Oh, How Beauti-mous!

I showed you a few posts back that a beading buddy of mine was making me a bracelet.  Said beading buddy works with seed beads and does beautiful work.  Well, same-said buddy sent me the bracelet a couple of days ago and I'm almost afraid to wear it, it's that gorgeous.  I showed my dad and he says the same thing. It's a work of art!  Here are a few shots I took with my iPhone. Yes, sorry, that is my wrist in there.  Yes, I have freckles. It's what happens when you're a fair-skinned (used-to-be) red head.  Anyway, enjoy the pics of her gorgeous art work:



Love the Plume Agate: can't really tell from
this shot, but that "warp" to the right? Yeah,
those have faint blue inclusions in them.
I loved that when she let me pick the stone.



She picked the Blue Lace Agate to compliment
the blue in the Plume Agate. Love it! :)

Didn't I tell you? Art work! This is even
prettier in real life. The work is so delicate
looking yet the stones and size give it
enough weight to not look silly on my wrist.

Seed Bead Phobia

I have a friend at work who also makes jewelry, but she uses the seed beads where I use the larger glass or stone beads (or, soon I hope, made-em-myself polymer clay beads).  She has made numerous creations in the last few years that I've known her and I just feel my jaw unhinge every time she shares a photo of what she's working on or has entered in this fair or that contest.  Dorothy is just so creative. And WAY more patient than I am. I just don't believe I have it in me to sit down and work with those teeeeeny tiiiiiiny seed beads the way she does (and can). I just know myself well enough to know I'd get frustrated in a short amount of time and I'm not sure where the seed beads would end up, but it wouldn't be my table or a design (lol).

Anyway!  Dorothy is in the process of making me a bracelet and I tho't I'd share it with all of you and brag on her abilities just a little bit.

She tells me the main focal stone is plume agate and the side
stones are blue lace agate. Isn't this just GORgeous!?!?!

Personal Challenge Completed

Back near the beginning of January I made myself a personal challenge and offered a gift of a piece of hand made jewelry to whomever made a comment on that post (see here).  Only two ladies made any comment, Therese and Debb.

Well, this week I mailed off their gifts and Therese (for sure) received hers today.  Debb should be getting hers by Monday or Tuesday at the latest, but I hope sooner. 

Anyway, since Therese has received hers, and I'm sure Debb's is almost there, I'm going to go ahead and post shots of what each woman was sent.  Therese received a necklace (she told me yellow was not a color she liked and I was OH, so tempted to include it, but I restrained myself) and Debb was sent a bracelet.  Debb's was fun because she likes red, pink & blue and I just went wild making the bracelet. (I do hope she likes it!)

Therese's necklace

Necklace is reversable
wire-wrapped dyed agate



Debb's bracelet

Had so much fun making this
with all these beads.

 

PERSONAL CHALLENGE

I saw something on a friend's Facebook page last night that inspired me to do this personal challenge.  I'm going to send a handmade gift to the first five (5) people who make a comment on this post.  The challenge to myself is that each item will be made as the comments are made. No sending off something I've made already. The gifts will be either a pair of earrings or a bracelet.

Here are the rules:
1) You can comment about anything in my Etsy store, on my Facebook page or any other post in my blog but it MUST be made to this post. If not, it won't count.
2) This will only run until January 31st.  (and, remember, it's only the 1st five who comment, I can't afford to do this for everyone) 
3) You may tell me what colors you like and I will try to incorporate them into the design.
4) You may tell me if you prefer elegant, playful, casual or funky and I will try to create in that element.

5) You won't know which piece of jewelry you're getting, you get to be surprised.

So, comment away, folks.  Let me hear what you have to say and I'll contact you for your mailing address for your gift.

Happy New Year!

CONFESSIONS OF A BEAD-AHOLIC

Yes, I am coming out. It's time to let others know that it's okay to confess to this particular addiction.  I'm afraid there's no real cure for it, though. It's the kind of addiction you simply need to continue feeding because, unless you really OD on it, it's never going to go away.

