Beadware

New Year - Learn Something New #2!

2012-01-23T17:37:00.000-08:00

Once you've mastered baskets, why not try glass? Dixie at Eastern Wind Glass teaches a variety of classes in stained glass, fused glass and mosaics. Make a plate, learn to fuse, slump a bottle. Check out the website for the class list. Classes range from $35 to $120. Her shop is located inside Claywerks on Callow Ave in Bremerton.

New Year - Learn Something New!

2012-01-14T10:13:00.000-08:00

It is always fun to learn a new skill or craft. If making baskets from natural materials intrigues you I know just the thing. Take a class from Jo Hart at her Wilderness Basketry studio out in Seabeck. Her 2012 class schedule is now available on her blog. Scroll down past her photos and you'll find a post listing classes for baskets, bowls, pouches, and even a hat!

"A basket is not really a basket, but a vessel created of beauty, joy, and happiness from a window in the soul, a reflection of love and a creative outlet to our ancestors of the past."

Time for a break

2011-12-16T10:20:00.000-08:00

My suitcases were much emptier on the return trip to Washington!

A huge thank you to the hostess with the mostess Carolyn, and to all who came and shopped in MN. I sure enjoyed visiting with everyone. My inventory is very much depleted so the next few months I will need to focus on creating new things. But first I am taking a much needed break! Happy holidays to you all. Ann

Minnesota Sale

2011-12-11T07:36:00.001-08:00

This weekends sale in MN has been great. Thanks to everyone who has stopped in to shop. One of the best parts is all the visiting I get to do with friends, old and new! Not to mention hanging out with the hostess, Carolyn. We are having so much fun. And due to all the requests, we have extended it one more day! So if you missed out stop in this afternoon. After that it all gets repacked into a carry on for the return trip to WA.

Yesterdays Work

2011-12-06T08:28:00.001-08:00

More of my new earring style - these have been so popular and I wanted a good selection for my trip to Minnesota this week. I've added a new "twist" to some of them. I made some last week in plain silver, sliver with black and silver with cobalt blue, but forgot to take pictures and they are now packed. If they make it through this weekends sale I will post pictures when I get back.

Green Opal. I love this stone!! It is the matrix that surrounds opals.

There are small flecks of opal throughout the stone. So rich looking! This one sold the night before the sale. I have a few more of these stones so will make more when I am back in my studio.

Beadware Holiday Sale - Day Two

2011-12-05T10:32:00.001-08:00

We spent the afternoon happily crafting sweet grass and cedar bark ornaments

under the guidance of Jo and George Hart of Wilderness Basketry.

They brought some beautiful examples for show and tell.

Thanks to all who stopped in this weekend.

It is always fun to see old friends and have the chance to visit.

Beadware Holiday Show - Day One

2011-12-03T18:28:00.001-08:00

Thanks to everyone who came out today for Beadware's Holiday Show & Sale.

If you did not make it here is what you missed....

A selection of jams, infused olive oils and gift bags filled with pancake mix and handcrafted elderberry syrup.

Beautiful displays of fused glassware and jewelry in a myriad of shapes

and sizes and all colors of the rainbow.

A wonderful performance by Past Tunes. We learned about their various instruments and about the period music that they play. What a delightful way to spend the afternoon!

We will be open again tomorrow from 11am to 4pm.No more music, but starting at 1pm there will be a basketry demo and you can make your own cedar ornament!

New Work - Ocean Jasper

2011-12-02T08:32:00.001-08:00

In preparation for this weekends show I have made a few new things.
This design has been extremely popular. I began using square agates for the pendants and those flew out of my booth. I was unable to find more, but found some ocean jasper that was close. These have also been very popular. The ones I made for last weekend all sold. I apologize for the less than stellar pics - my studio is torn apart for this weekends show.

These two are my favs

And some more of my hand-hammered copper earrings - some with a twist!
And also some silver (ones not pictured).

And then something different, hematite, glass and silverplate.

Introducing Past Tunes

2011-12-01T07:50:00.001-08:00

Back by popular demand!! On Saturday during Beadware's annual Holiday Show & Sale come and listen to the beautiful music of Past Tunes, the best dang pre-Baroque duo in Port Orchard! Grab a glass of cider and a cookie or two and nestle into a comfy chair. Laurel and Toni will then treat you to musical romps through the festive Renaissance with a nod to medieval roots of our modern Christmas carols, on authentic gut-strung Viola da Gamba and wooden Recorders with a dash of Gemshorn. They have performed at my home several times and it is always a very pleasurable experience.

Introducing Blue Fox Glass

2011-11-30T08:00:00.001-08:00

At my holiday show and sale this weekend you can finish off your holiday list

with some FUNctional art glass by Kandyse of Blue Fox Glass.

She had been doing stained glass for 15+ years,

but when she bought a kiln in 2009 fused glass became her new addiction!

Perfect for your holiday table!

Pendants

So many choices......

Introducing PNW Plants

2011-11-29T08:57:00.001-08:00

Another artisan at this weekends sale will be Tana of PNW Plants. She handcrafts jams from elderberries and other berries, rhubarb, herbs, peppers that she grows in her yard. On occasion she secures organic oranges for marmalade or Yakima produce and Montana Huckleberries to make jams as well.

This year in addition to elderberry jam she will have Montana huckleberry/elderberry Syrup bundled with pancake mix and a spatula.

Her infused olive oils are organic and infused with herbs from her yard. She will also have 5 freshly potted indoor Hoya Plants. Her items sold out quickly last year so come early if you want these!

Introducing Wilderness Basketry

2011-11-28T16:41:00.001-08:00

Every year I do 2-3 shows out of my home as a special treat for those on my email list. My annual holiday show and sale is fast approaching! On Dec 3 & 4 at my home in Southworth shoppers will find Beadware's jewelry and gifts, beautiful fused glassware by Blue Fox Glass, and herbed olive oils and homemade jams of PNW Plants as well as music by Past Tunes and a hands-on basketry demo. Each day this week I will profile one of the artistisans.

