Enchanted Beads

The Showcase 500 Beaded Jewelry book

2012-02-07T18:10:00.000-08:00

I just received two emails from Lark Jewelry & Beading to let me know that my two brooches, "Mystic Flower" and "Mandala Effect" had been accepted into the Showcase 500 Beaded Jewelry book. I'm thrilled!!!

http://www.amazon.com/Showcase-500-Beaded-Jewelry-Contemporary/dp/1454703164/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328101161&sr=1-1

About the Author

Author and juror Ray Hemachandra is the team lead and business manager for Lark Jewelry & Beading. His previous books as author or senior editor include The Penland Book of Glass; Beading with World Beads; Masters: Beadweaving and other Masters Series books, including Masters: Gold, Masters: Blown Glass, Masters: Polymer Clay, Masters: Earthenware, and Masters: Art Quilts, Volumes 1 and 2; and numerous books in the 500 Series, including 500 Judaica, 500 Art Quilts, 500 Raku, 500 Vases, and three furniture books in the series devoted to chairs, tables, and cabinets. Originally from New York, he lives with his family in Asheville, North Carolina.

Details

Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Lark Crafts (August 7, 2012)
Language: English

November -December NEWSLETTER

2011-11-16T06:22:00.000-08:00

News from Enchanted Beads

I would like to offer to all my Newsletter recipients a Etsy Coupon, to use in any of my shops. You will get a 10% discount with any purchase between November 16 - December 20, 2011. Just write RETURNCUST2011 at Checkout (there is a case for coupons) and the discount will apply automatically.

* * *

It's been a while since I sent you my last Newsletter. I was busy making changes in my two Etsy Shops and designing new jewelry. I participated in the Etsy Beadweavers Challenges almost every month and the pieces I made are for sale in my Enchanted Beads shop:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/enchantedbeads?ref=si_shop

Here is one of them:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/77245031/beaded-beadwoven-mother-of-pearl-brooch

You can find many other pieces that are very appropriate for the Holidays, just type "holidays" or "Christmas" in the Search bar in order to find them.

* * *

My other shop, Enchanted Bitz,

www.enchantedbeas.etsy.com

carries whimsical jewelry with gemstones, crystals, pearls. Romantic, retro, nature inspired.

I am introducing to you a Vintage Section
http://www.etsy.com/shop/enchantedbeas?section_id=6173435

a Steampunk Section
http://www.etsy.com/shop/enchantedbeas?section_id=5591248

and some Destash Supplies.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/enchantedbeas?section_id=5591247

You can find all the categories (including Christmas, Holidays) in the Sections to the left of the page. To shop by color or by other criteria you can use the search bar at the top of the page.

Thank you for taking the time to read my NEWS. I appreciate your support!

Ileana

Find me on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002178892271#!/ileana.munteanu
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002178892271#!/pages/Enchanted-Beads/138237306212358

Follow me on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/enchantedbeads

Note

This Newsletter has been sent to you because you are a friend, a customer, or because you agreed to receive announcements from Enchanted Beads. If for any reason you would like to be removed from our mailing list please write UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line. Thank you!

Comments about Enchanted Beads

2011-05-31T13:10:00.000-07:00

http://www.etsy.com/shop/enchantedbeads?ref=si_shop
http://www.etsy.com/shop/enchantedbeas?ref=si_shop

My Facebook (Like)

My Facebook page (Ileana)

Recently I had the surprise to receive emails from people I have met on Etsy.

Thank you, Allie, Marilyn, Verna and Elizabeth! You are very generous!

"I just had to tell you how very talented you are! Your work is just STUNNING! I have never seen this kind of beadwork and I LOVE IT! Your designs are gorgeous and I think I "liked" more of your items than not! LOL I am just dazzled by your talent and I wanted you to know"!
Allie
"I have some of your jewelry from the Museum of Women in the Arts and the glass exhibit in NJ. One is a bird with feathers that I love! The other is a blue heart with pearls. It is so unusual and I always get positive comments about the pieces!"
Marilyn

"I just wanted to say how awestruck I am by your magnificent creations! The time involved in each piece is probably unbelievable. It is hard to realize that you have created some many beautiful projects and still have time to do anything else!
What a wonderful experience, just to browse through your gallery"!

Verna

This brooch is now owned by Elizabeth Shimizu

"I'm speechless!!! This is THE most gorgeous brooch I have ever seen. Incredible, intricate work!! Thank you so much!"

Elizabeth

My Secret Garden - Necklace featured in the Gallery of Designs at Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

2011-05-05T18:18:00.000-07:00

My Necklace has been featured in the Gallery of Designs at Fire Mountain Gems and Beads.

http://www.firemountaingems.com/galleryofdesigns/customersnapshots.asp
Item B42P:
http://www.firemountaingems.com/galleryofdesigns/snapshots_design_gallery.asp?docid=B42P&sact=search

The Necklace is in my Etsy shop, here:
My Secret Garden - Beadwoven Necklace with Picasso Face and Flowers
http://www.etsy.com/listing/50886657/my-secret-garden-beadwoven-necklace-with
Thank you for looking!

I am being featured

2011-04-18T11:47:00.000-07:00

My Blue Hat brooch is participating in the contest this week. You can vote for your favorite here:
http://madeformebyoaklie.com/greatfinds.html

The Poll is at the left side of the page, at the bottom.

Cave Painting Challenge in Jewelry Design

2011-04-02T06:55:00.000-07:00

Mona Hair, the Jewelry Connection Host, challenged artists to design jewelry inspired by cave painting. She made this fantastic video with the pieces created. My brooch (Third prize) is included.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/68674633/cave-painting-beadwoven-brooch-prize

Chris Maj is the First Prize winner.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/68907880/chumash-cuff-bracelet-cave-painting

"In January and February artists responded to an invitation to join a jewelry design challenge inspired by Cave Paintings! Prizes were awarded to first, second, and third place winners. Enjoy!" (Mona)

2011-03-26T20:12:00.001-07:00

March Newsletter

2011-03-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

News from Enchanted Beads

It's been a while - end of November- since I sent you my Newsletter. After a long and busy winter I would like to touch base with you and let you know what I have been up to.

You probably already know that I like to participate in Challenges. It makes me create a new piece, around a theme that was previously decided by a member of our Etsy Beadweavers Group. In February my entry was a necklace, "Royalty Throughout Time".

http://www.etsy.com/listing/66738934/royalty-throughout-time-necklace-with

I also created a ring and earrings with the same type of royal blue Swarovski Moonstone crystals I used in the necklace.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/66769130/royal-jewelry-filigree-ring-with
http://www.etsy.com/listing/66763378/royal-jewelry-earrings-with-swarovski

* * *

I am participating in the March Challenge, "Fashion through the Ages" with a piece (# 36) inspired by the Victorian era, "Romantic Vibes":

http://www.etsy.com/listing/69430959/romantic-vibes-victorian-brooch-with

You can still vote for your favorite here:
http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/

Another Contest

"My Secret Garden" necklace (from my Artfire Shop) was chosen to participate in the Great Finds contest:

You can still vote for your favorite here:
http://madeformebyoaklie.com/greatfinds.html

* * *

My Enchanted Beads shop will soon reach a milestone: 75 sales. I am offering a FREE gift, up to $20.00 value, to my 75-th customer.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/enchantedbeads?ref=si_shop

My other shop, Enchanted Bitz, carries whimsical jewelry with gemstones, crystals, pearls. Romantic, retro, nature inspired. I am also introducing a few vintage pieces, steampunk, and some destash supplies. You can find all the categories in the Sections to the left of the page. To shop by color or by other criteria you can use the search bar at the top of the page.

www.enchantedbeas.etsy.com

My Enchanted Bitz shop will soon reach a milestone as well: 200 sales. I am offering a FREE gift, anything in my shop up to $15.00 value, to my 200-th customer, provided you write "free gift" in the Note from Seller at checkout. The gift value has to be less than the purchased piece value. You should also email me trough Etsy messages in order to let me know about your choice.

Thank you for taking the time to read my NEWS. I appreciate your support!