Bead-aholicism.

Yes! I've done it! I've confessed! I am a bead-aholic!!

(whew, what a relief!)

As I said, this isn't anything that can be (or needs to be) "cured."  The problem with bead-aholicism is the bead-aholics' inability to pay attention to anything else while beading.  This can include (but not be limited to); passage of time, phones ringing, children, spouses, visiting family and/or friends, anything outside of a three foot radius.  Sometimes anything within the three foot radius if it's not a bead.  Many's the night when I've been beading away and looked up to realize the only light in the house was coming from my lamps on my work table.  I hadn't heard the t.v. stop blaring it's show.  I hadn't heard anyone heading down the hall to bed.  I hadn't even noticed the lights go off.  I was in my own little world (but, that's okay, they know me well there!).  The other problem is the bead-aholics need for pretty, shiny, all-shapes-and-sizes of beads. If you take a bead-aholic into Michael's or Hobby Lobby be prepared to, a) mop up the drool that will roll down the chin and, b) see them spend an outrageous amount of money on strings of beads and packets of findings that will go perfectly with what they already have.

A  bead-aholics sense of humor can even revolve around all things bead.  I have a co-worker who uses old pill and medicine bottles to store her beads, findings, etc. and, in spite of her telling him he didn't need to, her husband keeps saving them for her.  We joked about maybe they needed to be filled.  After all, we wouldn't want these poor bottles to become depressed because the lack of beads and findings made them feel unneeded.  At this time of year they could end up in a severe down-ward spiral of depression that could only be reversed by the application of rich-toned seed beads or luscious glass and gemstone beads.

Why am I confessing to bead-aholicism?  Because, I have a regular, 8 to 5 job that takes up the greatest part of my time.  I have a 30 minute commute to work and home again (another hour out of my day!)  It's 5:30 by the time I get home; that is, if I don't have to stop for fuel or some other errand... or my family doesn't decide we need to eat out instead of cooking.  If that happens I don't get home until well after 7pm.  And, knowing how I am about beading (disappearing into the art of creating something pretty) I don't like to bead too late in the evening during the week because I won't go to bed early enough to get enough sleep for the next day.  I know, I know, there are weekends to work at my craft.  Except that's when all the chores and things you weren't able to get done during the week are done.  Now what? Huh? Huh? Now?  Now you whine and pout and give everyone the "Bambi Eyes" in hopes you'll get (at least) a few hours to sit at your table.

The state of which is another indication of your bead-aholicism.  At MY table, I pull out several things at once when I start creating; mixing and matching colors, accents, wire or chain, findings, headpins.  And they rarely go back to the boxes and containers they came from so there's a serious mix-mash of all these items strewn about at any given time.  I recently read an article over on Art Bead Scene by Erin Prais-Hintz of Treasures Found about making bracelets (or earrings) out of the "left-overs" on your table!  How fun! (not to mention a great way to clean up your mes... ahh... table!)

Another indication of bead-aholicism is how many times a day you either blog about, or read other blogs about, your passion.  It's hard to sit at my desk and not bring up my blog to see what all the blogs I've got on my "I stalk these people" list have been doing. What can they say or show me to inspire my creativity? The next clue is whether you email yourself the link to the picture they've posted so you can be inspired again later (tutorials only, folks! NO stealing someone's hard-earned designs!!!) or if you just print a copy of the picture then and there to add to your growing collection of "I have to try this!" pages that are shoved messily onto a shelf near your table or pinned to a board above it. 

Yes, bead-aholics are an interesting, if misunderstood breed.  We're (mostly) harmless (unless there's a major sale at Michael's or Hobby Lobby then, LOOK OUT!), and we really don't mean to ignore you.  Just understand we're on an entirely different planet than you when creating.  But, that's okay.  In fact, we won't mind at all if you want to come visit us there!

DAY 2 ~ Virtual Craft Show - Shop Around Like Y're Momma Told'ja!