Sunday will feature a hands-on basketry demo by Jo and George Hart of Wilderness Basketry. Jo grew up in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky, near Berea. She has 2 passions in life, plants and basketry. She has studied with many Native American master basket weavers from the Pacific Northwest plus local basket artists as well as a noted Applachian white oak basket maker. She has been a member of the Seattle Vi Phillips Basketry Guild for many years and has taught in Washington and Oregon. Her work has been displayed in the Kitsap County Indian Museum, local libraries, local and state fairs, and in Washington galleries. Recently, she was featured in a basketry article in the Westsound Home and Garden Magazine.

Her husband, George, grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. He is a wildlife biologist by trade and has devoted many years to the gathering, harvesting, and preparation of natural materials. He has also studied with Native American and local artists. He uses cedar bark, cedar and spruce roots, and local grasses and sedges in his baskets. His prefered technique is coiling.

On their website you can see last years class schedule. They teach in their studio located in Seabeck.You'll also be treated to a view of their amazing gardens!

Come learn from these skilled experts how to make your own cedar ornament. Demos will start Sunday at 1pm.

Handmade Weekend Shopping

2011-11-24T08:02:00.001-08:00

This weekend if you are one of the brave that will be out shopping - I recommend not only shopping local, but also small! Supporting a small local business as well as local artist can have a much bigger impact than buying from a big chain store. And you can find unique items rather than one of thousands. Two local suggestions are:

Old Town Custom Framing and Gallery in Silverdale. Here you will find a variety of beautiful artisan crafted items. Paintings, photos, clothes, jewelry (including Beadware) and pottery. And if you need something framed, Maria the owner does a fantastic job of that.

Another option is Juliana - It's a great little store. This boutique is located on Piperberry, near the intersection of Bethel and Sedgewick. In addition to Beadware, you will find a variety of locally made items.

This weeks work - Ocean Jasper

2011-11-23T09:42:00.001-08:00

A few new things so far this week. The necklaces all have an ocean jasper pendant. The second and third ones sold the following weekend. Things go quickly during the holidays! Good for me, but not so good if you wanted one. I will be making more and will post pictures here.

And a custom order for gold bangles. One of these is available for sale, the rest have been sold.

View from my tent - Garden Poundings

2011-11-22T08:55:00.001-08:00

This past weekend I had a booth at the Bremerton Food and Gift Show. It is fun to wander and see what other artsy things are there.Being a gardener I loved this booth.

They are created by using a hammer to make a print of the plant onto cloth.

The resulting piece is then scanned into the computer and a digital image is created to preserve the vibrant colors.

The artist uses plants from her own garden near Wallingford in Seattle. Doesn't this look like a lovely place to work? Go to her website Pederson's Garden Poundings to see the variety of cards and prints that are available.

very sparkly gift

2011-11-16T10:47:00.001-08:00

This fall I received a gift of a whole box of old chandelier crystals. Thanks Brenda! Some very interesting shapes and a few were huge. Now what to do with them.

Ornaments!!

The purple one is a special request.

I created a short beaded figure eight loop in either silver or gold to hang them from.

Then I added ribbon and a hanger.

It is cold and rainy out today so I have all day to create these sparking beauties. You can see them in person this weekend at the Bremerton Food and Gift Show. Imagine how nice they'd look on your tree!

Green Opal

2011-11-14T19:29:00.001-08:00

I sold this new necklace and the longer earrings on Saturday. It used copper links and a copper clasp with fall toned glass seed beads and copper accents. The pendant stone is green opal.

From the customer I learned that the green opal is the matrix that surrounds raw opals. She pointed out the green flecks of shiny opal running through the stone. So nice to know that the necklace went to someone who knew what it was and who really appreciates the stone.I have several more of these beauties to turn into new treasures.

I was also invited to go to a meeting of a local gem and mineral club. I could really use more education on the stones I work with. I just might have to check out this group.

Handmade Holiday Gifts

2011-11-11T07:28:00.001-08:00

A fellow artisan, Andrea of Beadmask, has a great post on her blog about why buy handmade this season....."One reason that I am so passionate about this is that your purchase from a big box store is really just a drop in the bucket of their profit margin; while your support of an independent artist actually has a powerful impact on the life of an individual! Buying handmade also benefits you and your intended recipient, in that you're choosing to give something unique -- which (at least in my book) is wonderful and special."

Read the whole post at on her blog.

View from my Tent - Corena's Creations

2011-11-09T08:42:00.000-08:00

Last weekend one of my neighbors at the North Kitsap Holiday Fest was Corena Chamberlain who makes luminaries and paper sculptures. She uses recycled and handmade papers, wax and natural treasures.

I fell in love with the snowmen! The arms are real sticks, the noses are clay.

Each one is individually sculpted and have their own personality!

Don't they just make you smile!!?

One of these cute little Snowmen has found its way to my house :)

You can hang them from your tree. An opening in the back allows you to put a light inside so they will glow.

You can find some of her items online . You will also find Corena's Creations (as well as Beadware) Nov 18-20 at the Bremerton Food and Gift show at the Kitsap Fairgrounds.

Autumn Hues

2011-11-08T10:43:00.000-08:00

These new necklaces all use autumn hues of ambers, browns, golds and reds.

A picture jasper pendant with black and hex cut satin gold glass seed beads. SOLD

A delicate gold and pearlized glass seed beads necklace with a jasper pendant.

Two strands of hex cut satin gold glass seed beads with an agate pendant.

A beautiful green opal pendant with copper links and glass seed beads.SOLD

Another picture jasper pendant with satin brown and amber glass seed beads.

