beading | Bead Happily Ever After

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,

Results Day – Beads Design Challenge

Posted on November 19, 2011 by crystal

Hi Kids 😀
Well, the results are in and they are astonishingly beautiful!

It all began with FREE beads . . . a choice of three styles offered to designers who promised to create something and then send a photo of the finished piece.

Today, you’ll see the work of 16 Design Challenge participants. I want to thank them so much for following through on this project. Their warmth, enthusiasm, and talent have truly been inspirational! It may have been the first Design Challenge, but it’s only the beginning! More challenges are coming – so I hope you’ll stay tuned.

And now, on to the showcase!!!

(Entries are shown in random order.)

Category 1: Fuchsia Oval Beads

From Jennifer – a gorgeous bracelet/earrings set! Click here to visit her shop!

From Brenda – a wonderful necklace with two pairs of earrings! Click here to visit her shop!

From Carolyn O. – an elegant “Illusion” Necklace shown with coordinating earrings! Click here to visit her shop!

From Debbie – two flirty pairs of earrings – one zebra print and the other Anthropologie inspired! Click here to visit her shop!

From Mouna – an enchanting “Soutache” Embroidered Cuff Bracelet! Click here to visit her shop!

From Linda – a very special “Joyous Christmas” bracelet with coordinating earrings! Click here to visit her shop!

From TwistTheLeaf – a glamorous necklace with Pearl and Amethyst Charm Clusters! Click here for all of the details!

From Carolyn W. – a fun, fringe-style, bead-woven Bracelet and Earrings! Click here to visit her shop!

From Gillian – a chic pair of Fuchsia Pearl Earrings! Click here to visit her shop!

From Natalia – a lovely necklace with dangling strands! Click here to visit her shop!

Category 2: Silver Saucer Beads

From Donna – a stunning bracelet! Click here to visit her shop!

From Pat – a delightful necklace with floral lampwork pendant! Click here to visit her shop!

From Richelle – a Fascinating pair of “Assemblage” Earrings! Click here to visit her shop!

From Sharon – a lovely necklace with matching earrings! Click here to visit her shop!

Category 3: Aqua AB Ribbed Shell Beads

From Ashley – a spectacular necklace made with selection of vintage components! Click here to visit her shop!

From Jo – a charming trio of earrings from artsy to sophisticated! Click here to visit her shop!

Wasn’t that AMAZING?

I’m smiling from ear to ear, here! 😀

Until next time,

Hugs,

Even a Prince Wants to Bead

Posted on November 15, 2011 by crystal

During a recent tour of Tanzania, Prince Charles and Camilla visited Wonder Workshop, an organization that provides jobs for disabled men and women by encouraging them to create original art using recycled materials.

In the photo below, the Prince (aided by a staff member) tries to work with seed beads. He’s enthusiastic but finds it a challenge to thread the tiny beads without eyeglasses. Word is that Camilla kindly offered him her “specs”.

She’s working on a necklace!

Wonder if they brought their finished pieces home . . .

additions to the Crown Jewels, perhaps? 😉

Hugs,

Little Things Mean A Lot

Posted on October 10, 2011 by crystal

It’s important to practice what you preach . . .

Don’t you agree? 😉

If you’ve been visiting here for a while, you know that good ole Crystal (me!) passionately believes it’s crucial to carve out a little time on a regular basis to create something . . . anything.

It doesn’t matter how well your “art” project turns out, it’s the process that counts.

Wait… You say you don’t have a creative bone in your body? Well then, you must do something else that’s pleasurable and captures your full attention. Read a book; watch a movie; make a new recipe, work in your garden; or listen intently to your favorite music!

Spending an hour or so “lost” in this type of activity will help lower your blood pressure, reduce your stress level, and most important of all – will bring you to a state of calm relaxation, which can have a powerful effect on your physical well-being. You truly owe it to yourself, not to mention those who love you (me included!).

Ok, Crystal. Enough talk.
What have you done lately to keep yourself in tip-top shape?

Glad you asked! 😉
Well, there was this woven pendant . . .

Swarovski crystals in my favorite color combo – amethyst purple and olivine green aurora borealis!

Then, inspired by the autumn chill, I grabbed some warm browns along with golden topaz, and made these earrings. When they were finished, they somehow reminded me of one of my favorite paintings by Edward Hopper, “Automat“. Love the mystery in that scene.

And finally, I have a light sapphire blue with purple.

What can I say? Those purple beads just keep jumping into my hands. Really!

Hugs,

They Say It’s Your Birthday Giveaway

Posted on July 19, 2011 by crystal

Can you hear the Beatles singing that birthday tune?

Well, it isn’t actually a birthday, here . . .

It’s my blogiversary!!!

THREE years – I can’t believe it!

Please help yourself to a slice of cake and a party hat. 😀

But, what’s a party without a present – so how about a giveaway!

Violet Blossoms Earrings

These showy dangle Earrings feature Tanzanite Glass Flower Bells that are suspended on graceful kidney-shaped wire loops.

They’re Accented with tiny Swarovski crystals and textured bead caps.

MEASUREMENTS: approximately 2-3/4″ long, including the very elegant silver-plated earwires.

You can have up to THREE chances to win!
Enter by doing one or all of the following:

1. “like” us on facebook (See the link over there on the right in the sidebar?) and then return here to leave a comment saying you did! (If you’ve previously “liked” us on facebook -then you automatically have this first chance!)

2. Suggest a topic you’d like to see on this blog

3. Share a favorite summer recipe.

Contest ends July 25th! A winner will be chosen at random.

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 07/25/11, and the winner will be selected on or about 07/26/11.

Hugs,