Category: news

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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!

Starry Night Bracelet

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

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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:

Starstruck Necklace

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

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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.

Art Deco Earrings
Art Deco Necklace

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

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Whirlwind 6 weeks!

WOW! The last 6 weeks has flown by! Although my shop was closed for 2 weeks, I had no down time. I took everything out and completely redecorated, from floor to ceiling. The new rug and light colors provide a lovely, light and airy backdrop for the hundreds of other colors displayed inside.

Craftgarden Beads, Simsbury CT
Craftgarden Beads, Simsbury CT

New classes are well underway, and new students have joined the Creative Beady Buddies group. I have had a marvelous (if too-short) visit with my super creative designer friend from Florida, celebrated my daughter’s birthday in NYC, and finally have begun to settle back down into a “normal” routine.

The class I am teaching now is a netted design; a 5 year old pattern. It’s a great refresher for some, and a great introduction for others, using virtually all seed beads. In a couple of weeks we will work on a slightly more advanced netted project with a staggered edge and spectacular crystal drops.

Elegant Choker

If you are in the area and would like to visit the shop, or are interested in a private class, be sure to let me know!

For now, Bead Happy, Judi

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Pretty Picots

Pretty Picots design by Nancy Peterson

I found this pattern in an old Beading magazine, and modified it slightly to make it my own. In this case, the center of each picot has been created with a 4mm Czech Glass fire polished bead, instead of a crystal. It changes both the shape and overall look of the project a bit, and I just love the interplay of color and texture.

This project will be the first one I will teach at Craftgarden Beads in 2020, as it provides a great opportunity to reinforce a favorite technique – RAW – right angle weave. Before January I will design some earrings that will work well with this project.

This week will be the last week of classes for 2019 – I have exciting plans for 2020 and will keep you in the loop.

For now, if you would like to shop for my work please visit:
Arts Unique
Avon Village, Route 44
41 East Main Street, Bldg #41, Avon CT
https://www.artsuniquectarts.com/