Doggie Beads on Etsy

I wore my new doggie bracelet today that I mentioned in yesterday's post and it felt great! I was very comforted by it!

In response to one of the comments on

yesterday's blog, I shared that I had gotten the bead from Studio Marcy.

I checked her etsy site and didn't see anything like that in her inventory right now.

I then did a search in etsy and found some FAB doggie beads! Here are a few of my favorites from Etsy.

Poodle

Jack Russell

Maltese

Enjoy!!

Sweet Doggie Bracelet

Well, I have to tell on myself with this bracelet... I was just getting ready to make something with this sweet doggie bead and just couldn't seem to find the inspiration.

Should I use multiple colors, just swarovski, just white or pearls? I just couldn't make up my mind for some reason. Then I came across a container that had a couple of simple white pearl bracelets with large white focal stones that I had used to teach a beginner class with memory wire.

I cut off one end of the bracelet and removed all the beads up to the focal bead. I replaced it with the doggie and restrung the remaining pearls.

Yay, I LOVE it! Simple, but sweet!

Peace, Love & Bead Bloggers!

I'm switching things up a bit tonight!! I wanted to get my doggie bracelet done today, but that didn't happen in time for this post!

On Sunday, I usually post all the links of our fellow bead-blogger friends, but this is just as good a time to do that! Let's hope I get my beading done tomorrow!! In the mean time, here is a ring I made a while ago.

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Want to win some FREE ImpressArt metal stamps from PJ Tool & Supply? Andrew hosts another Thursday Giveaway with a prize valued over $70

The Bead Dreamer
Inspired by the poet Rumi and a gorgeous pendant from Green Girl Studios, Charlene creates a necklace using beads, fiber, a button - and of course - the pendant.

Snap out of it, Jean, There's beading to be done!
Come and see what the amazing Kim Miles has been up to as Winter turns to Spring--You will love it!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
After a very busy couple of weeks, Lorelei finally has time to share some pictures from a recent trip to Spain!

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
A fun find at an antique store uncovers new inspiration with some women's medicinal history and a crazy folk song

Cindy Gimbrone, the Lampwork Diva
Do you use any sewing techniques in your jewelry? Come see what Cindy's sewn up!

About.com Jewelry Making
Winter white can mean bitter cold or a beautiful double strand pearl and matte glass bracelet.

Beads & Books About.com Jewelry Making
Do you use buttons in your jewelry? Michelle is hosting a Button Swap. Sign up to get a partner, trade buttons, and create something!

Beading Arts
Cyndi is wrapping up a month-long emphasis on education for jewelry and bead artists.

Art Bead Scene
Art Bead Scene gets your creative juices flowing with a treasury inspired by the monthly challenge painting.

Book Giveaway in Memory of...Page 89!

I just paid tribute to one of my furry children on Tuesday and thought it would be really nice to do a book giveaway in memory of my sweet Comet who is featured on page 89 of my book (along with his bichon "brother", Rudy).

I can't tell you how much everyone's comments have meant to me, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

It helps so much to have support and love from people who have been through the same situation.

I am now very excited to try making a bracelet using this adorable doggie bead and appreciate everyone's ideas!

If you are interested in a copy of my beading inspiration book, A Bead in Time, that happens to feature a photo on page 89 of both my doggie children, please leave a comment on this post.

I will be using random.org to select a winner next Saturday!

Thank you all!! :)

Buttons Galore!

After mentioning that cool blue button yesterday, I noticed that our blogger friend, Michelle Mach, is sponsoring a button swap on her blog, Beads & Books!

How fun! It is open to anyone, not just beaders, interested in giving, receiving, sharing buttons!!

Buttons in all shapes and sizes are great for adding interest to jewelry designs.

I have used them on many occasions! I have a button bracelet and button necklace in the "funky finds" section of my book, A Bead in Time. I thoroughly enjoy expanding my imagination and trying to figure out ways to use unconventional pieces in jewelry!

