LODY'S BEADWORKS: Handcrafted Jewellery & Embroidery

EtsyNEAT Pincushion Swap

2011-05-05T19:23:00.005-05:00

A swap related to needlearts is something I don't want to miss. Gretchen of juneatnoon, and I had a one-on-one pincushion swap and she surely does know how to spoil her partner. Just look at the tree inspired pincushion and yummy goodies she sent me.
And here's a travelling etui - with pinbed (pincushion) and needle pages underneath the pinbed - that I made for her. Gretchen also blogged about this swap and I love the fact that she had adorable helping hands that helped her to showcase the etui... so don't forget to visit her blog for more photos and her shop of course for her stunning needlearts for sale. Thank you so much for a wonderful swap Gretchen!

Bead Embroidered Hair Pins

2011-05-04T08:08:00.000-05:00

The 3 small ones had been sitting in my UFO pile for quite a while... run out of idea what to do with them but I think they look cute on bobby pins. The baby blue one was completed recently, with a pearl coin from the stash that Cat sent me.

Enjoy beading all!

Button Swap Reveal

2011-04-21T16:05:00.009-05:00

The reveal day has finally come for the button swap organized by Michelle Mach! My partner is Cyndi Lavin, and here are the buttons I mailed for her.Cyndi sent me my buttons super early, in which I had to use a couple right away... as a clasp for this leather wrap bracelet. And this huge MOP shell which I knew right away will be a focal on one of my bead embroidered pendants... it can be used as a brooch as well.

These are the other buttons which are still in the works. I will reveal the finished pieces in the next few days.Michelle is hosting a button giveaway so don't forget to visit her blog for further details. Here's the list of the button swap participants which you really have to check out - and while you're blog hopping, make sure to leave a comment to maximize your entries at Michelle's giveaway.

1. Cat - Boo Beads

2. Cindy - Sweet Bead Studio
3. Cory - Art with Moxie
4. Cyndi - Beading Arts
5. Dita - Alankarshilpa
6. Donna, Marti, and Michelle - Beads & Books
7. Erin - Treasures Found
8. Hope - Crafty Hope
9. Inca - Zerenity Design
10. Katrine - Army of Sock Monsters
11. Krista - French Elegant Jewelry
12. Kristie - Artisan Clay
13. Linda D. - Lutka and Co.
14. Linda L. - Linda's Bead Blog
15. Lody - Lody's Beadworks <<<< YOU ARE HERE!!!
16. Lori - Pretty Things
17. Loretta - Loretta's Boutique
18. Malin - Beading by Malin de Koning
19. Mary - MK's Creative Musings
20. Maryanne - Zingala's Workshop
21. Melinda - Melinda Orr Metal & Clay Jewelry Designs
22. Saskia - Perlendistel
23. Shannon - For My Sweet Daughter
24. Shirley - Beads and Bread
25. Stephanie - Confessions of a Bead Hoader

Fabulous Stash From Cat

2011-04-07T10:54:00.004-05:00

Cat spoiled me to rotten with a bunch of yummy beads! We did a trade recently wherein I made necklaces for her girls and she sent me these goodies in return. Thank you soooo much Cat! I love everything to pieces and can you tell I was so excited I had to sergregate them right away?

Pendants & Focals: MOP shells, abalone, polymer clay hearts,ceramic, resin, lampies & a button

Beads & Brass: brass chain & stampings, coin pearls, rondelles, dark blue rounds, alexandrite rounds, bell flowers, freshwater pearls, lucite flowers, mixed glass, seed beads, and cabs

Pearls & Glass Beads: freshwater pearls, glass pearls, frosted teardrops & faceted rectangle beads

BTW, I got the package yesterday and had to use some of the beads immediately! Enjoy beading all!

Leather Wrap Bracelets For Family

2011-04-04T19:24:00.006-05:00

It was our domino day yesterday and we played at SIL's house - from 12:30PM to early evening. It was a fun day as usual, not to mention lots of food. MIL made a pound cake - so yummy as she used fresh eggs... SIL prepared fresh fruits - strawberries and pineapple... I brought assorted chocolate cookies... others brought summer sausage, cheese, and girl scout cookies! In between games, we had coffee too - perfect with all those sweets. LOL

Our aunt who custom ordered a "Red Hat Society" theme necklace was there and below is the piece she picked-out.

I was wearing one of my leather wrap bracelets and MIL & SIL loves it so I'm making some for them. SIL prefers black and brown, while MIL wants turquoise.

For SIL

For MIL

And though I love this piece, I think I better add this in my shop as I have way too much wrap bracelets already. This piece is extra long, about 26" - it's quadruple wrap for a 6" wrist or triple wrap for an 8"-8.5" wrist.

I will make more of these wraps once I get smaller stones.:) Enjoy beading all!

Cows And Chickens Of MIL

2011-04-02T19:06:00.001-05:00

We were at MIL's yesterday afternoon and I managed to take a few shots of her chickens and cows. She had 50+ chickens orginally but I think they're just 40+ now as some of the baby chicks didn't make it plus coons got some of them. She get so much eggs everyday... needless to say, we've been having fresh farms eggs for months.

DH started to pick up some empty shells this week and he got me 7 pieces so far. Hopefully, the cold weather will be over soon so I can start picking them up myself! Planning to add daggers or bicones with these.

Beady-wise, here's a simple pair of earrings with howlite turquoise, hematite & repurposed faceted glass beads.

Enjoy your weekend all!

Gotta Love Purple

2011-04-01T18:34:00.006-05:00

I'm in the mood to play with my purple beads today... and I managed to make 2 simple necklaces. The cabochons will be in my next projects. Gotta love purple!Happy April Fool's Day everybody!

Simple Bridal Earrings

2011-03-31T10:23:00.004-05:00

I made these batch of earrings while watching "American Idol" last night. I'm cheering for Thia, Pia, Scotty & Paul.

Enjoy beading all!

Cyber Monday: Spring Ring Swap And Some Beaded Keys

2011-03-28T20:12:00.001-05:00

Some of the rings had been mailed and recieved... Vicki advised me that she got the ring I made for her already. I used a obsidian cabochon as focal, netted with seedies.

And here's the pretty ring Evalie made for me. It goes well with my jewelry collection and I'll definitely wear it often. Thank you so much for a lovely ring Evalie - it's perfect in every way!

I'm still busy with my beaded keys. These are some of them - just waiting to be put on a chain or cord. More of these will be shared soon! Enjoy beading all!

Just Assortment Of Earrings

2011-03-27T19:43:00.002-05:00

These are some of more than 2 dozens earrings I made recently. I'm trying to finish some "affordable" pieces for my shop and I went for earrings galore!

Don't worry, bead happy everybody!

Something Blue For EtsyNEAT Team Challenge

2011-03-25T22:54:00.004-05:00

Today is the reveal date for EtsyNEAT's first team challenge, while voting will follow immediately after all participant post their linkies. The theme is BLUE and my entries are 2 small accessories - a bead embroidered bobby pin and a fiber bracelet.

Don't forget to drop by at our team blog to vote for your favorite embroidered piece!

Fire Mountain Gems Notable Artist Feature

2011-03-25T14:57:00.003-05:00

Doing the happy dance! I got an email from FMG that my jewelry making story will be featured at their Facebook page today. If you want the full scoop, you can go directly at the Notable Artists section of FMG site. Thank you so much Diann for letting me know and FMG for making my day!

Beaded Key Series

2011-03-24T09:58:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Cat's encouragement, I decided to start a new collection and list them in my shop - "Beaded Key Series". They're my new addiction! I almost beaded all my skeleton keys yesterday so I gotta find the supplier where I got these from. LOL

A Cross & A Wing

A Cross & A Dangle

Baby Pink

A Cross & A Green

Will post more of these on Monday!

Freshwater Pearls Leather Wrap Bracelet

2011-03-22T18:21:00.000-05:00

I finally started listing my leather wrap bracelets this morning and to my surprise this one was sold right away.

Twenty percent on the sales of my leather wrap bracelets (starting March 22 til April 15th, 2011) will be donated to Japan Earthquake & Tsunami Relief Fund, wherein the lump sum amount will be forwarded on April 16th so don't forget to grab yourself one or two.:)

Have fun beading all!