It ain't easy being green

2011-11-03T08:54:00.000-07:00

Feeling Blue

2011-11-02T09:19:00.000-07:00

Time to stock up on earrings for all the holiday shoppers.....

View from my Tent - A Wee Bit

2011-11-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I had a booth at Holly Daze in Port Orchard.

I shared a "store" with Blue Fox Glass and A Wee Bit.

John and Lynn Cassidy of A Wee Bit (a wee bit of this and a wee bit of that) make

beautiful handcrafted leather and sewn goods.

John's leather cuffs use cowhide and stingray, dyed, hand stamped and decorated with silver and stones.

They also had an assortment of barrettes, hair types and hair wraps (great for us biker chicks!)

And a new addition is a holder for electronic readers like Kindles. All their items would make excellent holiday gifts. You can find them, as well as Blue Fox Glass and Beadware at this coming weekend's North Kitsap Holiday Fest in Poulsbo and the Nov 18-20th Food & Gift Fair at the Kitsap Fairgrounds.

Shopping Local

2011-10-20T14:38:00.000-07:00

My holiday show season starts the end of this month. There are so many local artists in our area with such a wide variety of wares. Every weekend will provide a new shopping experience and most of these events support great causes. Here is where you can shop Beadware in the coming months. You will find this list on the event section of my Facebook page. And if you are on my email list, I send out a monthly note with similar information. Hope to see you at one of these fun events. Happy shopping!

Holly Daze Craft and Gift Show

Oct 29^th- 30^th Sat 9 to 5pm, Sun 11 to 4pm

Towne Square Mall, 1700 Mile Hill Dr, Port Orchard

Over 60 vendors of homemade gifts will be scattered throughout the mall.

A great way to kick off your holiday shopping season!

N Kitsap High School Holiday Fest

Nov 5^th - 6^thSat 9:30 to 5pm & Sun 11 to 4pm

1780 NE Hostmark, Poulsbo

High school shows are so fun. Lots of beautiful things and

funds raised support school activities.

CKBB Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair

Nov 12^th-13^thSat 10 to 5pm & Sun 12 to 4pm

CK HS, Anderson Hill & Bucklin Hill Rds, Silverdale

Another great cause and shopping to boot!

Bremerton Holiday Gift and Food Fair

Nov 18^th 20^th Fri, Sat & Sun 10 to 6pm

Kitsap County Fairgrounds, Bremerton

Peninsula High School Winterfest

Nov 26^th- 27^thSat 9 to 5pm & Sun 11 to 4pm

14105 Purdy Ave NW, Gig Harbor

Walk off that Thanksgiving feast while browsing arts and crafts.

Much more fun than the mall!

Beadware Holiday Art Show and Sale

Dec 3^rd - 4^thSaturday & Sunday

Southworth, Port Orchard

Music, demos and art!

www.beadware-designs.com

Other places to find Beadware!

Crimson Cove Smoked Specialties

They carry my Stemware for wine glasses.

Smoked salmon, cheeses, NW wines and other local products.

18928 Front St, downtown Poulsbo (360) 697 - 1767

http://www.crimsoncove.com/

Juliana – It’s a great little store

Check their Facebook page for current specials and winter hours.

1541 Piperberry Way, #105, Port Orchard, WA (360) 895-8542

Juliana on Facebook

Mad Hatter & Co

They carry my Bead Art Pins.

926 Water Street , Port Townsend, WA (360) 379-1859

Mon – Sun 11 – 5:30pm

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mad-Hatter-Co/130386380357330

Old Town Custom Framing & Gallery

3295 NW Lowell St, Silverdale, WA (360) 698-1507
Tues - Fri 10-5, Sat 11-3

http://www.oldtowncustomframing.com/

Olympic Peaks Optical

They carry Beadware eyeglass leashes.

1740 Pottery Ave Ste 3, Port Orchard, WA (360) 876-4742
2655 Wheaton Way, Bremerton, WA (360) 377-0097

Perennial Vintners

They carry my Stemware for wine glasses.

Poulsbo Farmers Market

Saturdays 9-1pm

http://www.perennialvintners.com/

Stemware

2011-10-13T13:20:00.000-07:00

Know which glass is yours at a party with Stemware. Makes a wonderful host or hostess gift (along with a bottle of local wine of course!)

Thanks to my friend Heather, I now have 2 wholesale accounts that carry my Stemware. Perennial Vintners of Bainbridge Island has been selling Stemware at their Poulsbo Farmers Market booth. And by next week, Crimson Cove Smoked Specialties of Poulsbo will be including Stemware with their gift baskets of locally produced smoked salmon, cheeses, wines and other food products.

These These require patience and tough fingers to make! It is like making a miniature bracelet. Cutting the memory wire - bending the ends - filling the wire with beads - making the silver dangle.

Seeing Red

2011-10-11T13:10:00.000-07:00

I am trying to stock up before all my holiday shows. This day was all about red.

Halloween Masks, Dishes and Bling

2011-10-08T10:36:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for Halloween? Several artist friends make great things for Halloween.

Looking for a costume? Andrea of Beadmask makes the most incredible leather and beaded masks. Check out the variety and order one up from her online boutique. You can see many more of her pieces and learn about her process at her website, just click on costumes to see the variety of masks she has.

Having a bash? Kandyse of Blue fox Glass has some fun candy corn and spider dishes.
Check out more on her website.

In need of a little bling? Then Beadware has just the thing.

Pendant Swap

2011-10-06T08:24:00.000-07:00

A customer liked the picture jasper pendant on this necklace,

and the 3 strands of gold beads in this agate necklace,

So I swapped out the picture jasper for the agate,

And made a new jasper pendant for the other necklace.

An Opportunity for Improvement

2011-10-05T08:27:00.000-07:00

Occasionally I hear from a customer that something they purchased from me broke, or that a bracelet was lost due to a faulty clasp or failed part. I always feel very bad when this happens, but I am also thankful that folks let me know. The feedback is very important so that I can change out the offending material or improve my technique.

