New Beaded Things

Well, on our long drive to South Dakota and back, I had plenty of time to bead. It is hard for me to just sit in the car doing nothing, so I got a lot done. Here are some of what I was able to complete. It was such fun, not to mention relaxing and inspiring, sitting there with nothing to do...but create!

This one is similar to one I have done in the past with a nice combination of light blue flowers.

It was fun working with my new rose beads--they are just beautiful and have great detail.

I thought it was time to get ready for fall with some beaded pumpkins in a brooch.

The two below have sold already (thank you, Nicole--I hope you will enjoy them) but wanted to include them anyway. I had been wanting to do a teapot for quite awhile and finally found the right mix of beads to do so.

Glass Bottle Stoppers

We were at the flea market last weekend where there was a basket of these sitting there. I pawed through them, and the man offered me instead of $1 each...$5 for the whole basket. I debated and thought and walked around again...then couldn't resist and bought them. I finally got them all cleaned and a picture taken yesterday. There are some chips here and there, but I have some ideas in mind for some of them. Though I'm delighted with them all, I especially like the little crown-shaped one at 6:00 (who can resist a crown?) and that turquoise one full of bubbles at 1:00-2:00. At the flea market I also purchased two lightweight gold picture frames for a song, and have great inspiration to turn them into Victorian one-of-a-kind wonders. You'll see. I have some projects I'm working on now but will get to those in July. Hint: That crown bottle stopper above will be a part of one of those Victorian creations!

Press Kits for Artistic Affaire Les Sirenes

I've been neglecting my posting lately...but have finished and sent off my five-press-kits contribution to the Lollishops pool of press kits for the Artistic Affair Les Sirenes event coming up in California on July 15-17. You may read all about this even on Kim's lovely Weblog--Artistic Bliss. It certainly looks like a grand and enchanting event indeed! The theme has a Victorian beach, romantic ocean look and feel, so I wanted my press kits to carry on with that theme.
I found a beautiful vintage image of Victorian ladies strolling by the sea (loved the palm trees!) to make some pins out of (complete with a little glitter),
and I stitched some zipper clips on turquoise backgrounds with pearly light pink "star fish", an iridescent scallop shell, and, of course, "sand" made by stitching on sparkling golden brown beads.
The netting for these are actually hair nets. I saw a container full of them for sale at an Amish grocery store and was instantly inspired. They looked like old fishing nets to me. I thought the idea of having my things "captured" on the net would be a fun idea. Since I have plenty of sea glass from visits to Maine, I glued some pieces on for extra interest and color.
I glued a simple ivory backing onto the back of the light pink board used for the front to cover up the glue work and neaten up the back then put my business card in the baggie. I kept the bow on the top--a gold organza--simple so that they eye would be drawn to the work below and not onto the top.
I was thinking this would be a good idea for a romantic ocean themed invitation or place card...just something to keep in mind if you needed an idea. You could also put little shells onto the net too.

A Flurry of Creativity!

It has been a long, cloudy, cool week...and with some newly-acquired pretties, I just couldn't resist being busy creating. It has been such fun, and my family has been so patient...since....once I start something it's hard not to finish (that's why I should never touch a long novel--no housework would get done and no one would see me for days until I finished every last word!). I've completed three perfume bottles with vintage jewelry bits on them--two I have listed, and the other I will list probably tomorrow in my Etsy and Lollishops shops.
I've also had fun beading up some new clips/charms. Enjoy!

Some New Brooches

I've been inspired lately to bead...and bead...and have been having great fun in the process. This "work" is just so relaxing. I just finished these two Victorian-inspired brooches and am pretty pleased with how they have turned out. I think light blue and brass looks stunning together and almost want to keep the above brooch for myself.
Then I recently acquired these iridescent yellow flower beads and just HAD to make something with them. They are the sunniest little flowers I've ever seen! I thought the little brass heart charm really completed this brooch.

Blub...Blub!!

I just finished and listed a new brooch featuring of all things...fish! I love fish and have many pretty and different fish beads. Now, I just need to do something with them! The ones on this brooch are tiny little silver fish, and I enjoyed putting them in a "lake" setting complete with a "rocky bottom" made of silvery white, black, and brown seed beads and "weeds" made of bright green glass tube beads. Of course, those bubbles are pearly white glass beads. This was fun to make and something a little different.

Busy Birthday Weekend

I'm thankful to have had a fabulous past few days. Last Wednesday, Mom and I went to a very fun estate sale where among other things (another post perhaps), I got this clear box full of trim. The items in the sale were from all over the world, and I can't help thinking that some of this trim was from afar. Some pieces are quite old...others not so. I was compelled to get it, so I did--couldn't resist.