Cyber Monday: All About UFOs

2011-03-21T19:00:00.007-05:00

I devoted the last couple of days finishing some UFO's which have been sitting in my trays for a while... pieces that had been begging me to put the final touches in them. First are these button-style embroidered pieces, my initial plan was to make these beauties into rings but my bobby pins had been calling me... so here they are! I'll make some white & ecru pins this week for my bridal collection.:)

I ordered a bunch of brass leverbacks a while back and they finally came today! WooHoo! Still remember the dangles I made few moons ago? Well, I finally managed to put earwires on them - but will not bore you with their photos again... plus I made another batch of earrings, some of which I forgot to take pics as they were wrapped right away for a mom ordered them for her girl's prom. I think I finished almost 20 pairs of earrings today - talking about instant gratification!

I also finished a wrap bracelet prior to writing this post, but didn't able to take a shot of it yet. Hope y'all are having a great beading Monday! I sure did!

Leather Wrap Bracelets Galore

2011-03-20T11:47:00.004-05:00

These are just some of the leather bracelets I made recently. I plan to sell majority of them and part of the proceeeds will be donated to Japan Earthquake & Tsunami Relief Fund. If you wannna grab one or 2 of them, don't hesitate to send me an email so I can reserve them for you.

Each bracelet closes with either a new or vintage button - all from my personal collection. Majority of my buttons doesn't have doubles which means I can't make an exact replica of any piece.

Have a great beady Sunday all!

Keys, Fibers And Necklaces

2011-03-19T07:25:00.006-05:00

I played with some of my keys & fibers... as well as dangles & beaded beads I made a while back and they ended up as pendants in my simple necklaces. I needed some instant gratification pieces but I excused myself from earrings this time!

For instant gratification, what piece do you usually make? Often than not, it's earrings for me. Enjoy crafting everybody!

Edited: These beauties found a new home already!

Beaded Beads From A While Back

2011-03-18T18:10:00.004-05:00

Here are some of the beaded beads I blogged a while back, which are now simply hanging on delicate chains.

And I decided to make a set out of the blue one. I meant to make a lariat - with beaded bead at both ends of a copper chain - but it's one of those plans that went side tracked when I found this toggle clasp in my stash. As for the earrings, my initial plan was to add one or 2 beaded links to have a pair of long dangles but I think they're big enough so I changed my plan as well. I need to change the earwires later, I know have antique copped leverbacks somewhere. LOL I made this set yesterday!

Enjoying the nice weather yet? Happy beading all!

WrapAround Bracelet

2011-03-17T17:55:00.004-05:00

I made this bracelet while watching classic sitcoms earlier. Just for fun, I decided to "time" my making process. It took me an hour to finish this triple strand... maybe less than that if I didn't have to sort through the pearls (mixed with different sizes).

Can you tell I run out of black leather already? I didn't place my order yet but will do soonest - found a US seller in ebay which I think is a good deal, brand is Beadalon.

Looking forward to watching "Next to Normal" musical with the in-laws this weekend... it's one of our girls day out! Next in line will be "Rock Of Ages" which I so look forward to as I love 80's music.

Enjoy beading everybody!

Rings & Things: Take Our Design Challenge!

2011-03-17T17:45:00.000-05:00

Take our design challenge!

Cyber Monday: Oodles Of Simple Pieces

2011-03-14T15:31:00.005-05:00

I purchased 5 meters of 2mm greek leather cord a while back and I've been using it in my wrap-around bracelets lately. I need to purchase more as I'm running out of it. Here's a triple wrap-around which is ideal for smaller wrist as I cut the cord a lil short. I miscalculate on the knot allowance - moreso, the piece ended up with one loop only.

I wish I made this one at least double wrap since I have enough jasper for it. I got carried away in cutting my cord for a single wrap.

I've been making pendant assortment for my commissioned Red Hat Society necklace, here's one of them. My plan was to add some fringe but I find the pendant quite big already.

I'm currently overflowing with single beaded beads so I'm trying to use as much of them in simple pieces.

Here's my take on our rainy days lately - The Falling Rain.

I have completed more simple pieces but I'll just share those later. Have fun beading all!

Been Dangling

2011-03-12T23:10:00.005-06:00

I have a bunch of left over beads from last year's Challenge Swap (Spring: Yellow & Purple) organized by Jeni so I kept myself busy with them recently. And what better way to use odds & ends beads other than danglers? Can you tell I had fun making these? I have more than what shown here... most probably, pairs will be finished as earrings while singles will be a part of pendant clusters.And here are some of the beaded beads I made a while back - I have more of them to be posted on Monday, along with some wrap-around bracelets I made few days back. I made a few doubles as earrings but I think the ones below will end up as pendants.

I mailed my ring for Vicki yesterday [for the ring swap I organized at BD] so I hope it will get to her soonest. Enjoy beading all!

Cyber Monday: Necklaces And A Pendant

2011-03-07T17:24:00.002-06:00

Remember the beady gifts I got last christmas? Well, I finally started to use them - pendant on the first necklace was from SIL. I partnered it with volcano cherry quartz, (dyed) lapis and brass chain.

A simple beaded bead in between pressed czech leaves hangs on a delicate chain.

I recieved 2 of these buttons from an aunt, and I already used the other one on the brooch/pendant I gave her last christmas. I love the fact that they're true antique, not to mention metal - so am keeping this for myself.

Happy beading all!

Plastic Button Pendants In Bead Embroidery

2011-03-05T16:21:00.002-06:00

I seldom use plastic buttons as focals on my embroidered pendants or brooches... but I couldn't resist these 2 when my button collection in preparation for the button swap organized by Michelle. I found out today who's my partner for the said swap - I can see myself busy putting buttons together in the next few days.

Bead happy all!

Purple Bauble Ring For MIL

2011-03-02T16:06:00.001-06:00

When I saw this purple sediment cabochon, it reminded me of MIL's purple jacket. I noticed that she's liking purple lately, and since I didn't make any ring for her yet, I thought it's the perfect time to make one for her.

I made an assortment of beaded beads lately - in assorted colors - in which some ended up in my UFO pile. I whipped this pair pretty fast for an instant gratification.

Yay for March! I can't wait for spring - getting tired of wearing winter jackets. LOL DH got a bunch of seeds already - can't wait to dig the garden and start planting some greens. Have fun beading all!

Cyber Monday: Lariat Necklaces Plus Some Easy Peasy Pieces

2011-02-28T10:42:00.004-06:00

I can't believe it's the last day of February already - time flies so fast! These are what I accomplished last week - simple necklaces with chains. I've always wanted to make lariats with leaves as focals in assymetrical style so I finally prioritize them recently.

Here's in bronze/brass tones - a combination of (12mm & 6mm) turquoise howlite and (4mm) garnet rounds. I thought of using a lobster clasp for closure at the back but changed my mind at the last minute and made a (delicas & czech seedies) peyote tube as toggle bar instead. The leaf focal was from Helena. The matching earrings hangs on vintage brass earwires.

This lariat in antique copper tone ranges up to 21" in length as I added a 2" extension at the back, closes with a lobster clasp. It has jasper, carnelian, carved flower, and czech leaf. I've had the chain for a while - purchased at Walmart - am sure glad I finally able to put it into good use.

And here's a simple necklace that I find fun to wear - with jasper cabochon focal, hematite, hemalike and purple glass beads.

Finally, commissioned earrings with a "Red Hat Society" theme. I just have to make a pair but decided to make a long and short version. I'm drawn to the long ones though, they sway so nicely!

Happy beading all!

I Won Another GiveAway

2011-02-27T10:42:00.000-06:00

It must be my lucky year! I'm still enjoying my recent "blog giveaway" wins, here comes another one. This morning, a "Congratulations" email is waiting in my inbox - I won a custom photo coaster set from Blueblossom Designs. Needless to say, I was busy earlier choosing photos for my fun personalized coasters. After too much contemplation, I settled on a photo of me & DH together (1 coaster), and a family farm photo (3 coasters) where MIL now lives. The farm photo was taken on 1955, and this is where MIL and her 2 siblings grew up. Majority of the structures had been demolished since MIL built a new house a decade ago, new building 3 years ago for her tractors (barn), and a new chicken house (2 years ago) even. LOL I'm sure the coasters will become a great conversation pieces - can't wait to show it to them!

