Bargain Find

I'm patting myself on the back for this $1 find.

These donut pieces are really cool and came in one package at Joann, etc. for $1!

I believe they are carved resin and have the design on both sides.

They can be used in so many styles from funky to earthy and even pieces with a jungle-like theme.

For me, I always think bracelets, so one of these perfectly fits on my wrist and would be so cool with a knotted hemp cord or even a velvety or silky black cord.

Definitely a great find!

New Faceted Focal

I have to tell you, I couldn't resist this component over the weekend as I did a quick stroll through Joann Etc.

I picked it up and put it down a couple times. I have a friend at work who has the most gorgeous black faceted gemstone ring that I just love.

This really reminded me of it and I thought it would be fun to use as a bracelet focal component with lots of miscellaneous black and silver sparkly beads.

If I get this the way I see it in my head, I imagine this will be a bracelet I will wear every day for a while.

That is usually the way it works for me. I make something, I love it, I wear it and wear it and wear it and then....somehow it disappears.

Usually into a jewelry box or pocket of a bag that I carry back and forth to work.

Is that fickle or just perfect timing?

Peace, Love & Bead Bloggers!

It's time to wrap up the week already...Wow, it never ceases to amaze me how quickly the time can go over the weekend.

Looks like some fun and exciting things are going on with our beading friends below! That makes Sunday evening a little bit easier to handle. THANKS GUYS!


About.com Jewelry Making Tammy announces her first About.com jewelry making video.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles Melanie shows off the treasures of her shopping spree at Bead Fest Philly

Katie's Beading Blog Katie shares a couple of ideas for jewelry using crystals and pearls, plus, announces a giveaway winner.

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio Lorelei shows off her loot from her Bead Fest Philadelphia trip!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Jean is totally WOWed by the fabulous Margot Potter's latest book: scroll down to read the truly intriguing review of this unique book--it is SO worth it!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton SueBeads has generously supplied an assortment of goodies for this week's Thursday Giveaway.

Art Bead Scene While Art Bead Scene Editor, Cindy Gimbrone is on vacation, she's left us a gem from Studio Saturday - her box of inspiration!

Beading Arts After receiving a wonderful package of crystals from Auntie's Beads, Cyndi set out to make a bracelet that would show them off!

Carmi's Art/Life World The new Katiedids components are responsible for Carmi's new pearl necklace design.

Cindy Gimbrone, The Lampwork Diva While Cindy's off enjoying the bead-ch, let's get ready for the upcoming HalloweenMas newsletters by checking in on a re-wind. It's Barbe Saint John's magic with Cindy's Calaveraz.

I Love...

Have I told you lately that I love you?

Possibly not! I have mentioned how much I love beads and other beaders, but I think this is a good time to say it!

While in person with those I work with, I try to remind everyone how much their good spirits and happy comments mean to me...

I know I catch them off guard sometimes because "LOVE" is a primary force in my life and it is so important to have it, recognize it and revel in it... HOWEVER, sometimes staying in it is not that easy!

Working in a conservative environment is a challenge to make sure I share LOVE, recognize LOVE and encourage LOVE!!

Any time that I love the jewelry I am wearing is quite helpful and when people recognize and ask about jewelry I am wearing, it provides an opportunity for a "love fest"!

This particular piece has a focal bead out of shrink plastic! That makes me think I should warm up the oven and get some plastic pieces ready to work with tomorrow!

How is your crafty weekend going!

Weekend Project Pondering

I'm trying to decide what project to work on this weekend!

Sometimes there are so many choices, I can't seem to make any at all.

I don't want to let chores and the fact we are going to a local balloon show tomorrow keep me from using my availble time for beading.

It is so easy to give in to the flow of the weekend! I will follow up with you tomorrow and hope you all have a great weekend!

For now, here is a formerly created beading craft. Every time I look at this bracelet, I smile. It is SO crafty!!

Red, Gold & ???

As a continuation of yesterday's post, what do you think about red and gold?

For some reason I think those two colors would look crisp and cool on Tuesday's filigree pendant.

Of course, I LOVE bracelets, so I'd love to use the filigree piece as the focal point of a bracelet.

The size of it would fit perfectly on top of my wrist with just a little bit of the bracelet band showing.

I think I have figured it out! Now....what to use as the bracelet band...hmmm

Chain, beads, crytals or rubber tubing? Yes, the possibilities are endless, yikes! Any ideas?

The Makings of a Beaded Lapel Pin

I am thinking a combination of these swarovski crystals would be fun to attach to the filigree pendant in yesterday's post.

One of the ideas left on that post mentioned it would make a great lapel pin, I agree!

Especially a lapel pin covered in a random assortment of swarovski crystals...yum!

You wouldn't necessarily have to use crystals, you could use an e-bead mix from Joann Etc., there is one in particular with turquoise, gold, cream, topaz that would be pretty cute!

For just a few dollars a tube, you should have enough to also make a pair of earrings or even a bracelet to go along with it!

That's is definitely maximizing your beading dollar!

I hope you are having a great week!!

If you have other color ideas, please send them my way. :)