Friday was my birthday, and I was super spoiled by my family that day with out to breakfast, time in Amish country, a trip to an antique store to get some fun sparkly goodies, and a nice evening of mini-golf and out to dinner with my husband, children, parents, and grandmother--oh, with a lemon cake afterward. I received lots of nice "tea" things including an Alice in Wonderland tea tower full of different kinds of yummy teas, a teapot napkin holder that Dad found in Amish country, and a much needed tea kettle from hubby and the kids complete with fruit on it. Was I spoiled!
Yesterday, Mom and I got up early and went to another estate sale and then to the annual bead show in Madison. My feet were hurting terribly by the end of the day after standing in so many lines all day, but it was all worth it and great fun. I bought some beads I have been looking for months in colors I haven't been able to find easily, so I'm a happy camper. There is so much creating now to do. I'm eager to start up again in earnest!

Lollishops Romantic Homes Ad--May 2010

I have been eagerly awaiting the May 2010 issue of Romantic Homes to come out since I participated in a Lollishops ad in it. Well, the magazine arrived in my mailbox yesterday, and I think the ad looks great! I'm thankful that the little cupcake brooch goes so well with the colors of the ad and am very pleased. Sadie did a good job. Thanks for the opportunity, Sadie!

Lockets!

I think lockets are interesting little things. I like the idea of wearing a delicate container close to one's heart to fill with something special and intimate--a lock of hair, a picture or two, a little secret token of love for someone--that others may look at only if given permission.
I was excited to find some locket bases on which to create, and I've finally finished one...just this morning in fact (and have listed it in my Etsy shop). I thought the silver tone and the softness of the light pinks and whites would look nice together, and I'm pleased with how it turned out. I have other bases with which to create and may work on more later this week. I imagine this going to a mother with two daughters--thus, the two pink flowers--but, of course, it could find a home simply to someone who likes it.

Pretty New Flower Beads

As you know, I'm really trying to make a special effort to buy from fellow Etsy and Lollishop vendors. It can be hard for "the little guy" these days, and it's good to be supportive, if possible. Besides, I know how much I appreciate people buying from me. I found a bead supplier on Etsy--BobbiThisandThat, and these beautiful beads arrived in the mail today. Bobbi even sent me some "thank you" beads--the pretty ones in the middle. They are gorgeous. I'm pleased and can't wait to create with them. Thank you, Bobbi!

Lollishops Press Kit February Challenge

I have finished the Lollishops February Challenge--making 10 press kits for Jennifer Hayslip's (of Sweet Eye Candy Creations) event, Petticoats and Parasols.
My press kits are sort of simple really, but I suppose simple is not always a bad thing. I had fun and didn't stress out about them, so that is important. I decided this time to just make a vintage image pin instead of something beaded or with the addition of a beaded item. I needed to keep costs down a little bit.
I wanted to keep with Jennifer's theme, so used a new-to-me vintage image that I found recently. It really is perfect for the event. It features a lady (with petticoats showing) stepping off a carriage with the helping hand of a gentleman awaiting hers. Super fine glitter in pink and green was added to enhance the pin and give it extra sparkle (can't have enough sparkle). It looks a little French to me which I find appealing.
I made a parasol out of a folded doily--complete with a glass bead that I glued on top--and a toothpick.
My business card is in the back. I had wanted the pretty pictures of my cards to show, but figured it was best if my information were showing instead. Whoever receives these will have the added treat of discovering a pretty picture on the other side of my card.
I color coordinated the whole thing by picking out the colors from the pin (besides they are springlike, and I'm sooo ready for spring)--turquoise, white, and both light and dark pinks. I hope the recipients think these are a little bit of "eye candy" and like them. It was fun, and I appreciate Sadie giving us this challenge and opportunity!

New Victorian Fan Brooch

As promised, here is a peek at what I just finished. I found this bone fan bead at one of bead shops I visited this past week and just HAD to sit down and work on it. I decided to decorate it with "roses" and green "leaves" for a Victorian look. Also, the burgundy background and all the brass gives it a Victorian feel as well. The bottom needed something, so I put some heavy needlepoint thread in a coordinating green color there to pull it all together and give it yet another genuine fan look. Hope you like it!

Globe Beads

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16
I can't help but think of this verse when I see these beads. Perhaps this is how big the world is to God...yet He is concerned about each one of us.
The darker one was given to me as a gift, and the two lighter ones I found this past week while visiting a new...yes, a NEW, bead shop. I have no idea what I'll do with them. They just "spoke to me", and I bought them. I guess they appeal to me because they look like the real thing only in miniature, and the different stones used as the inlaid continents are pretty. Anyway, I had the wonderful opportunity to go to TWO bead shops this past week, and one of them was this new shop close to Milwaukee. Talk about inspiration overload! I'll be posting soon about a recent creation from a beautiful new bead I bought this past week. Stay tuned!

Woolly Sheep Brooch

I had been thinking of doing a sheep with tiny pearly-white beads for some time now...and finally just went ahead and did it--just in time for spring! Perhaps my meandering thoughts toward spring is what got me motivated. Whatever the case, I had fun working on this little woolly friend and hope you like him too.

Two New Valentine's Day Brooches

I've had fun working on two new brooches for Valentine's Day. One is more cute or fun and the other more Victorian and romantic. I'm working on new backgrounds as well. I figure winter is almost over (oh, don't burst my bubble and tell me we have at least two more months of it!), so it's time to "lighten up" a bit. I'm pleased with how they've turned out and have listed them today. Hope you like them!

