Future Fun and a Surprise!

Several weeks ago, I asked one of my favorite jewelry designers if she’d like to choose some beads from my shop to make a design that I would feature here on the blog. To my delight, she graciously accepted the challenge and I sent her the beads!

I must add that this designer is also a very dear friend – so thoughtful and incredibly generous with her time and knowledge. Her name is Brenda (of BrendasJewelleryBox) and she creates wonderfully unique pieces. What I most admire about her work is her continual quest to implement new techniques. She’s truly an inspiration. Here are some examples of her art.

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In the near future, Brenda will be sending me photos of the finished pieces she has made with my beads and I’ll share her beautiful results right here as soon as I get them.

BUT there is also a SURPRISE! πŸ˜€
Brenda plans to have a GIVEAWAY of those finished pieces on her blog and you’ll all be invited to enter for your chance to win! (The details will be announced when the jewelry is complete.)

In the meantime, would you like to see the beads she has chosen to work with? Ok then, hurry on over to her blog!

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Til next time . . .

Hugs,

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I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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

Special Delivery

All three ladies, who were selected in the Spring Bead Challenge prize drawings, have now received their beads!

The 1st prize went to Donna . . .

Caro chose these . . .

And Joyce requested these . . .

I received a lovely “thank you” note from each lady.

That really made my heart smile! πŸ˜€

The next challenge will have an Autumn theme. (Details to follow in early September!)

Have a great week, Kids! πŸ™‚

Hugs,

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Results Day – Design Challenge Spring 2012

It’s “Results Day” for our Spring 2012 – Bead Design Challenge!

I’m so excited to show you the spectacular designs that were created to jazz up our bling-less Lady!

Spring can be a busy season and several of you, who signed up, were not able to meet the deadline. I totally understand – life happens – but you are more than welcome to join us next time!

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On to the results!

Here are the beads and findings that were magically turned into the eye candy you are about to view!

Please note! You can click on photos to make them larger. Also, be sure to use the links provided to visit each artist’s shop! πŸ˜€

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From Annia.

Visit her shop here.

Annia says:

“I see this Lady more bohemian and of course she loves bright colors especially in a summer day while walking around town with a long dress admiring the new flowers and gardens.”

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From Caro

Visit her shop here.

Caro says:

“Well, here’s my bling. A black and baby blue necklace to match her head band and complement the subtle blues in her dress.

In case you didn’t already know, this lady’s ready to put her Victorian past behind her. No pink cameos for her! Instead, she’s stepping out in something that’s gonna blow the stockings off her demure friends and grab her knight in shining armor by the eyeballs!”

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From Donna

Visit her shop here

Donna says:

“Bead Cap Inspiration: As soon as I saw Crystal’s Bead Caps in her Etsy Shop, I knew what I would make. I loved working with them!! So flexible.”

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From Brenda

Visit her shop here

Here’s Brenda’s lovely pendant necklace and earrings!

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From Deb

Visit her shop here

Deb designed this romantic pair of dangle earrings!

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From Joyce

Visit her shop here

Joyce says:
“Can’t wait for the next one (challenge)!!!! Thanks bunches – it was great fun!” πŸ™‚

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Well, I thought that was the end of the entries… but just before Cinderella’s coach turned back into a pumpkin… Donna finished one more pretty design.

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Congratulations and many thanks to all. At the end of each challenge, I always think it just can’t get any better, but then you amaze me… all over again. πŸ˜€

As you know, there are three chances for a prize this time. The names, drawn at random, are:

1st prize, BeadHappilyEverAfter Cache of Vintage Treasures goes to Donna

2nd prize, $30 Shopping Spree in our Bead Shop goes to Joyce

3rd prize, $20 Shopping Spree in our Bead Shop goes to Caro

ALL participants who did not win one of the above prizes will receive a coupon code for 30% off any purchase during June 2012 in our Bead Shop.

Watch your emails! In the next 24 hours, you’ll be receiving either instructions on how to redeem your prize, or your coupon code!

And remember to visit the shops of each participant! Just click on the link next to their names, above. You’ve only just begun to see their talent!!!
Hugs,

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Bead Challenge – A Girl Needs a Hint of Sparkle!

Do you notice anything particular about this young lady?

She is gorgeous, of course, but she could use some jewelry, don’t you think?

(Spoken like the incorrigible jewelry-lover that I am!) πŸ˜‰

You are invited to join our 3rd Bead Design Challenge, where you’ll use your imagination to design some bling for this girl!

Will you make earrings? A necklace? A bracelet, perhaps? Or maybe a complete set!

Will it be sophisticated? Classic? Playful? Do you envision her in an up-to-date design – something to bring her into the 21st century?

You’re the artist, so it will be whatever you decide! πŸ˜€

Read on for all the details.

We have Prizes and Perks!
It’s our 3rd challenge and I’m delighted to announce that at the conclusion of this event THREE of the participants – chosen at random – will receive a prize!

First Prize is the following treasure trove of Vintage Beads

Worth over $65.00! I’ve carefully selected this assortment which includes: Vintage Glass, Vintage Swarovski, Vintage Lucite Beads, Vintage Findings, an Artisan-crafted Polymer Clay Pendant in Tango Orange (the color of the year), and a beautiful Vintage Intaglio Glass Cameo in soft blue with beveled edges.


Second Prize is a $30 Shopping Spree in our Bead Shop!


Third Prize is a $20 Shopping Spree in our Bead Shop!


ALL registered participants who did not win one of the above prizes will receive a coupon for 30% off any purchase during June 2012 in our Bead Shop.


ALL registered participants will have their designs publicized here on the blog, and also on my website and facebook page! I will include links to your shop and/or your website – as you wish. Look for the “Showcase of Designs” on May 16, 2012! Our previous challenges had some amazingly beautiful results so you won’t want to miss all the fun and inspiration this time! πŸ™‚

To Qualify as a β€œRegistered Participant” (and be eligible for the Prize Drawings, the Discount Coupon, and Design Promotion) you must do the following:

1. Create your jewelry design using at least one product (beads or findings) purchased from our etsy bead shop. Of course, you can buy more than one product, but I imagine you will want to use items from your own stash to complement your choice(s) from Bead Happily Ever After!

2. Email a clear photo of your finished design by 9:00 p.m. EST on May 12, 2012. to: crystal (at) beadhappilyeverafter (dot) com
(In fairness to all, any photos received after the deadline must be disqualified.)

3. Include:
Your Name
Your Email address
The Link (if any) that you’d like me to place with the photo of your design when I promote your work!

Optional: If you like, you can also add a brief description of your design for me to use with your photo and shop link.

The Boring Stuff . . .
You must be 18 yrs. old to enter. After the completion of the challenge, the names of the three prize winners will be announced here and they will also be notified by email. If a winner fails to respond to email within one week from the time notification email has been sent, the win will be null and void and a new winner will be chosen.

All registered entrants will receive a 30% off coupon code, by email, at the conclusion of the challenge.
When you enter, you retain all rights to your original designs, but you give permission for Bead Happily Ever After to use your photo on all Bead Happily Ever After sites to promote and showcase your work.

Remember – all entries must be received by 9:00 p.m. EST on May 12, 2012. You can find periodic updates on this Design Challenge by clicking the link in the sidebar to the right of this page!

So c’mon! Let’s get started. Spread the word – all are welcome! πŸ˜€

I can’t wait to see what you create to “dress-up” the lovely lady.

Hugs,

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Results Day – Beads Design Challenge

Hi Kids πŸ˜€
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.)

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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!

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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!

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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! πŸ˜€

Until next time,

Hugs,

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