For the Love of Beads

Before I became a bead seller, I was a bead customer! 🙂

As a customer, I’d occasionally receive free beads with my order but – more often than not – they were disappointing.

It usually seemed obvious that these “free” beads were “seconds”, or were the leftover styles and colors that hadn’t sold.

I used to think: “Why bother? I don’t need the rejects. It would be so much nicer to receive a little gift I could actually use.”

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Once I became a bead seller, myself, those early experiences served me well. They helped me to formulate my own policies for appreciating my customers.

If you’ve ever shopped with me, you know I LOVE to include a sample of our beads with every order. It’s fun for me to select something I think you might enjoy!

How do I decide which beads? Well, sometimes, I have a new item in stock that I am excited for you to see. Other times, I look for a clue to your preferences in the beads you’ve just purchased! 🙂

It’s always a special treat for me to see what you eventually create with our beads. Recently, a customer sent me photos of jewelry she made with a sample of these beads, which I had tucked inside her order. . .

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Look at the pretty set she designed!

Earrings

Necklace

She tells me that she has fallen in in love with Vintage Lucite Beads and I can totally understand . . .

In her own words:

“I love vintage plastic beads because they are lightweight and durable. The designs are striking and the colors are vibrant, which makes these 40+-year-old beads a pleasure to work with. I have to hide them from my kids (ages 1.5 and 3.5) because they are convinced I have boxes full of candy!”

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Be sure to stop by and take a peek at AvocadoEggroll’s delightful jewelry shop!

You can find it by clicking here.

Hugs,

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Valentine Design Challenge – RESULTS

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.

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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. 😀

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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 remembernone 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,

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Bead Design Challenge – Valentine’s Day

Happy 2012!
and Welcome to our 2nd Bead Design Challenge with Valentine’s Day as the theme.

Please join us! I know you’ll enjoy the experience, whether you enter your work, or simply stop by to view the awesome talent of others. 😀

For this challenge, I’ve spiced things up a bit by adding extra perks and allowing more time for you to complete your design. Read on for all the details!

We have Prizes!

I’m especially excited to announce that at the conclusion of this event . . .

    TWO lucky participants (chosen at random) will each receive a
    $25 Shopping Spree in our Bead Shop!

    ALL registered participants will receive a coupon for 30% off any purchase during March 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” during Valentine’s Day Week! 🙂

To Qualify as a “Registered Participant” (and be eligible for the Shopping Spree Drawing, the Discount Coupon, and Design Promotion) you must do the following:

1. Create your “Valentine’s Day” inspired design using at least one product (beads or findings) purchased from EITHER our etsy bead shop OR our artfire bead shop. You may buy more than one product, of course, 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 (just one!) of your finished design by 9:00 p.m. EST on February 10, 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) you’d like me to place with your design when I promote your work!

Optional: You can add a brief description of your design, as well, if you like!

The Boring Stuff . . .
You must be 18 yrs. old to enter. After the completion of the challenge, the names of the two gift certificate 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 February 10, 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. 😀

I can’t wait to see what gorgeous-ness the “Day of Love” will inspire.

Hugs,

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Results Day – Beads Design Challenge

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.)

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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! 😀

Until next time,

Hugs,

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A Woman’s Prerogative

When it comes to colors, I can be a bit inconsistent . . . my favorites are at opposite ends of the spectrum.

While I absolutely love the bright jewel tones of purple, royal blue and red, I also like more muted colors . . . and even neutrals – like taupes and greys.

This Necklace is a combination of my preferences. It has my favorite color – purple, but it’s a muted shade of purple, sort of lilac or a pale tanzanite hue.

The larger beads are Vintage Lucite.

They have a mottled effect on their surface in varying intensities of light purple and splashes of muted gold. The soft shading would remind you of the techniques that Monet and other Impressionist painters used in their work.

I also added Czech Fire polished crystals to this design. You’ll notice that one side of the bead is transparent and the other side is coated in a shiny metallic.

As always, this piece is so much prettier in person. Jewelry was truly meant to be viewed in 3-d, not in a photograph. 😉

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Have a fantastic weekend, Kids!

Let’s all meet back here on Monday, ok? 😀

Hugs,

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