Blueblossom Designs is an etsy store managed by Beccah & Sarah - they make custom handmade coasters and decorative switch plates which are great for gift giving or better yet "keep me gift"! Don't forget to check out their store to see what they have to offer!

Thanks again Beccah & Sarah! Enjoy your Sunday all!

EtsyNEAT Is Having Its First Challenge

2011-02-25T11:07:00.006-06:00

As I already mentioned in one of my previous posts, I found a team at etsy that I felt I needed to join - Etsy NeedleArts Team aka EtsyNEAT (Please visit the team blog for further details about the team. Plus it has helpful tips to enjoy!)... hand embroidery and bead embroidery, what not to love? The team is getting active and is now having it's first ever creative challenge wherein the challenge word is "BLUE" - thanks to Spincushions for organizing!

To sweeten the challenge, I immediately whipped up this pair of beaded bead earrings as prize option to the winner. Yes, they're blue, but they're not my entry for the challenge. LOL I know that not everybody wears earrings nor like jewelries, so I'm offering a second option - a gold-tone 3.5" stork scissors. I don't know any embroiderer who doesn't like cute scissors. They're one of my addiction!

Third option is my first ever published pincushion pattern - Flower Garden Biscornu - which was published at an Australian based magazine. The pincushion design is mostly cross stitch with two sided design.

If you're an EtsyNEAT member, don't forget to join the challenge for a chance to win one of the above. The next upcoming event is a pincushion swap, due date sign-up is March 15th.

And lastly, I wanna congratulate the captain and all the leaders for updating the requirements on how to become a member.

Keep threading and needling all! Have a great day!

Surprises! Surprises!

2011-02-22T18:15:00.003-06:00

It looks like 2011 is my lucky year for give-away winnings! Last month, I won beading stash from Sweden (don't forget to check out her blog as she's having another give-away)... and this month, a yummy coffee from a fellow EtsyNEAT member who had a "The Land Of A Thousand Hills" coffee give-away on her blog. I got the coffee in the mail today and couldn't wait 'til morning to try it - now enjoying a cuppa as I write this post. Thanks so much to Gwyn & Ava for your generosity.

And this goodies came as a total surprise from my dear friend Jodi of WI. She's one of those people who loves sending surprises and I'm such a lucky recipient of her generosity! These are soe of the goodies she sent me recently - she also gave me a GC from her fave etsy shop, which I used right away and now waiting for the stash! Thank you so much for your sweet gestures and making my day Jodi!

A sterling silver & freshwater pearls necklace

that became a fave instantly!

Have a great night all!

Cyber Monday: Bead Embroidered Button-Style

2011-02-21T10:49:00.005-06:00

All I did last week was bead embroidery - finished my BJP block first, then followed by itty-bitty pieces like the button styles below - I did these over the weekend. I can see myself doing more of these this week. My initial thought was to finish them as rings - but I'll gonna make some earrings and pendants out of them too. Most got a fancy jasper coin focal (only one got a button focal, the pink) but I'll gonna dig my small pearly buttons today.

Here's a crazy piece done over the week... was hoping for a ring but I think it will be better off as a pendant. I'm still in the quest of making a 2 or 3-finger ring.
Me and the in-laws had a girls domino night last Saturday in town, at Aunt R's house - but of course eating is part of the gathering. We had yummy cheesy brocolli soup with matching crackers, and oatmeal cake for dessert... and many thanks to SIL for a fruit assortment - strawberries, pineapple, grapes, cantaloup, watermelon, etc. Aunt R belong to a Red Hat Society group that meets once a month and go somewhere - a member host the party on each meeting... I was told that she'll gonna host their May gathering and she asked me if I can commission a necklace and a pair of earrings as door prizes on the said meeting.:) I'm more than happy to do so of course, since the main idea is to make them in either red or purple or both colors combo.

Happy President's Day everyone!

Bead Embroidery: Foundation Preparation

2011-02-18T06:45:00.002-06:00

I forgot to mention in my previous post that what I share here are my own techniques and experiences. Back in college, I lived at my paternal aunt with a dress shop & boutique in Manila. Me, my sister, and my cousins - who were also college students then - were in-charge on all the beadworks on wedding gowns, TV show costumes, evening & formal gowns, etc. We had the chance to do our own thing - design wise!

In this post, I'll show you how I prepare my beading foundation in rounds & square shapes as seen in the photo below...

FABRICS & STABILIZERS - I love stitching over patterned fabrics as I use the design on it as my guide - refer to my on-going March BJP block. If you're using ultrasuede and/or lacy's stiff stuff, you don't have to use fabrics really. In my case though, I often use stabilizer then cover it with fabric.

My on-going March 2011 BJP block

TOOLS OF THE TRADE - Measuring tools like footrule or tape measure comes handy when preparing your foundation. Also, I always have an assortment of needles, pins, scissors and pens (either ink pen or fabric pen) nearby.

THREADS - All purpose thread is great for foundation preparation. But of course, nymo and nylon (either quilting thread or fishing line) threads would work well too.

SHAPE TEMPLATES - You don't need expensive templates to draw or determine a shape, specially if you just want a circle. You can definitely find a lot of stuffs with round shapes in your home, i.e. a drinking glass for bigger rounds. Don't throw away those bottle caps, they're perfect for button-style pieces or pendants. Want a lil fancier shape? How about those cookie cutters in your kitchen? I love using them as I can get a great assortment of shapes at a fraction of a cost.

HOW TO PREPARE THE FOUNDATIONS:

Again, please take note that this is my own technique as I always use stabilizer on my works.

I think the photos on both shapes are self-explanatory. The other tip I'd like to add is to always make at least 2 of the same fabric to make sure you have a matching set, so that the backing coordinates - unless you want to use ultrasuede. Making the round shape is similar to making a yo-yo, the only different is you have to insert a stabilizer inside. As for the square shape, it is like framing a miniature piece, while making sure the corners are mitered properly.

The backs should look like the photo below. A half inch allowance on all sides or from the edge of the stabilizer works great. Most of the time, my cuffs have rounded ends... in this case, I make a half yo-yo to get the rounded shape on fabric.

Since these are fast and easy to do, I always make a lot in one sitting - usually while watching TV - in all shapes & sizes I want... rounds, squares, odd shapes, cuff sizes, etc. You'll definitely save a lot of time by doing this. Ready made foundations comes handy when my embroidery muse is gone - they get me inspired!

I'm sure you'll find a lot of different ways online at how others do their thing... if you're just starting, find your niche - soon you'll have a technique of your own.:)

Next Topic: Basic Stitches

Bead Embroidery: Materials

2011-02-17T16:35:00.000-06:00

Whether you just started beading or been beading for a while, chances are you got some materials available in your household already for bead embroidery. These are just few of the materials you CAN use on this technique.

CABOCHONS - You can't go wrong with them and they're must-have in my stash. Cabochons, also knows as cabs, have flat back which is great for laying. They come in different materials, shapes and sizes. Below are few of my collection, i.e. jasper, unakite, goldstone, bluestone, amethyst, etc.

SEED BEADS - A must have in bead embroidery! The more colors & sizes, the better... I have them in 8/o, 10/o, 11/o, 15/o, E, etc.

BUTTONS - whether they're old or new... shank or not... simple or fancy... they can be used as focals in bead embroidery.

OTHER BEADS - Coin beads are one of my fave focals as they work like a cab. For extra fling, freshwater pearls, chips, gemstones, or any kinds of beads (as long as it has a hole and will stay put when sewn on the beading foundation) can serve as extra embellishments.

OLD EARRINGS - Remember the 80's - where earrings are so bold, so big & so colorful? You might have some in your jewelry box and just sitting there for a long time. Take them out and use them in your next bead embroidery project. These are easily available on garage sales, auctions, flea markets, etc. I've made some embroidered pendants with old earrings as focals.

FOUND OBJECTS - Domino, scrabble tiles, left-over beads, etc. As long as it has a flat back and can glue it on your beading foundation, feel free to include it in your bead embroidery.

Bead embroidery is not as intimidating as you think - all you need is another pinch of patience plus extra time. Come on, look for those old earrings & buttons from your grammy's box so you can give them a new life.

Next Topic: Foundation Preparation

February 2011 BJP

2011-02-16T17:44:00.007-06:00

I decided to prioritize my "Bead Journal Project" this month and won't start a new project 'til it's done. Finally finished it this afternoon, so here it is! ... What do y'all think?

