dimanche 25 janvier 2015

Grow Your Blog

English is in purple and italics!

Comme je l'ai dit hier je me suis inscrite à cet évènement organisé par Vicky de 2 Bags Full pour échanger. J'ai commencé ce blog en mars 2013 et même si par ci par là apparaissent quelques petites choses sur moi, il s'agit surtout de mes histoires de perles. Je vais donc en dire un tout petit peu plus pour me présenter.

As I said yesterday I signed in for the Grow Your Blog Event organized by Vicky of 2 Bags Full to exchange and to discover new blogs. I started this blog in March 2013 and if here and there you learn a few things about me, it's mostly about my bead stories. So I guess this is when I introduce myself.

Je m'appelle Karin et longtemps je n'ai pas pensé  créer quelque chose de mes mains.
J'ai toujours aimé les livres, toutes les formes d'art et surtout la couleur. Je ne sais plus vraiment comment j'ai commencé, ni vraiment quand mais je crois qu'à la naissance de chacun de mes trois enfants, j'ai passé un pallier dans la possibilité d'utiliser mes mains.
D'abord la mosaïque, puis les matières textiles, laine et tissus. Et enfin les perles. Je me souviens après la naissance de Lou d'un petit magasin de perles à Hyères. J'y ai acheté mon premier kit.
Puis ce sont les blogs, les magazines, les livres, la plupart américains pour apprendre le tissage.
Plus récemment la découverte des perles d'art, toujours grâce aux blogs.
Mais toujours, les couleurs, les matières, et la découverte de nouvelles techniques.
J'ai commencé à blogger tard et je le regrette car j'ai découvert un nouveau monde, des gens fabuleux, de l'inspiration, des encouragements, de l'entraide et beaucoup d'échanges.
J'ai commencé ce blog en français, ma langue maternelle mais très vite j'ai ressenti le besoin d'écrire en anglais.
Les langues sont très importantes pour moi, elles sont des portes d'entrée vers d'autres cultures.
J'ai eu la chance de passer mes 18 premières années aux Pays-Bas, d'être un an lectrice aux Etats-Unis, d'habiter Paris, de voyager souvent et de continuer à le faire.
Et j'enseigne l'anglais depuis 20 ans , c'était donc ma deuxième langue obligatoire.
J'aime autant m'exprimer dans l'une ou l'autre. Selon les jours, j'ai plus de facilités dans l'une ou l'autre et je ne dis pas forcément tout à fait la même chose.
Bref tout ça pour dire que dans ce blog j'essaie de partager mes histoires de perles, et pourquoi pas d'autres histoires par la suite.
Et pour conclure, j'offre ce collier, un des dernier fabriqué et que j'aime beaucoup car il mélange les perles d'artistes, des perles plus ordinaires, des pierres,  des couleurs magnifiques et différents métaux.
Je l'ai fait à l'occasion du Muffin Tin Challenge organisé par Heather Powers de Humblebeads.
Il vous suffit de laisser un commentaire avec un moyen de vous joindre et le 15 février je tirerais au sort un gagnant.

My name is Karin and for a long time I didn't think about creating something with my hands.
I have always loved books, all kinds of arts and above all color.
I don't really remember when I started, or how but it seems that with every one of my three children, I took a step closer to creativity and the possibility of using my hands to make things.
First I tried mosaic, then textiles with yarn and fabric. Finally beads. 
I remember some time after Lou's birth, finding a little bead shop in Hyères in the South of France. This is where I bought my first beading kit. It seemed like something that could help me deal with the three children and going back to work.
Then came books, magazines and blogs, most of them American, where I learned bead weaving. It was so relaxing.
More recently, I discovered Art Beads, again thanks to blogs.
But there were always colors, materials and new techniques.
I didn't blog at that time, I didn't even think I could do that. I started late and I regret not having started earlier because I discovered a whole new world, fabulous people, inspiration, support, help and a lot of exchange and sharing.
I naturally started this blog in French, but very soon I felt the need to write in English too.
Languages are very present in my life, they are doors to other cultures.
I am lucky to have spent my first 18 years in The Netherlands, then  one year in the United States as a    French lecturer, to live in Paris, to  have travelled quite a lot and be able to keep doing it .
And I have been teaching English for 20 years, so I had to blog in English too.
I enjoy writing and speaking in both languages. Some days it is easier in one or the other and sometimes I don't say exactly the same. I'm not really translating myself.
All this to say that with this blog, I'm trying to share my bead stories, and why not some other stories later.
And now the giveaway. I'm giving away this necklace I made for the Muffin Tin Challenge organized by Heather Powers from Humblebeads. I love it very much because it is a mix of a lot of what I love, beautiful colors, beautiful Art beads, gemstones, different metals.
You only have to leave a comment with a way to contact you and on February 15 I will pick a random winner.