You can find me on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002178892271#!/ileana.munteanu

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002178892271#!/pages/Enchanted-Beads/138237306212358

Follow me on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/enchantedbeads

Note

December Newsletter

2010-11-28T14:07:00.000-08:00

News from Enchanted Beads

It's been a while since I last sent out my Newsletter. After returning from my vacation to Europe I was busy re-organizing my Shops, especially the one on Artfire
http://www.artfire.com/users/enchantedbeads

Also, my 1000Markets shops was moved to Bonanza:
http://www.bonanza.com/booths/enchantedbeads

I participated in all Etsy Beadweavers Challenges and in May I was a winner with my Bee necklace: May Challenge Winner-Embedded Colors in the World of Insects

My two Etsy shops are still there and I would like to let you know that I am participating in the Cyber Monday event, so you can buy my pieces with some % off.

www.enchantedbeads.etsy.com
www.enchantedbeas.etsy.com

Enchanted Bitz carries whimsical jewelry with gemstones, crystals, pearls. Romantic, retro, nature inspired. I am also introducing a few vintage pieces, steampunk, and some destash supplies. You can find all the categories in the Sections to the left of the page. To shop by color or by other criteria you can use the search bar at the top of the page.

Enchanted Beads carries only beadwoven pieces: Victorian revival, romantic, retro, with gemstones, pearls, and tiny beads. You can find there some Holidays Treasures for yourself or to give it as a gift. Brooches:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/60782337/etsy-sale-holiday-treasures-christmas
http://www.etsy.com/listing/59540589/etsy-sale-star-pin-with-carved-flower

A ring:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/61218998/etsy-sale-holiday-treasures-series

If you live in New York or New Jersey area you can visit with me at the
15- th Annual Crafts at the Cathedral
CATHEDRAL OF ST. JOHN THE DIVINE Synod Hall, 1047 Amsterdam Ave. at 112th St. New York City, NY

You can download your discounted invitation here (if you did not get one from me yet) www.craftsatthecathedral.com

SEE YOU THERE!

You can find me on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ileana.munteanu and follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/enchantedbeads
Thank you for taking the time to read my NEWS. I appreciate your support! Wishing you a Happy Holiday Season!

Ileana/Enchanted Beads

www.enchantedbeads.etsy.com
www.enchantedbeas.etsy.com
http://www.artfire.com/users/enchantedbeads http://www.bonanza.com/booths/enchantedbeads

Note

GREAT FINDS

2010-10-16T06:57:00.000-07:00

I am participating in this great BLOG Event: Great Finds. Today I am sponsoring the event. I chose 18 artists and they are competing among themselves.

Check this wonderful event and vote for your favorite:
http://madeformebyoaklie.com/greatfinds.html

Watch the video on YouTube:

Legends of the Fall Great Finds

www.youtube.com

Visit my Crafty.ro Studio

2010-10-09T22:36:00.000-07:00

http://www.crafty.ro/enchantedbeads/

Featured Artfire Shop: Kim Brinsfield, VaBeachQuilter

2010-09-30T06:21:00.000-07:00

A while ago I discovered a great Artfire Guild, Shops With Less Than (10) Sales.

VaBeachQuilter is the guildmaster for this wonderful guild. She takes care of each member, by promoting their work and providing great advise.

I am amazed by Kim's variety of items in her shop, there is a large selection, something for everyone! There are many different categories in her shop. You can use her shop "search" bar if you look for some specific item.

Kim has very reasonable prices and FREE shipping on everything in her shop! So easy to buy there! Kim also takes custom orders. Just contact her if you have something in mind about a certain fabric or design. A layaway plan is available as well.

Follow Kim's blog, Facebook fan page, and on Twitter to be among the first to know about upcoming sales, promotions, and new listings.

New Collection

2010-08-20T19:42:00.001-07:00

August Color: Per...

Curated By: enchantedbeads

Fine Art Photography

Visit my Artfire Studio!

2010-08-20T19:22:00.000-07:00

http://www.artfire.com/users/enchantedbeads

Etsy Interview with Enchanted Beads

2010-08-06T18:31:00.000-07:00

I had a lucky day today. I found my work in several treasuries and I found out that my Interview was published here:

Etsy Interview with Enchanted Beads - Associated Content ...
A look inside a lovely Etsy shop full of lovely beadwork.
www.associatedcontent.com/.../etsy_interview_with_enchanted...

Your comments in the Associated...Blog would be greatly appreciated!

Interview with a Beadweaver: Mortira Natasha vanPelt

2010-07-03T13:38:00.000-07:00

Last year in June I started a series of Interviews with Etsy Beadweavers. The first interview was with Cindy Caraway (June 9).

http://enchantedbeads.blogspot.com/2009/06/cindy-caraway.html

I would like to continue this tradition in my Blog.

I asked Mortira Natasha vanPelt /Sagescupboard
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sagescupboard
to answer a few questions about herself and her work and here is the Interview.

Thank you, Mortira!

Where are you from? Tell us a bit about yourself.

I grew up on the Canadian prairies, and moved to the West Coast 15 years ago. It took about 12 years to realize that I really like it here, and stopped wondering when I would ever get back ‘home’. Vancouver Island has a really great art culture, and I’m inspired by all of the amazing natural beauty around me.

I share my creative space with my husband and our wonderful son. It’s so strange to imagine my life before he was a part of it. I can’t think of anything I’d rather be than his mom.

When and why did you begin designing jewelry? How were you first inspired to begin designing jewelry?

When I was growing up, I was exposed to a lot of different arts and crafts. My mother taught me how to do bead embroidery, and when she had moved on to other projects, I was lucky enough to inherit her entire stash of Czech seed beads. Ever since then I’ve had an off-and-on obsession with beads.

I didn’t discover off-loom beadwork until 2005. I had purchased a multi-strand necklace kit on clearance, just to get the beads out of it, and soon found myself wanting to turn my entire collection into necklaces. A few days later, I picked up a beading calendar, and started buying beading magazines. I was creating like crazy, and I’ve never looked back.

What materials and methods do you use?

I’m pretty picky about my materials and techniques. Apart from the occasional silver-lined seed bead, I never use metals, so I’ve never even tried stringing. I’ve been gemstone free for a few years now, and I’m very opposed to using threatened species like red coral in my work. I’m actually thinking of going completely vegan - as soon as I’ve used up all of my shell beads, of course.

My favorite techniques are those that use mostly seed beads, and are easy to adapt. I love right angle weave, and I’m always looking for ways to make spiral rope look beautiful. I never go very long without using herringbone weave - with all of it’s variations, it works with just about any type of jewelry you can think of.

Where do your design inspirations come from? What fuels your creative energy?

Like many beaders, I take a lot of inspiration from nature. I particularly like working with floral or aquatic themes. They translate so easily just by using certain colors or shapes. The most valuable inspiration tool I have is my blog. I would have run out of ideas long ago if I wasn’t always looking for ways to share inspiration with other designers.

What is your best working environment/where is your studio? While you are working, is there any type of music that inspires your creativity?

My creative space is a special little corner of our living room. I often dream of living in a big house with my own studio, but I’m not sure that I’d like it. I prefer to work where I can still be in the middle of everything, and interacting with my family. It also helps me stay organized, because I always have to make time to pack up projects and put materials away in my craft cupboard.

When it’s quiet, I love listening to audio books while I’m working. It’s ten times more entertaining than watching a movie, and I never have to look up from my work to see what’s going on. I like being able to catch up on my reading without sacrificing time with my family or my hobby.

How did you learn your skills? Is it from books or are you a self taught artist?

Just about everything I’ve learned about beadwork came from a book or a magazine. I have a pretty good collection of Bead & Button and Beadwork that I still go back to once in awhile for stitch help. I’m slowly working my way through all of the beading books at the library. Each one has something different to offer, even the ones for beginners. Right now I’m reading “Getting Started with Seed Beads” by Dustin Wedekind. It’s an excellent resource.

Great worldwide artists/mentors

I always appreciate thoughts and advice from other beaders like Beverly Ash Gilbert and Margie Deeb. Sometimes it’s just nice to know that there are other people out there who take beads as seriously as you do. Just visiting their blogs is a great way to find inspiration - all that color is contagious!

How many hours a day/a week are spent with your jewelry? With one piece?

I always spend at least one hour doing beadwork every afternoon. If I’m lucky, I’ll get an hour or two more in the evening. I’m still longing for the day when my son will sit at the table with some crayons and tell me about his day while I work. Right now he won’t color unless I draw the pictures for him!

My designs don’t usually take more than 10 days to complete. Although, the bigger the project is, the more effort I put in to finding time to bead.

Where can your products be seen?

I’m selling almost exclusively on Etsy right now. Most of my designs can also be seen on my blog, along with a lot of pieces that never make it into the shop.

http://www.inspirationalbeading.blogspot.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sagescupboard

Tell us a little about one of your favorite creations (picture, please).

One of my favorite pieces ever is my Tide Pool scarf lariat. I had this image in my head of a necklace captured straight from the beach. It’s one of the few designs that turned out exactly like I imagined it. It was also the start of my obsession with beaded starfish, which have brought me a lot of joy and helped my beadwork to stand out.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/30205948/tide-pool-netted-necklace-with-starfish

Anything else you wish to add?