So, today is the 2nd day of the First Annual Virtual Craft Show! I'm so excited!  My giveaway is for the great art/beading magazines. They're terrific and have wonderful information, articles and are a great way to get inspired (especially if you're going through beaders block!)  Be sure to go over to Lori's blog, Pretty Things, and follow instructions for getting entered into all the drawings available on all the blogs.  And be sure to visit all the blogs. These ladies are amazing and have some luscious jewelry and beads for you to buy. 

Autumn Sunset ~ necklace
giveaway for buyers from
my Etsy store.



Also, remember that I'm having a secondary drawing for those who make a purchase from my Etsty store.  One entry for your purchase(s), one entry for mentioning your purchase on your blog, twitter or Facebook page (come back her to let me know) and one entry for going to my Facebook page, and mentioning your purchase there as well.  Be sure to leave me a link to your blog or an email address so I can contact you if you win.

Welcome to the 2nd Day of the First Annual Virtual Craft Show!

7 Days, 70 Artists, GIVING AWAY 70 things.

Can you believe it????

Visit Day One by clicking here!

I hope you'll take the time to visit these artisans' shops and blogs, too.

Here's how you win:

For each of the 7 days of the show, you get a point for each of the following (you don't have to do all four)....

 Commenting 

Facebooking this page

Twittering this page

Blogging this page

Be sure to have either a blog with an email contact, or leave an email in your comment so I can notify you!  

Drawing will be held a couple of days after the show. 

Now here are the first lovely artisans!

Pam Sears

Enhance your jewelry design magazine library with a stack of magazines!  You'll get:

6 Lapidary Journal/Jewelry Artist: April, May, July, Sept, Nov, Dec '10

1 Art Jewelry, Sept '11

1 Bead Unique, Oct '11

2 Bead Style, Jan '11 and May '11

2 Step By Step Wire Jewelry, Aug-Sept '11 and Oct-Nov '11

1 Creative Beads and Jewelry issue 17

Value:  $100

http://crazycreativecorner.blogspot.com

 

Sue Kennedy

 

The beads were made from clear glass and a holiday themed frit!  The round beads and the silver sparkle beads measure approx. 12mm, and the large hole bracelet beads measure approx. 12x11mm.  All my beads are made in my studio in Pittsburgh by me, Susan Kennedy, and all are properly kiln annealed and cleaned with a diamond-bit Dremel. 

Value:  $50

Special code CRAFTSHOW15 will give you 15% off your purchases plus a free pair of handcrafted brass or copper earring wires with each purchase of an earring bead pair.

www.suebeads.etsy.com

www.suebeads.com

www.suebeads.blogspot.com

 

Tania Spivey

Designer's Dream Eclectic Mix 

Includes: 

1.  Polymer clay oval toggle clasp in taupe, with a dainty lavender flowering vine and gorgeous antique white sari silk.  Clay toggle measures approximately 1.5" in diameter, not including copper bail.

1.  Polymer clay bead and hammered copper toggle set in rich, woodsy shades of brown.  Accented with topaz hued crystals and beads, and includes sari silk in coordinating color.  Beads measure nearly 2" in diameter, while hammered toggle measures 1" in diameter.

2.  Eclectic mix of lime green and shades of gray polymer focal bead with brass center accents and beads, with cool shade of gray sari silk length. Focal bead measures approximately 1.25" in diameter.

 

Value $35 

www.etsy.com/shop/MoobieGraceDesigns

 www.moobiegracedesigns.blogspot.com

Facebook

 

Staci Louise

Handcrafted earrings with hollow copper lentil charms, copper coated ceramic beads from Mykonos and handcrafted, extra long ear wires in sterling silver.