I guarantee all of my work - regardless of how long someone has had it. If you ever have any problems with any of my designs please let me know. I will fix, remake, or replace any piece that fails or causes an issue. I want you to enjoy wearing my designs.

And don't forget my orphan earring guarantee: Do you have orphan Beadware earrings looking for a partner? Send them my way and I will repair, remake or replace.

Cheers, Ann beadware@wavecable.com

French Paper - An American Original

2011-10-04T09:40:00.000-07:00

I print my onward business cards, jewelry tags, postcards and signs. There are less expensive ways to print things, like Vista Print, but I like the flexibility of being able to change things as needed and also the cool papers that are out there. This year when I updated Beadware's look I found some new papers to use. I have had difficulty finding them ins stores to restock so I went online and found the paper mill that makes the paper, I pulled the company description off their Facebook page.......

Established in 1871, the French Paper Company is a sixth-generation, family-owned American company. And after 140 years of continual operation, French has not only persevered in an industry notorious for corporate acquisitions, name changes and outright shutdowns, they’ve emerged as one of the strongest, most consistent paper brands around.

As one of the last remaining small, independent mills in America, French Paper takes their direction from customers, not corporate bean counters. They spend their days improving product lines instead of the bottom line. And when they talk about the quality of their stock, you can be sure they mean their papers, not shareholder value.

Long recognized for their iconic designer paper brands including Speckletone, Dur-O-Tone, Pop-Tone, and Construction, their impact on the design world has been enormous. Their environmental footprint, however, is tiny. French uses no petroleum in the manufacturing of their papers, and instead generates their own clean, renewable energy. Hydroelectric generators installed on-site in 1922 have saved over one million barrels of fossil fuel to date. And French was an early pioneer of recycled, 100% post-consumer, and other environmentally friendly sheets.

Today, French Paper continues to innovate by becoming the first mill to go beyond pulp to provide not only distinctive papers, but the equally amazing images to use on them. By offering the world's most extensive and highly regarded free digital design resource, French has created a powerful new means to enhance the work of creative people everywhere.

If you need paper in your work check out http://www.frenchpaper.com

Color of the Day - Purple

2011-09-27T14:57:00.000-07:00

A few new necklaces. The first 2 have magic jasper pendants. The third one is rhodochrosite. All three use deep amethyst glass seed beads, sterling silver tubes, pewter hangers and toggle clasps. The earrings are sterling silver, silver plate and glass beads with copper filled sterling silver earwires. Dark purple is an "in" color this season!

These have since all sold. Good for me, but sad if you wanted one!

Bright Dangles

2011-09-23T08:52:00.000-07:00

These are a fun and popular earring design that are made with bright colored, very luminescent beads. The ear wires are copper filled sterling silver.

Celebrating Fall this weekend

2011-09-16T15:48:00.000-07:00

Do your no rain dances for this weekend please. As much as my garden would like some rain, I have been enjoying setting up my Beadware tent in dry and sunny weather this summer. Saturday you will find me at the Quilcene Fall Fair along with Blue Fox Glass. On Sunday I will be in Silverdale at the Peterson Farm Fall Fair along with Blue Fox Glass, Eastern Wind Glass and a host of other local artists. This event helps to support the Kitsap Food Coop and Great Peninsula Conservancy. For links and details please check out the events section of my Facebook page.

Halloween is coming....

2011-09-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

A friend wanted a Halloween bangle bracelet. And you always need matching earrings.

I can never make just one of something!

Lemon Drops!

More Black and Silver

2011-09-14T19:27:00.000-07:00

Sterling and silver-plated beads with dainty heart clasps

Starry Nights

Sterling Silver Earrings

Crystals and Glass

Black and White

2011-09-12T12:34:00.000-07:00

New black, white and crystal earrings.

Sunshine, tugboats, theft, disrespect, and Rice Krispies

2011-09-06T09:07:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I had a booth at Harbor Days, along with Kandyse of Blue Fox Glass and Dawn of LaGrave Designs. The weather was gorgeous and the setting perfect. My booth was 50 feet from the harbor with a cool breeze, views of the tugboats and Olympics in the distance. And having friends to share a room and dinner with each evening makes for a fun weekend.

It was a busy weekend with many folks there to tour the tugboats and watch them race, check out the tall ships and see the new boardwalk and park.

Saturday two if my items disappeared. In the last 2 years of doing booths almost every weekend, I have had only had one theft, a pair of earrings this past August. This day a bracelet and ankle bracelet disappeared. And folks were so rough on my things Saturday! Dropping them on the sidewalk, bending, breaking, stretching, cheesy popcorn fingerprints on earring cards, dripping ice cream on my displays, etc.

Glass gardens are a fancy, fringed beaded bracelets I make that take a lot of work and a lot of beads. I usually put them out front because they are interesting and in the sunshine their sparkle draws folks in. The sixth time my purple one hit the ground it broke in 3 places. I re-arranged my display and put them back by my cash box so I could keep on eye on anyone who touched them. I also had a woman pull so hard on a necklace she broke the clasp. I know that my memory wire bracelets are indestructible, but did a lady really have to totally straighten one out and let it snap back? Another woman grabbed a crystal sun catcher and promptly dropped it on the ground. Retail value of my losses on Saturday: $144. Two steps forward, one step back.

An artist puts thought, creativity, time and a little bit of themselves into each piece they make regardless of how small or the price. Being so rough on my things was disrespectful. As my booth neighbor Kandyse said, it felt like a personal violation.

Sunday was another beautiful day – and Olympia redeemed itself. The day was extremely busy. Folks were appreciative and they bought many things. In the end I made my goal for the weekend. And the best part of the day – Kandyse made more than 2 times her best ever show!!