I always like to encourage everyone to give beadweaving a try. Some people say “I don’t have the patience” or “I’m not creative enough”. The trouble is, we look at amazing, elaborate beadwork and get intimidated. We can’t all create like Laura McCabe overnight!

If you start small and work with materials that you love, you might discover what all beadweavers already know: There is nothing more relaxing than stitching together a beaded treasure.

Instead of April Newsletter

2010-05-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

After returning from my Vacation (in Europe) I was very busy catching up with everything. I did not sent out my April Newsletter.

Today, just a short Note to let you know about some good news:

1. I am participating in the May Etsy Beadweavers Challenge and I am in the lead!

The poll for Etsy Beadweavers May Challenge is still up, waiting for your vote.

My entry is a Necklace, # 19, "Bee my Honey"

Please take a look through all the beautiful entries and place a vote for your favorite.

http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/

* * *

2. My Friend Lea, a Lampwork artist and jewelry Designer published my Interview in her lovely Blog. Please take a look:

lajewelrydesigns: Tuesday's Treasures - Enchanted Beads

lajewelrydesigns - http://lajewelrydesign.blogspot.com/

Thank you,

ileana

My Vacation in Paris

2010-04-12T06:50:00.001-07:00

I am back from my vacation! It was fantastic! I would like to share a few details with you...

I left on March 25 for Paris. I flew with Continental Airline and arrived in Paris the next morning. I only slept 3 hours but I was not tired, the excitement took over...
My friend and her husband were waiting in the Charles de Gaulle Airport. Meeting them after so many years was charming! We drove to their house residing in one of the prettiest towns in the Paris suburbs, had lunch and left for the Salon des Vins for the wine tasting, this time by subway.

My friend is a wine "connoisseur". She enjoys tasting wine and finding the best varieties for her home. We went through the whole ritual of spitting after you rinse it in your mouth/palate. There is no shame in using the spit pitcher because you don't want to drink too much and you want to to be able to go to the next vendor and do the same. In between tasting I was able to visit an other section, one of my favorites, in order to buy the authentic "foie gras", the "oie" and the "canard" delicious liver.

The next day was dedicated to visiting some historic and romantic places in the "city of lights". I have been to Paris before, many, many years ago, with my husband, Aurel. We were able to stay longer at that time and visit all the important monuments, boulevards, museums, parks, buildings that any tourist would want to visit. This time I only had one day and I trusted my friend to take me in places that we would both enjoy.

And voila:

We first stopped at the

Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre (Paris Métro) - Wikipedia, the free ...
in order to visit L'Eglise Saint-Roch, famous for the tombs of important French personalities

Église Saint-Roch (Paris) - Wikipédia- [ Translate this page ]

Eglise Saint-Roch- Translate

We were mostly interested by the tomb of Pierre Corneille, the name of this 17-th Century playwright (Le Cid, Cinna, Polyeucte, Horace). It brought up many memories of our freshmen year at the University of Cluj, Romania.

For lunch my friend invited me at Cafe Verlet where we had a "tarte salée" and the best cup of coffee.

Rue Saint-Honoré - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

156 Rue St Honoré, 75001 Paris

Cafés Verlet Paris,Torréfacteur,Spécialiste des grands arabicas

- [ Translate this page ]

Café Verlet (1er), Paris | Ambrosia Quest

In the direction of Place de la Concorde,
Place de la Concorde, Paris

we made a stop at Jean-Paul Hévin, in order to buy some chocolat. I bought a box of chocolate macaroons for my grand-daughter and my friend ordered a cake for Easter.

We took the Metro at Tuileries and we stopped at Saint-Sulpice.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Metro_tuileries2.jpg

Jardin des Tuileries, Paris

Saint-Sulpice (Paris Métro) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

in order to visit rue Bonaparte. We visited boutique Ventilo, to admire some elegant Women Appareil, (my friend is their customer) et un other famous chocolatier, Pierre Hermé. We bought more macarons with different flavors (jasmin, caramel). We continued towards Rue de Rennes, to visit one of the exquisite Kenzo stores.

We took the bus to Panthéon in order to visit Rue Mouffetard, one of Paris's oldest and liveliest neighborhoods.

Panthéon, Paris - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

to be continued...

*******

FRENCH Version

Je suis de retour de mes vacances. Elles ont été formidables. Je voudrais partager quelques détails avec vous… Je suis partie le 25 mars pour Paris. J'ai volé avec la ligne aérienne "Continental" et je suis arrivée à Paris le lendemain matin. Je n' ai dormi que trois heures mais je n'étais pas fatiguée, l'émotion a succédé… Mon amie et son mari m'attendaient dans l'aéroport Charles de Gaulle. Les rencontrer après tant d'années fut tellement touchant! On est allé en voiture chez eux, à leur jolie maison, dans une petite ville près de Paris, où l'on a pris le déjeuner.

L'après - midi mon amie et moi nous sommes parties par le métro pour le Salon des Vins. Mon amie s'y connaît. Elle est toujours invitée et elle visite de fameux producteurs des diverses régions de la France. On lui présente des échantillons de vins et elle peut trouver ainsi les meilleures variétés pour sa maison. Nous avons suivi tout un rituel de dégustation accompagnée par le crachement, pour pouvoir aller de fournisseur en fournisseur et faire la même chose sans être en danger de trop boire. Dans le même endroit j'ai eu aussi l'occasion de visiter les producteurs de foie gras et j'ai acheté l'authentique, le délicieux, le fameux foie d'oie et de canard, spécifique à la France.

Le jour suivant a été consacré à visiter quelques endroits historiques et romantiques de la "ville des lumières". J'ai été à Paris auparavant, il y a de nombreuses années, avec mon mari, Aurel. Nous avons pu rester plus longtemps à ce moment-là et visiter tous les monuments importants, les musées, les bâtiments. On s'est promené alors le long des boulevards et dans les parcs, suivant un trajet touristique. Cette fois-ci j'ai seulement eu un jour pour visiter Paris et j'ai fait confiance à mon amie pour me conduire dans les endroits que nous apprécierions toutes les deux.

Nous avons de nouveau pris le Métro pour nous arrêter au Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre afin de visiter L' Eglise Saint-Roch, célèbre pour les tombeaux des personnalités françaises importantes. Nous avons été surtout intéressées par le tombeau de Pierre Corneille, ce dramaturge de XVII-ème siècle (Le Cid, Cinna, Polyeucte, Horace). Cette visite a évoqué beaucoup de souvenirs de notre première année comme étudiantes à l'université de Cluj, Roumanie.

Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre (Paris Métro) - Wikipedia, the free ...
Église Saint-Roch (Paris) - Wikipédia
Eglise Saint-Roch

Pour le déjeuner mon amie m'a invitée au café Verlet où nous avons eu une "tarte salée" et la meilleure tasse de café de Paris.

Rue Saint-Honoré - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia156 Rue St Honoré, 75001 Paris

Cafés Verlet Paris,Torréfacteur,Spécialiste des grands arabicas

à suivre...

My Vacation

2010-03-22T08:01:00.000-07:00

click to enlarge

I am going to Paris for 3 days. From there I am going to Romania (Cluj- in Transylvania) to spend Easter with my 88 old Mom and my sister.

I haven't had a real vacation in years and I hope I will enjoy this one. Paris is my dream city and it's been about 15 years since I last visited it.

Also I am happy to go back to the city where I studied, in Romania. It is a beautiful city with a medieval "aroma", with an old and prestigious University

and a gorgeous Opera House:

(photo credit: jeevanbalani and leggab , Flickr)

* * *

The Romanian Orthodox Cathedral in Cluj. Photo credit:

jeevanbalani (Flickr)

Last but not least I will spend an entire week with my Mom, this will make us both very happy.

March Newsletter

2010-03-12T15:10:00.000-08:00

Greetings from Enchanted Beads!

The present Newsletter will be a short one, since I am busy getting ready for my vacation (March 25-April 6). I am going to Paris for 3 days and then to Romania in order to spend Easter with my mother. My two Etsy Shops will stay open and all orders placed at that time will be processed on April 7 and 8 in the order they were received.

Today I would like to show you my new line of bridal jewelry. I made these pieces with the upcoming wedding season in mind and I hope a few others will follow.

