handcrafted jewelry | Bead Happily Ever After

A Girl’s Best Friend

Posted on December 17, 2012 by crystal

Greetings Kids!
You’re probably in a flurry of activity as we approach “crunch time” for holiday preparations. I know I am, and I thought we could all use a little breath of fresh air in the form of some pretty jewelry to ooh and aah over.

As the song goes, “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” But, you know what? I believe ALL jewelry falls under that category! 😉

Today, I have some exquisite creations from etsy artist, MrsJabberJaw to show you! (Don’t you just love her name?)

Mrs. J. designs extraordinary things. I met her when she visited my bead shop for some Vintage Swarovski Cabochons, which she then incorporated into her work.

Take a peek below to see her beautiful results…

Talk about glamour!

And a beautiful necklace….

Even more gorgeous up close!

Currently, MrsJabberjaw is having a “fundraiser” in her etsy shop to raise money for her puppy who needs an operation. The prices are amazing for this event – so be sure to stop by!

After all, even Santa (a.k.a – you!) deserves a treat now and then!

I hope to be back by Friday with a new post, so I’ll see you then!

Hugs and smiles,

Last Minute Me

Posted on September 24, 2012 by crystal

Happy Monday, Kids!

Whew, I’m out of breath from running . . .

Not really – but I am just barely getting in under the wire for this week’s Make somethin’ Monday post. 😉

In my defense, it’s not that I haven’t been trying. I actually have 3 things in progress.

“That doesn’t count, Crystal. You need to have one finished.”

Well, luckily I just completed these!

Measuring 2-1/4″ long, these dangle earrings feature Tanzanite Aurora Borealis Swarovski Crystals in a medley of shapes and sizes.

I’m thinking they’d be a fab holiday gift for someone on your list . . . or maybe for you? 🙂

P.S. Sending a great big thank you for the sweet comments and emails I received last week regarding the Cup of Bead Soup Design Challenge.

I truly do have the best blog buddies out there!

Hugs,

Make somethin’ Monday

Posted on August 27, 2012 by crystal

New feature beginning today!
It was inspired by a little daydream I had this week . . .

I was remembering how years ago (when I was a new bride and then a new mother), it was very tough to find time to work on a craft project with any regularity. One day, a neighbor suggested I sign up for a Fall class on Floral Décor. She had gone the previous year and was excited to return. The class met one evening a week for 6-weeks. Sir Beads cheerfully offered to baby-sit.

Each week, we completed a project designed to be finished in a couple of hours. When the series ended I had six beautiful decorations. That class was truly a revelation to me. I realized that the secret to being creative in the midst of a very busy life was to “schedule” something – on the calendar!

In the years that followed, my friends (who were also busy mothers) and I came up with the idea of holding a weekly “craft night” in our homes. We would take turns hosting the group and providing the refreshments. Sometimes we all worked on the same project. Other times we did our own thing, which was actually even better. It was amazing how enthused and inspired we became as we shared our designs and ideas.

Lately, I’m feeling the creative time crunch as much as I ever have. Why would that be? I mean the kids are grown and I’m no longer a new bride . . .

Of course, I do have a bead shop to run and then there’s a certain retired husband with whom I like to spend some quality time. The thing is, if I’m not creative – I begin to miss it quite a lot. So, the other day, during a light bulb moment, I remembered the “schedule” method and figured the blog could help me out!

“Yikes, Crystal, that was a pretty long-winded explanation to introduce the new feature: “Make somethin’ Monday”

What can I say? You’re right. 😉

To begin the series, I have a pair of earrings – just finished them!

Now, you’re probably saying,

“Who are you and what have you done with Crystal!?!? Those earrings are more earthy and organic than Crystal usually makes – and they’re not even purple!”

They definitely are a departure… and I love them!

Maybe this scheduling thing is inspiring me already.

(The pear-shaped stones are vintage, made in Czechoslovakia. In order to make the earrings, I found suitable settings and then “set” the stones, myself. Fun! I will soon be carrying the vintage stones, in several colors, in my etsy shop.

Hugs,

Special Delivery

Posted on May 28, 2012 by crystal

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,

Results Day – Design Challenge Spring 2012

Posted on May 16, 2012 by crystal

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!

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! 😀

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.”

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!”

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.”

From Brenda

Visit her shop here

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

From Deb

Visit her shop here

Deb designed this romantic pair of dangle earrings!

From Joyce

Visit her shop here

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

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.

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,