No Barbara..it really wasn't 12 miles of constant white water....yes we had two guides and most of us had wet suits (it was in the sixties and raining some of the way...but I was freezing..my stepdaughter's lips were actually blue!))...we did it on the Kennebec...there were quite a few fours...it's just not my cup of tea...I was more outdoorsy 20 years ago....I am so sore right now...But I do love to canoe and I am addicted to fishing...even in the rain.

On further consideration, I agree with Jilla and Helen that I'd rather not vote on a favorite. I'm just looking forward to sharing our efforts across the miles and leave it at that.

If not all 16 participate, I wouldn't mind getting the rest of mine back...or you can give them away. 

 although nobody would know how many votes they got, only who was the top pick, then never mind about picking a favorite.

My beads went out yesterday. I like the idea of a top pick but maybe it should be saved for a swap that everone knows from the beginnign would be "judged." That way, no one's feelings would be in danger of getting hurt. I want to thank Sparklebee for getting this arranged. It was lots of fun and I look forward to seeing everyone's work and even doing it again. I don't remember if I put my address in with my beads, so hang on to those envelopes Spark! Amy

Hi! I've got all my beads finished - doing a final buffing and sending them out today. Do I need to put anything in the package besides the beads, a couple of dollars, and my address??

you got it! beads, address and $2 is all you need. thanks. 

Awesome! Thanks!

My husband put my beads in the mail yesterday. I would agree to the vote if you only listed the top two or three. I don't want to have them categorized down to the last one - just in case mine comes in last.

The more I think about it, the less I want a vote on favorite/most popular/prettiest/drop-dead-awesomest. If that had been part of the deal, I might have approached the bead swap differently, or not at all. I'm not a competitive person and would probably have declined participating. I've been doing this for, what? 4 months?

Let's just appreciate everyone's efforts and diverse talents and willingness to share in some fun.

Okay, I'll shut up about it now.  

please forget I mentioned picking a favorite. I am sure we will love them all.  

Hey Sparklebee, I got to the post office today and discovered that I misplaced your address (of course I realized this after standing in line and searching frantically in my bag in front of the postal employee). I'm sure its around my house somewhere, but I can't find it at all. Please email me your address at molliemyers@mac.com and I'll send my beads out ASAP. Sorry fo the delay everyone! Best wishes, Mollie

oooh, this is getting exciting! lots of packages on the way!! there are only a few people I have not heard from and I will contact anybody that I don't receive from next week.

 

I'm excited too!

Thanks Lori for doing all the legwork. Your efforts are much appreciated! 

I'm getting excited too!    I'm so glad you suggested the swap, Lori.  Was it the metal clay group that was doing a swap too?  I wonder how theirs went...

yes, it was the metal clay group where I got the idea from. I just read a thread that several of the people who originally signed up dropped out without a word. I think that is plain rude. they just extended the deadline to the end of September. I am sure the forum switchover caused any problems they encountered.  

I cant wait!!! But I did the dumbest thing! I had leftovers and was planning on saving them to incorporate all the swap beads into a necklace.  Well, I forgot and used them in something else. Now  I have to decide to either tear it apart or start from scratch once I have them. If theres only going to be 6 I guess itll be a bracelet. Cant wait!!!

 Yipppy!!!!  I JUST sent my beads out!!!  A couple of boo-boos though...First I sent out only fifteen...out of all those beads..only those passed the test..so don't send me one 'Bee...trust me I have plenty....they are not perfect by any means...went with warts,pimples, dings, scratches (mostly on the back thank goodness) but I will never again make beads covered totally with powders..it's just too difficult...I put them in the oven and they looked pretty much smooth all over and then when I take them out..there's the flaws!  (This is where sanding comes in but you cannot with powders)...then after sealing the package..I forgot to put in the two dollars!!!  So those have been mailed in a separate envelope.  I guess I got a bit too stressed out with this swap...I know my limitations, skill wise and I guess I shouldn't take on something like this ( like that Swar competition!)  until I have total confidence in myself...but with that said....I am soooooo happy they are finally in the mail!!  Happy, happy PC beader!

sparklebee:

yes, it was the metal clay group where I got the idea from. I just read a thread that several of the people who originally signed up dropped out without a word. I think that is plain rude.  

 

That *is* rude, 'Bee. I mean, PMC ain't cheap.
 

Fenian - I'm with you on the too much stress with this swap. I made 4 sets and made extra of the last set and it was hard to find 16 that were acceptable. I did make one set into a bracelet and am pleased with it, but it wasn't very colorful - tan pc sprinkled and rolled with black pepper and turmeric.

I am so sorry everyone was stressed out about the swap, I did my best to make it easy-going. Once we have this one under our belt and everyone sees all the fingerprints, cracks, and imperfections, perhaps people will relax more for next time. I can tell you my beads are far from prize-winners, although I really like some of them.