Author Archives: crystal

Fun in the City

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Sir Beads and I are just back from a mini-vacation!

I’ve been wanting to share it with you, but first I had to try and organize the photos and descriptions into a reasonably concise tale. 😉

Here goes . . .

It all began with a “getaway” gift card . . .

Actually, it was a present for our 40th wedding anniversary, which was last summer!

I know. I know!

We really did plan to spend it sooner but you know how weeks can sometimes turn into months in the blink of an eye.

Anyway, we finally decided it was high time we had some fun and off we went!

Since it was to be an “anniversary celebration”, we decided to return to the scene of the crime – Boston, Massachusetts – the city where we met and fell in love.

There was no question of where to stay. Several years ago we discovered The Custom House and were totally enchanted by it. I made reservations and all that was left was some light packing.

This gorgeous building (the tall one) is currently a hotel/timeshare property, but it’s roots lie deep in the history of Boston.

The Custom House was established in the 17th century and stood near the Boston waterfront in several successive locations through the years. In 1837, President Andrew Jackson authorized the construction of the current building. The bottom section was completed in 1849. After the tall tower was added in 1915, it became Boston’s very first skyscraper! It’s beautiful inside and out. Great attention to detail and reverence for its history are evident at every turn.

We arrived mid-afternoon and were assigned to a lovely “villa” on one of the higher floors. The bedroom was charming.

And a peek out the window was nice, too.

There was storage space galore.

No need to have breakfast out! The kitchen was well equipped. There were plates, glasses and flatware, too!

And a comfortable place to enjoy a meal.

What’s behind these doors? 😉

All the necessities . . .

A quick glimpse of the powder room!

And the cozy living room – just the place to curl up after strolling through the city.

We took off our shoes, had a cold drink, and brainstormed regarding our restaurant choices for dinner!

The fun was just beginning. 🙂

To be continued

Hugs,

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Special Delivery

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All three ladies, who were selected in the Spring Bead Challenge prize drawings, have now received their beads!

The 1st prize went to Donna . . .

Caro chose these . . .

And Joyce requested these . . .

I received a lovely “thank you” note from each lady.

That really made my heart smile! 😀

The next challenge will have an Autumn theme. (Details to follow in early September!)

Have a great week, Kids! 🙂

Hugs,

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It truly is the thought that counts . . .

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Remember when you were a little kid and you made a card or gift in school?

Usually, there was colorful construction paper involved.

Among your tools, you probably had blunt edge scissors, some sort of glue or paste, paints, brushes, crayons, scraps of tissue paper, glitter, and perhaps a paper doily or two?

Wasn’t it kind of exciting to be creating those first works of “art”?

Personally, I feel sure my creative spirit was born during those early projects. I also believe it was the time I first recognized that making a present for someone you love is a gift for yourself, as well. 😀

Recently, I was reminded of those early attempts at designing something pretty. It was a week before Mother’s Day and I’d been wracking my brain trying to come up with a gift for my Mum. I visited the mall and scanned the online stores but nothing called out to me. I wanted something different, not the usual Mother’s Day fare.

I made one decision…. No jewelry! I’ve made jewelry for her on many occasions – Christmas, birthdays, previous Mother’s Days, etc.

Flowers seemed too standard.

Not a new handbag – been there, done that, too.

Well, time was getting short and I was beginning to get a little panicky. It was funny, though. The more I thought about Mother’s Day – the more my mind flooded with memories of making those little gifts in school as a child.

Suddenly, it hit me that I should stop stressing. I reminded myself that, in the end, it really is the thought that counts. Then, it occurred to me that even though I’ve made jewelry for my mother, I’ve never made a pendant!

I searched through my beads and found her favorite color – rose! Then I added her birthstone – pearls. I did a little beadweaving and slipped the finished piece on a sterling silver chain.

Next, I needed a clever way to present the gift. Again, I chose her color and made a tiny little handbag. The pendant just fit, but something was missing. It needed a little pop of adornment so I crocheted a rose to top it off. (Flowers and Mother’s Day do go together after all.) 😉

To say that I enjoyed making this gift would be an understatement. It truly was a delight.

But I’m sure you can guess the best part of all . . .

I think she really liked it! 😀

Hugs,

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Results Day – Design Challenge Spring 2012

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It’s “Results Day” for our Spring 2012 – Bead Design Challenge!

I’m so excited to show you the spectacular designs that were created to jazz up our bling-less Lady!

Spring can be a busy season and several of you, who signed up, were not able to meet the deadline. I totally understand – life happens – but you are more than welcome to join us next time!

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On to the results!

Here are the beads and findings that were magically turned into the eye candy you are about to view!

Please note! You can click on photos to make them larger. Also, be sure to use the links provided to visit each artist’s shop! 😀

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From Annia.

Visit her shop here.

Annia says:

“I see this Lady more bohemian and of course she loves bright colors especially in a summer day while walking around town with a long dress admiring the new flowers and gardens.”

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From Caro

Visit her shop here.

Caro says:

“Well, here’s my bling. A black and baby blue necklace to match her head band and complement the subtle blues in her dress.

In case you didn’t already know, this lady’s ready to put her Victorian past behind her. No pink cameos for her! Instead, she’s stepping out in something that’s gonna blow the stockings off her demure friends and grab her knight in shining armor by the eyeballs!”

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From Donna

Visit her shop here

Donna says:

“Bead Cap Inspiration: As soon as I saw Crystal’s Bead Caps in her Etsy Shop, I knew what I would make. I loved working with them!! So flexible.”

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From Brenda

Visit her shop here

Here’s Brenda’s lovely pendant necklace and earrings!

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From Deb

Visit her shop here

Deb designed this romantic pair of dangle earrings!

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From Joyce

Visit her shop here

Joyce says:
“Can’t wait for the next one (challenge)!!!! Thanks bunches – it was great fun!” 🙂

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Well, I thought that was the end of the entries… but just before Cinderella’s coach turned back into a pumpkin… Donna finished one more pretty design.

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Congratulations and many thanks to all. At the end of each challenge, I always think it just can’t get any better, but then you amaze me… all over again. 😀

As you know, there are three chances for a prize this time. The names, drawn at random, are:

1st prize, BeadHappilyEverAfter Cache of Vintage Treasures goes to Donna

2nd prize, $30 Shopping Spree in our Bead Shop goes to Joyce

3rd prize, $20 Shopping Spree in our Bead Shop goes to Caro

ALL participants who did not win one of the above prizes will receive a coupon code for 30% off any purchase during June 2012 in our Bead Shop.

Watch your emails! In the next 24 hours, you’ll be receiving either instructions on how to redeem your prize, or your coupon code!

And remember to visit the shops of each participant! Just click on the link next to their names, above. You’ve only just begun to see their talent!!!
Hugs,

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