crystal | Bead Happily Ever After

Monday Memo

Posted on November 28, 2011 by crystal

Let’s hear about your holiday weekend, Kids!

Did you have a Thanksgiving feast?

Did you shop ’til you dropped on Black Friday?

Here at Bead Happily, we did the first and skipped the second! 😉

Let’s see…. I have two topics today.

First: I would like your thoughts about the next Bead Challenge.

a. Should we wait until after the holidays? We’re just about in December now, and I fear that schedules will already be stretched to the limit without having extra assignments! So, I’m wondering if January would the best time to begin the second challenge?

b. Is there a bead in my shop that you think would make a great “challenge bead“?
(Even the non-beaders might want to offer opinions on this!)

Second: Changing the subject now . . .

You know me – I love a QUICK craft project! Quick is really all I have time for these days.

Who knew having a retired husband would leave me with less hours than I had when my kids were little?!? Ok, I’m exaggerating, but it IS a different kind of schedule, lately! (I wouldn’t change a thing, though.)

But back to the project . . .

I loved making this crocheted flower scarf! Don’t they look like little pansies?

And it’s always fun to whip up a pair of matching earrings!

This scarf has an artsy, whimsical, look that really appeals to me. I’m thinking it would look great paired with a light-weight turtleneck sweater.

You can find the pattern here.

‘Til next time,

Hugs,

Cool as a Cucumber This Holiday Season

Posted on November 23, 2011 by crystal

Usually, I’d be in a full-blown panic by now.

I mean – it’s only one day until Thanksgiving.

That’s one day, Kids!

Most years, I’d be thinking of how much I must accomplish before Christmas.

You know the drill but I’ll spell it out anyway – just for dramatic effect. 😉

The shopping! The decorating! The Christmas cards! The wrapping! The baking! The cleaning!

The very thought of it would cause my heart to pound!

Oh yeah! Full blown panic by now . . .

But not this year, and I’m not sure why.

For decades now, I’ve been part elf at this time of year, joyfully festooning every inch of the house with holiday glitter. Sir Beads has often joked that I’d tie a red bow on the toilet seat if not talked out of it. 😉

Suddenly this year, however, I sense that I’m entering a new phase in my life… a phase of simplifying traditions.

It’s time to decide what’s important, skip what isn’t, and then savor the small delights of the season. I just don’t want to jump on the holiday merry-go-round this time.

Could it be that I’m finally weary of it all? Hmmm, not exactly. I did have sort of a milestone birthday this year, and Sir Beads retired. Perhaps those experiences have given me reason to stop and reassess.

There’s so much I want to do and only so many hours in a day. It’s time to stop doing things simply because I’ve always done them.

Don’t get me wrong – I LOVE Christmas. I’m just going to try an experiment in the next several weeks . . .

I’m going to take it slow and easy – no “must-do lists”, no impossible schedules, no thinking “It wouldn’t be Christmas without ____”.

I want to stop and smell the evergreens . . . for a change.

How about you? Have you simplified the holiday season?

Hugs,

Results Day – Beads Design Challenge

Posted on November 19, 2011 by crystal

Hi Kids 😀
Well, the results are in and they are astonishingly beautiful!

It all began with FREE beads . . . a choice of three styles offered to designers who promised to create something and then send a photo of the finished piece.

Today, you’ll see the work of 16 Design Challenge participants. I want to thank them so much for following through on this project. Their warmth, enthusiasm, and talent have truly been inspirational! It may have been the first Design Challenge, but it’s only the beginning! More challenges are coming – so I hope you’ll stay tuned.

And now, on to the showcase!!!

(Entries are shown in random order.)

Category 1: Fuchsia Oval Beads

From Jennifer – a gorgeous bracelet/earrings set! Click here to visit her shop!

From Brenda – a wonderful necklace with two pairs of earrings! Click here to visit her shop!

From Carolyn O. – an elegant “Illusion” Necklace shown with coordinating earrings! Click here to visit her shop!

From Debbie – two flirty pairs of earrings – one zebra print and the other Anthropologie inspired! Click here to visit her shop!

From Mouna – an enchanting “Soutache” Embroidered Cuff Bracelet! Click here to visit her shop!

From Linda – a very special “Joyous Christmas” bracelet with coordinating earrings! Click here to visit her shop!

From TwistTheLeaf – a glamorous necklace with Pearl and Amethyst Charm Clusters! Click here for all of the details!

From Carolyn W. – a fun, fringe-style, bead-woven Bracelet and Earrings! Click here to visit her shop!

From Gillian – a chic pair of Fuchsia Pearl Earrings! Click here to visit her shop!

From Natalia – a lovely necklace with dangling strands! Click here to visit her shop!

Category 2: Silver Saucer Beads

From Donna – a stunning bracelet! Click here to visit her shop!

From Pat – a delightful necklace with floral lampwork pendant! Click here to visit her shop!

From Richelle – a Fascinating pair of “Assemblage” Earrings! Click here to visit her shop!

From Sharon – a lovely necklace with matching earrings! Click here to visit her shop!

Category 3: Aqua AB Ribbed Shell Beads

From Ashley – a spectacular necklace made with selection of vintage components! Click here to visit her shop!

From Jo – a charming trio of earrings from artsy to sophisticated! Click here to visit her shop!

Wasn’t that AMAZING?

I’m smiling from ear to ear, here! 😀

Until next time,

Hugs,

Even a Prince Wants to Bead

Posted on November 15, 2011 by crystal

During a recent tour of Tanzania, Prince Charles and Camilla visited Wonder Workshop, an organization that provides jobs for disabled men and women by encouraging them to create original art using recycled materials.

In the photo below, the Prince (aided by a staff member) tries to work with seed beads. He’s enthusiastic but finds it a challenge to thread the tiny beads without eyeglasses. Word is that Camilla kindly offered him her “specs”.

She’s working on a necklace!

Wonder if they brought their finished pieces home . . .

additions to the Crown Jewels, perhaps? 😉

Hugs,

Autumn Bliss

Posted on November 14, 2011 by crystal

I love autumn!

Maybe you’re a passionate fan of another season.

Even so, you must admit that autumn has its charm! 🙂

Besides the obvious delights – such as crisp air, bright pumpkins, colorful foliage, and the autumn holidays – there are more subtle gifts to savor during this glorious time of year.

Today, I share some things that make autumn special to me . . .

1. The slow-motion dance of a single leaf as it flutters to the ground.

2. Fresh apple cider
(Just had some – see photo!)

3. Pumpkin bread
(Yep, just had some. Washed it down with the apple cider! See photo, again!) 😉
(recipe found here)

4. Shopping for new yarn and planning cozy cold-weather projects like scarves, shawls, and blankets.

5. Fall brings the new season for favorite tv shows! (So tired of summer re-runs.)

6. The welcome return to a nightly ritual that Sir Beads and I enjoy tremendously – our after dinner cup-of-tea! We have to give it up during the summer months as the evenings are just too warm for a hot beverage. But, beginning every fall, no matter how hectic our schedule, we make it a point to put on the kettle, find a cookie or three, and spend a little time unwinding, together. It’s my favorite part of the day.

C‘mon, now. What do you like about Fall?

I’d love to know!

Hugs,