It didn't occur to me that I miss stitching sequins flower since I started my BJP pieces - so it looks like that's the bottom line of my blocks, I'll put sequins flowers in all of them (perhaps). It has been almost 2 decades ago since I made a lot of these - at my aunt's dress shop in Manila, where me & my cousins do the beadworks on wedding gowns, etc.

Happy beading all!

Birthday Swap Goodies For Ann

2011-02-15T10:21:00.002-06:00

I organized a birthday swap at BD and my mark's big day is this month. Main rules are to make at least one handmade and a surprise gift nor stash worth at least $10. Below are the simple jewelries and stash I mailed in FL for Ann.

Beaded Bead Necklace & Earrings Set

Jasper Earrings & Bracelet Set

With Angel Charms

Metal Filigrees & Pendants Assortment

Assorted Beads & Findings

Happy birthday Ann... hope you had a good one!

Rings & Things Blog Partner

2011-02-14T14:15:00.005-06:00

I've been contemplating for a while about this and I finally caved in last week. Just a few minutes ago, I got the confirmation from Dave that I'm in! Woohoo!

Rings & Things got a lot of yummy goodies and their new chains are to die for - come check them out! Simply click on the logo to go to their site. They also have a Facebook fan page and Twitter you can follow so you won't miss their new product announcement.

*** Shop at Rings & Things ***

*** R&T's Facebook ***

*** R&T's Twitter ***

Cyber Monday: Jewelry Sets

2011-02-14T11:08:00.002-06:00

All earrings were done a while back but the necklaces were completed the past week. Simple but I think they're great for everyday use.

Weather here has been nice since the last couple of days... lots of snow had melted!

A Package From Helena Of Sweden

2011-02-11T17:27:00.006-06:00

A fabulous package arrived in the mail today... all the way from Sweden! Helena had a blog giveaway last month and I was the lucky winner - my first win for such ever! She sent more than what I expected, and I'm so excited to try everything. Thank so much for the yummy goodies, but most of all to your generosity Helena.

The goodies were packed well!

Ta daaaaa... the yummy goodies!

All mark - so organized!

While on the topic of new stash, I thought I'll share some of the goodies I grabbed from my craft escapade with MIL & a family friend on January 28th. Would you believe that I never purchased swarovski pearls before? LOL I wanna purchase some sterling silver findings first befor I'll use them - they're still intact 'til now. I had to indulged myself with seedies (24? tubes) as I'm running low with them - I'm so bummed though that they're not on sale at HL. I got an assortment of goodies from all the 4 stores we visited:

@ Hancocks - hand dyed embroidery threads, suede fabric, beading threads, a bunch of sequins (for my bead embroidery, particularly BJP pieces), and assorted beads.

@ Big Lots - spring theme beads, a quilting book, and metal pendants.

@ Hobby Lobby - an assortment of czech seedies, swarovski pearls, cabochons, and jasper focals.

@ JoAnns - czech seedies, acrylic flower beads, display stands for bracelets & necklace/earring, quilting goodies & wooden birdhouses (to paint) for MIL's birthday.

Last Saturday (February 5th) , I got a call from SIL early morning and asked if I wanna go with her & MIL at the Fairgrounds' Flea Market - my answer was YES of course! By 7:30Am, we're on our way to Des Moines already. Despite the cold weather & crowd, the market was full of people of all ages - from babies to oldies with canes! I can attest though that everybody had a good time. I had to grabbed a bunch of vintage stuffs (i.e. old jewelries), bead assortment, embroidery threads, a couple of old embroidery books, some (new) nail polish that I'm planning to use on sealing my beading threads, and cards.

The necklace below is a 2-strand crinkled faux pearls with damaged clasp which I had to tear apart right away when I got home - and for some lucky reason, I found a rivoli in my stash that fits perfectly in the clasp (see lower right in the photo).

I had to have these earrings when I saw them... planning to use them as focals on my next embroidery creations.

We try to do some escapade despite the snowy weather here in IA, otherwise, we'll suffer from cabin fever! So do the same and have a good time! Happy beading all!

(Almost) Replica Bracelet

2011-02-08T16:46:00.003-06:00

Though the bracelet I made for the January swap (for Cat) was so simple, I knew I had to make another one - in fact, I almost kept the first one I made.:) I opt not to make exactly the same though so I used bluish green faux pearls on the beaded beads instead of lavender as in the original. A black version is in the making too...

Enjoy beading all!

Cyber Monday: An Assortment Of Beaded Bead Earrings

2011-02-07T16:32:00.002-06:00

Last month, I tried to post a completed piece everyday... though I usually blog at a certain day then schedule a few days post, it was still time consuming. So starting today, I'll gonna have a "Cyber Monday" post wherein I'll gonna share most of my (simple) accomplishments for the previous week. Here are most of the earrings I made the past week.

Happy Monday all... keep your hands busy and continue to create a piece of art that will be treasured today & tomorrow!

Spring Earrings

2011-02-05T20:19:00.001-06:00

I consider last week the worst weather we've got so far this winter... but kept myself busy making beaded beads. Here's a handful of them - where I managed to finish some of them as earrings and bracelets.

And here's my version of spring earrings. I'm trying to collect an assortment of 4mm rounds & drops for my beaded beads and I managed to grab some from an ebay seller, i.e. cat's eye, druks, etc.

Enjoy beading all!

Bracelet Swap For Cat

2011-02-04T19:51:00.000-06:00

My mark for the January 2011 bracelet swap was Cat and she got her bracelet the same time she got her SSE-20.Happy beading all!

SSE-21 For Evalie

2011-02-03T19:38:00.001-06:00

My mark for SSE-21 is Evalie and here's my take for her challenge word "ROMANTIC". Red, black and sparkly came to mind when I read her challenge word but I decided to opt out red so she can wear them more with other wardrobe. She got her earrings a while back but it slipped my mind to blog about them, so here they are... the Romantic Earrings!

Stay warm all... keep beading!

A Bright And Cheery Ring

2011-02-02T10:48:00.002-06:00

Been suffering with cabin fever but I've been busy digging my stash for bright seedies. I ended up making another ring though I had been contemplating on making a necklace. Is this piece bright and cheery enough? Wait for the yellow piece soon!

Keep warm and drink hot cocoa and coffee all - at least those who're having snow days like me!

Back To Rings

2011-02-01T10:42:00.001-06:00

I found some baby blue drop beads in my stash so I added them in my next ring project and here's the result:

February started with blizzard and ice storms! Hope weather will be better in the coming days. Stay warm and keep your hands busy everybody... bead, embroider, sew, tat, knit, quilt, crochet, etc.!

January 2011 BJP

2011-01-31T19:09:00.005-06:00

My January piece is finally done though I didn't go ga-ga with it. This is my first year with the BJP... and after much contemplation, I decided to go with a "random" sampler block theme.

My initial plan was to use this quilt top (acquired from a dear friend Linda, who was a prolific quilter before she discovered beading) for my 2011 blocks but with the lovely splash of colors in it, I'm having a second thought.

My blocks for the entire 2011 will come from these stabilized square and round foundations... or perhaps others shapes as well. The squares are 2"x2" while the rounds are almost 2" diameter.

Happy beading all!

Cat's Eye Set

2011-01-30T20:52:00.001-06:00

I went out of my ring norm and decided to make a necklace and earrings set using cat's eye beads - very simple but I like it.

I also made some swap goodies - necklace, earrings, bracelet and ring - but they'll remain a secret 'til the recipients receive them. Moreso, more rings will be shared later. Happy beading all!

A Day At The Spa

2011-01-29T23:20:00.003-06:00

I had a long day today with SIL and MIL... Many thanks to Mom for the massage treat! By 7:30 AM, we're on our way to Des Moines already and got to Massage Heights before 9:00 AM. It was such a great treat and I'm literally sleepy afterwards. Everybody should have such experience once in a while - or better yet, on a regular basis. Here's the room assigned to me, took a few shots after the massage.

Beady-wise, here's another ring kinda similar in my previous post. This will be for SIL, but may not be able to give it to her 'til our next domino game.

Remember to pamper yourself once in a while - you deserve it, a rejuvenating massage is perfect. This was something I missed in the past when I was in the midst of a very busy and stressful job... the construction industry! Happy beading all!