I have also been successful with cutting off the button shank with a good pair of wire cutters and gluing the button on a ring form! You can use small buttons that just cover the ring form OR the largest button you can find since big, statement rings are IN!

Check out Michelle's blog post about her button swap if you get a chance!

Creating a Background

There is something very special about this BLUE button and I think it is how the pink backing of the cardboard it's packaged on sets it off so perfectly!

I would really like to get your thoughts on how to create a pink background in a bracelet that I can use to set off this blue button in the same way the packaging does!

My first thought is to create a peyote stitched foundation and either use this as the button clasp or use this along with other similar or same buttons as embellishments.

Please leave any ideas you have that you are willing to share!! :) THANK YOU!!

A Bead Tribute!

I have been waiting until it felt like the right time to mention this here. I hope you don't mind, but I consider you all friends and family!

While looking for beads over the

weekend, I came back across this doggie bead and think I'm ready to make something as a tribute.

It has been about a month since we have had to say goodbye to our sweet angel, Comet.

He was such a sweet and funny soul that we are better people for having known and cared for him as our furry poodle child for 12 years. He came into our lives when he was about 4 years old after being rescued from living on the street and in pretty bad shape. I knew the minute I saw him and opened the cage at the shelter that he was meant for me! :)

I visited him as much as I could (telling my husband I was going to K-mart, which happened to be across the street from the shelter...not a complete fib). Once adopted, it didn't take long for my husband to warm up to him and love him. He made it easy! After that, he referred to him as

a diamond in the rough.

Comet and his bichon "brother"(also 16) were tormenting each other and loving each other right up to the end. Even though Comet had lost his vision due to either diabetes or a previous stroke as well as his hearing, he would still work on one-upping Rudy. Actually because the weather had been so cold, we would often come home and find them both in the same large dog bed. Awww! They definitely considered each other siblings!

I am not sharing to make anyone sad, I just wanted to share something good and sweet like the bond you can have with a pet who has the ability to fill your life to the brim. Finding this bead seemed like perfect timing! Part of the acceptance process :)

I'm thinking of finding a long chain or maybe even a ribbon...hmmm... to hang this on as a long

pendant. Not sure yet, but am open to ideas!! Please share, but please don't be sad. Just take a moment to hug your furry ones if you got 'em! :)

THANK YOU!

Here we are halfway through February and I feel like I haven't

taken the time recently to say THANK YOU for stopping by A Bead A Day, hanging out and for all your comments!!

This is a great way for me to share ideas and to get ideas from everyone out there!

It's amazing to me that so many of us share this love for beads/beading/creating and it doesn't matter if we are in the same state or even country, we can share ideas with each other in real time! How exciting!! What in the world did we do before the internet???

Thanks to my blogging friends below for taking the time to leave comments recently! :) I am feeling truly blessed! THANK YOU!

Florentina

Be~Jeweled by Jana

Katie's Crafts and Cats

Patricia Lynne

Shirley

raquel roysdon

Lacey

trusk4u

Peace, Love & Bead Bloggers!

Time sure flies when you are having fun!! That's SO true when you are creating!! Whether it's beading or any other kind of creative venture, time just flies right by!

It's time for the weekly blog check-in to see what our friends have been up to this week, I can't wait!!

The Bead Dreamer
Book Review: Steel Wire Jewelry. Love alternative materials and modern, whimsical jewelry design? This book is a must have. Project one is an earring wardrobe! Read the review in full.

Cindy Gimbrone, The Lampwork Diva
Cindy shares her "DO" for the week. Come take a look!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew gets in touch with his inner "Calder" and hammers some wire with Kate McKinnon and Dustin Wedekind.

Beads & Books
Michelle shares a behind-the-scenes look at her work doing technical edits on a jewelry magazine

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean reviews a comforting and beautiful book for beaders which she herself has often turned to as a "bridge over troubled waters": Beading for the Soul, by Deborah Cannarella

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie explores the old craft of paper quilling in an experiment combining the technique with resin for jewelry

Carmi's Art/Life World
A new bronze pendant from Artbeads.com inspired this new necklace from Carmi.

