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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

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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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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

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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/

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Wrapping Up

For many friends, this is a busy time of year. I have limited the number of new classes I am teaching this month, in order to give my students an opportunity to work on gifts, and finish up a variety of projects from 2019.

However, we ARE having tremendous fun wrapping agate slices to create pendants and window hangings for beautiful, unique and easy gifts, sure to be enjoyed and treasured by any recipient.

New supplies continue to be added to the shop weekly – your favorites and special requests – Unicorne Beads, triangles, Goddess Bracelet supplies and more have all been restocked.

Stop on in Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday this week, or contact me directly to purchase a gift certificate – always in stock and available in any amount. Bead Happy, Judi