The "Snow White is Getting Married" Necklace

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41691431

is participating in the ongoing Etsy Beadweavers Challenge, it is #7. You can visit the EBW Blog if you would like to vote for your favorite:

http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/

Here are the matching earrings:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42523184

I also made a ring but the Swarovski Rivoli stone is a little different.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40545134

There is also a brooch I would like to show you, a possible piece for bride's maids.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10449638

From my Enchanted Bitz Shop I would like to show you this necklace:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13398243

Thank you for taking the time to read my NEWS. I appreciate your support! Wishing you a Happy Easter/ Happy Passover/ HAPPY SPRING!

Ileana/Enchanted Beads

www.enchantedbeads.etsy.com

www.enchantedbeas.etsy.com

Note

Blog Award

2010-03-08T06:21:00.000-08:00

A blog award for Enchanted Beads

I was recently honored with a Sunshine Blog Award, from Mortira,
http://www.sagescupboard.etsy.com
http://inspirationalbeading.blogspot.com/2010/02/poster-sketch-power-of-sunshine.html

The Sunshine Blog Award is given out to bloggers whose positivity and creativity inspire others in the blog world. The rules for accepting the award are:

1. Put the logo on your blog or within your post.
2. Pass the award on to 12 bloggers.
3. Link to the nominees within your post.
4. Let them know they received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

I am honored to be listed as a favorite Blog!

I am nominating some of my favorite, who are working hard to create interesting and enjoyable articles in their Blogs:
(in alphabetical order)

http://ambrosianbeads.blogspot.com/
http://www.angelquecreation.blogspot.com/
www.artfullivingonthebluff.blogspot.com
http://cielodesign.blogspot.com
http://cigarboxbeads.blogspot.com/
http://theeclecticelement.blogspot.com/
http://goodquillhunting.wordpress.com/
http://goodrivergallery.blogspot.com/
http://hauteicebeadworks.blogspot.com/
http://kraftymax.blogspot.com/
http://www.mylovelybeads.com/home.php
http://roseworkstreasury.blogspot.com/

Magical Journey

2010-02-04T20:35:00.000-08:00

Magical Journey ll.

Remember my first Magical Journey Necklace? You can still view it at 1000Markets. But if you click the picture you will get a little Note next to it, Sold Out.

http://www.1000markets.com/users/enchantedbeads/collections/8460/products/47497
Well, at a special request I made a second Necklace. The colors may vary a little, since I did not have the exact same beads and maybe my inspiration was a little different. Usually my work is one of a kind and I don't duplicate. But this was an exception.

Description

This enchanting necklace is made from pieces of an old Asian vase broken by accident. I saved the pieces and after a while I tried to carve them in a way that would still show the beautiful hand painted colors. I imagined a magical journey in time and space in ancient Asia.

Every piece (40 mm x 30 mm; 35 mm x 22 mm; 30 mm x 22 mm) was carefully sanded in order to smooth the edges and then the beading process started. I used modified peyote and bead lace to form a beautiful golden bezel around each piece. The size 15 seed beads are from Japanese Miyuki. I completed the necklace with genuine off white large pearls, connected with green jade leaves and beads and glass dark gold beads. A pretty filigree gold filled clasp finishes the 19" necklace. The necklace can be also worn asymmetrically.

It a conversation piece . You can wear it on an evening out, it will get many compliments. It is perfect for giving as a gift.

February Newsletter

2010-02-03T09:02:00.000-08:00

January went by so fast, despite the cold days . The windy weather kept me mostly inside, therefor I had more time to spend with my new designs, getting ready for Valentine's Day. In January I was featured in a Blog and I am so pleased, I want to share it with you:

http://theeclecticelement.blogspot.com/2010/01/beadwoven-dream-enchanted-beads.html

VALENTINE'S DAY has a lot of charm for all ages. It is an "official" day to express our love not only for our soul mate, but also for our parents, grand parents, siblings, children, grand children...We don't have to be IN LOVE in order to spread love around us, our friends, our family should be included...

I am having the best of time designing and beading "valentines". Here are some examples of pieces you can find in my Etsy Shops:

1. Hand-beaded earrings (approx. 15 mm), around a Swarowski rhinestone, They are finished with brass flower petals. On gold plated leverbacks.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39233296

2. Fun little heart brooch (1.2" x 1.2"). Faceted German glass cabochon, layered on a red vintage button. Beadwoven with size 15 Japanese Miyuki seed beads.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38808545

3. Carnelian heart layered with a Swarovski rondelle, topped with a faux pearl. Gold plated foxtail chain

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39589423

4. Bright red rhinestone heart, adjustable filigree ring, can be worn comfortably from size 7 to 9.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32797959

5. Natural Domé mother of pearl, carved in a heart shape, embellished with several small genuine pearls and with a beaded flower.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9790151

6. Unusual and pretty pendant, featuring a antique bronze leaf, vintage mother of pearl heart, beadwoven flower, amethyst cabochon. It comes with a 20" closed link brass chain.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28899635

There is a special SECTION for VALENTINE'S DAY in each of my Shops:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/enchantedbeads
http://www.etsy.com/shop/enchantedbeas

February is also the month for amethyst. You can find a few pieces with amethyst stones or purple color in my Shops:

or you can simply type February Birthstone in my Shop Search at the Top of the page
http://www.etsy.com/shop/enchantedbeads
http://www.etsy.com/shop/enchantedbeas

* * *

I would also like to let you know a little about the Etsy Beadweavers February Challenge. Challenges are very important for EBW and this time we had two months instead of one to finish our project. As I already announced it in my January Newsletter, I finished my entry early.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37682124

You should see the other entries, they are beautiful! You will be able to see them and even vote for your favorite, between February 9-15, in the EBW Blog:

http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com

* * *

My Newsletter readers will get 10% off any item in my shops, just write NEWSLETTER DISCOUNT in the Note to Seller at check out. Or email me for a revised Invoice. More discounts will apply if you buy more than one item, just let me know.

Wishing you a great February and a Happy Valentine's Day!

Ileana /Enchanted Beads

www.enchantedbeads.etsy.com
www.enchantedbeas.etsy.com
http://www.artfire.com/users/enchantedbeads
http://www.1000markets.com/shops/enchantedbeads

Note

Jewels of Love - A collaborative of Artists for Valentine's Day

2010-01-25T09:31:00.000-08:00

I have been featured!

Multiple artists have collaborated to create a vignette of designs devoted to the day of Love! Each artist has a place card with website, name, city, state or country. Please feel free to visit these websites for the profiles of these artists and more!
The Jewelry connection presented these artists for a jewelry show in the broadcast room on January 24th
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzroNKCqU0A

The Video was made by Mona Hair, host of "The-Jewelry-Connection"live Show
Channel: The-Jewelry-Connection on LiveVideo.com

I curated a LOVE Treasury

2010-01-24T19:48:00.000-08:00

January Newsletter

2010-01-12T14:12:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year from Enchanted Beads!

I hope you had a good Holiday Season and 2010 found you happy and in good health.

I had a busy month, December was great, business standpoint. It was a good year as well. Many of you shopped with me, thank you for making 2009 the best sales year for Enchanted Beads.

I spent some time designing and beading as well and I came up with a few new pieces.

This is "Winter Olympics" Brooch. It is participating in the Beadweavers Emporium Challenge at 1000Markets. It is our first challenge of 2010 and we really have some beautiful entries. If you would like to vote for your favorite the poll is only one click away:
http://www.thebeadweavingemporium.blogspot.com/

You can read the description of this brooch here:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37376062
* * * * *
The second Brooch I finished is "Sea World - Mother of Pearl Brooch with Pearls, Fish and Starfish":

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37682124

It is going to participate in the Etsy Beadweavers February Challenge, information will follow in the next Newsletter.

January is the garnet gemstones month. Here are some pieces from my shop, finished with genuine garnet beads:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20162990

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19220824

and a garnet color bracelet:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11855376

The month of February is the month for amethyst. I managed to finish a new amethyst necklace:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37810832

More to come in my February Newsletter. You will also get some Valentine's Day news. Until then you can browse my shops for the early Valentine's pieces:

www.enchantedbeads.etsy.com
www.enchantedbeas.etsy.com

My Newsletter readers will get 10% off any item in my shops, just write "NEWSLETTER DISCOUNT" in the Note to Seller at checkout. You will be reimbursed through Paypal.

Wishing you everything wonderful-

Ileana /Enchanted Beads

Note

BEM Challenge - Winter Splendor

2010-01-09T10:21:00.000-08:00

From the BEM Blog:

Winter Splendor is our first challenge of 2010 and we really have some beautiful entries. When Roxan chose this challenge theme this is what she had to say.

"How about WINTER SPLENDOR? While I don’t like the cold, I love the sight of snow and the beauty of its array of color in a blanket of white. To see the many different hues of color that happens as the sun reflects off a new fallen snow has always inspired me and I hope it inspires you to make something wonderful."

