etsy | Bead Happily Ever After

Mega Millions

Posted on January 7, 2011 by crystal

No, I didn’t win this week’s jackpot.
We did buy a ticket though. It’s kind of funny because we only buy one when the prize is astronomical. In that case, we figure we have a 50/50 chance to win. You know – either we win… or some other guy wins. See? 50/50! 😉

Anyway, even though we didn’t become millionaires, it was still my lucky day. I was featured in two treasuries!

One on etsy with my Robin’s Eggs Beads (in the bottom row).

And one on artfire with my Periwinkle Blue Bracelet Beads (3rd row, far right).

I’m just tickled to have my beads included with all the other pretties in both treasuries!

Well, Kids, we’ve just about completed the first week of 2011. Thanks for all your comments! I loved every single one of ’em. 😀

Happy Weekend!

Hugs,

As the Shoppers Rush Home . . .

Posted on December 3, 2009 by crystal

Bundle up, Kids!

We’re going shopping again!

I’ve rented a bus, stocked up on cocoa and cookies, and handed the driver a big pile of Christmas CD’s.

Is it just me or does that guy remind you of anyone? Maybe it’s the long white beard and the red jacket. He seems to be in an awfully good mood too. He’s been ho, ho, ho-ing ever since he pulled up. 😉

Ok, seatbelts buckled? Then, we’re off to etsy!

Kanzashi Flower Bobby Pins

Who says you need a new holiday outfit? How about some festive new accessories, instead? Here’s a pretty pair of handmade kanzashi flower bobby pins in decadent ruby red. Petals of silk dupioni are layered in duchess satin, while a glittering crystal rhinestone accents the centers. From PetalMix

Embroidered Cuff

A magical concoction of snowflakes and sugar… Candy swirls, French Knots and Curly Wisps surround your wrist in purple, green, and red. An accessory for every holiday outfit…or just a pair of jeans and t-shirt! Made with an off-white, mottled wool. Backed with linen; vintage button closure. From Waterrose

Tiny Doll Bed

So TINY, so adorable!!! ALL Handmade and perfect for any doll that’s under 8 inches. Sturdy birch wood, hand cut, sanded, primed and painted with several coats of paint for LONG lasting play and enjoyment. Comes with a silky pink mattress, a blanket and a pillow, in lovely floral fabrics with pretty hand sewn trim. A sweet vintage baby lamb decal decorates the head and footboards with just a tiny dash of sparkly glitter. VERY limited item. From KittyKatDance

Colorful Pinch Bud Vases

Give the gift of art! Hand blown glass – Perfect for some stems from the garden, or for rooting new plants. Gorgeous transparent colors, pinched oval neck. From tannerglass

Yikes, look at the time! We’d better head home.

Aw…. Can you believe it? The poor driver fell asleep waiting for us. Guess he’s been working a lot of hours. He told me that this is the “busy season” at his other job. 😉

‘Til next time,

Let’s Go Shopping… Again!!

Posted on October 22, 2009 by crystal

Hi there!

It’s Crystal – your faithful cruise director. 😉

I’ve just rented a virtual bus with comfy seats and plenty of passenger room, so hop on and let’s go shopping!!!

We’ll be browsing on etsy today. In case we get carried away and lose all track of time – a brown bag lunch will be provided. Hope you like peanut butter and jelly!

Aw c’mon. The bus ticket is free! 😉

Card Table Playhouse
“The Animal Sanctuary”

Deep in the woods, in a Playhouse Neighborhood, is the Animal Sanctuary. All of the animals visit there! Fish swim in the pond, deer walk by the window, and the dragonflies dance in the summer air. Simply adorable! (Playhouse will fit over your own card table.) From: missprettypretty

Crochet Hat with 7 Interchangable Flowers

This darling hat comes with 7 interchangeable flowers to match any outfit! It’s available in 4 sizes – newborn to adult! From: 2crochetmamma

“Waiting For the Full Moon”
Fused Dichroic Glass Pendant

Shimmering Dichroic glass on a White Base sets the stage for this lonely tabby waiting for the Full Moon.
From: ccvalenzo

Acorn Coasters in Rich Fall Colors

So attractive! This set of four acorn coasters has two coordinating brown prints on the front, with a warm rusty brown backing. Topped with pretty decorative stitching. From: peganders

Well, it’s getting dark . . . we’d better get home.