New Floral Dragonfly Brooch

My mother challenged me to make a dragonfly, so I looked at the beads that I had and three days later created this little blue one. Have you ever seen those pretty blue dragonflies? One always seems to find the end of my fishing pole whenever we go on a fishing excursion. I like them because they are delicate and pretty actually, despite their names, with their gossamer wings and elegant demeanor. Anyway, this one has delicate pale lavender wings and is flying up through tiny fuchsia and purple flowers. It makes me think of springtime and summer. Hope you like it!

Lollishops? Etsy? Ebay? What Have I Learned?

I was thinking this past week about the year almost behind us and the decisions I've made for Glass Bead Treasures and what, if any, changes I would make for the new year ahead. I've learned a lot, made some mistakes, and made a few decisions.

I've learned (the hard way) to be very exacting when listing something...hurrying with a description will incur mistakes. I've learned that Priority mail is just too expensive for little things like I have. I offer free shipping on everything (which I appreciate when purchasing from others), but Priority is just too much money. First class gets things where they need to go in a timely manner--and I always put a tracking # with each package. No one can then say their package never arrived.

I put several things on Ebay this past year, and other than one really good sale did very poorly and wasted my money. Oh, I can't stand wasting money!! Anyway, with Ebay a person just "never knows" . It is a well-known place, and many go there every week, including myself, to see what is there. But over all I think I will place very few auctions there this coming year.

Opening a shop on Etsy was a very wise move. I started placing things there early in the summer. I had hesitated for a while because, well, to be honest there were things featured on the front page at times that I thought were quite inappropriate. I didn't like and still don't like that aspect about Etsy, but the more I got to know the site the less I felt it would impact my shop or anyone I sent there. I love the fact that it accepts the selling of vintage items (yes, a replacement for Ebay). It is quite reasonably priced as long as I resist the temptation to spend more than is necessary on relisting and showcases. I figured out the importance of doing "treasuries" (which are great fun), connecting with people in the forums, "hearting" people, etc. I learned what showcases are worthwhile and what showcases are definitely NOT worth the money through trial and error (and losing some money). I've met some fabulous people there and will stay there.

Lollishops is just over one year old, and it has been fun being a part of something new. It has had some bumps and many changes and adjustments over the past year. There were times I considered dropping off the bandwagon but, understanding Sadie's vision and seeing its potential, was determined to stick it. I'm so glad I have! At first I didn't like the change a few months ago to being basically a referral site, but now I love it. It offers exposure to a targeted crowd while simply referring any serious purchasers to my Etsy shop. This was a wise move on Sadie's part which I'm very satisfied with. Oh, and the price is exceptional. You just can't beat the monthly price for the exposure ratio. I love that there are regular advertising opportunities in well-known publications and other interesting exposure chances, like Silver Bella press kits, which I've taken advantage and could never afford on my own. It is nice that the front page always shows what I have newly listed and a featured item from my shop from time to time. I have actually sold things as a result of being on Lollishops' front page! Lollishops also allows the selling of vintage goodies which is an added plus. I think for me Lollishops has been well worth it, and I'll happily continue on this coming year.

I know my shop and ideas and budget are different from others, but I thought I'd share the wisdom gained from the past year. I hope this is a help to others who may be trying to make decisions for the upcoming year.

Yummy, Sugary, and Sweet Treasury

I had lots of fun putting together this treasury on Etsy yesterday featuring things that look or smell or remind a person of sugary, sweet, and yummy things. Mmmmmmm, I think I gained three pounds just compiling the treasury! If you'd like a closer look or would like to check out the individual items here is the link>>>Yummy, Sugary, and Sweet.

Mmmmm, Mint and Chocolate

For some reason I have had mint and chocolate on the brain. It might be because we are waiting for our box of Girl Scout cookies to arrive--you know, the mint and chocolate covered ones. Or, it might be that the grass outside has gone from green to brown too quickly. Or, it just might be because a mint and chocolate candy sounds really good right now--cool and fresh and indulgent. Well, regardless of the reason, I have put together this Etsy treasury and had a grand time doing it too! It features some of my favorites (just love Pei Li's work--I can't get enough of her miniature creations--check out her shop here....Dollhouse Miniatures). If you'd like to look at the treasury in more detail here is the link...Mint and Chocolate.

Cupcakes and More Cupcakes!

There isn't much that is more fun than a cupcake! I had a ball this past weekend working on this new cupcake pin. I had these mint green beads that I've been itching to use....and what better than as mint green frosting? I've listed it in Lollishops and on Etsy (see shop links to the left).
Speaking of cupcakes, Gail at her blog, Shabby Cottage Shoppe, is having a cupcake ornament--these pictured above--giveaway TODAY--so hurry on over to enter. They are adorable, are they not? These you can keep up all year long. While there check out the rest of her beautiful blog and her shop. Talk about pretty stuff!