Beads | Bead Happily Ever After

I’m A Little Bit Vintage

Posted on April 30, 2013 by crystal

Raise your hand if you remember Donny and Marie? 😉

And their theme song?

You know —

She’s “a little bit country”; He’s “a little bit “rock and roll”.

C’mon Kids… please say you know what on earth I’m talking about, here.

(For you youngsters in the group – it’s Donny and Marie Osmond!)

I can hear you asking: “Surely there’s a point to this, Crystal???”

Why, yes. Of course! 😉

If I were to join the chorus along with good ole Donny and Marie, I’d be singing: “I’m a little bit “vintage”.

I’m not referring to my age – though I suppose that’s a good adjective to describe it. I mean that I have a passion for all things vintage – beads, jewelry, books, accessories, china, furniture, etc.!

This week, I took some time to play with a pretty bunch of Vintage Swarovski Rhinestones and Cabochons. I combined them with some vintage-look findings and quick as a wink – I had 3 pairs of earrings!

Sapphire Blue – such sparkle on these vintage rhinestones!

Amethyst purple – my favorite color! Love that marquise-shape stone.

And Swarovski Glass Cabochons in Smoked Topaz Aurora Borealis. Talk about a rainbow of colors!

If you were to chime in with Donny and Marie…. how would you fill in the blank?

“I’m a little bit “_______”.

Hugs,

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Click the envelope to leave a comment!

The Envelope, Please!

Posted on February 8, 2013 by crystal

Hey Kids,
Here I am in the wee hours of the morning writing this quick post! There’s a major snow storm heading our way and I want to be sure to announce the winner of the GIVEAWAY – while I still can. You see, this weather system is threatening to deliver high winds, widespread power outages, and up to 2 feet of snow!

And the winner is . . .

I love giveaways because it’s so much fun to make someone happy!

I don’t like giveaways because I hate disappointing everyone who didn’t win. 🙁

Well, ok, here goes . . .

The winner, chosen at random, of the Evening in Paris Earrings is Kelly! 😀

Congratulations Kelly, and a big thank you to all who entered and offered their suggestions for future posts.

Have a relaxing weekend and please cross your fingers that we don’t lose our power, won’t you?

I’ll be back with a new post early (hopefully!) next week.

Hugs,

Beauty and the Beast

Posted on October 29, 2012 by crystal

Well, I’ll start with the “beast” . . .

Here in New England, we’re in line to be hit by Hurricane Sandy, a huge storm beginning late Sunday and running through Tuesday. They’re calling it a tropical cyclone and it will bring high winds, flooding, and large areas of power outages.

So, we’ve stocked up on water, batteries, and food that doesn’t need to be cooked. We also filled zip-lock bags with water and they’re freezing in our freezer as I type. That tip was new to me, but I think it’s brilliant. It will give us lots of extra ice to help keep things from spoiling in the fridge should we lose electricity.

Wish us luck! And best wishes to everyone in the path of this storm, which meteorologists have dubbed “Frankenstorm” – both for its ferocity and its proximity to Halloween.

For the “beauty”, here’s a pendant I finished this week. I considered just putting it on a black cord but then decided to make a little necklace to set it off.

The pendant itself is created with a needle and beading thread – utilizing a method called “beadweaving”. I chose a glittering Swarovski rivoli crystal in Tanzanite as the focal point, and surrounded it with a frame of tiny glass seed beads.

Below is a look at the back of the piece to illustrate how the stone actually sits in a basket of seed beads.

I know. I used purple . . . again.

I have no defense.

Is there a support group for purple lovers? 😉

Hugs,

Worth A Thousand Words

Posted on February 28, 2012 by crystal

Sometimes a picture really can be worth a thousand words.
In these photos, I see many of my favorite things . . .

Tea, bone china teacups, flowers (especially pansies), the act of making jewelry, (and jewelry, itself!), bracelets, BEADS!, the color purple, aurora borealis . . .

Not too long ago, I spent an afternoon making this bracelet.

It was a welcome break during a particularly busy week.

What are you up to lately? 😀

Hugs,

Valentine Design Challenge – RESULTS

Posted on February 13, 2012 by crystal

Today’s the big day! 😀

It’s time to unveil the results of our Valentine’s Design Challenge.

Wait until you see all the pretty jewelry that was created for this event!

Participants incorporated at least one bead or finding from our bead shop into their designs!

I grouped those items for you to see the variety of supplies that were used!

There were some traditional Valentine-themed choices

And then there were some that were not as traditional.

Are you ready to see the results? 😀

(Entries are shown in random order!)

From Carolyn O. – “English Country Garden Bouquet Necklace for Your Valentine”. Click here to visit her shop!

From Jennifer – “Essence of Flowers” Pandora-style Bracelet and Matching Earrings! Click here to visit her shop!

From Brenda – “Red Heart Dangle Bracelet with Matching Earrings” and “Vintage Aqua Crystal Dangling Hearts Earrings”. Click here to visit her shop!

From Charlene – “Cascading Pink and White Necklace with Sterling Hearts”. Click here to visit her shop!

From Linda – “Crystal Heart Earrings”! Click here to visit her shop!

From Marge – “Turquoise and Gold Free-form Heart Pendant”, “Bird of Paradise Pendant”, and “Turquoise Beaded Necklace Set”. Click here to visit her shop!

From Donna – Donna writes: “My necklace is called “Kissing Hearts”. I loved working with Crystal’s hearts and tubes. And will definitely make a second one and a bracelet. Thanks so much for hosting this challenge.”
Click here to visit her shop!

From Pat – “Victorian Heart Necklace” Click here to visit her shop!

From Jo – “Pink with Gold Hearts Earrings” Click here to visit her shop!

From Elizabeth – “Beaded Tassel Wristlet” Click here to visit her shop!

From Annia – “Teal and White Pearl Necklace” Click here to visit her shop!

From Joyce – “Silver and Pink Dangling Heart Earrings” Click here to visit her shop!

From Darcy – “Cupids Heart Filigree Bead Embroidered Necklace” Click here to visit her shop!

From Dawno – “Infinity Knot Heart Earrings” Click here to visit her shop!

From Carolyn L. – “Asymetrical Hearts Necklace” Click here to visit her shop!

Wasn’t that WONDERFUL?

Thank you, thank you to all the participants!

I am so impressed and very appreciative of everyone’s effort, here.

Another challenge will be announced in the Spring. 😀

The Prizes

Oh yes – the shopping spree winners! 😀

The randomly drawn winners are Linda and Brenda! Both ladies have $25.00 to spend on any purchase in my bead shop (email coming to you)!

But remember – none of the participants leave empty-handed! If you did not win the shopping spree – watch your email for a 30% off coupon code, which will be valid in my bead shop from now until the end of March!

Hugs,