Pendant: Inviciti
Glass Wing Dings: Genea Beads

Et je ne résiste pas à vous montrer les perles de Happy Fish reçues aujourd'hui…

And I can't resist showing you the Happy Fish beads I received today…



Et maintenant j'ai hâte de découvrir de nouveaux blogs! La liste est LA

I can't wait to discover new blogs! The list is HERE

53 commentaires:

  1. Dear Karen, Thank you for joining in this party! I did it last year and had a great time. Your necklace is beautiful with perfect colours and composition. I love it! I have told you before how much I love your work so it would be a thrill to win your necklace except it is rare for a random draw to pick the number 1 and I'm the first to comment. Thanks for sharing your latest package from Happy Fish. She really creates amazing pieces. If I can ever find the money I'll be ordering from her. Thanks for sharing and have a great day at the party.

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    1. Thank you so much Nan for these sweet words, they mean a lot to me!

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  2. I am so happy you decided to blog, and that you do it in both French and English. First I try to understand it in French, then read it in English to see how I did. After all, high school French class was decades ago! Your work is so lovely! You made a brooch featuring a Round Rabbit piece, I was stunned when I saw it in one of the ABS challenges. Stunned by its beauty, that is. Ever since, I am a faithful follower of your blog, and often peruse your etsy shop dreaming of the day I might one day own one of your pieces. The necklace you so generously offer for the give away is typical of your amazing aesthetic, the oranges, the unexpected elements, the use of art beads and the impeccable craftwomanship. It would be such a treat to win it! Thank you for sharing your creative endeavors and experiences via your blog, here is one woman whose life is enriched by it. Encore, merci beaucoup, je suis Marybeth (mkallok@att.net)

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    1. Thank you so much Marybeth for your kind words! I'm happy you can practice your French on my blog and am honored you like and follow my adventures!

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  3. Karin! I really enjoyed reading this post and learning more about you. I'm glad you write in English in addition to French so I can read your blog.
    Even though I've been beading for 20+ years, I also regret not having started sooner. I think of all those wasted years ...what was I doing? Painting my finger nails every day, I think! Hahah!

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  4. Good Morning Karin! Your jewelry is amazing! Gorgeous.I love that you post in both French and English, I studied french all through high school and college so I still love to read it when I get the chance. I'm the assistant for the blog hop out making my rounds. On Vicki's behalf I would like to welcome you to the blog hop! Have fun!

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    1. Thank you for visiting! I'm already hopping and I love it!

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  5. Your jewelry is beautiful. And thank you for providing an English translation.

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  6. Karen, you know I love not only your photography but your jewelry too!! It was so nice to read your post and learn a little more about who you are, your travels and how you started beading.

    Gorgeous necklace the pops of red and orange with the accent of blue is just stunning!! And I can't wait to see what you create with those beautiful Happy Fish beads!!

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    1. Thank you so much Sally for your sweet words! You pushed me to think more about photography and I'm always following what you do. You are a great inspiration.

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  7. Good morning, I am visiting from the blog party-isn't blogging just wonderful-I really love it too, especially all the inspiration from others.
    I will be a new follower, I delve in allot of the fiber arts, but I love love handmade beads and jewelry-such a beautfiul giveaway thank you for the chance.
    I love the other beads too-
    enjoy the party
    Kathy

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  8. I also love beads, so I think I will enjoy visiting your blog often. Your necklace is beautiful! Please come and visit me at my blog, CraftyCat.
    Cathy
    CraftyCat

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  9. Wow! I love your creations and blog! I am glad to have met you! :-) Thank you for visiting my blog :-)

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  10. What a lovely blog! You are so creative! Thank you also for visiting my blog earlier today! I look forward to reading more of your blog soon (and maybe practicing my french at the same time!). Glad you are part of the Grow Your Blog hop party!

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  11. Oh what delight that the GYB party brought me here to your lovely blog! Your jewelry is gorgeous and what a fabulous giveaway! I look forward to following your posts and celebrating your creativity.

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  12. It was fun to read a little more about you. I greatly enjoy your blog and always love seeing your beautiful jewelry. I look forward to seeing what you make with those gorgeous Happy Fish beads!