Lentils measure 21mm and the entire length of the earring from top to bottom is 66mm (just over 2.5")
 

Value  $25.00

use code stacilouise25 for 25% off in my jewelry shop www.stacilouise.etsy.com
use code stacilouise10 for 10% off in my components shop www.slartisanaccents.etsy.com
 

www.stacilouiseoriginals.com
 www.stacilouise.blogspot.com
 www.stacilouise.etsy.com
 www.slartisanaccents.etsy.com

Marge Beebe

This amazing slice of crazy lace agate includes red, white, gray lines.  This slice is attached to ultra suede and beaded embroidered around and finished with a smooth ultra suede in the back. This piece measures 2.5" x 1.5" and is on a suede lace.

Value $45

Use code GIVEAWAY in my shop for 15% off
now until 12/25/11
 

http://www.artfire.com/users/rockcreekcreations
http://www.rockcreekcreations.blogspot.com

Kim Hutchinson

Upcycled game piece pendant

Size is approximately 1" x 1.5". Original collage made with upcycled materials then sealed multiply times (is water resistant but not water proof- so please do not shower or swim with it on). 

Value $10
Free shipping in Etsy shop!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/hutchink

http://jumbledhutch.wordpress.com

Cilla Watkins

Red Czech Glass Flower and Crystal Earrings with Antiqued Brass

Lovely vintage red Czech glass flower bead, stunning hand cut crystal, and antiqued brass.

Perfect for your Holiday Activities: Sledding,Skating,Shopping,Eating, Partying,Wrapping,Working,Playing. You name it these work horse earrings will work for you! Good Luck!

Value: $18.00

www.tellyourgirlfriends.etsy.com

www.tellyourgirlfriends.com

 

Angela May

 

St Michael and Virgin Mary Pendant

This double-sided glass pendant features an image of the Theotokos Virgin Mary and Christ Child on one side and St Michael the Archangel on the reverse.

This pendant is 1.5" square, 3" long including the dangles and bail.  One of the dangles is a vintage Virgin Mary medal and the other is a two-dimensional image of St Michael. 

I have taken a more rustic approach with the silvery lead-free solder used to seal it, thus making it appear ages old. It is not waterproof and should not be worn while swimming or bathing. Clean with any dry silver polishing cloth. It will come with a simple 16-19" necklace or you can choose to have a custom beaded necklace made for it.  Size:  1.5" x 1.5" pendant, 3" long with the dangles and bail.

Value: pendant only, $18, with necklace,  $28.

  

http://www.saintlyimagesandmore.etsy.com

http://canterburycottageherbals.blogspot.com

 

Lola Surwillo

Rings are my favorite piece of jewelry to create, buy and wear.  The most unique aspect of my rings – and a favorite feature of my customers – is that they are woven on strong elastic for durability and ease of wear.   They are very light and comfortable, and are a great option for those who suffer from arthritis.

One person will win one ring for a total of three giveaways!

Ring #1 – Tagua nut focal surrounded by golden red seed beads and round, gold-filled beads -- Value: $14

Ring #2 – Decorative, metal bracelet slide surrounded by charlotte seed beads and square metal beads --Value: $12

Ring #3 – Swarovski crystal bracelet slides surrounded by charlotte seed beads -- Value $19

www.beadlolabead.etsy.com

www.beadlolabead.blogspot.com

www.beadlolabead.com

 

Rebekah Payne

Five handcrafted beads made 
by Rebekah Payne of Tree Wings Studio

One Turquoise Pony bead: a little pony made entirely of turquoise and coral polymer clay measuring about 27x35 mm.  Hole running down through its back to its hooves. 

One Mr. Brown Owl focal bead: Hand shaped in brown polymer clay with a white patina on his feathers. 34x19 mm and has a hole running through the top of his head to just above his tail on the back. 

One Sleepy Brown Owl bead: Owl in hand-painted polymer clay measuring about 20x18 mm and has a hole running through the top of its head to just above its tail on the back. 

One pair of Sleepy Foxes: Foxes in hand-painted polymer clay measuring about 19x18mm with a hole running from their tails up through their backs. 

 

Value $42

Be sure to stop by the shop too! Use coupon code CRAFTSHOW10 for a 10% discount starting today and running through December 3rd.

