Off-Road Class in a Box Designs

Earlier this month, the Cousin Corporation excitedly announced they had updated their Class in a Box products based on feedback they received from our little group of five jewelry making ambassadors. 

We were all so honored and pleased to have the opportunity to share, it was surprising how quickly they began incorporating some of the changes. 

We all received four updated kits in the mail soon after receiving that email with some additional instructions to get creative.

I do enjoy approaching designs with specific or limited pieces. There's something extra challenging about that and helps to stretch your creativity just a bit.

I'll share in more detail throughout the week, but wanted to provide a peek at some of the components. It's fun to see them all together in a happy little Class in a Box family photo. :)

Have a great week everyone!

Big, Exciting & Fabulous News!

Yay, I'm so happy to share the news from Cousin Corporation that 5 new jewelry making ambassadors have been added to the Cousin Creative Circle!!

Pretty exciting! AND, the original 5 ambassadors will be sticking around indefinitely. The best way I can think of to express my happiness and gratitude is with a big fat yippy-skippy!

I'm thrilled to be continuing on the path with Cousin and can't wait to get to know the new ambassadors. Actually, I have a feeling you are going to recognize at least a couple of the names below.

I'd like to officially congratulate the new ambassadors and expect to have all their links, etc. added to the side bar within the week. In fact, I'm planning a bit of an update or re-do of A Bead A Day blog in the near future too. Seems like perfect timing!

Introducing the 2013 Cousin Creative Circle Ambassadors!

Allison Beth Cooling - http://quietlioncreations.blogspot.com/

Dawn Doucette - http://www.designsbydawnmarie.blogspot.com/

Vicki O'Dell - http://www.vickiodell.com/

Lisa Stukel - http://www.carefreejewelrybylisa.blogspot.com/

Rebecca Utermohlen - http://www.mygirlishwhims.com/

Interested in learning more about these fabulous new ambassadors? Here's a quick link back to the ambassadors page.

Peace, Love & Bead Bloggers!

I hope you all had a fun and creative weekend! I was able to carve out a few minutes for creativity myself, yay!

Here's some inspiration from our bead blogger friends to kick off the fresh new week!

We're starting things off with a great Carmi creation, LOVE IT!!

Carmi's Art/Life World
My exotic felted collar was featured on the Cousin blog. Here is how I made it.

About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy takes a look at yet another new jewelry book. This one is all about metal jewelry making.

Beading Arts
Fabric beads plus wire beads equals the start of a new mixed media necklace you can make!

Buying Enough Beads
Charlene shops for beads and wonders, did she buy enough?

Resin Crafts Blog
When you learn how easy it is to make pendants with transfer paper you won't be able to stop making them!

Snap out if it, Jean! There's beading to be done! 
Jean shares a super informative and fun article on peyote stitch by Jennifer VanBenschoten of Beading Daily!

Yay, Back to Beads!

Well, I actually went off the grid for a while for a fun-filled vacation.

On the first part of our journey, we visited Battle Creek, Michigan for the annual Balloon Festival.

They are still posting great photos from the event on their facebook page.

I bet you can guess which balloon the kids loved...Sugar Bear, of course. :)

You could hear all the little voices out there calling out, here comes sugar bear! Too cute!

My fave is probably the night time illumination.

Pictured above is the new ankle bracelet I made in the car on the way to Battle Creek so I had something to remember the trip.

I'll be sharing some other fun bead projects from the second leg of our vacation over the next week so...stay tuned.

It Really POPS!

Yes, I have been known to say that AND I've heard the same thing from people as well.

It is cliche, but sometimes, it is the most fitting way to describe something...especially jewelry designs.

Can you look at this necklace and ignore the fact the red just POPS right out? :)

Nice! This is made by our friend and blogger, Diane of d'Olivia Jewelry Jewelry & More.

She used these turquoise blue colored beads from Cousin Corp to create this really special summery necklace. Love it! Thanks for sharing Diane!