A Twilight Inspired Ring

2011-01-28T08:11:00.000-06:00

Twilight comes to mind when I see dark red and black combo... For extra texture, I added magatamas at the edging. I love the little sparklies in the bluestone - wish I have more of these cabs!

Have a great day all!

A Blue Goldstone Ring

2011-01-27T16:37:00.002-06:00

Among all the rings I made so far, this is my favorite! I love the itty-bitty sparkles on the stone. I used amethyst iris seedies on the ring band & lace edge, pink silver-lined delicas on the second layer, 15/o matte black seedies and obviously, blue goldstone for the focal. It reminds me of Twilight so I might have to make another one - but won't use pink delicas. What do you think?

Stay warm all! We have icy roads again... yay!

The Matching Blue Lover Ring

2011-01-26T15:01:00.001-06:00

Just another simple ring that matches the earrings on my previous post. As mentioned, this will be a gift.

Have you experienced recieving a mail without anything in it? For the first time, I did. Though the USPS put the original envelope in another envelope, the original mail is obviously empty as it was damaged. Look what happened to the envelope at the lower part area.

At the back of the USPS envelope, USPS explained that due to high volume of mail they handle everyday and though they handle everything with care, there are times that some mails get damaged. I never attempted to open the USPS envelope just in case I have to return the original mail to the sender.

Don't worry, bead happy! Keep warm all!

Earrings For A Blue Lover

2011-01-25T18:11:00.003-06:00

These earrings are for a family friend who I think loves anything blue! I used howlite turquoise, garnet delicas and amethyst iris seedies for the beaded beads. She's a french hook wires kind of girl and am glad she doesn't ave allergies on any metals. They will come with a matching ring that is still in the making process. Hope to give them to her on or before Valentines Day.

Got a call yesterday morning from SIL, asking if I wanna go in Des Moines with her & MIL on Saturday for a lil shopping spree... this time, it's for MIL's upcoming birthday! We already know what Mom wants, and might as well take her to the shops where she can choose her gifts personally - a stand mixer (we're eyeing a big kitchenaid mixer with all the bells & whistles) and a pasta maker/machine. To complete our day, SIL also scheduled a spa massage somewhere in the city - now, that' a real treat... don't you think?

Life is too short, and before you know it, it's gone... so enjoy it to the fullest everybody!

Bead Give-Away Winner

2011-01-24T17:33:00.003-06:00

Today is different from my usual day in a very very good way! When I checked my email this morning, I got ecstatic with a good news from Helena of Sweden. She recently had a blog give-away and I am the winner... I've been blog-hopping for a few years (both in the embroidery and beading virtual world) and this is the first time I win anything... from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for your generosity Helena!

Beady-wise, this set will be on its way to WI this week - along with the other rings and earrings I made for her. I really enjoyed making this simple necklace as I did able to use my new my new metal punch on the leaf focal. My friend is a very busy Mom of 4 (3 boys and a pretty girl as the youngest) and each angel represent her kids.

My initial thought was to have an assymetrical piece with a front closure. When worn this way, it's around 20" long.

The ring on top of the leaf was a last minute idea - since the chain is long enough, I thought it would be fun to wear it like below... I had been thinking on adding some seedies on the delicate chain on the leaf to add extra dimension but I see a lot of color on the whole piece already. What do you think - should I add seedies or not?

And lastly, please don't forget to drop by at Helena's blog to pamper your eyes with her beautiful creations. She's pretty busy beading herself... her expertise and love for beads shows in her works.

Keep warm and enjoy beading all!

Double Wrap Bracelet

2011-01-23T17:24:00.003-06:00

I recently purchased some Greek leather cord and had this big button laying around for quite some time waiting to be put into good use... so I ended up with a 16" wrap bracelet - which can be use as a necklace as well. More similar bracelets are in the execution process.

Today is domino day at SIL's house... with all the women in the family and a couple family friends - both women as well. Everybody was there by 11:30AM, wherein most brought food (potluck style, I brought an assortment of egg rolls plus the infamous Asian sweet chili sauce) so we had lunch first, chit-chat about quilts & whatever comes to mind, then played domino 'til 5:00 PM. It was another fun-filled day and I can't wait for our next gathering!

Keep warm and have a great evening all!

Jasper Cabochon Bauble Ring

2011-01-22T17:15:00.003-06:00

Just another simple ring with jasper cabochon focal. In the near future, you'll see goldstone, bluestone, obsidian, and jasper assortment in this kind of ring.

Happy beading all!

SSE-20

2011-01-21T16:58:00.001-06:00

Got my lovely earrings for SSE-20 all the way from Utah! My challenge word was "peacock" and Lois made a great version, don't you think? I love them... Thanks so much Lois!

And I was advised that my mark in Ohio got hers... I didn't managed to use Cat's challenge word "plum fairy" as she happens to be my bracelet swap as well so I made coordinating pieces.

Keep warma nd enjoy beading all!

Girly Pink Beaded Bead Earrings

2011-01-20T19:02:00.000-06:00

Pink always reminds me of girls... though I gotta admit I think I missed that part of my life that I wanted pink - am more of a tomboy kind of girl. I remember loving earth-tones even at a young age. Weird huh?

Have fun beading all!

A Mother And Daughter Rings Plus Earrings

2011-01-19T16:22:00.002-06:00

Just a pair of rings for a dear friend in WI... I had to guess-timate their sizes as these are surprise gifts. My friend also loves earrings so I made a matching pair.

Have a fruitful beady afternoon all!

Flowers From DH And Hot Red Beaded Bead Earrings

2011-01-18T17:39:00.004-06:00

Yes, it has been 8 years ago today when DH took me to his wings - seems like it's only yesterday. I'm sure glad the weather is better today, DH managed to go home after spending another day at work due to severe road conditions.

Beady-wise, am getting ready for Valentines! Red comes to mind when I think of the heart's day... and I'm still making earrings!

Keep warm and enjoy beading everybody!

Wood Jasper Earrings

2011-01-17T17:27:00.001-06:00

Can you tell by now that I really love working with brown? I love these wood jaspers and I look forward to using more of them in my next creations.

Got a call early morning yesterday from SIL asking if I wanted to go thrift shopping with her and MIL... I said YES of course! Before 11AM, 3 of us are already on the road on the way to Waukee. We all got some goodies there, then we headed to Urbandale - where I got most of my goodies... our last destination was Ankeny and we all went out carrying bags - you don't expect us to leave the store empty handed, right? We then headed to a nearby Subway for a late lunch - by the time we're done, it's past 3:30PM already. We all had a tiring but fruitful day and I would love to do it again when we have the chance! One thing I regret though, wish I purchased the lazy susan spice rack (for about $10) at Waukee that I could use as findings organizer. Oh well, I'll just have to try to visit our local Goodwill!

We're suffering from a nasty weather again today... here comes icy roads! Enjoy beading all!

Black And Matte Bronze Earrings

2011-01-16T17:32:00.004-06:00

Those who are familiar with me know how much I love earth tones - specially brown! The seedies here came from Cat and they instantly became a fave... and of course, I had to use them on my current projects right away. Thanks again Cat!

Thanks for visiting... and enjoy beading all!

Howlite Turquoise Earrings

2011-01-15T17:07:00.003-06:00

This matches the ring I made on the previous post. The focal beads came from ArtBeads (courtesy of Moira), the swarks on top of the beaded beads came from Tamara (goodies from the birthday swap last year), the delicas are from Cat... findings and tortoise seedies from my stash.

Thanks again ladies! Happy beading all!

A Turquoise Ring

2011-01-14T16:48:00.005-06:00

Been experimenting with rings for the "ring swap" I'm organizing at BD forum. I think this is the biggest ring I've made so far. The tortoise beads on the outside were just last minute addition. I thought an extra fluffiness will finish it off - and I love how it turned out! I can see myself making more rings out of these imitation turquoise coins.

Bead happy all!

Got My Ring Mandrel

2011-01-13T16:39:00.003-06:00

Been wanting to have a ring mandrel as I only have ring sizers. I'm sure this will come handy when making rings for others - no more guess-timate!

For my accomplishment of the day, here's another pair of simple earrings!
Take care all... stay warm and enjoy beading!

Dalmatian Jasper Earrings

2011-01-12T09:32:00.003-06:00

DH finally made it home today... and filed a PTO before going home, which means he won't work tonight. Roads are still icy so it's a great idea to just stay home! Beading wise, I've been busy using my ArtBeads goodies.

