Butterfly Goodness!

Alrighty! If you happened to miss this in December, here’s another chance to see the fabulously sweet and sparkly SPINNING Swarovski Butterfly at Firemountaingems.com.

They have a graphic with a spinning butterfly crystal component that will definitely make you smile! How cool is that?

The butterfly pictured here will give you an idea of what they have posted, but the spinning version is SO MUCH BETTER!

All together now….awww! J

Butterfly is Back by Popular Demand!

Alright everyone...guess who is making an appearance tomorrow...

That's right, the butterfly bracelet that I made last April. How funny that I was talking summertime bracelets in April and this year it's almost April and still feels like winter.

So, as the post from last year mentions, this is a variation of the rock star bracelet from my book.

If you want to make this fun, simple and crafty bracelet but don't have the book, leave a comment with your email address and I will send you instructions. :)

We just need more embroidered butterfly bracelets in the world!

In Search of...

Have you ever bought a special bead and down the road wondered WHY DIDN'T I BUY MORE THAN ONE???!!!

Well, me too! I have been searching online for this butterfly bead and found just about every other butterfly bead except this one!! I did find it on Ebay in a piece of jewelry made by another jewelry designer...

I suppose I could try contacting that person, but I'm thinking that might be a little rude.

Hmm...

You might be wondering why this bead has to be EXACTLY the same. The answer is, I guess it doesn't, but for some reason it seems to have more meaning to me. I made this bracelet when I was doing a book signing at a bead store last year.

It was such a GREAT day and I was hanging out with the owner, staff and customers and one of them was making a chakra bracelet.

The theory is wearing these specific gems in this specific order can help to align your chakras.

Of course, I found it necessary to make one of my own!! Any opportunity to bead with others makes me very happy!

This bracelet has a great vibe and I would like to make more of them! I did discover that the swarovski bicones need to be switched out with real crystal gemstones, so I'm getting ready to restring this one.

So, if you happen to see this butterfly bead, please let me know!! THANK YOU!!

Spinning Butterfly Swarovski Crystal

Oh my goodness! If you aren't feeling nice and sparkly inside at the moment, try clicking on this Firemountaingems.com link.

They have a graphic with a spinning butterfly crystal component that will definitely make you smile! How cool is that?

The butterfly pictured here will give you an idea of what they have posted, but the spinning version is SO MUCH BETTER!

I also wanted to give you a heads up for tomorrow's post.

It will be up early for the Holiday Blog Hop! I will be giving away a copy of my book and providing links to 40 shops that you might want to visit if you are doing some holiday shopping! :) See you then!

Sweet Swarovski Butterfly...

WOW!!!!!!!

That's about all I can muster up at the moment. I think I'm speechless...


I can't take my eyes off this fabulously sparkly butterfly!

I found this at Artbeads.com described as:

Swarovski 4748 5mm Rivoli Fancy Butterfly Rose Peach

Enjoy!

Saturday in the Park Butterfly Necklace Project

I just discovered one of my favorite projects is posted on the PrimaBead.com site with instructions!

Yay! I love both of these butterflies and was so anxious to share with you.

This "Saturday in the Park" necklace project was conceived and created in a couple hours back in August.

I had a completely different project in mind when I ordered pieces for it.

When I started putting it together, it became clear it wasn't really working as I envisioned.

I turned to my existing stash to find a way to use the blue butterfly and once I introduced the colorful enamel butterfly, it all came together quickly.

The black faux leather connectors are AWESOME! They make a statement and just require a jump ring to connect.

This will go great with a cobalt blue blouse this time of year. In fact, I think I'll wear it myself today. :) It IS Saturday after all.

Happy Bracelets & Bead Blogger Updates

I've been anxious to share these adorable stretchy bracelets especially now that I have had the chance to gift some friends with them.

I think I bought 7 of them, but should have probably bought more because they were less than $3.50 each!

As I have presented them to friends, the first thing I noticed is that they complimented everyone's outfit regardless of the colors or style they were wearing. That's amazing!

I ended up wearing mine with my favorite swarovski pearl knotted bracelet in a bronze tone and it seemed to be perfect with it. I actually tried two of them on and put the pearl bracelet in between and it had a cool bangle effect, but then ended up giving that one away. I'm not sure if these are in the Rings & Things catalog, but now I'm going to take a look since the holidays are approaching!

And now, please join me in taking a peek at what our other bead blogger friends have been up to over the last week or so. Have a great week!! :)

Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork Diva Cindy shows off her new buckle charm necklace but what should she name it?

Jean Campbell Jean shares her delight with Cynthia Thornton's new book, "Enchanted Adornments"

About.com Jewelry Making Tammy has taken her net and collected some butterfly crafts for you in plenty of time to participate in The Butterfly Project at the Holocaust Museum Houston.