Shop: treewingsstudio.etsy.com
Blog: treewingsstudio.com
Flickr: flickr.com/photos/treewingsstudio/

Erin Prais-Hintz

 

One quarter of the 'simple truth' sampler club.

Value: $54 (shipping included!)

www.tesoritrovati.com
www.tesoritrovati.etsy.com
http://treasures-found.blogspot.com

 

Come back tomorrow for 

more giveaways!

AAALMOST THERE! WE'RE AAAAALLMOST THERE!

 So, we're just hours away from the First Annual Craft Show!  Now, for those who are entering the contests, you need to be sure you comment on the Pretty Things blog, here, because that's the only way (following their instructions) to win one of the Big Prize Give-Aways.  While I'm not going to be listed for all the days of the Craft Show, I will be listed for most of them.  So, check (and comment) often.

HOWEVER!!  For those of you who buy from me at my Etsy store, I'll have a different drawing for you to be entered in.  Note the lovely, Autumnal colored necklace to the left (along with it's close up, Mr. DeMill).  If you buy from my store, that will be one entry.  If you go to my Facebook Page and like my page as well as comment on your purchase, that will be a second entry.  If you have a blog and comment on your purchase from my store there, that will be a third entry, you just need to be sure and leave a comment with me, along with a link to your blog, so I can see it. (please note, it is only one entry if you buy from me, not one entry per perchase).  This drawing will be held Dec. 3rd and the winner announced Dec. 4th.

 This necklace is a side project from the ABS November Challenge (I got into a Fall colors mood) and is strung on chocolate ribbon with a deep Autumn Sunset glass focal bead, caramel ceramic beads and copper accent beads. This giveaway is worth $30.00.

 

We're also going to be including some of Saner Sister's crochet work in the store.  Here's a tease of one of her scarves.  It's made from Country Look yarn in the color "Regal Earth" (altho' I call it Forest Road) and is a rich, earth-toned brown with forest-green accents in the yarn.  It's quite soft and very warm and her scarves will be $40.00 in our store.  There will be three others listed as well, a yummy forest green (which I've been drooling over), a stormy dark gray and a cool, creamy white.  If you have another color preference, please convo me on Etsy and I'll pass your request on to Saner Sister.

If you'll check to the right of this post, just under my Facebook page link, you'll find the link to my Etsy shop, or just click here to get to it..

Shop On, Friends! :)

WARM UP YOUR CREDIT CARDS, IT'S ALMOST HERE!

Well, folks, it's just a few more days until The First Annual Virtual Craft Show and, yes I've said it before, I'll be a part of it!  Here's how it's going to work:

7 Days, 70 Artists, GIVING AWAY 70 things.

Can you believe it????

I hope you'll take the time to visit these artisans' shops and blogs, too.

Here's how you win:

For each of the 7 days of the show, you get a point for each of the following (you don't have to do all four)....

 Commenting 

Facebooking this page

Twittering this page

Blogging this page

Once you've made a comment either on Facebook, Twitter or your Blog, be sure to let me know in the comments.  Also, be sure to have either a blog with an email contact, or leave an email in your comment so I can notify you!  

Drawing will be held a couple of days after the show. 

So, that's how it's going to work. I'll be a part of the show for only 5 days, but you can visit as many shops as you want over the course the Show and, hey, why not any time after?  Some of the Etsy shops will have Christmas discounts going on later, too. 

Yes, I know a few of the prizes to be given away.  No, I'm not going to tell you. So there!  You'll have to visit the individual blogs and comment there for your chance at their prize.  Trust me, it's worth it!  The start of this whole shootin' match will be here, so be sure to start off there (yes, you comment on her site, too, to win prizes.)  My Etsy shop WILL be open by the day the Show starts, but I'm hoping to have it up and running before then, so check back and see if the link has been added over on the right near the Facebook link.

Happy Giving Thanks Day, folks!
And, Happy Shopping!