Kandsye and I often get booths next to each other so we can share funny stories, commiserate as needed and keep a running commentary on people and dog fashion. One of the memorable things this weekend was a sticker on a skateboard – “I do what the Rice Krispies tell me”. So when is the last time you listened to your Rice Krispies?

Harbor Days

2011-09-02T09:43:00.000-07:00

This weekend I will be down in Olympia at Harbor Days - weather looks gorgeous so if you are looking for a destination come on down! Booth #29. Tour one of the many tugboats in the harbor or watch the races at noon on Sunday. Check out their website for more info. http://www.harbordays.com/

This weeks work

2011-09-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

Another busy week in the studio. Agates, copper, glass. Take a peek!

These have been selling like hotcakes. These are the last 3 square agates I have.

I am trying to find more of these stones.

A reddish agate with blue streaks hanging from matte black diamond and dove grey opal seed beads. SOLD

A red and gold agate with rust and pale topaz seed beads. SOLD

Another reddish agate with wisps of blue and gold hanging from smokey grey

and shimmering grey seed beads.

The next 3 use LillyPilly pendants. The pendants are made out of shell that is etched using a CO2 laser. Very delicate and detailed. All have since sold.

The next three pictures are of necklaces and earrings that use hand blown glass beads. The earrings use Niobium wire - excellent for anyone with metal sensitivities.

Earrings have been SOLD.

SOLD

All are SOLD

When friends travel they often bring me back beads as souvenirs. These beauties are from Italy. They are glass flecked with copper. I used copper for the findings to bring out the warmth of the beads.

All are sold.

Art in the Garden

2011-08-27T10:40:00.000-07:00

For a slide show of all the great art available this weekend at Art in the Garden click here!
Art in the Garden

Plants and Plates

2011-08-25T20:10:00.000-07:00

This weekend at Art in the Garden you will see these whimsical garden decorations made by Brenda. She also has a collection of sedum plants in the cutest containers!

Art in the Garden

2011-08-24T19:35:00.000-07:00

One more day until my garden is filled with art! Friday 4-8pm and Saturday 10-5pm enjoy the last lingering days of summer while strolling through gardens with refreshments while browsing beautiful and locally handmade art.

Fused glass art and pendants, pottery, photography, glass and driftwood wind chimes, whimsical garden art, crystal sun catchers, beaded jewelry, and more!

Featuring:
Ann Haines - Beadware; Noelle Morris Photography; Linda Ricci - Side Door Pottery; Kandyse Tobias - Blue Fox Glass; Brenda Ackermann - Plants & Plates; Kim Pinkerton - Wind Dancer Glass & Pottery; and Dixie Armfield-Rogerson - Eastern Wind Glass.

Updated Photo Links

2011-08-18T16:43:00.000-07:00

I have updated the slide show photo links on the right side of my blog page so check them out. I still have to do the Beaded Earring slide show, but I have to decide which ones to feature as I am sure pictures of all 1200+ pairs of earrings I have made is a bit too much to wade through!

Many of the items have been sold since the pictures were taken, but I still include them so you can see what kind of work I do. For example, most of the agate necklaces in the Stone Necklace album are selling as quickly as I make them, but I still have a few more loose stones and hope to find more. If you see something you are interested in be sure and send me an email at beadware@wavecable.com.

Happy browsing!

Recent Work

2011-08-16T08:37:00.000-07:00

Some pieces made last week....

Agate with rust seed beads and gold accents. SOLD

Agate with bronze and antiqued gold seed beads and a brass clasp. SOLD

Moonlight with stars and moons.

This purple one is already sold!

As is this one.SOLD

Autumn glass garden.

Another version. SOLD

Look at all those glass gardens!

Juliana - it's a great little store

2011-08-12T15:54:00.000-07:00

I just came back from meeting with Jenny the jewelry buyer at Juliana, a fun little boutique in Port Orchard. Be sure and check them out when you are in the area. For hours and directions go to their Facebook page.

You can now find these Beadware pieces at Juliana....

I just made this agate, copper and bronze glass necklace this morning!

Another dark grey agate

Purple crystals and glass with a honey bee toggle clasp.

Triple strand "Bits 'n Pieces" glass beads

There is also a purple crystal and pearl bracelet, a double stranded pink pearl bracelet and matching earrings and 2 bead art pins - one in greens and one in purples.

Stop in and tell them you heard about their store from Beadware!

Guest Bloggers Lenny & Bruce on Originality and Inspiration

2011-08-11T14:34:00.000-07:00

Lennie and Bruce Beet (Snooter-doots™) were discussing the creative process recently, over a warm cup’a Joe. Snooter-doots are the perfect example of originality and inspiration. Their artist, Gina McCauley, wanted to make a fun, durable toy for her grand-dog, and as she was already knitting and felting warm hats and caps, she pulled out some left over yarn and started knitting free-form.

The results were the origin of what is now the phenomenon called Snooter-doots, whimsical and unique, handcrafted, art-dolls of felted wool. They have morphed a bit from that original creation (which, by the way, the grand-dog loved) into soft-sculpture critters with tons of personality. Snooter-doots are now spreading joy and whimsy throughout the nation when ‘adopted’ by their new forever families. They are even named with birthdays, all ready to go!

Lennie and Bruce find it interesting to consider where creative inspiration comes from. True artists find their muse in many places. Snooter-doots are inspired by nature. Gina draws from her horticultural background, love of the outdoors and food, through a system of ‘what if’s’. She designs and develops her own ideas into loveable characters that have become quite collectible. Strict adherence to the artist’s creed, ‘thou shall not copy’, results in unique and original pieces that bring long-lasting joy and pride to their owners.

Patrons can best support true and original artistic concepts by talking to the artist about where their inspiration came from and how they make their product. Look-alikes are not original artistic concepts, and do nothing to enhance a person’s collection. Accept only the best, the real McCoy, from a true artist.

