in Texas, but is originally from Washington. She has a passion for stained glass, Halloween, jewel tones and jewelry making. She recently took a fabulous trip to Scotland and I’m still envious. It prompted a brief discussion about the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, which led to my admitting a fondness for cozy mysteries and our shared interest in murder suspense, paranormal suspense and Gothic Romances.
Arlene is like many of us out here spreading the sparkles while dealing with unpleasant life events and setbacks, but her spirit remains adventurous! Here’s the soup that I sent to her last year.
What I Received from Arlene Dean
My bead soup bliss was delayed by my own turmoil with life events and a few health setbacks in 2025, but I enjoyed meeting a new friend and receiving a cool bead haul.
I’m excited to dig into these beads and figure out my challenge design(s) for the big reveal. I’m also releasing this swap as a companion 3-part video series at my Sparkle by Monica YouTube channel, so please be sure to check out the final design reveal. Sparkle on!
2021 Bead Swap Series with Inge Von Roos