About.com Jewelry Making
For gemstone fanatics, earrings are the perfect way to enjoy fast projects that include all their favorite stones.

Beading Arts
Have you heard of a hair fascinator? Come see what Cyndi put together with a handful of Swarovski crystals and a length of thin gauge wire!

Art Bead Scene Art Bead Scene loves a wall of beads. Stop by and see if you don't love it too! way to enjoy fast projects that include all their favorite stones.

This Week's Project: Crystal & Pearly Winter

It has certainly been a crystally and pearly winter here in my part of the world! There is just no getting around the fact that snow and sometimes ice is a fact during this time of year.

And, let me tell you, this stuff is so beautiful, it truly creates a wonderland of sparkle!

This winter bracelet combines quite a few interesting pieces from Artbeads.com that, to me, represents this wonderland. Swarovski pearls, graduated swarovski drops AND the very sweet and sparkly swarovski filigree lily!

As a side note, I'm feeling the need to say, I love swarovski beads!

As I mentioned in previous posts showcasing each of the beads used in this piece, I am planning to wear this piece in every season!

It will look great with all the black and white I am wearing now and in the future, it will look great with pastels and crisp white summery blouses too! :)

By the way, this is the 1 minute filigree ring project using hot glue. LOVE IT!

I hope you are all having a wonderful and creative weekend!!

This Week's Feature: Daisy Extravaganza

Rather than feature one designer this week, I am featuring three!

I searched through Etsy for some daisy bracelet designs and here are 3 that made me SMILE!!! :)

The first is this daisy cuff bracelet where the daisy is front and center and looks as though it could be real. By Willow and Quinn, here is the description:

This is a vintage daisy cabochon made in Occupied Japan in the late 1940's. It is made of a very hard plastic material and has incredible 3D detail. It is stark white with a yellow hand painted center and measures 1 1/2" wide and 1/2" tall. It has been securely attached to a bright silver adjustable cuff bracelet.

Next is a seed bead daisy chain!! I know the time and effort that goes

into these and just love that you can mimic nature by weaving beads together like this, how cool!

By JingJing Design, the description reads:
A bright sunny day, I saw a very strong and healthy sunflower in a garden... I can not forget about this happy sunflower somehow. So I decide make it into my beading work for this nice memory. This sunflower design daisy chain puts everybody in a great mood. It is beaded with size 11 Czech seed beads. I used size B English beading nylon. It is very delicate and strong. You can wear it years and years.

The third design combines seed beads with a metal cuff, nice! By Chez Sparkle, the description for this daisy cuff reads:

This Yellow Daisy cuff is precious! The large flower makes a bold statement and is perfect for the Spring/Summer :) The wire-wrapped material is moldable to your wrist, so any wrist size can wear this ~ small or large!

Enjoy!! :)

A Thing for Daisies

Yes, I have a thing for daisies! When I first started stringing beads, I had seen a pattern for a daisy chain using seed beads. I worked at it until I got it and made the cutest little bracelet.

I never made another daisy chain after that because I was so busy stringing beads! (okay, I mean "obsessed" with stringing beads! :)

However, anytime I see daisy beads or, in this case, scrapbooking embellishments, I can't seem to help myself!

I am working on a new papercraft project right now and when I got out my new daisy brads, I immediately remembered these cute $1 chains I had picked up recently.

All I did was put the little prongs through the chain link and using pliers, looped the prongs back over the chain link and voila, a sweet little daisy bracelet and I still have plenty of daisies left in the pack for my project. :)

Yay!

Sparkle Re-cap

I just wanted to re-cap my sparkly Artbeads.com selections for my winter project!

Sparkle, sparkle, sparkle! :)

I am so excited about this project and can't wait to get started!!