Snooter-doots are handcrafted in Seattle, WA. They are available online at www.snooter-doots.com and at many fine gift shops throughout the Pacific Northwest. You can also ‘adopt’ them directly from the artist at local arts/crafts fairs and festivals. Follow Snooter-doot adventures on Facebook at www.facebook.com/snooter-doots; Lennie and Bruce would love to meet you!

Spotting a Counterfeit

2011-08-08T18:23:00.000-07:00

I recently got a lesson in how to spot counterfeit money. An artist friend of mine handles money in her day job and gave me some tips on what to look for. For $10 and larger, hold the bill up to the light with the face towards you and look for an identical face watermark on the right side. There should also be a security thread running top to bottom towards the left side.For when I don't have enough light, or I don't want to be so obvious, she also gave me a spiffy pen that you make a small mark on the bill and it will change color if it is not the real deal.

For more detailed info you can also check out this website: http://www.wisebread.com/how-to-spot-counterfeit-money

View from my tent - Painted Water

2011-08-03T08:22:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I was next to the most amazing painter.

Ian has been painting for more than 20 years as well as composing his own music.

His latest works are mini-paintings. Original master peices that are very affordable.

Mount Rainier is the subject of many of his paintings.

You can see more of his paintings and hear his music at his website www.paintedwater.com.

Agates

2011-07-28T20:23:00.000-07:00

A few new necklaces with agate pendants.

SOLD

It was a dark and stormy night.......

2011-07-27T17:45:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week we had thunder and lightning - pretty rare for out here. My pets were freaked. The dark day must have been what inspired me to make these new glass gardens.

Stormy Nights - dark gray, black, frosted and clear glass beads SOLD

Starry Nights - black, clear, frosted and silver glass beads

After that I shifted gears to something a bit more cheery....Carnival!!

Silverdale Art Alley this Weekend!

2011-07-26T08:46:00.000-07:00

Announcing the first annual ……

Silverdale Art Alley!!

Saturday July 30^th 11 – 8pm

Sunday July 31^st 10 – 5pm

Lowell Avenue, Old Town Silverdale

In conjunction with Silverdale Whaling Days,

the Silverdale Art Walk and Old Town Custom Framing and Gallery

are hosting Art Alley, featuring more than 3 dozen local artists and their wares!

(Beadware will be there on Sunday only)

Jewelry

Photography

Pottery

Metal Sculptures

Glass

Wood carved birds, benches, boxes and furniture

Beach glass mobiles

Wind chimes

Fabric arts and clothing

Handmade cards

Garden art

Pastels and watercolors

Enjoy the fun of Whaling Days, browse through the gallery and support your local artists.

Don’t miss the Great Kitsap Duck Race, Sunday 3pm at the pier!

Whaling Days: www.whalingdays.com

Old Town Custom Framing and Gallery: www.oldtowncustomframing.com

Beadware: www.beadware-designs.com

Lending a Hand

2011-07-25T09:27:00.000-07:00

Last week I started a new gig helping out a fellow artist. La Grave Designs creates kaleidoscope art from digital pictures. Her art is so popular that she is finding it difficult to keep up with demand. She is still doing the creative part of her process, manipulating the digital photo into a kaleidoscope and selecting the portion to print out. Once copies of the image are printed, I follow her instructions to cut out various layers and then stack them using foam tape squares. Check out her website for more details on the process and to see examples of the finished framed pieces of art.

The Dahlia. My first try made with guidance from the artist. It is more than just using scissors. There were lots of little tricks and tips she gave me as I was working on this first one. Cutting in a certain direction, how you hold the scissors, the type of scissors, moving the piece and not your hand and on and on. I have since improved greatly. This one I will keep as my guide for future dahlias.

Each layer is stacked on small sticky foam squares. They reminded me of stale marshmallows!

I cleared off a small space on one of the work tables in my studio. Light was really important for me to cut accurately. I finished all my dahlias and today I am going over to the artists house to stack all of the pieces she cut out over the weekend. Our goal is to have her well stocked for this coming weekends Bellevue Art Fair!

View from my Tent - Lavender

2011-07-24T08:19:00.000-07:00

Despite the rainy weather I had a wonderful time at Lavender Farm Faire. I had a booth at Olympic Lavender Farm, right in the lavender field. What a beautiful location! There was a small collection of vendors and buses of folks arrived every hour to browse, listen to music and enjoy the various demonstrations.

The lavender field was just behind my tent. It smelled wonderful!

Llamas in the lavender

Friday and Saturday we listened to a bluegrass band and Saturday there was an all female marimba band.

Across from me was Tiarani Samsi and her whimsical pottery. She also had a collection of beautiful batik and painted silk wall hangings, scarves and wraps as well as notecards.

My favorite bank is the little purple guy second from left on the middle shelf. Such personality!

Recent Work

2011-07-23T09:30:00.000-07:00

In preparation for the Lavender Faire I was busy making all things lavender. During my busy summer season many things sell before I get them listed into my online store - so please feel free to shop from this blog. Just send me an email if you see something you like.

This is a very sweet little necklace with lavender glass seed beads and assorted crystals.

The center crystal is a teardrop.

A magic jasper pendant with dark purple glass seed beads.

This one has sold, but I do have more of these beads.

Three strands of satin lavender glass seed beads and a pink quartz pendant.

A lavender agate hangs from satin lavender glass seed beads with a magnet clasp.

View from my Tent - SimplyQwirky Flowers

2011-07-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

While I have seen other versions of this fun garden art, I think Julie and Carline's are the best. They were a big hit at the West Seattle Summer Fest earlier this month. You can also find them at the Fremont Sunday Market and in August at the Marysville Homegrown Festival August 12th and 13th. You can see more photos of their work on their Facebook page.