Art Bead Scene The October Art Bead Scene Challenge gets folksy.

Earthenwood Studo Chronicles Melanie brightens up her beading palette with some spring colors for her second Art Beads crystal blog post

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Jean is swooning over the newest Crystallized Innovations from Artbeads!

Jewelry & Beading Bring home a souvenir, and figure out how to wear it!

Katie's Beading Blog Katie's mixing polymer clay with beads again - check out this new design!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio Come join in on the fun of the 6th Enchanted Adornments giveaway, it's FROGS! Ribbit!

Strands of Beads Melissa is proud to be Soft Flex Company's Spotlight On... Designer for October!

Butterfly Kick!

Okay, I can't seem to shake spring fever!

After yesterday's Swarovski butterfly, I thought I would be sparkle struck, but wow, take a look at this!!

The talent and skill needed to create this bead-artwork from scratch boggles my mind. I have absolutely no idea how it materializes, but I LOVE it!

This is definitely a show stopper by Chase Designs Lampwork, Deanna Chase, artist. Yes....I was on Etsy and I have to say I blame google chrome for it.

Every day when I go online, it shows me the last places I have been including a good size snapshot of the page. Every day I can't resist! :)

Bring on the Butterflies!

Bring on the butterflies! I am SO ready for spring, but it continues to be in the 30 degree range with no sunshine...It's just a matter of time! (Right? Please someone confirm that for me...)

I thought I'd look around for some springy/summery beads to get excited about and found this cool butterfly! I didn't even know Primabead had a clearance section online, so that was also a nice find!

What do you think? It has a crafty feel to it, I think it's the stained glass vibe. It also reminds me of those paint kits you can get at the craft store, where you fill in the sections and bake it to look like stained glass.

That would be so fun! However, the description indicates this is an enamel butterfly pendant. Oh, so pretty. Makes me wish I had it right here perched on my arm.

Yeah, if the sun doesn't shine soon, I could venture further into my make-believe land where the sun shines on necklaces and enamel butterflies land on your arm...

Join me? :)

This Week's Project: Butterfly Bracelet

Here's the happy summertime butterfly bracelet, yay!

I had to take a trip to the craft store for the 6mm jet bicones since I only had the 4mm size on hand.

I mentioned the project in last Sunday's post and now that I have it on, it makes me so happy I don't want to take it off!

I really like how it feels on my wrist, very soft. Butterflies typically symbolize transformation sort of like the changing seasons.What a fun project!

If you have my book, you can follow the instructions for the Rock Star Bracelet.

This is an iron-on applique with hemp cord strands ironed in between the patch and a cut out of cotton patching material. EASY!

This Week's Project & Book Giveaway Winner!

I love weekends! It's probably not necessary to say, but it makes me feel good to acknowledge it!!

I just finished up my bracelet project using the Artbeads.com crystals I received last week. These top drilled bicones have been calling my name since they arrived, but I was waiting for inspiration.

I have to tell you something funny... When I was playing around with all the beads and decided to go with this pattern, it didn't dawn on me until I was about a third of the way done that the top drilled bicone sections sort of resembled butterflies.

Earler today I saw a picture of a crystally butterfly pin and wondered how I could make something butterfly-ish out of crystals.

I'm so glad my brain is able to work things out on its own without my interference!! :)

I hope you are having a great weekend! I wanted to thank all of you who commented last Friday for a chance to win a copy of my beading book, A Bead in Time!!

I used random.org to select a winner earlier today and had a chance to email Pam of Klassy Joolz to let her know I'll be shipping it out to her very soon!

Thanks again, I am so glad to to able to share my book journey with all of you!!

Weekly Project & Bead Blogger Update

This week's project uses all the components from Rings & Things that I mentioned throughout the week. Such sweet and sparkly parts, I was anxious to put something together that seemed festive and special.

This was originally going to be a necklace, but I honestly couldn't stand the thought of it being around my neck where I couldn't see it, so a bracelet it is! I'm afraid you will need to click on the photos to get a better view.

I had also planned to to use the bottom tubes to hang long chains with beads at the end of them for a fun focal piece around the neck. I have a couple tube pieces left that I could try a mini version of that to go with the bracelet.

The parts include 8 of the double curved sterling tubes, 3 & 6mm swarovski rounds in silver shade and golden shadow. I doubled up 5 pieces of chain for the bracelet to make up 10 strands on either side. It's very soft and comfortable to wear.

The final piece is one that I picked up at Friday's Rings & Things "live and in person" bead show in my area. The silver plated coiled star was a must-have and seemed to make a fun addition to this week's project. I'm getting ready to make earrings by hanging a silver star from a piece of chain. Too cute!!

