Getting Inspired before Returning to Reality

It's a little late on a Sunday night, but I figure there's never a bad time for creative inspiration!

I'll need all my brain cells with me tomorrow and I realize now some of them have been on a break over the last week.

A little extra focus on any subject should help get them all corralled for tomorrow's return to work. :)

By the way, I have exciting news about my weekly bead blogger inspiration links...we're adding CRAFTERS!

I'm excited to be sharing both bead blogger and craft blogger links starting with this post.

I haven't "met" everyone yet, so I'm looking forward to learning about their work.

We're starting things off with our pal Jean Yates. She posted some great pics and funny stories which is just what I needed! Enjoy!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! 
Cue the flashback optical illusions as Jean goes from the beginning piece of jewelry she made in 2013 to the final piece of the year, and explains why they were created and for whom!

BIG Crafty Princess News!
The Crafty Princess Diaries has a big announcement posted about what is happening in 2014.

Cheap Christmas Wreath: from Puny to Grand in 2 Steps
Does last year's wreath or an inexpensive one you bought need a bit more pizazz? Let's kick it up a notch.

Ornaments With Beads and Baubles
Sure, Christmas is over... but you'll still want to make these super easy peasy ornaments.

Resin and Rhinestones
Charlene experiments with resin and vintage rhinestone components and shares the results.

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton 

Andrew just returned from filming an episode of the PBS show, "Beads, Baubles and Jewels". Check out his thoughts about the journey.

Over or Just Beginning?

Feeling a little sad because Christmas is over? 

The coolest thing about this time of year is, it doesn't last too long! 

Another holiday is right around the corner and it's a GREAT one! 

One that, by nature, signifies new beginnings! Yay! It's a new day and a new year! 

The ball is in our court, we have every opportunity to step out on the right foot and make it as great as we want.

YAY!

I've started setting my own intentions and expectations, how about you?

For now, it's about the jewelry...and I've pulled some beads for a brand new project!

Out with red and green for a while and in with black and sparkle. I don't know why those colors say Happy New year to me, but they do!

I wish you all a fabulous and sparkly NEW YEAR! 

We'd love to see your new year's sparklies, so feel free to post links in your comments back to your blog, facebook or etsy site.

I'll be sharing as soon as this one materializes! :)

Last Minute Inspiration or Mental Break

Looking for last minute holiday jewelry making inspiration or just a quick mental break from all the hustle and bustle?

Here are some fun ideas from a few of our jewelry making friends.

LOVE these tassels made by Carmi's blog hop designers!

So festive!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Organizing a blog hop is a big job. When you have fabulous results like this one...you are excited to share! Come see the Dazzle-it Tassels blog hop for inspiration!

About.com
Are you ready for Santa? Get ready with these cute holiday earrings.

Beading Arts
Do you love recycling your broken jewelry bits? Cyndi has the holiday project that's perfect for you!

Resin Crafts Blog

If you want to know how you can wear a beautiful paper package...come see the Mariage Frere Tea necklace!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! 
Jean explores what's new at one of her fave sites, Beaducation! 

Square Pegs Necklace

I LOVE these burgundy resin squares! The green mirror beads work perfectly for subtle holiday flair.

Sing along if you want to:

Square pegs, square pegs, square, square, pegs!!

I really need to get that series on DVD! ("I'd like it if they like us, but I don't think they like us!")

Okay...back to the necklace...

The crystals add a hint of the crisp New Year coming right around the corner.

Most importantly, this goes with a couple of new holiday outfits, yay!

Making gifts or getting ready for new outfits? Please share your creations! We'd love to see them!

Btw, ...still obsessed with ribbon.... :) As always, the beads are from Cousin.

It's a Christmas Necklace!

There's no question about the inspiration for this necklace, it's Christmas!

I made this last Saturday morning so I could teach it that night. Yep, I guess I need the pressure to produce!

I always like to make things simple when teaching a group of crafters or non-beaders. My ribbon obsession continues and just requires simple ribbon clasps to finish it off. The crystazzi crystals definitely add a feeling of holiday lights, very shiny!

Crafting started after eating, drinking and being merry around 9pm and finished up around 3:45am!

Lots of gifts, beads, paint, hot glue and pine cones...I didn't want it to end!

The next morning it's sort of like that after Christmas or after vacation blah... The good news is, you can have a craft night anytime you want!! You just need to sign up a friend or two and set a date!

As always, an awesome time was had by all and everyone finished their crafts, yay!