beading | Bead Happily Ever After

Autumn Colors

Posted on October 6, 2014 by crystal

This year, summer has been kind of reluctant to leave New England . . .

But now that it’s October – autumn is insisting that she go. The nights are chillier and the leaves more colorful with every passing day.

Sir Beads and I are immersed in the usual end-of-summer chores:

And reacquainting ourselves with the delights of the fall season:

divider autumnleaves

As a beader, I love to design jewelry for every season, and right now our bead shop is chock full of fall-themed beads and findings!

Here are just a few:

divider autumnleaves

How is Fall going in your neck of the woods?

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!

Results Day – Autumn Bead Challenge

Posted on November 21, 2013 by crystal

Our Autumn Bead Challenge was a perfect example of the slogan –

“You can’t win if you don’t play.”

A dozen or so beaders expressed the desire to create something for the event but in the end only a couple were able to send in a finished design before the deadline.

(I surely can understand how time flies.)

However, as a result, the math here is simple:

2 prizes + 2 entrants = great odds of winning! 😀

I’m delighted to announce that Annia and Carolyn have each WON!!!
(Ladies, please watch your email for your $25 Coupon!)

Let’s take a peek at their spectacular designs . . .

Annia made a gorgeous wrap bracelet with our Czech Silver Faceted Oval Beads, and a stunning bracelet/earrings set with our Vintage Jet Black Connectors!

Carolyn designed a fabulous necklace featuring our Lapis Blue Spacers, White Moonglow Pearlized Tubes, and Moonglow Baby Blue Rounds!

Both ladies expressed the feeling that our theme (“Break Out of Your Color Comfort Zone”) was a true challenge!

Annia said:
“I love color and normally my pieces reflect that and finding a never used color was difficult so I used a new technique…”

Carolyn said:
“This was out of my usual color combinations as I favor autumn colors.”

I must add – challenge or not – these ladies did our beads proud! 🙂

Hugs,

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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