The finished piece seems to have a tiara-like feeling, I was feeling a bit princess-like while wearing it today. :)

Hope you are wrapping up the weekend with something crafty! It looks like our fellow bead bloggers have also had a crafty week. Please join me in taking a quick peek....

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts Simply Gemstones book review

Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork Diva Take a walk on the dark side and see what kind of jewelry Cindy comes up with.

Strands of Beads Melissa blogs about an intriguing new blog by lampwork artist Sarah Moran

About.com Jewelry Making Tammy offers you two simple ways to become part of the on-line jewelry making community.

Art Bead Scene Take a tour with the Art Bead Scene. We've got places to go and beads to see!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Jean recalls and reposts a recipe for some cool October earrings, now that there is a chill in the air!

Carmi's Art/Life World Carmi creates a new necklace with heart shaped resin pendants she made.

Earthenwod Studio Chronicles Melanie begins her celebration of a week of crystal pendants with an autumn inspired fairy butterfly necklace

Jean Campbell How do you use beads to decorate your house? Check out these photos of Jean's beady household decor.

Jewelry & Beading Have you ever thought about trying glass fusing? The talented Wendy Talaro shares a fused glass primer this week!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio Lorelei is hosting a Necklace Round Robin, come check out the necklaces as they transform!

What are you making for summer vacation?

Is it too early to talk about summer vacation? I hope not, it popped into my head this morning as many random things usually do in the early hours.

I searched for and found a bracelet I made two years ago for summer vacation and took the scissors to it, I KNOW! I guess I'm brave in the early hours too!

So, here's the deal. I now have ten of these Cubic Zirconia two-holed squarish-rectangles to use in a brand new summer vacation piece.

As always, I'm planning a bracelet because I have a need to see my beads! Two-holed beads are always fun because they present an opportunity for a chunkier piece.

I haven't finished my butterfly yet, but should have it done tonight. Now I realize it won't coordinate real well with the lavender. BUT, take a look at THIS iron-on patch that I also added strands too!

If you have plans for summer vacation jewelry, please share!

Featured Designer: Dawn Doucette

Yay, I thought this would be a great way to get an early start on some weekend inspiration!

Many of you are probably familiar with Dawn of Designs by Dawn Marie. Her enthusiasm and joyful spirit are reflected in her work.

Pictured here are a couple of my favorite designs by Dawn along with her descriptions.

"This cuff speaks to an elegant woman, someone who loves fine pieces and wears them well.  The filigree band just speaks to me, with is delicate cut outs and flower designs, it's almost like wearing lace on your wrist!

The focal is loaded with sparkle!  Using Swarovski Crystal as the centerpiece and surrounding it with even more Swarovski crystals, this OOAK piece of wearable art brings out rich tones of eggplant, peridot, turquoise and topaz in a myriad of iridescent rainbow finishes."

See what I mean? Just looking at the photo and reading the description takes me to a happy place. 

The butterfly collage photos and description below tell a great story too. This is about the happiest piece of jewelry I've ever seen! LOVE IT! Here's Dawn's description:

  

"The story goes something like this... a woman that knows I make jewelry was heading to a bead show with her friends.  She said if I pick up some beads, can you make me something with them.  Well Absolutely!!! I love bringing in someones personality into a design.

The beads she picked up were a great mix of turquoise, colored magnasite, red coral and some funky lampwork beads.  The colors were such a perfect mix for her vibrant personality I was instantly excited to make something with them."

Very uplifting! Thank you my friend for allowing me to share your gifts here tonight! :) Have a great weekend! You can catch up with Dawn on her blog or on Facebook. 

Peace, Love & Bead Bloggers!!

I hope everyone is getting themselves dug out of the large mountains of snow that have fallen in the last few days!!

Regardless of the fact I know it is winter, it is always amazing to see it fall and fall and fall with no end in sight!

As long as you know all your people are safe, groceries are in the fridge and there are plenty of beads to play with, it is not a horrible thing!

So there lies the silver lining... forced hibernation takes the guilt out of hanging out and skipping the usual errands or scheduled committments. More time to BEAD!

There is so much going on out in the beading world with CHA just a recent memory and all the great reports back from Tuscon trickling in here and there. Sunday is a great time for catching up with fellow bead bloggers and I'm looking forward to checking out all the links below.

I hope you will join me!! HAVE A GREAT WEEK!! :)

Katie's Beading Blog Katie introduces her new line of findings: Katiedids™ Creative Components. Look what you can do!
Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio Lorelei's blog has a new look. And she heads to cooking school!
Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Kim Miles! Who makes prettier Valentine's day, or "just for yourself" gifts than Kim? Wait til you see what she has up her sleeve...the Ace of Hearts, so to speak!
About.com Jewelry Maing Catch up on the latest jewelry web news from contests to free tutorials with this handy list of links.