Swarovski 62007 22.5mm Silver-Plated Filigree Lily Crystal

Swarovski HMS 12mm Silver-Plated Half-Moon Spacer Crystal

Swarovski 47603 27.5mm Silver-Plated Graduated Link Crystal

Wintry Swarovski Pearls

This is Artbeads.com Winter project week here on A Bead A Day! :)

Very fun for me since I get to share bits and pieces of my newly selected bead collection and will finish up on Saturday with the final project!!

Today's bead is the Swarovski Pearl! Actually two different pearls in the 12mm size, WOW! These two beads are the white and light grey. They are gorgeous!

I've never had Swarovski pearls in this size before and can't wait to start putting a project together with them. They are sure to be the standouts of the piece.

HOWEVER, there will be lots of sparkles in there too. I think it is going to be my all time favorite.

I just love clear swarovski crystal with pearls and not just for winter. I think that combo works all year long!! Just think crisp white blouse on the beach with lots of crystals and pearls, yumm!

Okay, just saying beach, crystals and pearls in the same sentence was exciting!! :)

FTC compliance disclosure: the beads referenced in this post from Artbeads.com were provided as a promotional gift as part of their bead blogger program for review or design purposes.

Artbeads.com Winter Project

The time has arrived and so have all my beads!!

I selected some fab beads from Artbeads.com for their winter design partner project and they have all arrived...Here is an example of the sound effects when I opened the package containing THIS one! Mmmmmmmmm!

When that happens, I usually have to take it over to my husband to look at if he's nearby. He so very kindly complies with some complimentary statement. Sometimes beading is just about experiencing the beads...especially Swarovski beads!!

I have to admit that I made a 1 minute project with this bead this morning. It is a Swarovski 19.5mm silver plated filigree daisy crystal!! After searching and not finding the glue gun, I ended up using a couple of those scrapbooking glue dots to hold it on a ring form.

It worked great until the end of the day when I absent-mindedly stuck my hand in my bag to get my cell phone and came up without the flower.

I am getting ready to hot glue it on shortly. That ought to hold it!

These filligree daisies make PERFECT sparkly rings! Who doesn't love a 1 minute project. Well, that is if you don't count the time it takes for the glue gun to heat up. :)

I will post a photo on Saturday of my finished projects!

FTC compliance disclosure: the bead referenced in this post from Artbeads.com was provided as a promotional gift as part of their bead blogger program for review or design purposes.

Peace, Love & Bead Bloggers!

Have a great new week everyone!! As always, here are some GREAT links to check out for inspiration or procrastination! :)

Cindy Gimbrone, The Lampwork Diva
Finding the perfect findings can be difficult. Here are some suggestions.

Snap out of it, Jean! There’s beading to be done!
Jean got some super wonderful beads from Amy Freeland , her Bead Blog Soup Party partner, and shares some photos of them and some thoughts with her readers here!

About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy has a new book review out, this one for a book on making ceramic jewelry.

Beading Arts
Cyndi has written the promised tutorial on making beaded buttons with watch faces…fun!

Art Bead Scene
Art Bead Scene unveils the February monthly challenge.

Beads & Books

Michelle shares the bracelet she made for 7000 Bracelets for Hope. There’s still time to make and donate a denim blue bracelet for this great cause.

Carmi’s Art/Life World
This week Carmi has a hand felted heart brooch to celebrate Canadian Valentines!

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie uses metallic resin clay to solve a design problem of altering antique buttons to make them into charms and links.

The Bead Dreamer

Bead Soup starts to simmer in Charlene’s studio

This Week's Project: Happy Early Valentine's Day!

Happy Early Valentine's Day!

I had a few extra minutes today so I worked on this bracelet.

I used the faux leather cuff that I believe I found in the bargain bin a year or so ago at the craft store for $1 (maybe less).

After yesterday's post, I realized I had used this ceramic heart as a pendant in a necklace. After a little bit of searching, I FOUND it!

I removed the chain and wired the pendant to the bracelet.

I also made some little baubles on headpins to add to the movement for more fun.

Since the ceramic heart pendant only had a hole at the top, it had a tendancy to want to flip over when my hand was down.

