Shrink-firmations!

I've been thinking about shrinky dink jewelry today...probably because I seem to have little scripts running through my head on any given day that would be perfect on a piece of jewelry!

Today's script or affirmation was, "I'm so lucky"! I have a tendency to think that when I am connecting with nature or appreciating the beauty of the sky and amazing clouds on the commute to or from work.

At times, often during the morning commute, I ressurect this one..."live & let live!"

I LOVED this shrinky dink bracelet and need to start taking notes when those scripts are running through my head so I can make up a batch of shrinky dinks! :)

One more day guys, I can't wait, the weekend is so close!

Yummy Chocolate Pearls!

When I popped over here to make a quick blog post, I was thinking about saying Hi to everyone and and the old Rita Moreno yell, "Hey You Guys!!", from the opening credits of the Electric Company crossed my mind. Do you remember that from the old PBS show?

:) That made me smile so I had to go out to Youtube to see if it was out there...any guesses whether it was? Yep! Not much these days that you can't find on Youtube!

So, Hey guys! Hope everyone is having a great week so far, we're just a tad bit closer to the weekend and that is exciting!

After yesterday's post about comfort beads, I wanted to throw in some pearls along with the stones. It's almost like the first cold day must flip a switch in my brain...I start looking at glass pearls instead of other glass beads!! Interesting! There is just something warm and comforting about them!!

Makes me wish it wasn't so late, I WANT TO BEAD!

Comfort Beads

I have a theory about seasonal change....

I'm sure you are familiar with the subconscious desire people have to eat comfort foods as the weather turns colder.

My theory is the same goes for having a subconscious desire for "comfort beads". In my case, I begin seeing stones in a very different way.

Throughout most of the summer, I have pretty much snubbed gems, but come a 40 something degree day and my eye begins to wander toward the stone beads.

Interesting or crazy? Well, I'm not entirely sure! I'm curous as to whether or not anyone else has witnessed or experienced the same thing!

Book Giveaway Time!

Wow, I can't believe how quickly time flies. I know that is so cliche, but it is also SO TRUE!

I was surprised to see that I almost missed a book giveaway in the month of October!! Yikes! This is one of my most favorite things to do, I'm so glad I didn't miss the opportunity!! :)

If you are interested in a copy of my book, A Bead in Time, just leave a comment on this blog post by next Saturday, 10/30/10, and I'll announce the winner on 10/31/10. (Please make sure to leave an email address if your If your profile does not lead back to an email address).

I mentioned one of the book projects last month that involved using decorative ribbon from the craft store in a bracelet. Since we are getting ready for some fun holidays in the near future, I wanted to bring the project up again and share a little more info in case you are looking for a fun, inexpensive way to share the holiday spirit whether it's Halloween, Thanksgiving, New Year's, Christmas or Hanukkah.

If you are a craft store "regular" like I am, you know there is a ribbon for every holiday and then some! In addition to the ribbon bracelets featured in A Bead in Time, I have used snowman ribbon and "merry christmas" ribbon to make these bracelets and have been very happy with their fun and kitschy vibe!

For this project, you will just need a cut of ribbon that fits on top of the wrist. Pick out an iron-on patching material that you can get at the craft store or even at Kroger! This gives it a little more weight and hides the back side of ribbon that might have embroidery knots on the back. Cut the patching material to the same size as the ribbon and iron them together.

Once ironed together, just use the ribbon crimps from the craft store and an inexpensive length of jewelry chain. I used the blue moon beads silver plated charm chain as the band and finished it with a magnetic clasp. Easy, inexpensive, fun and endless possibilities!! :)

Give me a shout if you need any help and let me know if you come up with some fun new designs! I'd love to post them here on A Bead A Day!

Peace, Love & Bead Bloggers!

I am doing my best to get every last drop of free time out of the weekend and hope you have been able to do the same :)

I wish us ALL a great, happy and creative new week!!

As always, below are some wonderfully generous, creative and fun blog posts.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Jean has contributed a one of a kind jewelry piece which she made to help raise funds for Andrew Thornton's medical bills. She is delighted to help, on behalf of her family. Please come and see the piece and consider bidding. Thanks so much!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton Three of Andrew's necklaces are amongst the gorgeous finalists in Soft Flex Company's "Flex Your Creativity Beading Contest". Check out all of the Steampunk-inspired designs and VOTE today!

About.com Jewelry Making Tammy has a collection of crafting Halloween project ideas as well as an adorable monster pin for you.

Art Bead Scene A free jewelry project by ABS Editor, Cindy Gimbrone.

Barbe Saint John Barbe 's finally a Cover Girl!

Beading Arts Are you interested in adding found objects to your bead embroidery? Cyndi has just released the fourth chapter of her e-book, which shows you how to go wild!

Carmi's Art/Life World Carmi whips up a new necklace with a "Day of the Dead" theme.

Cindy Gimbrone, The Lampwork Diva It's time to get educated and Cindy provides some stats along with rainbows.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles Check out the goodies Melanie found at an antique mall...What would you craft with these items that are full of history?

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio Lorelei is teaming up with designer Erin Siegel, to write their first beading book! Come on over and learn how you can sign up to submit work for the book!

Mezmerized by Beads

I received the Rings & Things fall supplement catalog today and placed it on the kitchen counter until I had a chance to sit down and look through it. The picture on the front was upside down and every time I walked by, I was mezmerized by it.

I just didn't have time to pick it up or even turn it around and look at what the picture was actually of. I just kept seeing a bauble of beads on a white background.

I finally had a chance to relax and take a quick peek through it. First of all, the picture on the front cover is of a beaded hair clip! On page 3 it reads, "Based on customer requests, we've added a huge selection of hair findings!" This design is called, "Precious Pretty Hair Clip".

How fun!! The possibilities are endless!

I also noticed on the same page that they have some new ear wire shapes! The ones shown are the large round loops which I have seen on people before, but never used them myself. There is something sort of happy about them.

So, here I sit, leisurely perusing my bead catalog in my jammies with my hubby and dogs nearby....life is good!!

I hope you are having a great weekend and enjoying the little happy moments too! :)

Featured Designer: Antige

We made it, Yay!! I am so happy that we have entered the happy zone, otherwise known as the weekend!! :)

As always, Fridays mean it's time to share this week's featured designer! I came across the Etsy site, "Antige" a couple weeks ago and loved these steampunk designs that have a very logical and organized vibe about them.

In many cases, you will find a gem of some sort that seems to be a perfect addition. It must be the contrast that makes this such an exciting technique!


In her profile, this designer has shared that she began making jewelry to relax from the pressures of her career as a Visual Effects Artist on feature films and animation.

She discovered that she enjoyed making jewelry so much she would work on it after 12hours work day at a studio.

If you get a minute, take a quick peek at these great designs!!

Have a wonderful, crafty weekend! :)