Shopping Season!

Just checking in to see if any of you were out and about on the busiest shopping day of the year.

I'm sitting here at home looking at beads, watching HBO movies and thinking about the craft I'm going to take to craft night tomorrow.

I wanted to share this little necklace project that I just finished. As always, my projects tend to be quick and easy.

I love using ribbon to finish off the neck when possible. It adds some decorative flair and also cuts down on extra time beading that part of the necklace. :)

All of the beads here are from the Cousin Corporation and all can be found at Meijer and probably JoAnn, etc. as well. There's a Meijer store not to far from me that has an ENTIRE aisle of nothing but Cousin beads. It makes me so happy to hang out there.

I enjoy looking at beads in online catalogs, but there's nothing like seeing them in real life, taking them off the hooks and putting them up next to others while designing on the spot.

That's my favorite way to figure out a design or get ideas for things to make.

By the way, if you don't have a Meijer or Walmart nearby and you tend to shop at JoAnn's or Michael's make sure you use your coupons!!

There are usually coupons in the mail or when you enter the store. If not, look them up online and print them before you go. For smart phone folks, make sure you either use their app or bring the coupons up while you are at the checkout!

Let me know what you're making this year for holiday gifts by posting a link in the comments of this post or sending me a picture via email. I'll use them all in a holiday jewelry making post in a couple weeks.

Happy Holidays, happy bead shopping and gift making too!! :)

Peace, Love & Bead Blogger Inspiration!

Just in case you're looking for beading inspiration, our friends have come through by sharing some of their latest activities.

Thank you bead bloggers!

Have you noticed that people everywhere have crossed over into holiday mode?

Crafting, shopping, cooking and more! There's definitely a vibe in the air!

For those of you traveling, be careful out there AND don't forget to share links to your holiday creations in the comments so we can all enjoy! :)

Shown here is one of my all time favorites that just materialized as I was creating in preparation for Thanksgiving a few years ago!

It still holds a special place in my heart for some reason. It's a cornucopia! :)

About.com Jewelry Making
Copper is the new silver....as in much more affordable and thus much more popular. Here are loads of jewelry tutorials that include copper.

Art Bead Scene
Check out Tari's super-cute festive ornament tutorial!

Beading Arts
Sometimes a project takes you two steps forward and one step back, but not to worry...!

Carmi's Art/World Life
While most people would turn gifted fabric into a quilt or clothing, Carmi felt it was best to showcase it in a bib necklace.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean reviews Cindy Wimmer's great wireworking book, The Missng Link -- it is wonderful!

Resin Crafts Blog
This week Carmi shares her newest bezels made from painted gilded samples from her journal.

Bead Stash Winner Announced!

Yay, the time has come to announce the winner of the pre-holiday bead stash giveaway!

First of all, thank you ALL so much for stopping by and checking in, it means so much to me!

As any blogger, beads or otherwise, knows, you can share info and you really never know who, if anyone, stops by.

So, THANK YOU!

And now, the winner of the bead stash giveaway is... Carolyn of Carolyn's Creations! Congratulations Carolyn!

I can't wait to hear back from Carolyn so I can get this package shipped out!

It seems like the perfect time to wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving and fabulous holiday season!!

Don't forget to let me know about all the sparkly creations you are all making for friends and family this holiday season! I'd love to share them here!