I tried glue, but that didn't work. I ended up using one of those heavy-duty paper crafting glue dots to keep the heart stuck down to the cuff and it worked great!

I hope you are all having a great weekend and enjoying slightly warmer temperatures! :)

Anything New for Valentine's Day?

I was wondering if anyone is making new jewelry for Valentine's Day!

It's coming right up on Monday and I realized I was so busy wishing for sunshine that I forgot it was a great opportunity for making something fresh and new!

Here is a bracelet I made last year. I love the red bicone trapped inside the filligree heart!

For this year's project, I was thinking about the simplicity of using this faux leather cuff and adding this great ceramic heart with some red bicones trailing down into dangles.


Hmm... I don't know, what do you think?

A Sunshine Day

I've been spending some time pulling out yellow beads to make a happy, bright, sunny bracelet on memory wire using random happy beads.

These are a couple that I have found, but I also came across these paper earrings I made a few years ago.

They are perfect for this time of year!!

I made them with some cardstock and a flower hole punch. Very fun!!

If this doesn't work, I'm headed to the mall to pick up the light gadget that is supposed make you feel better!!

A friend at work said she came across one in a gadget store and didn't believe in the technology until she walked up to it and immediately felt a sense of well being!

Sounds like a worthwhile item to check out!

Sunshiny Flowers

I am revisiting this great bead today and am going to see if I can dig it out and make something with it today!

I am in dire need of sunshine at the moment and had a thought...

Why don't I get out some memory wire and a random assortment of sunny and sparkly beads and just string them up for a FUN, funky, sunny and sparkly bracelet.

Maybe it will become the February bracelet! Anyone living in a climate where it's 8 degrees when you wake up could use this one I'm sure.

Stay tuned, I'm going to start digging for beads!! :)

Rose Covered "Pocket Watch" Locket

Is this so cute? I know!! I've been wearing this "as is" to work and have felt a little extra professional for some reason! :)

I stopped wearing a watch probably 8 or so years ago and always make sure to have a bracelet on each arm. I like to challenge myself with what time it might be based on the time I last looked at the clock or saw it on my computer at work.

I know, but hey, sometimes the things we do in life to keep a roof over our heads gets a little boring :)

So, by wearing this necklace I found that I was also feeling a little more grown up. Funny!

It has a sweet, yet functional vibe to it and is VERY long!

I received a request from the Budget Gadget company to review a product and thought SURE! I love gadgets!

I was surprised they selected this one, the bronze rose pendant pocket watch, but am glad they did! It's not every day I feel so grown up! :)

I did add a couple swarovski bicones just for a little added sparkle. When I get a few minutes, I was thinking about cutting the chain in several places and adding some wire wrapped crystals along the length of chain.

I was also thinking the flower would be cool pressed into polymer clay!!

How fun!

GREAT New Beading Resource!

I am so excited to share this wonderful new beading book today. I feel like I've just had a cup of coffee and wish I had the day off tomorrow!! I've got the need to bead!!

This inspiring book is by beading expert, Tammy Powley, of About.com's Jewelry Making site. The title is, "The Complete Photo Guide to Jewelry Making".

I never would have guessed by looking at the cover that this was over 300 pages long! WOW!! It's the A to Z guide that covers everything from tools, to stringing, polymer clay, metal soldering, metal clay, wire wrapping and the list goes on! I love the fact Tammy also threw in the cutest pair of crocheted earrings!

Finding so many techniques in one place is fabulous!! I was thinking this book should be in every craft store classroom, bead shop counter and school artroom. It's amazing!!

As you might remember, I was itching to get started in polymer clay, but things came up and that didn't happen. Tammy has a 6 page spread on the basic techniques that just clicked with me. AND, I just happen to have a few blocks of clay, YAY!!

By the way, Tammy's husband worked by her side taking all of the photographs and I think he ought to start writing a "how to photograph jewelry" book! It's so crystal clear, maybe we can talk him into a webinar to find out how he did it! :)

I could seriously go on and on, but here's a link to Amazon so you can check it out if you have a minute.

