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Square Flowers Bracelet – Inspiration Photo
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Jill
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Jon’s Three-Strand Necklace Photo Inspiration
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Catching up on Design Inspiration!
Now that Jon has left the warehouse after a whirlwind summer, I’m slowly managing to catch up on a bunch of to-do items that had been piling up!
And one was to post photos of the remaining design inspiration pieces we made for you recently.… Read More
Project Inspiration from August 30, 2024 Live Sale
Jon made a real beauty this time!! I might like it extra because it’s got purple in it!! Hee hee!!
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What’s up with the seed bead brands & numbering system?
Hi Beaders –
I received an email today with a question about why some of our seed beads have a brand noted on them, and others don’t. I wrote out a rather lengthy reply, and thought I’d share it here with you too.… Read More
Design Inspiration from the August 24, 2024 Live Sale
Hi Readers! It’s been a while, but I hope to start using this blog effectively moving forward with reference information, design inspiration, and just plain ol’ chit-chat—kind of like the old days.
During today’s live sale, we showcased a gorgeous bamboo coral necklace made by Jon Kubricht.
NEW! Beadalon WildFire Ultra Beading Thread
When a new beading thread appears in the market, you’d better believe I take notice! And I have to say I was giddy when I heard from my friends at Beadalon that they are launching a new product: WildFire Ultra!… Read More
Hill Tribe Silver, & Why It’s Awesome
When I first joined the Bead World as a maker in 2002 (I didn’t turn it into a full-time profession until 2005) it was the golden age of Hill Tribe Silver, and it was everywhere. I instantly fell in love with the hand-made, detailed designs, and used the beads and findings liberally in my own jewelry making.… Read More
Miyuki Delica to Miyuki Seed Bead Conversion Chart
Hi Beaders!
I’m working late tonight, adding more than 100 new colors of Size 15 seed beads – both Toho and Miyuki, but this batch is mostly Miyuki. And as I was typing along, I realized that I could provide the information about which Miyuki Delica matches which Miyuki seed bead!… Read More
How to Shop the Live Sales!
I’m really enjoying doing the weekly Live Sales, and it’s definitely something we’re going to continue to do and expand on! We’re getting new shoppers each week, so I want to give you guys a place where you can find specific instructions on how and where to shop the Live Sales.… Read More
Playing favorites
I can’t help it!! I LOVE BEADS! I love their colors and shapes and the feel of them and, *sob*, when it’s time to discontinue some of them, I have to admit I play favorites!!!
It’s been far too long since I’ve taken a look at our sales statistics and weeded out the slow sellers across the store.… Read More
New limited edition bead mixes
You may have heard me silently weeping a few months ago when one of my favorite bead vendors decided the time had come to close up shop. There have been so many significant changes in the bead world over the last few years, and this one hit hard!… Read More
What’s so great about our Czech pearls?
I’m SO GLAD you asked! LOL!
When Swarovski exited the DIY (including bead) market, one thing I didn’t fret about was losing access to their pearls. And that’s because I already carried a fantastic lineup of Czech pearls!
With over 40 colors in 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8mm sizes, the Czech pearls I carry are the result of careful research for the best quality non-Swarovski pearls I could find.… Read More
Clasp Options for Flat Bracelet Kits
We’ve been carrying bead packs/kits for some of Sue Arrighi’s flat bracelet patterns for several years now, and we’re launching 8 new ones this week! There are two questions I get the most regarding the kits:
- Where do I buy the pattern?
Weighing Delicas
Recently there was a post on Facebook in a seed bead group from a beader who purchased Delicas from an online site and didn’t end up with what she expected.
The website stated that there were 7-8 grams of Delicas in their tubes, but the customer discovered, after running short of beads for her project and weighing the remaining tubes, that many of the tubes only contained 6 grams.… Read More
Will this finish last?
I can’t even begin to tell you how often I’ve answered this question about bead finishes. Will it hold up over time? Will it rub off? How do I know?
The answer is: it depends.
Maddening, isn’t it? I agree! But that’s the truth of the matter.… Read More
Bead & Button 2018 Round-Up
Didn’t make it to the Bead & Button show in Milwaukee this year? Don’t be sad! Read on to get some exciting peeks behind the scenes at Meet the Teachers, plus I introduce you to some of my favorite beady people and there’s plenty of wonderful beadwork to drool over!… Read More
Fun, frolics and beads in the Czech Republic
Now that I’m back home with Mom and the furry hooligans I thought it was worth taking some time to reflect on my travels around Czech Republic with a little blog post. Read on to see photos and some of the fun anecdotes from the amazing trip.… Read More
Join my Carrier Bead-A-Long!
Come and Bead-A-Long with me!
What better way to begin National Craft month then with a Bead-A-Long that celebrates the Carrier bead craze with these wonderful Czech glass beads! Sponsored by The BeadSmith.
… Read MoreTucson 2018 round-up
Once again I’m reminded that this bead world of ours is a wonderful and exciting place.
Coming to the Gem Shows this year has been a much needed boost. There’s nothing like being amongst your people – the ones who inspire you, and challenge you, and with whom you can plan new collaborations and adventures.… Read More