Dental Bead

I hope you all get a kick out of this!!

Since I made a trip to the dentist for a filling yesterday, I was curious about whether there were tooth beads out there. OF COURSE, I think there is a bead for every occassion :)

Check these out! I loved the one with the toothbrush.

It appears some of these fit the Pandora bracelet and are

suggested as dentist or hygienist gifts. Cute idea

and hey, there should really be a bead for every occasion!

Hope you are having a great week so far!! :)

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!!