Peace, Love & Bead Bloggers!

It's Sunday which means a time to reflect over the last week... My favorite way of doing that is taking a run through all the bead blogs below!! It's lots of fun AND a great learning experience!!

I have several fun things planned for the coming week on A Bead A Day, but I don't want to give it all away yet, so, please stay tuned! :)

About.com Jewelry Making
Break the ice and get a warm welcome at the Jewelry Making Forum.

Art Bead Scene
Going to the bead shows in Tucson this year? Here are a few tips for you take along.

Beading Arts
The Bead Journal Project is starting up again for its fourth year! Check out what Cyndi has decided to make each month...

Beads & Books
Michelle shares some color ideas for Valentine's Day jewelry and a link to the "Bead My Valentine" contest at Happy Mango Beads.

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmis shows off some button jewelery necklaces from CHA!

Cindy Gimbrone, The Lampwork Diva
The Wednesday Wire becomes the Tuesday Tangle. Cindy shows off some funky retro wire earrings.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie experiments with enamel spray paint on filigree to create some great colorful components

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
A recent bead shopping trip to NYC leaves lorelei Tired but Inspired!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
jean reposts a review of a book she finds exceptional--all about Art Nouveau!

The Bead Dreamer
Inspired by winter’s frosty tones, Charlene selects beads in a chilly color palette.

What comes first...The Bracelet or the Earrings?

After making this pair of earrings a few minutes ago, I was thinking that I usually make a bracelet or necklace first and then create a pair of quick earrings to go with them if I have beads leftover.

This pair was made BEFORE creating the bracelet or necklace with the beads I received from Artbeads.com today. (Can I just say a quick "yay!" about receiving beads from Artbeads.com!?)

The beads I selected are for the Artbeads winter design challenge. As you can see, I had ice and snow on the brain when I selected them.

I remember thinking that I want/need to embrace the weather in order to move past it!! As long as you aren't commuting in it or having to figure out a way to let your pets out in it, IT IS BEAUTIFUL!

I wanted to keep the beads simple and straight-forward. Winter is winter and in Ohio, it is icy and snowy!

I did, however want to use a bead that might not typically be used in bracelets or necklaces. The other reason I selected this graduated link bead is because I had used one of these in pink to make my Mom a pair of earrings last spring and she's been wearing them all winter!

According to her, not a day goes by, when wearing them, that she does not receive a compliment about the sparkliness of them. People stop and admire them wherever she might be.

They truly sparkle like diamonds and if I saw someone wearing these, I WOULD COMMENT TOO! :)

I hope you are all staying warm!! :)

FTC compliance disclosure: the graduated crystal in this post from Artbeads.com was provided as a promotional gift as part of their bead blogger program for review or design purposes.

Featured Designer: Klassy Joolz

You probably concluded intuitively that I would be sharing spring related designs as part of the Featured Designer Friday post!! (and you would be right!!)

I've mentioned spring in the last few posts and have LOVED it!!

Somehow I felt just a little bit warmer and more creative! :)

It seemed like the perfect ending to this week to showcase our friend and bead blogger, Pam of Klassy Joolz!!

She has an etsy site and blog, but my goodness it was not easy to select which pieces to share here. There are so many cute ones!!

My favorites are posted here!! All my thanks to "Klassy Joolz" for allowing me to share her work here tonight!!

Have a great weekend!! :)

SPARKLY Springtime!

In my vision of spring flower gardens, I see sparkles!

Not only that, I see pink and aqua blue sparkles!! :)

Imagine a garden of swarovski crystal flowers with the bright sun shining on them....yum, there's just nothing like it!!

The multi-colored swarovski component is a "sew on" piece that I have used before in jewelry by wiring or using jump rings to link together.

AND, if you have ever seen a blue flower you know, as I do, that they are GORGEOUS and are difficult to take your eyes off!

Just imagine if that blue flower sprarkled like a crystal!! :)