Please take a look through these beautiful entries and place a vote for your favorite between January 9th and 15th.

http://www.thebeadweavingemporium.blogspot.com/

The Beadweaving Emporium would like to thank the following participants. We know it's a busy time of year, and yet you still found the time to give us another gorgeous piece of your work.

Our pieces and participants are as follows:

1. Snowflake Winter Wonderland - by Tania of Slave to Beads
2. White Splendor Piece - by Dini of Beadazzled Of Oregon
3. Winter Olympic Brooch - by Ileana of Enchanted Beads
4. Lavender Lace Bracelet - by Nan of Nansglam

Happy voting!!

My Latest Treasuries

2009-12-24T18:44:00.000-08:00

Sunday, Ian. 10, 2010

I curated a new "COLORS" treasury

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(HEARTOMATIC)

Sunday, Dec. 27

I had a Front Page appearance, thanks to elineof Treasury. Thank you, elineof! Please visit her Shop, you will find many treasures!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/elineof

Tuesday, Dec. 22

This is my first "COLORS" Treasury:

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-14T18:48:00.001-08:00

December Newsletter

2009-12-08T09:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays from Enchanted Beads

I hope this Holiday Season finds you well! As mother nature prepares herself to wear the beautiful white gown, may you be thrilled when you first see it, if it happens in your corner of the world. Here in NYC. the temperatures started to drop, so we might have an early snow this year. White season or not, Verrazano Bridge, which I can see from the window of my little studio, looks always majestic. I am hoping for a white Christmas though, it would help everybody to get in the mood for giving!

I would like to suggest you a few ideas for gift giving. You are already familiar with my beadwork jewelry... here are some newer pieces that maybe you have not seen before and that would make perfect presents for yourself or your loved ones. You will get 10% off for the first 2 pieces and 20% off if you purchase 3 or more pieces.

Please write NEWSLETTER in the Note to Seller and I will reimburse you through Paypal.

You can find detailed description of these bracelets in the Bracelet Section of my Etsy Shops:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/enchantedbeads?section_id=5304729

http://www.etsy.com/shop/enchantedbeas?section_id=5485718

My customers like my earrings. I have a whole variety of ear clips and also earrings for pierced ears . Just a few examples:

Please take a look in the Earring Sections:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/enchantedbeads?section_id=5299666

http://www.etsy.com/shop/enchantedbeads?section_id=5100602

http://www.etsy.com/shop/enchantedbeas?section_id=5485720

And last but not least here are my brooches:

Brooch sections:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/enchantedbeads?section_id=5100603

Thank you for your support throughout the years ! I am grateful to have Friends, Customers and Fans like you! May you have Health and Happiness in your life, a Great Holiday Season and a Wonderful New Year!

Ileana/Enchanted Beads

www.enchantedbeads.etsy.com
www.enchantedbeas.etsy.com

RED, WHITE and BEADWEAVING SALE-E-BRATION!

2009-07-01T07:16:00.000-07:00

It’s a Sale-e-bration!!

The first week of July has been a time of great celebration for over 200 years for the United States. As we celebrate our 233rd year of independence, several shops within the Beadweaving Emporium Market (BEM) would like you to join us during our Red, White, and Beadweaving Sale-e-bration!! Many people believe buying handmade items is a great way you can show your love and support to your country and its people. What a great way to take the handmade pledge, get a one-of-a-kind piece of Beadwoven Art, and receive a discount!

Below is your own invitation to join us at BEM anytime the first week of July in our own Independence Celebration. Use the scissors to cut out this reminder ~ Shop right here at home!

RED, WHITE and BEADWEAVING SALE-e-BRATION!

DATES: July 1 through July 8th, 2009

WHERE: http://www.1000markets.com/groups/bem

WHAT: unique and creative beadwoven art

HINT: shop early for the holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and more!

Be sure to check out each and every designated shop for outstanding handmade items and generous sale prices! Look for the SALE-e-BRATION badge in the participating shops for their SALE ITEMS.

Participating beadweaving shops will be:

1. Amanda.....ConlinsCreations

2. Ana.....Nossubgallery

3. Cheryl.....Littlestonedesign

4. Dini.....BeadazzledofOregon

5. Hannah.....HannahRachel

6. Ileana.....EnchantedBeads

7. Linda.....Beadsforever

8. Marilyn.....CigarBoxBeads

9. Patricia.....PVener

10. Rachele.....RachelesOriginals

11. Tania.....MyTreasures

Beadweavers Emporium SALE-e-BRATION

2009-06-12T20:08:00.000-07:00

by Beadazzled of Oregon

A 4th Firecracker SALE!

BLOG ANNOUNCEMENT:

Many of the shops that are members of The Beadweaving Emporium (BEM) market at 1000 Markets have teamed together and are planning a fantastic 4th of July SHOPPER-TUNITY SALE in their shops. Items on sale will be designated by their SALE-A-BRATION badge; some shops will have selected items and others may have every item in their shop on sale.

Below is your own invitation to join us at BEM anytime the first week of July in our own Independence Celebration. Use the scissors to cut out this reminder ~ Shop right here at home!

RED, WHITE and BEADWEAVING SALE-e-BRATION!

DATES: July 1 through July 8th, 2009

WHERE: http://www.1000markets.com/groups/bem

WHAT: unique and creative beadwoven art

HINT: shop early for the holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and more!

Cindy Caraway

2009-06-09T10:59:00.000-07:00

Beadwork by Cindy Caraway

Cindy Caraway
Wearable Art and Beaded Adornment

Cindy Caraway is a fellow beadweaver and owner of an Etsy shop
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5734666

I visited her website and this is what I found out:

News from The Albuquerque Fiber Arts Fiesta 2009!
I received my jewelry back from Albuquerque and was very excited when I opened the box! I found several ribbons, a check and a Rio Grande gift certificate. It seems "Amber Bear Cuff" and "Tea Rose Garden Party" both placed 1st in their division AND "Tea Rose" won Best In Show for beadwork - WOO HOO! I took this photo right after unpacking the box.

I decided to ask Cindy to tell us more about her art in order to know her better.

"I started making jewelry back in the late 80's - so around 20 years. (Has it really been that long??)I had taken a teaching job in Arizona and was interested in finding a new hobby. During a trip to the library, I came upon a book about making black wire jewelry. I really enjoyed it and started making necklaces, pendants and bracelets and sold several in a local record store. A friend suggested I add beads for interest and that was the beginning of the end! I got more interested in the beads and ultimately dropped the wire altogether. The beads just kept getting smaller and smaller and my love of beadweaving was born.

Believe it or not, the first time I wrapped peyote stitch around a cabochon, I thought I had invented it! What a rude awakening when I realized that the Native Americans (among others) had been doing it for centuries! Once I realized there was a world of beadweaving out there, I started looking for books and such. I am not good at diagrams so it's a miracle I ever learned any of the skills I do have. I would say that Carol Wilcox Wells' book "Creative Bead Weaving" was a true epiphany about the artistic possibilities of beadwork.

I have to say that I can find inspiration just about everywhere. Songs, poetry, movies, nature, architecture, abstract artwork. I am incredibly inspired by other artists - particularly those whose mediums are mixed media, collage or assemblage. These are art forms I have only dabbled in and left behind but LOVE to look at. Another thing that helps my creativity is TIME which I seem to have none of lately. My ideas have to simmer for a while before I start picking through my stash and putting together a soup of sorts.

The one thing I would like to spend all of my time doing is the one thing that I have a hard time finding the time to do! It's hard to for me to be creative on the clock. Being a singer, I can't listen to songs with words while I work because my thoughts are always on the lyrics. I love classical music - especially Mozart and Bach. I find it energizing but not too frantic. I also enjoy listening to Windham Hill artists - my favorite is Liz Story.

I love fishing! It fuels my creativity! We live on the Mississippi River and have a small fishing boat. I love to be out on the river fishing! Just having the time to sit still and breath the fresh air really does the soul good. And having a nice fresh fish dinner isn't so bad either :)

I enjoy making large pieces and, while I have never kept track of the hours spent on a particular piece, I know they take tens of hours to complete. I try to budget 2 hours a day for beadwork but, like I said before, I don't work well "on the clock". When I really get going on a piece, though, I can spend the whole day completely lost in it. Some of my favorite pieces belong to my mother and I don't even have photos of them in my portfolio! (Hmm... I should do that.) I really love "Canyonlands". It was the first piece that really garnered any attention or awards so it holds a special place in my heart.