Keep warm everybody!

All White Outside

2011-01-11T10:18:00.006-06:00

It snowed pretty bad last night which made DH to leave an hour early fo work. Here's what our lawn look like this morning:

Our car is covered with snow, but glad that it's not that much compare to other states where they have to dig their cars.
I tried to stepped out of the porch... that's my left foot!
The driveway is invisible.
The front lawn!

And here's another pair of earrings with garnet rounds, black pearls and garnet seedies!

I can see myself drinking heaps of coffee and cocoa today... but will try to finish my first BJP piece as well. Keep warm and enjoy beading everybody!

Just Another Simple Bracelet

2011-01-10T11:14:00.002-06:00

I've been making bracelets lately and this is one of them! Made of beaded beads, chinese glass rondelles, bali-style square beadcaps, lucite beads and rose pewter clasp.

My artbeads purchase finally arrived and had to use the magatamas instantly. I already made some beaded beads out of of them. The rounds will definitely end up as beaded beads but I'm planning to make flower pendants out of them as well. It's been a while since I made those and I'll make some as ring focals too.

Happy beading everybody!

Birthday Goodies

2011-01-09T10:59:00.005-06:00

SIL gave me a boxful of beady goodies, gift card from K-Mart/Sears, and jeans...

DH handed some of his gifts on my birthday but he hid a box really well as I didn't able to see it since yesterday, at the gathering. I had been giving him the hint that beady stash is always a good deal for me. LOL

MIL must have read my mind that I've wanted a portable drive. DH got me an external drive for christmas so I didn't include the portable in my bday list anymore. Anyway, I can see this drive going to places as it's a great travelling companion.

And here's my beady accomplishment for today! A simple bracelet with beaded beads as focals... more bracelets in the near future.
Stay warm all... enjoy beading as usual!

Birthday Swap From Mary

2011-01-09T10:19:00.007-06:00

Here are the goodies Mary sent me for this round of birthday swap at BD forum. I love everything... THANK YOU SO MUCH MARY!

Bracelet, MOP Cuff and a necklace!

A knitted purse and silk yarn! Yummy!

We had a negative weather last night so imagine how cold today is... stay warm and enjoy beading all!

I Am Hooked...

2011-01-08T08:45:00.005-06:00

... in making this kind of earrings. I think I have to replace my 365 jewelries with "365 earrings" to make for 2011! Edited: We're supposed to have the family gathering today at SIL's house but our niece got sick so our dear aunt in town will be hosting the party instead! Don't worry, bead happy everybody!

Yummy Seedies From Cat

2011-01-07T08:30:00.004-06:00

Though Cat advised me that she'll gonna send some seedies, I didn't realize she'll spoil me too much. So imagine how big my smile was when I opened the package yesterday. Thank you soooooo much for your generosity Cat. I am truly blessed with wonderful friends from the stitching & beading virtual communities! Click here to Cat's blog... while you're there, don't forget to visit her etsy shop as it's filled with OOAK creations.

I had to use one of the seedies right away and made beaded beads with them - as focals for this bracelet which will be given as birthday gift to a dear great aunt. Have fun beading all!

For A Change

2011-01-06T15:49:00.002-06:00

I got out of my routinary earrings and made a necklace for a change.

Have fun beading all!

Still Making Earrings

2011-01-05T11:19:00.002-06:00

Enjoy beading all!

Happy Birthday To Me

2011-01-04T17:23:00.003-06:00

I can't believe I'm another year older again today! Seems like it's just yesterday when I fixed my age on a certain number. LOL DH came home with a can of mocha cappuccino powder (I love to mix this with coffee) and this card - inside is an ebay GC as he knows there are so much goodies I wanna purchase from there. While having our breakfast, he told me that we'll have a lunch out on any restaurant I'll pick - but with the weather and all, I decided to just prepare lunch myself. LOL We'll gonna have my birthday party at SIL's house this weekend - with turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, rools, pies, cake, ice cream, etc. Another tradition that my in-laws have for many years is, the birthday celebrant can choose all the food he/she wanna eat on his/her birthday... the celebrant won't prepare anything, other members of the family will. How cool is that?

And here's another pair of earrings as after christmas gift for SIL. I'm making some more and I'm planning to give them to her this weekend, along with my extra jewelry gifts for other members of the family... so I won't be the only one who'll gonna open presents.

Stay warm everybody... and happy beading!

Simple Beaded Bead Earrings

2011-01-03T20:36:00.007-06:00

Just simple earrings for instant gratification! Have fun beading all!

Vote For Your Favorite Jewelries

2011-01-02T19:57:00.003-06:00

Don't forget to cast your vote at the Cycle 3 of "Art With Heart... Beading For Charity" which will end on January 5th. Moreso, Marcie's "Margie and Me Final Color Throwdown" will end tonight.

In January 2010, I challenged myself to make at least 31 jewelries - or a jewelry a day. I wanna impose the same challenge on myself to the next level... 365 jewelries and/or accessories for the entire 2011. The piece could be a necklace, bracelet, earrings, broach, pin, pendant, etc. Anybody out there up to the challenge? For my second piece this year, here's a pair of earrings.

Have fun beading all!

WELCOME 1-1-11

2011-01-01T15:52:00.007-06:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL!

Me and DH tried to stay awake 'til midnight to welcome 2011! We don't celebrate New Year here as much as we do back home, so when the countdown's done, we went to sleep right away. In my (Philippines) family, we treat New Year similar to Thanksgiving, though we have our big feast at midnight of January 1st... Moreso, we attend the family reunion on my father side in the morning, then my mother side in the afternoon. Something that I know I'll miss for many years.

Beady-wise, what better way to start the year than beading? This necklace will be an "after christmas" gift for MIL - whom I love to pamper with my jewelries as she loves wearing them. It has two removable pendants which can be used individually or altogether. Focal on one pendant is a beaded bead while the other has a gold-tone filigree heart with brown & clear crystals. The said heart pendant has been sitting in my stash forever... so glad I finally able to put it into good use.

Hope you're all enjoying this momentous day!

Goodbye 2010, Hello 2011

2010-12-31T20:41:00.006-06:00

The weather has been nasty since this morning, and I don't think tomorrow would be better... me and DH managed to give MIL a visit this morning to give her books & a couple of country DVD movies but we had to leave early before the roads turn icy. In return, MIL gave us a big box of assorted snack goodies which was given to her.

Anyway, I wanna end my last 2010 post with a big thank you to all the wonderful people I run across this year - specially the BD peeps! It has been a year since I joined BD, and since then, you all inspired me to get out of my comfort zone. I can't thank you enough with your wirework help! I'm pretty sure I won't learn that technique if not with your encouragement. Thank you so much to all my marks all year round, on SSE's by Inca, Bracelet Swaps by Lois, Necklace Swaps by Lina, Challenge Swaps by Jeni, and various challenges by other members. I did enjoy them all and I look forward to doing them again next year - if I'll have time. And to all of you great ladies who are behind these books, THANK YOU SO MUCH for filling in some space in my beading bookshelves - you know who you are!

I wanna welcome 2011 with an open heart... that I'll be able to do the major goals I failed for 2010. Some of which are lose some weight, extra focus on embroidery, improve my teaching portfolio, finish as much models, learn wireweaving and metal stamping... and lastly, I will do my best to finish all my BJP pieces for 2011. I'm having second thought on what shape to use but I'm leaning towards odd-shapes with free-style designs.

From our humble home to yours... me and DH wish you all a Happy & Prosperous New Year!

My Entry For Margie And Me - The Finals

2010-12-30T20:17:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Marcie for this year end color throwdown, I had fun creating this piece. It's my first time to join such and I can see myself joining more in the future. There are a lot of fabulous entries so don't forget to cast your vote - voting starts today and will end on January 2nd! My entry was based on "The Lady And The Unicorn" pallete.

Don't forget to check out the eye candies and vote for your fave at Marcie's blog. Happy beading everybody!

Christmas Gifts

2010-12-30T19:27:00.005-06:00

It has been a family tradition with my in-laws to prepare a christmas gift list that we can share to everybody months before christmas. My list this year is mostly beading books as I don't have much of them - just started collecting more of them this year. I didn't expect to get all the stuffs I listed but oh boy, my in-laws plu DH pampered me. I just told DH the other day that I must have been really good this year coz Santa granted my wishes. So, to shorten my post, I'll try to focus on beady related stuffs!