They turned me loose with their sidewalk chalk. I have to get some for future shows - how fun!!
Before chalk.....

After chalk......

View from my Tent - Snooter Doots!

2011-07-21T08:04:00.000-07:00

My tent has been doing some major traveling this month so I am a bit remiss in my posts. But I will get caught up. Over 4th of July weekend I found myself at Pioneer Days in Cle Elum with Kandyse of Blue Fox Glass. To save on gas we packed both of our booths into one truck. Kandsye is quite the packer.

While there I met Gina and her Snooter Doot pals, Lenny and Bruce. Snooter-doots™ are whimsical, handcrafted, art-dolls inspired by nature, featuring vegetables, bugs, fish, birds, fantasy creatures, and edibles. They inspire smiles, foster friendship, or look cool on the couch. Snooter-doots are knit by hand from renewable wool and other animal fiber yarns before they are felted. Each Snooter-doot has a unique personality with its own name and birthday, and is looking for a good home.You can learn more about them at their website www.snooter-doots.com.

I brought home some catnip stuffed Snooter Doot carrots and Miko plays with his every day!

Lavender Farm Faire this weekend!

2011-07-14T11:38:00.000-07:00

Looking for a weekend getaway? Then come and visit me at Sequim at the Lavender Farm Faire. Seven festivals in one! There is a lot to see and do. Tickets/buttons are $10 in advance and $15 on site. The button gets you into the farms and a free ride on the farm bus (or you can drive yourself). See the website for details. http://sequimlavenderfarmersassociation.org/Home.html

For the schedule of events at Olympic Lavender Farm (where I will be) please use this link. http://sequimlavenderfarmersassociation.org/Olympic.html

I will have my usual assortment of jewelry plus a special selection of all things purple!

Silver-Plate vs. Sterling Silver

2011-07-04T21:50:00.000-07:00

This information was originally posted in January 2010. I get so many questions about plated metals that I thought I would re-post it with a few updates.

I usually choose silver-plate over sterling silver for my metal findings (clasps, hooks, ear wires, headpins, etc) because of the cost. Making this choice allows me to keep my prices very affordable.

Many jewelry makers feel that plated metals will not hold up, that the plating will wear off quickly. I have not found this to be true. I have sliver-plated earrings that I have worn for many, many years. A few have become discolored with a patina, but most look just as they always have.

So what exactly is silver-plate? I did some research on the internet to find out for you.

Silver-plated findings are electroplated, which means a coating of 100 percent silver is chemically deposited on base metal. The silver layer is bonded to the base metal via electric current. The quality of silver-plate is determined by the thickness of the silver coating. Examples of base metals include iron, steel, copper, brass, nickel, and zinc. Nickel is a base metal that many folks are allergic to. Most of the findings I use have copper or brass as the base. Because of that many makers of findings are now using brass. The silver-plated findings that I use are heavily plated over brass. I recently purchased some new ear wires that are heavily plated silver over copper.

I have read that plated pieces will oxidize - blacken - faster than solid silver as the base metals properties overpower the plating. Again, in my own jewelry I have not found this to be true. If you damage or scratch the plating deep enough you can expose the base metal. I have never had this happen with my own jewelry. Although silver-plate doesn't carry the same "air" as sterling silver, it lasts nearly as long and is an affordable alternative.

Caring for and cleaning silver-plated jewelry:

Sulfur is the main culprit in causing silver to tarnish or turn black. You can decrease tarnish build up in between wearings by minimizing exposure to the air and humidity. Store in plastic air tight zip lock bags and add some anti-tarnish paper. Or you can use anti-tarnish cloth in the form of jewelry bags or the lining of a jewelry box. Do not place pieces in a cardboard box or on paper as they have sulfur-producing compounds in them that increase the rate of oxidation. Personally my own jewelry hangs on a rack and bulletin board in my bedroom. It is in dim light and normally is a very non-humid place. This has worked for me for many years.

In addition to tarnish-prevention, another way to avoid wearing down silver-plate is to not over-polish. Any process that removes tarnish also removes minute amounts of silver on the surface, so the less you have to polish the longer life your item will have. To remove tarnish from silver-plate you can use the same techniques that you would with solid sterling silver items.

I do not recommend using dips, polishes or pastes on your jewelry. They can be very abrasive or harsh. If your piece has stones I would definitely not use these methods as they can damage many stones. Polishes and pastes are abrasive and will remove too much of the plating with each polishing.

I do recommend using polishing cloths. I like Sunshine Polishing Cloths. They work amazingly well, are very easy and not messy. When you do polish, do not keep polishing the item just because the polishing cloth continues to discolor and turn black. When the item appears shiny and lustrous, you're done!

Fiesta!!

2011-07-01T08:15:00.000-07:00

I love these bracelets! And this color combo really stands out - I call it Fiesta as it reminds me of a party. Yellow, red, orange and black. The way they feel on your wrist, the sound they make, the way they move - they are so much fun! Pictures do not do them justice as they are very 3 dimensional.

I have beads for another one on my work table - black and white this time. These take a lot of patience to make. I use about 180 inches of thread for each row of fringe (there are 2 rows). Slow and steady is the secret. The one on the right has sold.

New Work

2011-06-30T12:48:00.000-07:00

In July I will be at the Lavender Farm Faire so that means ....purple!! This is an agate pendent hanging from 3 strands of satin lavender glass seed beads. This has sold.

This one combines a sterling silver bead, crystals, agates and dark purple glass seed beads.This has sold.

A custom order for a freshwater pearl eyeglass leash.

An agate hangs from strands of dove grey and black diamond glass seed beads. This one sold the first time I had it on display!

View from my tent - Wings and Wind Chimes

2011-06-28T08:26:00.000-07:00

My neighbors this past weekend, Casey and Maya, make the most wonderful wind chimes. They hang obsidian needles that they mine themselves from bird houses made from various natural materials with native birds in mind. "Wings create wind and wind moves wings." You can learn all about them at www.wingsandwindchimes.com.

