making jewelry | Bead Happily Ever After

Afternoon Delights

Posted on January 15, 2009 by crystal

It seems like quite a while since I “played” with beads.

By that I mean – since I sat down for a few moments without any particular design in mind.

So yesterday afternoon, when faced with the choice of cleaning out a closet, or making a little something with my beads – the beads won.

I pulled out a few interesting-looking lampwork candidates, some crystals, wire, findings, and my tools.

Earrings are always fun because you can make a few pairs in the time it would take to make one necklace – and time was rather short yesterday.

Here are the results. They’re now in my shop. 🙂

I’m so glad I made it a point to make something instead of cleaning that closet, though. It’s important to nurture the creative side whenever we can! (See: Finding your Bliss with Beads)

No need for me to worry. Nobody is going to steal the closet-cleaning job. No way. No how. It will be there.

But, having a little fun yesterday was just what I needed to inspire me to begin planning some great new projects for 2009!

Hey, if the closet has to wait until spring – so be it. 😉

You are special. (Mr. Rogers was right!)

Posted on August 4, 2008 by crystal

If you make jewelry for gifts or to sell, be sure to keep one of the best pieces for yourself now and then! Too often we sell or give away the items that we consider to be our best work. If we keep anything at all, it’s usually not a favorite creation. I call this the “burnt cookie syndrome”. Do you ever stand at the stove and eat the rejects, so the family can have the “good” cookies?!? I see you nodding out there. 😉

Most women seem to have an innate desire to give the best to others. We’ll eat the burnt cookie, or make sure to take the chipped dinner plate, or select the bent fork. It isn’t necessarily that we don’t value ourselves, or that we are afraid for others to see our imperfections. I like to think it’s more that we actually enjoy making things special for others.

Of course we realize that isn’t always possible, so we allow ourselves a little “breathing room” by personally settling for a lower standard. It’s a compromise that’s not too difficult to accept. After all, we know that if we really want to, we can choose to be fussy for ourselves – anytime!

So tie a string around your finger or stick a post-it note on the fridge, but please remember that any day might just be the day, to make something special for YOU!

Christmas in July

Posted on July 7, 2008 by crystal

If you are like me, there’s something about the hot and hazy July weather that inspires your creative side! I suppose it’s the combination of wanting to keep occupied when it’s just too muggy to move, and also the realization that if I’m going to make Christmas gifts – an early start is necessary!

The retail world seems to be on the same page, as you’ll notice that most craft and sewing supply shops are usually brimming with new inventory in July. Here at Bead Happily Ever After, we have just the bead to spark your summer design sessions. Whether you’re making a pair of earrings to match your favorite sundress, or designing a very special necklace to tuck into Mom’s Christmas stocking – we have lots of beautiful beads to inspire you.

It’s Genetic . . .

Posted on June 30, 2008 by crystal

Since the dawn of civilization, women (and men) have had a passion for jewelry.

Wilma Flintstone knew a good thing when she saw it, so she grabbed some pretty rocks and strung them for a necklace! And after the unveiling of King Tut’s tomb, the whole world discovered that the pharaohs were not at all hesitant to adorn themselves with beautiful bling.

Today, that love of jewelry, along with the increasing array of available supplies, has inspired many of us to design our own. It’s easier than ever to gather a bunch of fabulous beads and a few findings to create something gorgeous!

We hope you enjoy spending a little time perusing our web shop. You’ll find an ever-changing assortment of vintage beads in both lucite and glass. We also carry a selection of Swarovski crystals, Czech beads, and other high-quality contemporary beads.

If it sparkles or shines or is simply beautiful, we want to bring it to you.

Our fondest wish is that you will . . .

bead happily ever after!