Hope you had fun. Let’s do it again soon! 😀

Shop ’til We Drop – Friday Favorites

Posted on September 11, 2009 by crystal

For this week’s Friday Favorites, let’s go shopping! 🙂

C’mon, we can all squeeze into the car.

Oh wait . . . not enough seat belts!

Ok, well then grab the mouse. We’ll do it online! 😀

Autumn Pumpkins Pillow

Painting with fabric . . . Here’s a gorgeous example of how a home accessory can truly be a work of art. Wool pumpkins have been hand pieced and applied with a blanket stitch to soft 100% wool fabric. Hand embroidered with a variety of stitches that include: Moss stitch, Spider web, Filling stitch, French knots, Raised chain band, Couching and Fly stitch. The Pillow edge is trimmed using a glass beaded blanket stitch. From ThreeSheepStudio

“Illuminated Jack-O-Lanterns”

Wouldn’t this print be just the thing to display near your doorway to welcome any ghosts or goblins this season? The scene is a pumpkin patch with a row of jack-o-lanterns that appear to be glowing amidst fallen leaves. Bare trees & foliage are silhouetted against the eerie night sky…
GICLEE PRINT of the artist’s original (which was painted in acrylic on canvas). From villagefolkart

Candy Corn Pendant

Adorable, yes? It will be a trick to keep this treat away from friends and family who will want to “borrow” it! 😉 This is a fused art glass pendant which was designed, cut, fused, and annealed by the artist in her home studio.
From jochris12

Autumn, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Gift Tags!

Whether you use them as gift tags, or to accompany home baked treats, or for writing a little love note to tuck into a lunchbox, this sweet set of tags will add cheer from now through Thanksgiving! Set of 4 hand stamped and painted pumpkin tags. Made on high quality card stock.
From frenchcountry

Hope you enjoyed today’s shopping trip!!

Next time we’ll rent a bus, ok? lol

Have a super duper weekend, everyone!

I’ll see you on Monday with a new giveaway and new questions. 🙂

Deck the Hall . . . with Fall!

Posted on September 2, 2009 by crystal

Lately, I’ve been receiving some great suggestions for future blog topics and I’d like to thank all of you for your input!

Today’s topic comes from Cindi, who says:

“I love the upcoming holiday season from Halloween to Thanksgiving to Christmas. I would enjoy ‘decorating for the holiday’ posts.”

Thanks, Cindi! You’ve really got me thinking.

How about if we start with autumn in general, and then work our way through all of the holidays as the weeks go by?

My usual “go to” spot for all things beautiful is etsy, so I took on the role of “personal shopper” and discovered some wonderful items for your perusal! They’re perfect for welcoming the season. 😀

7 Beautiful Fall Leaves

Just look at the gorgeous colors on these autumn leaves! Made from beautiful fall colored fabrics and lined with natural quilt batting, their veins are machine stitched with a brown thread. Imagine all the pretty things you can do with them! Use one to decorate each place setting on your table, or arrange them in a crock for a centerpiece, or scatter them on a table top for a look that’s both casual and elegant at the same time!
Size: About 5″ wide to about 6″ tall.
From homespunannie

Fall Harvest Tote

This gorgeous Tote Bag features fabric with pumpkins, autumn leaves, & tossed acorns! There are two lined pockets on the inside of the bag, and a tab style closure with a cute green leaf button for the perfect finishing touch!
SIZE: 14”W x 9”H x 4”D. From southernstitches4855

Reversible Table Runner
Autumn Leaves / Winter Red Poinsettias

Now this is a great idea! Perfect to spruce up your table from September until January! The fall side has leaves, nuts and berries that have gold accents. The winter side has darker red poinsettias, also with gold accents. Size: 11 ½” x 41”. From ksewingbasket

Flower-Filled Pumpkin Pin

Time to break out that Fall blazer! And what’s the perfect touch to wear on your lapel? Why it’s a gorgeous pin created by the extraordinarily talented Beedeebabee, of course!!!

This 100% wool felt pin measures 2 1/2? across. It’s made completely by hand! Onto a solid black background, Paulette has added an adorable layered pumpkin that’s embellished with tiny flowers and leaves. Everything is embroidered and some pretty beads were added for a bit of sparkle.

If you purchase this pin from Beedeebabee, be prepared for everyone to want it! You probably shouldn’t let it out of your sight for any length of time. Just sayin’ 😉