Mentors? Not really. I am a bead weaver stuck in a stringin' town!! We don't even have a bead shop! My favorite artists are an eclectic group. It includes Frank Gehry (architect), Frank Lloyd Wright (architect) and Chuck Jones (cartoonist/director). The list of bead artists I admire is endless and getting longer all the time. There are too many names to mention!!"

Thank you Cindy for sharing your passion for creating beautiful things with us!

The Jewelry Connection

2009-05-13T18:33:00.000-07:00

Meet Guest Artist Ileana Munteanu Live May 17th

More than a year ago The Jewelry Connection radio talk show started up it's first episode of it's program, with the idea that many might like to meet and get to know independent artists of wearable art. Those artists, without this venue, might never be found by large numbers of seekers of inspired wearable art! Sixteen months later, we are revisiting the very first artist who appeared "Live" on the show! Ileana Munteanu of Brooklyn, NY. Ileana is a very fine artist who creates one of a kind wearable art in gemstones, glass, pearls, leather, and very finely beaded hand work that is sold in her online boutique as well as a gallery in New York and two galleries in Chicago. I'm looking forward to sharing Ileana's interview with you "LIVE" where/when we will have an opportunity to see what magic her muse has wrought in the past year! New pictures, new work, new information, and a terrific sharing experience is to be had by all.
Dr. Gail Devoid (co-host) and I, will be sharing Ileana's Live interview in the broadcast room of the new site of The Jewelry Connection
Show Time: 12pm PST, 2pm CST, or 3pm EST in the USA
Show Time: in Europe - 9pm for most and 8pm in the UK
Just click on the link for The Jewelry Connection found below, to be transported directly to the broadcast room.
To participate in the discussion portion of the interview you can either call in with Skype with my id: mona77401 or you can sign up at the new site with a user id and enjoy live texting, webcam access, and mic!
Home page for the new site is www.livevideo.com where you can create a membership!
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Best to All!
Mona

Mona Hair
Producer and Host of The Jewelry Connection - An online radio talk show for and about independent jewelry artisans!
Home Page: http://www.livevideo.com/user/home.aspx
The Jewelry Connection Broadcast Room: http://www.livevideo.com/liveshow/The-Jewelry-Connection
Show Time: Sunday Afternoons at 12pm PST, 2pm CST, or 3pm EST in the US
For European Visitors: show time is 9pm except in the UK - 8pm

Beadweaving Emporium.

2009-05-07T14:58:00.001-07:00

Beadweaving Emporium.

I am thrilled and honored to be a part of the Beadweaving Emporium at 1000Markets.

I AM: I'm a self-taught southern gal with a needle, a pair of pliers and an intense love for art, beads and jewelry. I'm also well on my way to being an odd spinster cat lady.
LOCATION: Just outside of Savannah, GA
PASTIMES: Beading of course, reading, and too much time on the internet
BELIEFS: This is only the beginning.

MEMBER'S SHOPS CORNER

Featured Members

LOUISA MEECE

Beaded Extravagance Cincinnati, Ohio, United States

I am an award winning Bead Artist who has finally decided to come out of my shell and share my creations with everyone. I have won Second Place in the World of Beads Halloween Mask Contest in 2000 and First Place in the Cabochon Category of the 2008 FireMountain Gems Annual Beading Contest.

I’ve been beading for most of my life; my first beading memories are of sitting on my Aunt Mary's kitchen floor with a shoebox full of colorful, glittery beads, a sewing needle and thread making colorful necklaces for my dolls and anyone who wanted one of my creations. This year, after entering a local art show and successfully selling over half of my inventory, the next logical step was for me to set up a site where I could share my creations with the rest of the world.

I am the wife of a very patient husband and the mother of a beautiful daughter who is my biggest fan. These are my creations, they are one-of-a-kind and they come from my heart and soul. Louisa

* * *

AMANDA CONLIN

AMANDA CONLIN Conlins Creations Akron, NY

I am a wife of 5 yrs to a very supportive and understanding husband (sometimes beads get in the way and the house doesn’t always stay at the top of my priority list ) J and a mother to 3 beautiful little girls… Lily-5, Isable-4, and Chloe-2 ½.

According to a little book given to my by my mother from when I was in 2nd grade I have been beading since I was 8-9, and my life long dream at that point was to make and sell jewelry. But realistically I have been beading for about 4 ½ years, and weaving for about 2. I started stringing during my 2nd pregnancy when I was put on complete bed rest, needed something to fill my very LONG days… after Isabel was born, I started doing home parties, just to make some more “bead money”… soon I started picking up magazines and weaving caught my eye, I have not looked back since. I am 100% self-taught (books, magazines and internet) My first piece was a giant cellini bracelet ( I get a little ambitious)!

I started with peyote stitch, and over time have added a few new stitches. Right now I am on a major herringbone jaunt, but always end up back to tubular peyote… so right now on my beading board is a turquoise and brown BIG cellini spiral… not sure if it will turn into a necklace or a bracelet… guess it depends on how long the beads, and my patience hold out!

As of right now, I am not a “published” or “award winning” bead weaver, but hope to get there some day… having 3 little girls, kinda limits my time.

CONLINS CREATIONS: http://www.1000markets.com/users/conlinscreations

* * *

LINDA ROBERTS

Linda Roberts, BeadsForever, Jacumba CA (about 65 miles east of San Diego) in the high desert

I am passionate about beadweaving. It brings me such joy and I hope that spills over into your life! I love to design and create with beads, but I also love to incorporate other mediums such as polymer clay, cabachons, precious metal clay and wirework.

I'm originally from South Dakota (Black Hills area). I learned to sew and crochet from my Mom and Grandma as a small child and still love the feel of the needle and thread in my hands. Discovering beadweaving about 9 or 10 years ago has brought me so much joy. Each time I find a new craft to try, I usually move on to try something new. But with beadweaving, there are so many different stitches and new things to learn, I haven't ever been bored, so I think I will stick with it until my eyes can't see the holes in the beads anymore.

BeadsForever

BEM CORNER: Karen Gill

by Beadazzled of Oregon

I’ve been married for 23 years to my lovely husband, Bob. I am mom to two adult children, Eric and Kristen. Grandma, or actually “KK”, to 5 grandchildren-3 girls, and 2 boys, ranging in age from 18 to 8. Bob and I have a dog-Jack, a cat-Charlie, a parrotlet-Bluebelle, (all very original names, of course!) and two tiny finches who remain unnamed at this time.

At 57 years old, I am a Texan, through and through, and having lived in Key Largo, Florida for the last 2 years, I love Texas more than ever before. We have 1 more year (truly, 11 months!) and then my husband’s job will be over and we will return to our home in the country. Even my yankee husband looks forward to it!

I began making jewelry about 3 1/2 or 4 years ago, during a time when my mother was declining in health, and it became an escape for me. Then, it became an obsession for the beads themselves! The textures, the coolness, and the complexities of various stones, shells, and wood…keeps me ooohing and ahhhing over them! The rich and bright colors are so delicious! Then, weaving tiny beads together into a pattern or picture, fascinating. I have always been easily entertained! Yet my attention span is not especially long, so I love to make the simpler pieces. I always enjoy seeing what other people are inspired to do with their gift. Sometimes I think my enthusiasm for it is coming to an end…then I visit my beads!

Presently, I am at home in Texas, busily working on my home, spending time with loved ones, so I’m afraid beading is not number one…….but soon….!

BEM CORNER: What's on My Beading Board?

by thebeadedlily

From the Board of Rachele Dagley:

Here are a couple of pictures that I took this morning for the bead board blog. I’m not sure when I’m going to be able to get back to them, and really I don’t have tons left to do on either of them, so hopefully It’ll be soon!

BEM CORNER: Rachele Dagley

by thebeadedlily

Rachele Dagley; Proprietor Rachele's Originals

"I've been with my husband Jim for 19 years, however married for 15 of them. I have two great kids, Tyler (14) and Bailey (10) who I am so proud of. I was born in 1971 in Hillsdale, Michigan. I had very little creative influences in my life, if any. My sister, Carla, is such a natural artist, she is a singer, song writer, and she can draw like nobody's business, so I honestly thought she got all of the creativity in our family....I mean for goodness sakes she is a Libra, and I'm a Capricorn....lol.

All that changed not quite 5 years ago. I had several friends that had been beaders, and although I loved their jewelry, I never even thought about making it myself. My best friend at the time, had just taken a class on how to bead string and how to wire wrap earrings, and she showed me how to do both. She then took me into the bead store where she had learned these new techniques.

