My entry for the February Art Bead Scene Monthly Challenge

I finally worked up the courage to enter the monthly challenge presented by the folks over at Art Bead Scene - my entry is this artcharm cluster pendant.

I created this artcharm cluster pendant with four of my handmade artcharms and three of my lampwork beads from my Fractal Swirl series. The four artcharms include a bead-embroidered felted wool bead artcharm, an altered puzzle piece artcharm, a collaged and wire-wrapped wooden bead charm, and an altered Scrabble tile with a tiny version of Klimt's "The Kiss" on one side, and wrapped with sterling silver wire, faceted pearls, and a big sparkly Czech fire polished crystal.

So what about you?

Fractal Swirl bead in cobalt blue

I'm finding myself struggling to maintain an optimistic outlook despite all the negative energy currently roiling about.

To have a little fun, I've decided that I will participate in the International Society of Glass Beadmakers (ISGB) Release-A-Bead Project. I'm going to take a few of my beads and release them into the world for unsuspecting (and highly deserving) people to find. I'm even thinking of sending a stash of beads to my brother, who travels frequently for his job - Matt can distribute my beads and be part of the fun too, even though he uses his torch for welding, not glass beadmaking. :)

What about you? How can you manifest even a small amount of positive energy? What fun things can you do to bring a smile to your face or someone else's? Leave your ideas in the comments section for a chance to win one of my Fractal Swirl beads; on February 27, 2009, a winner will be selected via a random drawing from all comments left regarding this post.