This book (1000 Jewelry Inspirations) was not in my original list, but when we had a shopping spree in the city, we dropped by at Barnes & Nobles - I had to grab it so MIL included it in my gift list. As my way of thanks to her, I grabbed all the books she picked (plus a Yoga DVD) and I included them in her list.

These are the stamping tools I picked at HF, also from the same trip above. Though I knew I'll get these, my excitement never ceased. I've always wanted these since early this year but I knew christmas is the best time to have them.:) These are just some of her gifts to me. She also got me beading and embroidery magazines subscriptions, plus some $$$ for after christmas shopping. Thanks to MIL for granting my wishes!I've been enjoying some of SIL's gifts since October - 5 tickets for musical shows in the Civic Center (done watching 9 to 5 and Mary Poppins). She also got me a couple of jackets from Younkers (both brown - leather & curdoroy), a pair of jeans from Cold Water Creek, $50 ebay GC, and these books: The Art Of Beadwork by Valerie Hector, The Art Of Beaded Beads by Jean Campbell, The Art & Elegance Of Beadweaving by Carol Wilcox-Wells, Beading On Fabric by Jean Van-Horn, Zulu Inspired Beadwork and Shaped Beadwork by Diane Fitzgerald. I've always wanted to have these books... and since my birthday is in the first week of January, I thought I won't have them 'til then. So imagine my surprise when I open the big box of books! Thanks to SIL for her generosity.

The Santa in my household let me open the box on the 24th... remember this post? Anyway, the content of the said box are as follows: nylon threads, beading wires, beads, and adress labels. DH always knows what I want. LOL One day, he went to Hobby Lobby without my knowledge and got me & MIL some GC from there. He must have hid the cards really well coz I didn't saw them 'til it was time to open presents. He also got me a bunch of antique & vintage jewelries, and a 1.5TB external hard drive that I picked myself on Black Friday.

The weather tomorrow will be super nasty so me & DH decided to dink around in town today. I lost count how many stores we went to... but we managed to grab some shirts on sale at JCPenney and when I saw these pair of earrings, I knew they're perfect for MIL - I had to grabbed them as well of course, moreso, they're on sale. I'm planning to put some beadworks with them to match my Margie And Me entry as they'll gonna be after christmas gifts.

I got a GC from Walmart so we had to dropped by there too - where I got some bronze findings (eyepins, headpins, earwires and toggles)... then DH found a couple of books on sale for MIL - another after christmas gifts.

We also dropped by at K-Mart where I got some hair accessories for my nieces & me, Hyvee where we got some bargain groceries & chocs for DH, Dollar Store where I got a great assortment of glass mosaics to be used as cabs... and our last destination was KFC - Can you tell we were worn out to cook? LOL And this metal puncher was waiting in the mailbox when we got home. It has been in my list for a while so i got it for myself. I gotta say that most of what I earn this year from my embroidery business went to purchasing jewelry making stuffs - so hopefully, I can justify the expenses next year by creating more jewelries!

Charity wise - I thought we missed sending our yearly donation to the (American-Indian) Lakota Tribe in South Dakota but DH said he did it last month, just forgot to mention. For some reason, I love this tribe... I feel like I have a connection with them. I didn't do as much charity works as MIL this year, but then she's the most giving person I know. On our way back from our shopping spree, SIL mentioned how she delivered a truck load of clothings and toys at a non-profit organization in the city and some girls "christmas wishes" were yarns and knitting needles. MIL immediately asked SIL how much she has to pack as she has boxes and boxes of yarn in the basement. SIL also shared that when they were opening the letters of kids from the NPO she's donating goodies (she's not working there, just trying to help out and grant kids wishes), some would request for socks only... and there she was expecting jeans, jackets, etc. It's just so heartbreaking to hear stories like that.

Anyway, it would be great if we could be a good samaritan once in a while... or better yet, all year round! It has always been my motto in life that "THE MORE YOU GIVE, THE MORE YOU RECEIVE". Giving doesn't have to be in kind... there could be homeless kids or old people nearby that you can help by doing some volunteer works.

As a breadwinner back home, I seldom (as in super seldom... LOL) get gifts in kind coz I'm the one buying gifts... not to mention, I have 30+ godchildren to buy gifts too. To me, it's more than enough to see them smile when they open their gifts - kids and olds have always a special spot in my heart. I always feel they are the ones who needs extra attention and needs pampering.

Have A Prosperous New Year All!

Four Sets Of Beaded Bead Earrings

2010-12-29T10:08:00.001-06:00

More instant gratification projects - something that can be done while watching TV or a good movie. I wanna keep on making these earrings for my bridal line. Won't these be great for bridesmaids - or even the bride perhaps?

Enjoy beading all!

Five Sets Of Beaded Bead Earrings

2010-12-28T07:57:00.001-06:00

When you crave for instant gratification projects, what do you make? Earrings are and will always be my first choice.

Happy beading all!

Drum Roll Please...

2010-12-26T10:45:00.002-06:00

... and the winner is # 119

Congratulations SEllen for winning a one year magazine subscription of either Beadwork, Step-by-step Wire Jewelry or Stringing. I will contact you shortly for further details!

I hope everybody had a great christmas day, as much as me & my family had!

Merry Christmas Everybody

2010-12-25T06:47:00.003-06:00

I hope everybody's spending quality time with family and friends. As for us, we'll have our family gathering at SIL's house at brunch. Our food theme this year is appetizer buffet and I'm in-charge on bacon-wrapped lil smokies.

Beady-wise, I'll gonna do the draw later where participants are from the BD swaps and challenges I joined this year. To-date, I have 283 entries in the jar! Winner will be announced tomorrow, so stay tuned!

From our humble home to yours... Happy Holidays!

A Bunch Of Simple Earrings

2010-12-24T18:11:00.006-06:00

I made a bunch of super simple earrings earlier... mostly made of glass pearls. Can you see a bride or bridesmaids wearing these? I do have some delicate chains so am thinking of making matching necklaces as well.

Merry christmas everybody!

Beading Daily 2010 KK Swap From Erin

2010-12-23T20:16:00.006-06:00

I got my KK package from Erin today and within seconds DH handed it to me, I had to open it! LOL I just couldn't contain myself and wait 'til christmas to reveal the surprise... whenever I get a package, I always open it right away. Thank you so much for a great package Erin.

Erin (the bead looming guru) spoiled me with fabulous goodies... she didn't made me one, not 2... but 3 jewelry masterpieces. The surprise stash are all copper that coordinates really well, so I'm planning to use those for my personal jewelries. DH didn't get any good mail today - so when I showed him the big box of chocolate cookies, he couldn't hid the big smile on his face. We had to try them right away - as you can see in the photo. Anyway, I'll let the photos speak for themselves.

The jewelries and the surprise stash

neatly packaged individually!

The necklace and 2 pairs of earrings!

Each piece comes with Erin's card!

Assortment of copper stash!

A big box of Belgian Chocolate Cookie Assortment!

These cookies gave DH a good day!

We had to try them right away... they're soooo yummy Erin!

If you haven't been to Erin's blog or website, hop on over now as she got lots of goodies to show you... as well as so many looming tips & tutorials on her blog. Thank you very much again for a wonderful swap Erin. Enjoy beading all!

Christmas Gift Earrings For SIL

2010-12-22T17:01:00.002-06:00

Per colors requested by SIL. I'm still making some simple rings... will share photos of them later!

Still busy doing last minute gifts here... Happy Holidays all!

Ebay Disappointments And Frustrations

2010-12-21T19:56:00.000-06:00

I've been having so much frustrations with my ebay purchases lately, both from US & foreign sellers. First scenario, photos below is one of the packages that should contain beadcaps - as you can see, the package was damaged during transit... and came to me empty. But the good thing is, I told the seller about it and got my money back.

Second scenario... I purchased a book lot which includes "Beading With Peyote by Vicki Starr". After winning the auction, the seller (from US) told me he made a mistake and the said book won't be included. I was given the option to choose on his other books so that was ok... though I really wanted Vicki's book and was the main reason I placed a bid.