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  13. Your jewellery is lovely and I like your choice of beads. I saw that muffin tin challenge but I didnt take part. I like what you made with your muffin tin beads.

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  14. So nice to meet you via the GYB party. Beautiful photos!

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  15. Hi Karin ... your beadwork is BEAUTIFUL. And, you throw a great party. Thank you for inviting me!

    So that you know, I've become a Follower and when time permits, I'll be back to see what other beautiful things were made by your hands!

    What this party is all about is to GROW your blog and I'm hoping to do the same. When you get to Section One, check out A Country Chic Retreat and SuZeQ Creations, my personal blog, in Section Fifteen I'd love for you to follow and subscribe to.

    Happy crafting!
    SuZeQ

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  16. Hi Karin! It's me again :) I don't know what new words I can use today to say how much I love all your creations... I sometimes run out of superlatives when I visit :)

    I have had a dry spell creatively for some months, but your beautiful designs always make me feel like anything is possible LOL. And I would be honoured to receive the lovely you have chosen for a lucky commenter!

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    1. Thank you so much Monique! I' m not sure about what you call a creative dry spell, but your polymer work and all your creations are fantastic!

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  17. Bonjour Karin! Je suis anglaise, mais j'habite en France. Je reve qu mon français est mieux mais malheureusement - parce que je suis formatrice d'anglais, et mon mari est anglais (et ,nous avons le TV anglas aussi!) mon francais n'ameliore pas! J'aime vos beads (perles?) beaucoup. J'espere que tu passes des bonnes moments en visiter tous les autres blogs. J'excuse mon français!!

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  18. Thank you for your visit and for your beautiful blog and translation. I am now a follower. My main passions are beading, bookarts and photography with knitting currently a pleasure too. You are signed up for my journal and I absolutely love your necklace!!! :). Hugs. Karen (Alaska Blue Moose - www.karendorcas.com)

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  19. Love your jewelry! I am now a follower!

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  20. Oh that necklace is exquisite - i dont know how you can let it go! I love your work, definitely going to follow along, and maybe one day I will be able to make my own jewelry. I admire you for being able to blog in both languages, and your English is very good!

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  21. Hi Karin, thanks for visiting Normand yesterday as you hopped around the GYB party with Vicki. Your creations are exquisite!

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  22. Hi Karin, nice to meet you through the blog hop. The necklace is beautiful

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  23. Hi Karin,
    Nice to meet you ! My what wonderful creations.
    Thank you for the opportunity to win such a lovely necklace!
    A new follower..

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  24. I'm visiting from St. John's, NL Canada via GYB. Wonderful creations.

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  25. Greetings from Ontario Canada! So nice to mee tyou. You do lovely work! thank you for visiting my blog and for your kind words.

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  26. I'm from Ontario Canada too! I've enjoyed seeing some of your beautiful pieces of jewelry and the pretty beads you use. Thank you for inviting us to come for a visit.

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  27. Bonjour Karin,

    How lovely to meet you at Vicki's Grow Your Blog party and thank you for visiting my blog.
    I am 'over the moon' to have you as my first french follower!
    My daughter and granddaughters live in France, so I am travelling there in June, I can't wait to see their beautiful little faces again!

    Oh I love your beading work and your necklace is exquisite, the vibrant colours and shapes work beautifully together and the main piece with the dancing fairy is superb - it takes my breath away!
    I looked at the Muffin Tin challenge too but I need to find a class and learn the basics first! Since I was a little girl I have loved and collected buttons - which are little works of art to me, I guess beads are the next step up!

    I will keep my fingers crossed in hope.
    Thank you Karin for taking me on this beading journey and inspiring me to take it further!

    Shane
    http://roseslaceandbrocante.blogspot.co.nz/

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  28. Hi Karin, it was so nice of you to pop over to my blog and take time to leave me a comment. As you can see I am still making my way through Vicki's GYB party! I love those fish beads you just received! I make jewelry amongst the bazillion other interests I have but I don't have that many ceramic beads... I am having a little bead envy at the moment LOL! Your giveaway necklace is lovely, the colors are beautifully matched! Well, for now I'm off to visit more blogs but I will be back for a proper visit later.
    Hugs for now,
    Beth P

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  29. Hi Karin, it was so nice of you to pop over to my blog and take time to leave me a comment. As you can see I am still making my way through Vicki's GYB party! I love those fish beads you just received! I make jewelry amongst the bazillion other interests I have but I don't have that many ceramic beads... I am having a little bead envy at the moment LOL! Your giveaway necklace is lovely, the colors are beautifully matched! Well, for now I'm off to visit more blogs but I will be back for a proper visit later.
    Hugs for now,
    Beth P

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  30. Hi Karin. Thanks for stopping by my blog. As I also have a bilingual blog I totally get what you mean by writing different things in English and in French. It's just not the same if you simply translate from one to the other. I hope you are enjoying the GYB party!