Oh My Goodness....I am a huge believer in being in the right place at the right time. I do not believe in coincidences. I believe everything happens for a reason and I was not ready until that very day, to start this new chapter in my life. I cannot easily explain to you what happened to me. This was for me not just like someone picking up a new hobby, it was like my spirit had been awoken. I mean serious Deja Vu, and instant inspiration, like nothing I had ever experienced before in my life.

At this point.... .beading, beadweaving, beading around cabochons, wire wrapping, all of these things brings my soul such peace, that everything in my life since has been affected in a positive and loving way, and now it's brought me to all of you. I feel honored and grateful for being given the ability to create, and ready to be guided to where ever that leads me."

"What's On My Beading Board?"

by Beadazzled of Oregon

This Blooming Blossoms choker just left my beading table and was purchased by a beautiful woman in Texas --what I really have on my table are the beginnings of small blue flower earrings to match the choker --no picture yet, but picture in your mind--tiny flowers like the dark blue flower on the longer end of the choker---fun in # 15 seedbeads! ;>) Wish me luck!

Marilyn Goodman http://www.Cigarboxbeads.1000markets.com

BEM CORNER: Marilyn Goodman

by Beadazzled of Oregon

I'm Cigarboxbeads--Marilyn Goodman - a wife, mother, grandmother, retired Home Ec. Teacher and now- caregiver. I've always enjoyed crafting and was taught to do many needlecrafts by my great aunt- who taught me to crochet and tat. My other favorite things to do- beading, beadweaving, sewing, knitting , collecting, etc.---I learned on my own. I've been beading and beadweaving since the early 90s--when we got our first computer and I became 'addicted' to the AOL Bead Boards!

My name- Cigarboxbeads- comes from the fact that my first beads were purchased in several vintage cigarboxes, at a flea market---I still have many of those beads, still in the cigarboxes- mostly seedbeads--and teeny tiny ones at that.

My first beadweaving was following the patterns from a great beadweaver- Suzanne Cooper--I followed her on the bead boards and bought her first Amulet books and here I am today---totally addicted to beadweaving--and it's all Suzy Cooper's fault!

I've progressed from trying those first amulet bags in peyote, to any other stitches that I can basically figure out on my own---I'm not too great on following instructions- I usually go off on my own---which can be a good thing - and sometimes, not so good! ;>)

I watch my twin granddaughters a few times a week, and one of them 'needles' with me--that's her term- and it seems to fit! I'm going to become a grama again, in September- our other daughter is having a little girl- so it will be crafting and 'needleing' time around here for another generation.

Right now, I seem to be in a beading slump, with lots of ideas but not much started on my beading board --I'm knitting baby afghans again, right now!

http://www.1000markets.com/users/cigarboxbeads

BEM CORNER: What's on My Beading Board?

by thebeadedlily

"from Beadazzaled in Oregon's "ZOO COLLECTION" I've been working on this old fella for a little while now. The wonderful lion head comes from Amee of "Amee Runs With Scissors". (www.ameerunswithscissors.com) Leo has been on my beadboard recently - I worked on him while my arm and hand was still in a cast (after 4 reconstruciton surgeries) and when the cast came off and the pins out, I worked on it with a traction hand brace. He helped me keep my sanity through my rehabilitation! We've become good friends ~ this guy will live in my private collection. But, I do have 2 more unspoken for lions (green and coral) and they are asking for a good home; I will make them up as custom orders in your special colors and length."

Artbeads.com also put him in their blog: http://blog.artbeads.com/

BEM CORNER: Dini Alves

by thebeadedlily

Dini Alves, Proprietor Beadazzled of Oregon, Grants Pass, Oregon

"Born in the country outside of Cleveland, OH and moved to the west coast in 1952. Mother to 3, blended family of 6, 15 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Long Christmas list!"

"Spent many years as a publisher and caregiver for my mother who had MS and lived with us. We were the typical "sandwich generation": raising 6 kids, working and caregiving for Gramma. Hubby and I retired from northern CA to outside of Grants Pass OR in 1996. We now live in the wonderful quiet of the forest with our 2 dogs and a pond full of mallards, a great place to create! We spend a good deal of time traveling all over the country, Canada and Mexico. Other than family, other hobbies include gardening and cooking explorations."

"My mini claim to fame: is that when I turned 65, I set off to realize a personal dream I had had for the last 50 years. I packed up my Jeep, a little refrigerator in the back, a map and my beads and drove out the driveway alone. 3 months later I returned after traveling way over 13,000 miles on the backroads of our country. It was a life-experience I will never, ever forget."

"My mother was an occasional artist; a painter. So I grew up surrounded by paint brushes and tubes of paints. But my own path took another avenue. I have always loved fibers - spent many years as a free-from weaver, then moved on to quilting and art quilting. Dabbled in many other mediums but always came back to yarns and materials and beads."

"So I am primarily an Oregon-based bead artist; a multi-media artist who brings color, texture and originality to each individual creation. Working often with unique embellishments, I consider my work new and constantly evolving. The pieces are truly collectible objects d'art for the discerning jewelry connoisseur. I continue to expand my ability for expression through many medias, using them in harmony with each other. Truthfully, I enjoy any art that pushes the envelope ~ I endeavor to follow that path with my own work. Always looking for that next challenge, I continually ask myself "...what if?"...what if I just added a piece of copper? What if I used a contrasting color? I love walking on the cusp of a new explorations! Each unique creation is a one-of-a kind, wearable piece of artwork and is a product of my own passions. Beads have a spirit all their own ~ they tell me where they want to go."

"WHAT'S ON MY BEADING BOARD?"

by Beadazzled of Oregon

"This is kind of long term project-- it's for the BEM New Horizons Challenge. A new horizon for me because it's my first freeform art object-- meaning it's not wearable which everything I bead is! And long term because I still have a month and a half to finish so I'm working on it between other projects."

"...The hardest part is that that the skull is so tiny. There's really not enough room to maneuver and stitch in some of the tiny crevices. I'm going about it in a very organic fashion-- just using whatever I please for each stitch."

"I can't wait to see it finished of course!"

"And I don't know when it will ever leave me. I do intend to put it up for sale, but the price will be prohibitive for anyone but a collector, a truly obsessed bead, bone or dinosaur enthusiast or someone with bucks to burn."

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BEM CORNER: Sarah Kelley

by Beadazzled of Oregon

Sarah Kelley; Proprietor The Beadedlily Savannah, GA

"I believe that uniformity and conformity are overrated, that less is less, in the value of the unique, individual, ornamental and simple, and in the humanity of art. I'm a self-taught southern gal with a needle, a pair of pliers and an intense love for art, beads, and jewelry. I love to work with different materials, learn new techniques, and give free reign to my imagination."

"I'm 30 and I have cats. I came to beads by way lots of crafty pursuits. It was therapy for me during a rough spot and, since I found beads I've pretty much stuck to jewelry and the occasional keyring. A love of beads became a love if jewelry became a love of wearable art. And for the longest time I was completely and totally uninterested in seed beads and beadweaving."

"Then a couple of years ago I saw an exhibit at a museum focusing on paintings done with seedbeads. My first impulse was to translate that into something wearable. And I did."

"Now things come full circle and my attention turns once again to art that is not meant to be worn. I won't give up on the wearable of course. I like to show off the art I make and collect and wearing it is an easy way to do that."

"What's On My Beading Board?" interview starts Wednesday, May 13th right here!

Bead artists have the heart to take on breast cancer

2009-05-06T19:03:00.000-07:00

A while ago I blogged about my contribution to Jeanette Shanigan's project "Bead It Forward". Here is the whole story:

Last year Susan Clinkscales read about the Bead and Button show and their auction to help fight breast cancer and came across Jeanette Shanigan's website and her beaded quilts. Jeanette asks beaders around the world to donate individual beaded squares based on a theme. She then sews the squares together to make gorgeous quilts, mounts them in shadow boxes and donates them to be auctioned at the Bead & Button show. In 2008, these quilts raised nearly $4,400 for breast cancer research.

Being a member of the Etsy BeadWeaver's team (EBW ), Susan knew there was a lot of talent in the EBW group so she asked the members if they would like to make squares to be included in Jeanette's quilts. Susan collected all of the squares and submitted them at one time in hopes that they would all be included in one quilt. Fifteen EBW members stepped up and created 35 squares to be included in a 2009 quilt. The theme for 2009 is "Bead artists have the heart to take on breast cancer" and the EBW contributors did a magnificent job representing the theme.

Below is a mosaic Susan created of all of the EBW squares. This is not the actual quilt, only a digital version using photos she took of each square. Please visit the Bead & Button Show website to find out more information about the auctions, which will be held June 6, 2009. Below the mosaic is a list of contributors. Click on their name and you can visit their Etsy shops.

