Beads | Bead Happily Ever After

She’s STILL Talking

Posted on March 22, 2011 by crystal

How can this be my 600th post????

And while the number 600 isn’t necessarily one of the usually celebrated milestones, let’s party anyway!

Pass the noisemakers; don’t be shy – put on one of the party hats, too!!!

What’s a party without a door prize, so how about a giveaway?

Click photo to enlarge.

Teal Drops

For these earrings, I used both Vintage and Contemporary Swarovski Crystals in glorious shades of Teal and Deep Purple! They measure approximately 1 1/2″ long, and feature sterling silver earwires.

If you’d like a chance to win them, answer “Count me in” at the end of the following “mini questionnaire” I have for you, today.

(PLEASE answer the questions even if you do not want to be entered in the giveaway.)

1. Does this page load quickly or slowly for you? (I’m trying to determine if some of the items in my sidebar are slowing this page too much.)

2. Do you find it too much effort to read blogs that update daily? Would new posts a few times a week be just as good, in your opinion?

3. What fascinates you? (I know it might seem like a tough question but I ask because I’m looking for things that truly pique your interest. Perhaps I can include posts on them in the future.

4. For the earrings giveaway, will you choose “Count me in” or “Not this time” for your answer?

A winner will be chosen at random on Monday, March 28th!

The Boring Stuff . . .
You must be 18 yrs. old. After the completion of the contest, the name of the winner will be listed here. The winner will also be notified by email. If the winner fails to respond to email within 3 days from the time notification email has been sent, the win will be null and void and a new winner will be chosen. The prize will be mailed via USPS First Class Mail

All entries must be received by 9:00 p.m. EST on 03/27/11, and the winner will be selected on or about 03/28/11.

Hugs,

A Woman’s Prerogative

Posted on January 14, 2011 by crystal

When it comes to colors, I can be a bit inconsistent . . . my favorites are at opposite ends of the spectrum.

While I absolutely love the bright jewel tones of purple, royal blue and red, I also like more muted colors . . . and even neutrals – like taupes and greys.

This Necklace is a combination of my preferences. It has my favorite color – purple, but it’s a muted shade of purple, sort of lilac or a pale tanzanite hue.

The larger beads are Vintage Lucite.

They have a mottled effect on their surface in varying intensities of light purple and splashes of muted gold. The soft shading would remind you of the techniques that Monet and other Impressionist painters used in their work.

I also added Czech Fire polished crystals to this design. You’ll notice that one side of the bead is transparent and the other side is coated in a shiny metallic.

As always, this piece is so much prettier in person. Jewelry was truly meant to be viewed in 3-d, not in a photograph. 😉

Have a fantastic weekend, Kids!

Let’s all meet back here on Monday, ok? 😀

Hugs,

Lilacs in the Snow

Posted on January 12, 2011 by crystal

Hi Kids,
You are all too cute! I appreciate yesterday’s comments, and I’m so glad you put up with my attempts at humor, here. 😉

It’s no secret that I’m a major fan of vintage beads, but among all my favorites – I have some very *FAVORITE* favorites!

These Vintage Lucite “Puffed” Roses in Lilac are heart-meltingly gorgeous in person.

They were made in Western Germany in the 1960’s and are now incredibly rare. Their 3-dimensional sculpted effect is just so pretty. I loved working with them.

When paired with Swarovski Lilac Aurora Borealis crystals in several sizes and shapes, the result is a beautiful set to wear both spring and summer (or even today, while it’s snowing!) 😀

Smiles and hugs,

Wordless Wednesday

Posted on December 8, 2010 by crystal

I should probably be putting up the Christmas tree . . .

But, I’m too busy making ornaments! 😉

As always, it’s so much more sparkling in person!

Smiles,

Storage Galore

Posted on October 12, 2010 by crystal

Because I’m a gal that “plays” with beads on a regular basis, I need lots of organized storage for them.

My tiny seed beads do well in this type of container.

And my projects that are in progress are stored in these.

Having portable storage is important to me because I don’t always work in the same room. Sometimes, I want to be near the sunniest window for a project that needs a lot of light. Other times, I might want to move to the living room to watch a movie with Sir Beads as I work. I have various “rolling” carts with drawers that are very helpful, but I don’t always need a large storage caddy. That’s why I was SO excited to find this on SALE over the weekend. It was half price! 😀

The top opens to hold some of my tools.

The front “draw-bridge” style door opens for access to individual storage cases.

Each case has adjustable compartments. I’m gonna have lots of fun arranging my supplies in these!

Sir Beads is amused by all my storage containers. (I not only use them for beads but also for various household items.) If he’s with me when I’m about to buy another one, he often gives me a feigned look of surprise and says:

“Ah, you don’t have enough of those yet????”😉 (He’s a character, I tell ya!)

The truth is – they are ever so convenient! My rule is they must be on sale. I will not pay a fortune for one. I use all shapes and sizes for out-of-season clothes, Christmas decorations, general craft supplies, etc. They’re sturdier and more airtight than cardboard boxes, not to mention easier to keep clean.

So, Kids, the weekly question is:

How do you organize the things you need to store or supplies for hobbies? Any tips for the rest of us?

Hugs,