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  31. Karin,

    Very pretty giveaway necklace. Have followed your blog for a while and enjoy your creations.

    Carolyn
    Carolynscreations@live.com

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  32. Bonjour Karin! I came via the Grow your blog party and I am so pleased to meet you! I have enjoyed my visit to your blog and really admire your creativity! I would love to be included in your giveaway as your necklaces are so pretty!
    Thank you

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  33. Goedenavond/Bon soir/Good Evening Karin.
    Thanks for the visit and for joining my blog. Even though I'm Portuguese I think I would struggle to write well in Portuguese because I studied in English most of my life, so I feel most at ease writing in English, but I suppose it would be a way to keep up with the language. I love your necklaces!
    My daughter lives in Amsterdam with her French partner and it's where we will be going in 3 weeks time!

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  34. Bonjour! Merci de visiter mon blog :) Je ne parle pas beaucoup de français, donc je vais continuer en anglais - je suis désolé! : Thank you for your lovely comment on my blog. Your work is stunning and beautiful and I'm so happy to have found you in return. I love the organic nature of your designs, the colours and shapes you use - it makes your work so unique - I simply adore it! You have a follower right here! big hugs from Shroo :)xx

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  35. Hi Karin , lovely to meet you - I'm visiting from the UK.
    I love the beads - thank you!

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  36. Thank you for visiting my blog! Your jewelry looks amazing! I will be following you too. I am a teacher of English too! This necklace is absolutely lovely!AriadnefromGreece!

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  37. Hello from Missouri, Karin! Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving your kind comments. Your beadwork is stunning, especially that necklace! I'm following your blog now.

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  38. Love your beadwork and your blog.. thanks for coming to mine and following me .. I'll enjoy watching your blog!!! :)

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  39. Visiting from GYB, lovely bead jewelry! Merci pour le partage!

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  40. What a wonderful sense of style you have! Funky and elegant at the same time.

    alexis at cobcottagecraft.com

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  41. Visiting from GYB party. You have a great sense of jewelry design and I love the necklace. Also find all the places you have lived quite enviable.

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  42. Thank you for visiting Comptonia, another botanically-named blog :)
    And thank you for teaching me a new name for a poppy! I had to look up coquelicot, which is so much fun to say - bonus!
    Your beading looks like a lot of fun, beginning with opening the letterbox and finding a new packet of beads to experiment with. Thank you for offering one of your creations for the giveaway!

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  43. Ohhh Karin, you make such beautiful jewelry! Thank you for giving us the chance to win one of your gorgeous creations! I'm definitely going to follow you. Through bloglovin though, because I reached my maximum in following through google friend connect :( I'm from The Netherland by the way and am born French, but am far from fluent in French. Thank you for your sweet comment on my blog! Wishing you a beautiful day ~ Wendy of Apple and Apricot blogsvanwendy@live.nl

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  44. Hi Karin--Nice to meet you through the GYB party, and to learn a bit about you. Thank you for including the English translation as well...I commend you for the time it must take you to write both versions. Love your bead work, especially the reds combined with the bit of turquoise in your awesome giveaway necklace!! I love the focal piece, too. I don't do a lot of beading, but I do soldered jewelry, which you can see on my blog (come visit!). I'm signing up to follow you!
    maggie
    www.themagrag.com
    maggieraguse@comcast.net

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  45. Your jewelry is so beautiful! It is nice to meet you in the GYB hop. I hope you will visit my blogs. www.jennifersvintagepaperie.blogspot.com www.drygulchbeadsandjewelry.blogspot.com

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  46. I love your work Karin, and your blog is one of my favourites. When my brain is feeling strong, I try and read the French first! I am fascinated to read of all your travels - do you speak Dutch too then? Wow. I wish I was good at languages, but although I am good at accents I'm just terrible at remembering vocab. No fluency. Which is a shame as my mum is fantastic - she lived in Zürich when she was younger and speaks Swiss-German fluently, German well and French not badly either. Whereas I can only really manage English, although I stagger through French and German when I'm lucky enough to be visiting. I am so glad you discovered blogging too as your jewellery is so beautiful and I am continually inspired by it.

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