To celebrate my Birthday (December 21) I am offering FREE SHIPPING worldwide, between Dec 21- 28 2012 for items over $7.00. Just use the Coupon Code FREESHIPPING12 at Checkout in my both Shops:
Jesselyn Andersyn (Jessica Lyn Anderson) left a wonderful message in my Feedback box at Etsy: Thank you, Jesselyn!
First of all, Ileana
Munteanu is an extraordinary, award-winning artist, jewelry designer,
beadweaver...( and human being) who's amazing designs I have have
admired for many years - and it took me that long to decide which of her
many amazing creations would be my first purchase. (If you like jewelry
and beadwork you MUST visit her shop - it's a treat for the eye just to
browse!
I finally settled on this exquisite Pendant Necklace / Brooch because it
is just breathtaking and looks fabulous with many of my outfits and
hanging in a special place on the wall when I'm not wearing it! Service
& delivery were fast and professional. The quality and value of
this piece managed to exceed even my already very high
expectations...Thanks, Ileana! I love my precious and prized "piece de
resistance"!
I am sending you this Newsletter to let you know that this year I am not participating in the Saint John the Divine show or any other show. I am busy with my two Etsy Shops and I am focusing in making them look better. I am always designing new jewelry. I am participating
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
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 carrieswhimsical jewelry with gemstones, crystals, pearls. Romantic, retro, nature inspired, vintage, steampunk.
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.
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 December 2 andDecember 23, 2012. Just writeHOLIDAY2012at Checkout (there is a case for coupons) and the discount will apply automatically.
Thank you for taking the time to read my NEWS. I appreciate your support!
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!
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!!!
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.
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 RETURNCUST2011at 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:
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.
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!
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!
RecentlyI had the surprise to receive emails from people I have met on Etsy.
Thank you, Allie, Marilyn, Verna, Elizabeth and Ally! 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 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
* * * * *
March 17 2012
This pouch is owned by Ally Potter. "Dear Ileana,
I just wanted to thank you for your beautiful work and to let you know that can see all of the love and care that went into this pouch. I will treasure this special piece forever!
Of all the many beautiful objects and magical tools I've purchased on Etsy, this is one of my favorites. Photos don't do it justice. Beyond my expectations and truly a masterpiece! Thank you so much. It will be loved and cared for. Blessings, Ally P".
March 18, 2012
The Beaded Brooch Mermaid Shell is owned by Elena Torres (Spain).
"Lovely. Delicate finishing, great handwork. I love its subtlety and elegance :-) Thanks!"
"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)
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.
My other shop, Enchanted Bitz,carrieswhimsical 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.
MyEnchanted 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
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!
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
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.
Enchanted Bitzcarries 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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Je suis de retour de mes vacances. Elles ont étéformidables. 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.