Third and worst scenario... I won 2 Bead Trends magazines & a (back issues) magazine lot from the same seller (US) - I paid for all the magazines at the same time, with a combined invoice. After 2 weeks, I recieved the package without the Bead Trends. I immediately contacted the seller to let her know about the situation... I didn't get an answer 'til after the 3rd ebay email when I mentioned I will report her to ebay Customer Service. She insisted that she mailed all the magazines in one package and that she got the delivery confirmation. I had to open a case through ebay but I didn't get my money back as ebay believed that all the magazines were delivered due to the delivery confirmation the seller provided - where in fact, the seller claimed the delivery confirmation is for both Bead TYrends & the other magazine lots, but obviously, she only mailed the magazine lot without the Bead Trends. I can't understand why people of those kind exist. Needless to say, I left the seller a negative feedback... which I really hate coz in my 6 years of using ebay, that was the first negative feedback I ever left.

Oh well...

A Typical Winter Day

2010-12-20T10:37:00.004-06:00

DH went out deer hunting with his buddies last Friday, so I had to get the mail. I always throw a joke on him when I go to the mailbox during winter... to make sure look for me if I'm not back after 45 years. LOL

The driveway!

The road infront of our house!

The side lawn which I prefer to take... it is a long walk!

Keep warm all!

A Gift From Santa

2010-12-19T09:38:00.004-06:00

I'm way behind in wrapping christmas presents this year... As I gather the gifts, I found a box from Santa - with my name in it - next to the unwrap gifts. LOL It happens every year but it always gives me the same excitement. Since yesterday, I had been teasing DH to tell me what's in the box... then this morning, he told me I'm worse than a kid when it comes to gift surprises - after I told him "I did a lot of shaking on that box last night." He let me open one of my gifts already so I'll restrict myself on this one and will wait 'til christmas.

I also made these yesterday, as part of MIL's jewelry gifts, though I'm having a second thought on the earrings as she wears hoop earrings more than dangles.

I found these left-over swarovski components while looking for some stash, so I decided to make them into simple earrings. One pair will be a part SIL's jewelry gifts.

I still have some gift wrapping to do so I better sign-off. I hope everybody's having a great Sunday!

Cellini Bracelets

2010-12-18T12:27:00.003-06:00

I'm sure glad I have some UFO segments like these! They're supposed to be for a necklace of my friend as birthday gift last July - but I ended up making her some beaded beads necklace & earrings set. Since the segments are almost 7" long, I thought they're be great as bracelets... my above-mentioned friend will get the one with silver toggle clasp... and I think I'll keep the one with gold-tone magnetic clasp. I'm loving this magnetic clasps and I can see myself making more jewelries with them.

One more week and it's christmas time already - yet, I still need to finish a lot of handicrafts! Keep warm and enjoy beading all!

Bracelets For MIL

2010-12-17T20:37:00.004-06:00

Trying to make as much jewelries as I can for friends & family as christmas gifts! I need to make at least 6 more rings and 4 pairs of beaded bead earrings - plus som bracelets if I can still manage. I tend to accomplish more on the last minute... so hope I'll be productive in the next few days.

I plan to give these bracelets for MIL - but I still have other ideas for her, so I may change my mind at the last minute. I will definitely give her the copper one though.

DH and his buddies went back deer hunting today and they finally got 2 -they still need 4 deers though. So hopefully, tomorrow will be a good day for them as they only have until Sunday to fill all their tags.

Have a great beady weekend all! Keep warm!

A Christmas Gift For A Dear Aunt

2010-12-15T16:24:00.004-06:00

The embroidery part of this piece has been done months ago but I didn't finished it as a brooch - which can convert into a pendant necklace - 'til recently. The focal of this embroidered piece is an antique button that came from a dear aunt's stash, who's also the recipient of this christmas gift. I was sure glad that the finished piece fits perfectly on one of my ceramic trinkets. So, I decided to present it this way - now I hope I can find a good box where the trinket will fit.

Keep warm all - drink lots of cocoa & coffee, that's what I do! Happy beading!

Rings And Earrings For SIL

2010-12-12T17:13:00.005-06:00

We're suffering from a really nasty weather this weekend - as in super cold - but we survived SIL's birthday gathering yesterday.

Here are some of the earrings I made for her, some you might find familiar as I already posted them days ago. She asked for colors: silver, black, brown, red, maroon, and pink.

Garnet Rounds & Antique Gold Beaded Bead Earrings

Pink Pearl Caged With Netting Using Pink Delicas, Topped With Kunzite

Red & Turquoise Howlite Drops With Silver Filigree Cones

All The Earrings & Rings... more on christmas!!!

I was sure glad the rings fit as I had to guess-timate the sizes. I was hoping I could make her stretchy ones but my elastic threads won't work. Gotta find the right material soonest!

Happy beading all... and keep warm!

Another Batch Of Beaded Rings

2010-12-11T07:06:00.002-06:00

Weather here today is soooo nasty, but I don't see myself doing beadworks as we'll celebrate SIL's birthday this morning (brunch party) then play domino after opening gifts. Anyhoo, here are the other rings I finished recently.

Focal on the first ring is a glass bead while petals are amethyst iris czech seeds and royal delicas. Second ring has a glass pearl focal with white and silver czech seed beads. Third ring has a jasper focal with green and garnet czech seeds. The fourth ring has a snowflake obsidian almost fully caged with netting using black matte seeds in 11/o and 15/o. This last piece consumed all my left-over 11/o black matte seeds... need to go to Hobby Lobby when the weather permits!

Stay warm everybody!

Still Making Rings...

2010-12-10T07:03:00.001-06:00

... and experimenting with colors! I made these yesterday afternoon, though the first one had been done few months back and was supposed to be a pendant. I thought SIL would like it as a ring so I'll gonna include it on our birthday gifts for her. She's not much a necklace person... something she always wears are earrings, but lately, she's so into not-so-big rings.

More rings were completed last night but didn't able to take photos yet!

More Baubles Rings

2010-12-09T09:57:00.003-06:00

I didn't went to bed 'til past midnight - blame it on the caffeine! On the positive note, I managed to whip-up a couple of rings then made another 2 when I woke-up early this morning while watching Friends & Scrubs. Planning to finish more rings today but for now, I gotta prepare some lunch. LOL

Stay warm and enjoy beading all!

Beaded Rings... Great Stocking Stuffers

2010-12-08T18:48:00.005-06:00

Been staying home due to cold weather, but I've been busy making beaded rings. Here are some of them... will share more of them in the next few days!

Aren't these great stocking stuffers?

Onyx focal, tortoise & iris brown seeds

Fancy jasper focal and iris brown seeds

Faceted amethyst focal, black & green seeds

Labradorite focal, black matte & golden brown seeds

Goldstone focal, honey stone & golden brown seeds

Stay cozy all... drink some cocoa and coffee to keep warm!

Mary Poppins... A Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Show

2010-12-05T19:10:00.007-06:00

We (me and my in-laws) got to watch "Mary Poppins - The Musical" yesterday and it was indeed a SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS show. All of us enjoyed it! Though the show starts at 2PM, we left early as always. We had lunch at Court Avenue Restaurant in Des Moines which became one of my fave restaurant instanty when I tasted their jambalaya for the first time months ago - and so as DH. Thank goodness for the cold weather, I managed to take-out for him.

Back to Mary Poppins - their props was amazing, not to mention the songs are to die for! The crowd clap non-stop after every scene. Also, the Civic Center was full! It reminded me when we watched "The Rockettes" years back. On our way home, the word SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS got stucked on our brain - so to commemmorate that word, I'll gonna make something out of it. Check back to see what it will gonna be!

On Friday night, we had our first snow. Here's what it looks like outside yesterday morning. YAY It really is winter already!

I'm still making more earrings... The beaded beads were done a while back but didn't able to make them into something until recently. Some of these finished earrings will be added at my shop.

Stay warm everybody and have a great time beading - wherever you are!

An Assortment Of Simple Earrings

2010-12-04T08:13:00.003-06:00

I made a bunch of simple earrings recently and these are just some of them!

Have fun beading all!

So Cold Here...

2010-12-03T20:14:00.005-06:00

... so I kept myself beading! The beaded beads on the earrings were done long time ago, but just finished them into earrings today. A pair (or 2) will be part of SIL's christmas gifts. I'm leaning towards giving her the middle pair. The second photo is another beaded bead pendant which will be used as a mini-orny.

Stay warm everybody!