Design essentials now added – 3 and 4mm Preciosa crystal bicones and beautiful fire polished beads.
Take advantage of superb bargains, and shop from colors no longer being made.
Find crystal bicones HERE, and Fire polish beads HERE.
Bead Happy, Judi
Author: Judi
Bargains Galore
I’ve been a “glass half full” gal for most of my life. I am fortunate, I am generally able to look at life through rose-colored glasses, although even I must admit that the last few years have made that difficult at times. Nonetheless, I am very fortunate, and thankful for a great deal, and count my blessings every day.
Closing my shop was sad, however, it means that you can take advantage of amazing bargains! As I continue to add new items for sale, remember that these are prices you will not find elsewhere; often at or below wholesale. In some cases, there are colors or products no longer manufactured.
Fill your cart – and let us share our love making beautiful things!
Bead Happy, Judi
A Whole New World
The past 3 months has been very strange. Like everyone else, I have been trying to become accustomed to living a different life – no contact with others, no in-person classes, worship or shopping. No meeting friends for a leisurely cup of coffee and a visit.
We are fortunate to live in a time and place where most things can be delivered directly to our homes; where young, healthy people are willing to bring them to us. We are fortunate to have phones and computers that allow us to visit electronically via Skype and Google and Zoom.
I have a great deal in the past 3 months. I have learned that my hair is wavy, not straight. I have learned that I do not miss putting on makeup. I have learned that I would much rather shop for my own groceries than have someone else do it for me. I have also learned that I miss spending time with my peeps. I see them on Zoom of course, but I miss seeing them in person. I miss the hugs, the in-person laughter and joy and sharing the tears too. Although I have learned to teach on Zoom, I look forward to the day when I can teach in person again.
I have made any number of pieces of jewelry in the past months. I have also been completely reworking my website. It is a process; there is much more work to do, and much more to learn. I hope you enjoy the pictures and the visit. And I hope you are learning too.
Bead Happy, Judi
Closed… for now
Like so many other nonessential businesses I have shuttered my doors for now. I am accustomed to seeing my Creative Beady Buddies as much as 4 times a week – this will be a HUGE adjustment!
I am currently working on a system to allow us to gather electronically; I hope that will help us all feel less lonely and isolated.
Reach out to someone today; send a text message; make a phone call; send a gchat or email. Don’t go visit in person, but make sure to be in touch with at least one person today. Do it again tomorrow. And again the next day.
This is a great time to learn a new skill, clean out your closets, or rearrange your cabinets. Don’t feel like it? I don’t either today – but maybe tomorrow! Remember, stay distant, stay healthy and Bead Happy. – Judi
Prayers for Good Health
No reminders necessary this week of the frightening times around the world. Especially in times like this, we must remember to celebrate every small victory. One of my friends will have her last radiation treatment tomorrow (Monday); I expect to see her tomorrow afternoon, and have made this embellished cabochon as a surprise gift for her.
I have also completed a couple of other projects – these 7-pointed star earrings, and this Kumihimo necklace using large (3x6mm) peanut beads.
Remember to wash your hands and Bead Happy, Judi
Lace Love
The February 2020 issue of Bead & Button magazine had a gorgeous pattern called simply Bead Lace Bracelet. Here is my version of this beautiful bracelet:
I also completed a new Daydreamer Necklace set:
Two different friends gifted me beads recently. One gave me lampwork beads from her personal stash, the other Italian beads from a trip. This week I discovered that they look beautiful together:
What fun did YOU have this week?
Bead Happy, Judi
Starstruck Revisited
This week I made a second version of the Starstruck Necklace, and added flowers instead of crystals. I started by creating my own mix of 8/o beads, to achieve a specific color effect. I made matching earrings too, and love how the look all came together.
I also designed a new bracelet using SuperDuos, crystals and 3mm bugles. A light and airy piece, it will be perfect for summer evenings!
Last week’s projects were such a hit, that I have adjusted my class schedule to add them in right away. If you are in CT, come join us for Beady Fun!
Bead Happy, Judi
Beading for Spring…
I have been working on 2 projects this week; one that is pure fun, and one that is pure Spring!
A fringed bracelet adds drama to any outfit; this one includes more than a dozen shades of gold, silver and copper, making it a great choice with any outfit.
My new Spring has Sprung bracelet brings together seed beads, pearls, Czech glass and netting to create a garden in bloom. Real life flowers aren’t far away; for now enjoy this.
Think sunshine and warmth!
Bead Happy, Judi
Starstruck Necklace
I’ll be teaching a new class beginning this week – the Starstruck Necklace, designed by Cathy Andrews. Here’s a picture of my version:
I will also offer 2 alternate classes; the easy memory wire cuff, or an old pattern, the Blossom Bracelet.
If you are in the area, come on in and take a class! I have fully restocked all colors of 3mm and 4mm crystal bicones, as well as lots of new colors in 2-hole bars. And have you seen the mobile Kumihimo – Czech Glass – Stamping center?
How is your creativity blooming today?
Bead Happy, Judi
Art Deco Earrings
Inspired by a pattern by Tracy Whitfield in the February 2020 issue of Bead & Button, I have been making triangles. I did make a pair of earrings, although I instead of 2-hole daggers, I finished them with some embellished pearls.
Then I made more triangles, embellished them with Czech glass rondelles, and strung them together to make a necklace. Triangles are SO versatile!
I also made a really fun memory wire bracelet, using long metal tubes, metal spacers and Czech glass. I used my tools to give the tubes a really fun enhanced effect.
Finally, I worked on a chain and leather bracelet, with Czech glass dangles.
Supplies for these projects and more are available in my shop; stop in and browse, and let me know if you have any questions!
Bead Happy, Judi