First row (l to r): Susan Clinkscales, Eddy Downing, Eddy Downing, JoJo Curley, Swanee Hielscher
2nd row: Swanee Hielscher, Swanee Hielscher, Swanee Hielscher, Linda Davis, Smadar Grossman
3rd row: Smadar Grossman, Smadar Grossman, Smadar Grossman, Lisa Savoy, Lisa Savoy
4th row: Lisa Savoy, Jama Watts, Jama Watts, Jama Watts, Kerrie Slade
5th row: Kerrie Slade, Kerrie Slade, Kerrie Slade, Victoria Thompson, Victoria Thompson
6th row: Victoria Thompson, Kim Shaver, Dawn Nelson, Melody Murray, Melody Murray
7th row: Ileana Munteanu, Ginny Bracht, Ginny Bracht, Ginny Bracht, Ginny Bracht

My "square" is the first in the last row.

May 11, 2009

EBW just got wonderful news from Susan, the coordinator of this project: "I just wanted to let you know that one of the Bead & Button editors, Tea Norfolk, mentioned the EBW contributions to the beaded quilt for breast cancer research in the Editor's Blog at the B&B Magazine website!! A huge thank you to Kerrie Slade for contacting B&B and telling them what we had done!! Thank you, Kerrie!

You can see the write-up here:

http://cs.beadandbutton.com/bnbcs/blogs/beadandbutton/2009/05/11/learning-from-fellow-beaders.aspx

Congrats EBW!"

FANTASTIC (2) !!!

2009-03-27T17:49:00.000-07:00

I created a treasury in Black and white, Fantastic (2)!!! It wil expire on Sunday March 29 at 2:06 pm. You can still see it here:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=48339

Etsy Treasury by FleurDeIrk

2009-03-27T17:35:00.000-07:00

Another Treasury featuring one of my necklaces is curated by FleurDeIrk.
Please visit her shop:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6181477

Here is a beautiful necklace she created:

Etsy Treasury by azuredandelion

2009-03-27T14:41:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasant surprise to find one of my bracelets in this Treasury curated by azuredandelion. Please visit azuredandelion's shop:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5606643
Here is one of her beautiful paintings:

2009-03-25T08:51:00.000-07:00

Beading for Breast Cancer

2009-03-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

Excerpts from the STORQUE Article:

Etsy Beadweavers Team is helping to fight breast cancer! Twenty five members of the Etsy Beadweavers (EBW) have joined forces to help fight breast cancer and create beaded squares to be included in Jeanette Shanigan’s 2009 Beaded Quilt. Jeanette sews the squares together to form the quilts and then frames them in shadow boxes. Finished quilts are auctioned at the Bead & Button Show in Milwaukee, WI, and the proceeds are donated to the Medical College of Wisconsin Breast Cancer Research Foundation. 100 percent of the donations go directly to research. This year’s theme is “Bead artists have the heart to take on breast cancer” and all squares will include a heart motif. Almost $10,000 has been raised for breast cancer research from the sale of the quilts. EBW members have set an October deadline for themselves in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You can see photos of quilts from previous years here.

The 2009 “Bead-It-Forward” Breast Cancer Donation Project

The title of this project is “Bead artists have the heart to take on breast cancer.”

The artist can use ANY beadwork stitches or other techniques but the motif of the square must reflect hearts of any type. Any colors, shapes, or styles of beads can be used, providing the overall motif is the heart.

My contribution to the EBW Quilt is a red HEART, surrounded by flowers.

My Front Page Treasuries at Etsy

2009-03-24T19:41:00.000-07:00

Since I started to enjoy the Treasury World I curated many treasuries. I published some of them at Flickr. I would like to share here the most important events:

On September 16, 2008 I had a very pleasant surprise. The treasury I curated, “Yes, it is Chartreuse!”

hit the Front Page at Etsy.

Also I had the honor to be featured on the Front Page in Treasuries curated by other Etsy artists:

On 09-18-08 by SpoolDesign
On 01-27-09 by Gypsyeye
On 03-09-09 by Gulinoartware

Improving my Presence and Success at Etsy

2009-03-20T20:39:00.000-07:00

I was surprised and honored to see that Chad Dickerson bookmarked my August 1/2008 entry, Improving my presence and success at Etsy

http://www.chaddickerson.com/blog

Here is my entry:

I opened my Shop at Etsy in 2007 with only a couple of items, and, because I had other venues to sell my jewelry (Shows, Galleries) I forgot about Etsy for a while. I started to be active only in February 2008, when I decided to give it a new try and I started listing more pieces in my shop, taking care of my Appearance, Shop policies, etc. I immediately had a sale , a Heart Brooch, right before Valentine’s Day. Shortly after I discovered Etsy Beadweavers Team ad I signed up for membership, because I knew how important is for an artist to belong to a group, to a community. I participated in the March Challenge, Stormy Weather, and I was happy to see that EBW Blog visitors would vote for my Brooches. I even sold an other Heart Brooch, The Purple Eye of a Summer Storm - Amethyst Brooch

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9974696

as a result of the Challenge.

Needless to say, at the beginning I was kind of lost at Etsy. I had to figure out a lot of things, how to improve my pictures, how to make a Treasury. I did my homework every day, looking at statistics (how many people are visiting my Shop, hearting my shop or my pieces, etc.), visiting my fellow EBW members shops and blogs, in order to know them better, commenting, in a word, being active in any way I could. Usually I don’t talk a lot, but I tried my best to be in touch. I made many friends in the group.

Having an Etsy Shop and being constantly successful requires hard work. I will try to list here a few things that I learned at Etsy and in the EBW group. I am trying to implement them in my every day activity.

- get good pictures, not to dark, pictures that would catch the buyer’s attention in the few seconds of her/his visit. The first picture “should be the one in which the item takes up much of the available space”. The work is much more “effectively shown” in close up pictures, so show them first!

- have a detailed description of your piece.

- list/re-list every day, so people can see your presence

- try to write in your blog at least once a week

- comment as often as you can in the EBW Blog and other members blogs

- check often the Forum for News concerning Treasuries, Blogs, New Listing and other events

- learn how to do treasuries. Until you get to do that, comment in as many Treasuries as you can.

And the list doesn’t end here…

My Etsy

2009-03-17T20:24:00.000-07:00

Enchanted Beads

The Showcase 500 Beaded Jewelry book

About the Author

Details

November -December NEWSLETTER

Comments about Enchanted Beads

Thank you, Allie, Marilyn, Verna and Elizabeth! You are very generous!

"I just had to tell you how very talented you are! Your work is just STUNNING! I have never seen this kind of beadwork and I LOVE IT! Your designs are gorgeous and I think I "liked" more of your items than not! LOL I am just dazzled by your talent and I wanted you to know"!

Allie

My Secret Garden - Necklace featured in the Gallery of Designs at Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

I am being featured

Cave Painting Challenge in Jewelry Design

March Newsletter

December Newsletter

GREAT FINDS

Visit my Crafty.ro Studio

Featured Artfire Shop: Kim Brinsfield, VaBeachQuilter

New Collection

Visit my Artfire Studio!

Etsy Interview with Enchanted Beads

Interview with a Beadweaver: Mortira Natasha vanPelt

Instead of April Newsletter

My Vacation in Paris

I am back from my vacation! It was fantastic! I would like to share a few details with you...

Église Saint-Roch (Paris) - Wikipédia- [ Translate this page ]

Eglise Saint-Roch- Translate

My Vacation

March Newsletter

Blog Award

Magical Journey

Magical Journey ll.

Description

February Newsletter

Jewels of Love - A collaborative of Artists for Valentine's Day

I curated a LOVE Treasury

January Newsletter

BEM Challenge - Winter Splendor

My Latest Treasuries

Merry Christmas!

December Newsletter

RED, WHITE and BEADWEAVING SALE-E-BRATION!

Beadweavers Emporium SALE-e-BRATION

Cindy Caraway

The Jewelry Connection

Beadweaving Emporium.

THE BEADWEAVING EMPORIUM TEAM CORNER

Beadazzled of Oregon

Rachele's Originals

Beaded Extravagance

Beads Forever

Cigarbox Beads

Conlins Creations

Hiding Place Beadery

The Beaded Lily

MEMBER'S SHOPS CORNER

Bead artists have the heart to take on breast cancer

FANTASTIC (2) !!!

Etsy Treasury by FleurDeIrk

Etsy Treasury by azuredandelion

Beading for Breast Cancer

My Front Page Treasuries at Etsy

Improving my Presence and Success at Etsy

My Etsy