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts Are you a follower? Barbe has a giveway for her blog readers.

Beading Arts A beautiful glass bead becomes the focal point of a Valentine's Day necklace!

Art Bead Scene Searching for a way to achieve an etched metal look? ABS has a free tutorial for you!

Strands of Beads Melissa is giving away a $25.00 gift certificate from Artbeads.com this week!
Carmi's Art/Life World Carmi did "knot" stress out making this new necklace!
Cindy Gimbrone aka the Lampwork Diva With the help of Vintaj brass, Cindy whips up a set of tethered butterfly earrings with her bronze floral charms.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles Melanie reveals the delicious ingredients she received for the Bead Soup Party.

Building a Bracelet...

I'd like to add on to the thoughts I had yesterday about the monochromatic yellow hemp cord dangly bracelet...

I started my work day off perfectly when a co-worker pulled me into her office to show me her latest haul from Joann Etc., oh yeah, that's a great start to any day!

She is going to be making mini butterfly iron-on bracelets with her nieces while on vacation and chose some really great pastels, very impressive!

We also talked about a "scarf" she had seen a very crafty person wearing. Basically it was just multiple strands of fibers. Ribbon, furry yarn, tattered fabric, etc. placed around the neck and looped loosely in front as a very colorful and texture-ful expression, NICE!

That made me start thinking about the monochromatic bracelet. Once the yellow project is done, how about using multi-colored fibers by just tying on tiny strands here and there for a punch of other colors and textures?

What do you think? If not a fabulous outcome, it definitely sounds like a fun experiment.

By the way, I absolutely have to work in at least one or two of these smiley guys...

Peace, Love & Bead Bloggers!

Here we are again, preparing for a brand new week! I'm excited to share the beads I received on Saturday for my charm bracelet project. Many of them are vintage glass beads!!

In the mean time, I'm getting ready to check out the blogs below to see what everyone's been up to!

Take care and I'll catch you tomorrow!! :)

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew gives a heads up about a great giveaway from Lark Jewelry & Beading!

The Bead Dreamer
Vintage inspired jewelry components and a vintage pin from her grandmother come together in this special necklace from Charlene

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
In this A to Z blogging challenge entry, Jean is surprised by "W" for a Wonderful thing which happens to her!

Resin Crafts!
Carmi turns a feathered butterfly in a pendant with resin.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie uses an unusual find of vintage leather postcards to craft a leather cuff bracelet

Cindy Gimbrone, The Lampwork Diva
The week, Cindy's tangled up in a re-do of her studio.

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi has some eye candy featuring scarves and a big bauble.

Beading Arts
Don't miss your chance to win giveaway package #2 from Cherry Tree Beads!

Barbe Saint John - Saints & Sinners
Barbe reviews Jen Cushman's "Explore Create Resinate" Book.

Butterfly Flair

Just in case you are looking for iron-on appliques to make bracelets with, similar to the great bracelets shared in yesterday's post, check out Joann Etc.

Let me know if you are interested in instructions.

Basically, you need hemp cord strands, an iron applique, iron on patching material, a magnet clasp and lots of beads for the strands.

Have fun and let me know how you add your own flair!!

Great Vacation Project

Aww, how adorable are these bracelets?

These are the result of a friend's family vacation craft session!!

LOVE them all! Each one is so unique and perfect in its own way.

These were originally inspired by the butterfly bracelet I posted earlier in the spring. It makes me SO happy when people put their own creativity and unique style into projects inspired by something I made.

Thanks to Liz, her Mom and nieces for sharing these great bracelets! If you have my book, A Bead in Time, this is a variation on the Rock Star bracelet made with iron-on appliques! The possibilities are truly endless!

Peace, Love & Bead Blogger Friday!

Wow, inspiration is just a few words away!

Check it out!! :)

AND, have a spectacularly creative weekend!

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles 
Melanie shows off a new creation using the new Pantone Crystal Mixes from Fusion Beads 

Art Bead Scene
We celebrate some of our artisan bead crafters from across the pond with this treasury of UK bead artist awesomeness 

About.com Jewelry Making
Owls are making a comeback from the 1970s and an owl charm was the inspiration for two jewelry tutorials. 


Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
There is a remarkbly beautiful new jewelry store on Etsy! Come read all about it, and learn who is behind it! 


Beading Arts
Cyndi works through the first steps in turning an antique key into a lampworked pendant. 


Carmi's Art/Life World
Ruby Violet necklace kits are fun and easy to work with! 


Jean Campbell
"Stuff Beaders Say" Are you a beader? If you're not sure, just check out this video and see if anything sounds familiar. 


Resin Crafts!
A dollar store butterfly becomes a necklace center piece with resin!