Beauty and the Beast

Well, I’ll start with the “beast” . . .

Here in New England, we’re in line to be hit by Hurricane Sandy, a huge storm beginning late Sunday and running through Tuesday. They’re calling it a tropical cyclone and it will bring high winds, flooding, and large areas of power outages.

So, we’ve stocked up on water, batteries, and food that doesn’t need to be cooked. We also filled zip-lock bags with water and they’re freezing in our freezer as I type. That tip was new to me, but I think it’s brilliant. It will give us lots of extra ice to help keep things from spoiling in the fridge should we lose electricity.

Wish us luck! And best wishes to everyone in the path of this storm, which meteorologists have dubbed “Frankenstorm” – both for its ferocity and its proximity to Halloween.

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For the “beauty”, here’s a pendant I finished this week. I considered just putting it on a black cord but then decided to make a little necklace to set it off.

The pendant itself is created with a needle and beading thread – utilizing a method called “beadweaving”. I chose a glittering Swarovski rivoli crystal in Tanzanite as the focal point, and surrounded it with a frame of tiny glass seed beads.

Below is a look at the back of the piece to illustrate how the stone actually sits in a basket of seed beads.

I know. I used purple . . . again.

I have no defense.

Is there a support group for purple lovers? 😉

Hugs,

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An Autumn Gift – Wrapped

Recently, a customer placed an order with me for a pair of earrings.

She said they were for her friend who loves:

1. The autumn season

2. Simple styles of jewelry – “nothing too busy or over the top”

After giving it some thought, I decided that these awesome vintage rhinestones, with their fiery glow, would definitely evoke the warmth of autumn!

So, I hand-set the stones in oxidized brass settings and then chose lever-back earwires to match. I felt they fit the bill for simplicity, but there was one more thing to do. You see, my customer had also requested gift-wrapping that would continue with the autumn theme!

A quick look through my stash of supplies turned up some fall-ish wired ribbon and heart-shaped embellishments in a pretty shade of amber apricot. I knew if I added a bit of tacky glue, I could make a little gift pouch that would coordinate nicely. 😀

If you’ve never tried it before, I think you’ll discover that wired ribbon makes a very easy and very festive little wrapper that’s perfect for jewelry, gift cards, candy, or any small trinket! The ribbon comes in different widths (I used 2-1/2″ here.) and is available at most craft stores and other places that carry gift wrap. It comes in all colors and for all occasions. The holiday ribbons are particularly beautiful.

To make the pouch, cut a piece of ribbon that’s approximately two and a half times the length of the object you want to place inside.

Fold over a narrow “hem” at the top raw edge (See photo above.). No sewing needed – just crease it well with your fingers. Then, roll that hem over again, so that the raw edge is totally hidden, and press the crease once more. Repeat this on the other end of the ribbon. You’ll see how the wired ribbon really holds its shape.

Next, lay your item on top of the ribbon, wrong side up, (again, refer to that photo just above!) to determine where to fold-up the “pocket”. Press that fold with your fingers.

Now you can see that there’s a pocket area and the remaining length of the ribbon becomes the “flap”.

Your gift pouch is now ready to be glued together. Run a narrow line of tacky glue down the inside edges but stop gluing when you reach the flap – it should not be glued at all . . . you want to be able to open and close it at will.

Allow the tacky glue to dry for several hours and then add any decorations you desire. My ribbon has lots of sparkle so I kept the embellishment to a minimum, but you might want to add lace to the flap, or a tassel, or beads, or even buttons!

This pouch is so simple, and yet it makes a really nice presentation for a small gift!

Word has it that my customer’s friend was delighted! 😀

‘Til next time . . .

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Last Minute Me

Happy Monday, Kids!

Whew, I’m out of breath from running . . .

Not really – but I am just barely getting in under the wire for this week’s Make somethin’ Monday post. 😉

In my defense, it’s not that I haven’t been trying. I actually have 3 things in progress.

“That doesn’t count, Crystal. You need to have one finished.”

Well, luckily I just completed these!

Measuring 2-1/4″ long, these dangle earrings feature Tanzanite Aurora Borealis Swarovski Crystals in a medley of shapes and sizes.

I’m thinking they’d be a fab holiday gift for someone on your list . . . or maybe for you? 🙂

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P.S. Sending a great big thank you for the sweet comments and emails I received last week regarding the Cup of Bead Soup Design Challenge.

I truly do have the best blog buddies out there!

Hugs,

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Make somethin’ Monday

New feature beginning today!
It was inspired by a little daydream I had this week . . .

I was remembering how years ago (when I was a new bride and then a new mother), it was very tough to find time to work on a craft project with any regularity. One day, a neighbor suggested I sign up for a Fall class on Floral Décor. She had gone the previous year and was excited to return. The class met one evening a week for 6-weeks. Sir Beads cheerfully offered to baby-sit.

Each week, we completed a project designed to be finished in a couple of hours. When the series ended I had six beautiful decorations. That class was truly a revelation to me. I realized that the secret to being creative in the midst of a very busy life was to “schedule” something – on the calendar!

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In the years that followed, my friends (who were also busy mothers) and I came up with the idea of holding a weekly “craft night” in our homes. We would take turns hosting the group and providing the refreshments. Sometimes we all worked on the same project. Other times we did our own thing, which was actually even better. It was amazing how enthused and inspired we became as we shared our designs and ideas.

Lately, I’m feeling the creative time crunch as much as I ever have. Why would that be? I mean the kids are grown and I’m no longer a new bride . . .

Of course, I do have a bead shop to run and then there’s a certain retired husband with whom I like to spend some quality time. The thing is, if I’m not creative – I begin to miss it quite a lot. So, the other day, during a light bulb moment, I remembered the “schedule” method and figured the blog could help me out!

“Yikes, Crystal, that was a pretty long-winded explanation to introduce the new feature: “Make somethin’ Monday

What can I say? You’re right. 😉

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To begin the series, I have a pair of earrings – just finished them!

Now, you’re probably saying,

“Who are you and what have you done with Crystal!?!? Those earrings are more earthy and organic than Crystal usually makes – and they’re not even purple!”

They definitely are a departure… and I love them!

Maybe this scheduling thing is inspiring me already.

(The pear-shaped stones are vintage, made in Czechoslovakia. In order to make the earrings, I found suitable settings and then “set” the stones, myself. Fun! I will soon be carrying the vintage stones, in several colors, in my etsy shop.

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! 😀

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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!” 🙂

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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. 😀

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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