beaded jewelry | Bead Happily Ever After

Beads and the Beach . . .

Posted on August 18, 2014 by crystal

These Vintage Czech Glass beads are among my favorites in our bead shop! They’re a spectacular lilac purple with a cool matte finish, which gives them the look of sea glass!

Beads this pretty can make a spectacular piece of jewelry but don’t just take my word for it – I have proof! 🙂

Look at this beauty created by jewelry designer, sallystevens

Her work reflects a love of nature, especially the ocean. She skillfully incorporates sea glass, natural gemstones, and other carefully chosen beads into gorgeous pieces of jewelry. I love how she showcased our lilac rectangles in this expansion bracelet.

You can find more of her collection by clicking here.

Hugs,

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Click the envelope to leave a comment or to read what the other kids are saying! 😀

It Just Makes My Day . . .

Posted on August 8, 2014 by crystal

Sir Beads and I agree that one of our greatest pleasures in running a bead shop is the chance to see what our customers create with the items they order. We can’t help but feel like proud parents whenever we see a finished piece of jewelry that features our beads!

So… you can imagine our delight when this photo arrived the other day. 🙂

These gorgeous earrings were designed by Meridy of TwoTreesStudio.
She has an absolutely amazing talent for “marrying” styles and textures in her work.

Thanks, Meridy!
Our Vintage Czech Glass Olivine Teardrops never looked so good.

Want to see more of Meridy’s remarkable eye candy?
Hurry on over to her etsy shop or facebook page!

Hugs,

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Click the envelope to leave a comment or to read what the other kids are saying! 😀

Long Time No Blog

Posted on May 3, 2014 by crystal

Greetings Kids!

Remember me? 😉

I know… It’s been a while.

Things are crazy busy around here – but I’ve missed chatting with you…

Hope all is well and that you’re seeing signs of spring in your world.
Here in New England, we’ve had a slow start to the season with trees only just beginning to bud.

I’ve been trying to fit in little blocks of time to create something – anything!

Many of you know that I firmly believe crafting is a stress-reducer… sort of a “vitamin” for the soul. When life gets very hectic, I cope by finding spare moments in the day to be creative.

For example, I did finally finish the bracelet I showed you a while back…

And currently, I’m quite taken with something that’s popping up all over the internet – shabby chic flowers! Here’s my first one with more to follow in an upcoming post.

click to enlarge

They’re made from scraps of various fabrics and all sorts of laces. For the decorative centers, you can use re-purposed jewelry, old buttons, or (as I did) you can make your own little beaded embellishments!

Finally, just for fun, I am including a photo of a recent dinner made for me by Sir Beads.

I… am… a… LUCKY… girl!

Who knew that after decades of doing all the cooking myself, I’d eventually be spoiled by a husband who would (after retiring) decide to become our cook.

Pinwheel of Beef, Cheese, and Spinach, Roasted Potatoes, Mixed Vegetables

Was it good? Oh yeah!

Please tell us your news. 😀

Hugs,

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Click the envelope to leave a comment or to read what the other kids are saying! 😀

Winter Zest

Posted on February 2, 2014 by crystal

snow birds (Small) I always get a big burst of creative energy in January…

You, too?

I’m guessing it has something to do with Christmas. Think about it. It does make sense!
After the whirl of holiday preparations in November and December, it’s tough to suddenly turn off the adrenaline on January 2nd
. . . at least for me.

Many of you know I’m a fan of all kinds of crafts, but beading and crocheting are my favorites.

Shall I show you a little of what I’ve been up to in January? I’ll focus on the beading today and add the crocheting next time.

A few beads, a few findings, a needle and thread, and a good TV show?

Now we’re talking! Pure bliss.

Some are finished… some still need a finishing touch…

Looking at them inspires me.
More ideas. More plans. (More hours in a day, please!) 😉

Hope you’ll have a chance this week to get lost in something you enjoy. 😀

Hugs,

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Click the envelope to leave a comment or to read what the other kids are saying! 😀

It’s The Thought That Counts

Posted on January 22, 2014 by crystal

My oldest daughter is a journalist. While on assignment in South Africa last fall, she had an opportunity to do some Christmas shopping…

SA On Assignment-2

She came upon an outdoor artisans’ market where she found something bead-y for her mom. 😉

(click photo to enlarge)

Here’s the lady who made my gift . . .

(click photo to enlarge)

And this is what I opened on Christmas morning.

SA Necklace

I’m absolutely thrilled with it… not just because I’m crazy about beads, and not just because I’m delighted to have something beautifully handmade from another country. To be sure, both of those reasons are true, but the most important reason I love it is that my girl thought of me when she saw it! 😀

Hugs,

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Click the envelope to leave a comment or to read what the other kids are saying!