View from my Tent - Meeker Fest

2011-06-21T10:29:00.000-07:00

Oh no Mother Goose!! I heard that over and over this past weekend.

Kandsye of Blue Fox Glass and I had adjoining booths at Meeker Days in Puyallup. Directly across from us was Humphrey's Farmyard Fun - the land of Mother Goose and Farmer Jack. Mother Goose arrived in costume aboard her Segway with a bunny in a basket.

We entertained ourselves by competing in duck races, sustaining a running commentary on people and dog fashions, and plotting to steal Farmer Jack's cowbell. On Saturday we sampled a wide variety of food. From empa-naughties (think Hostess fruit pies gone Mexican), caramel/chocolate covered apples, to rhubarb-strawberry-peach pie. Yum!

On to the next show.........

This Weeks Work

2011-06-16T19:19:00.000-07:00

Glass Gardens - I just can not keep these in stock! I made one and dropped it off at Old Town Framing & Gallery in Silverdale and will have 3 in my booth this weekend at Meeker Fest in Puyallup. All three of these are now sold.

I also had time to make one new necklace using the pretty new stones I got this spring. This one combines Picture jasper with brown porcelain and bronze glass.

My Own Display Case!

2011-06-09T07:39:00.000-07:00

I now have my items in their very own display case at Old Town Galley and Framing in Silverdale!

The owner Maria has a wonderful selection of locally made art, wearables and jewelry. Not to mention she is a fantastic framer for those special projects. You can learn about current and upcoming exhibitions as well as the gallery's location at their website: http://www.oldtowncustomframing.com/

Jasper, turquoise, magnesite and copper

Moonstones and amethyst

Colors! Beadware art pins and I just dropped off a glass garden bracelet (not shown).

Porcelain Art Beads

Green Jasper & Agate

2011-06-08T18:51:00.000-07:00

A few more new pieces based on a design that has been very popular.

Green jasper, copper and bronze glass

Green jasper, copper and bronze glass. This has sold.

Green jasper, moss agate and bronze glass. This has sold.

Black and Tan

2011-06-07T09:20:00.000-07:00

Jasper comes in so many different shades and colors. Here I have paired a pretty tan jasper with black glass seed beads in a necklace, bracelet and earrings set. This has sold.

First Window!

2011-06-06T08:56:00.000-07:00

You can now find Beadware in Port Townsend! This weekend I took some of my fun bead art pins up to the Mad Hatter & Co Gallery. I think they are a perfect match for their fun hats and scarves. The best part - they put a few of my pins in their front window!!

The gallery is a collective of 3 businesses: Mad Hatter Hats owned by Janice Tucker, Shadows owned by Marlene Bennett Jones and Mystic Beach Studio owned by Haden Starbuck. Learn more about the gallery on their Facebook page.

New Red Jasper Necklaces

2011-06-04T08:09:00.000-07:00

I used up the remaining red jasper beads I had to create these necklaces. Jasper is said to bring joy into your life. Medicinal values attributed to jasper include a belief that wearing it strengthened the stomach. Jasper was also believed to cure gynecological problems. Red Jasper in particular is believed to stop bleeding, help one to breath easier and aid in childbirth. Jasper is also thought to drive away evil spirits and protect against snake and spider bites. (Note: This information is provided for curiosity only and is in no way meant to be medical advice.)

So add a little joy to your life with one of these beauties!

The small beads and clasp are copper. The rectangular beads are red jasper and the pendant is carnelian.

A mix of red jasper, copper and black glass beads with a triangular agate. SOLD.

Red jasper and copper.

The small matte beads are Afghan serpentine.

View from my Tent - Shrimpfest

2011-06-01T08:26:00.000-07:00

Now that show season has started it is time to bring back this fun series of posts. This past weekend I was at Shrimpfest in Brinnon on the Hood Canal.

Last minute touches before the crowds arrive. Kandyse of Blue Fox Glass is on the left and the t-shirt girls of MA Graphics on the right. Fun to be next to folks you know.

Lots of folks have come out on this beautiful day to celebrate Shrimpfest!

My view was of tomato, blueberry and other veggie plants from a local nursery.

And there was entertainment. This family from Chehalis was really good!

And the highlight was the belt sander races! They modify and decorate them.

We have a winner!!

Replacement Bracelet

2011-05-31T08:07:00.000-07:00

At the U District Street Fair a customer bought a necklace and bracelet. She came back to my booth later in the day .... she had lost the bracelet while she was at the fair! I felt so bad. So I took her contact info and have made her a replacement. The good part is that this one matched her necklace even better than the first one.

Just for Fun - Fur Bead!

2011-05-24T09:18:00.000-07:00

A friend sent me a link to a woman who is making beads out of ....cat hair!! So just for fun I made her one from fur of my white cat, Snowball. One problem - the bead sheds! Not sure I will be making more of these - but it sure was fun to see the look on her face when I gave it to her!

Making a Trade

2011-05-20T07:07:00.000-07:00

A friend has been lusting after one of my fall glass gardens since last year. This weekend she gets her wish! We are trading art. My favorite way to shop!

Prep for this weekends show

2011-05-19T08:03:00.000-07:00

I have a booth at the University District Street Fair this weekend. An item I thought might be a good seller at this event are ankle bracelets and my inventory of those was gone. I looked at which colors were most popular in the past and what the school colors are for the University. I also made 3 different sizes - small (9 inches), medium (10 inches) and large (11 inches).

Purple is one of the U's colors.

Color Wheel

Bits 'n Pieces

Variations on a Theme

2011-05-17T10:33:00.000-07:00

I am continuing to use the new earring design I created last month. Gold, silver, blue, brown. I also made several versions of an earring style in blue requested by a friend. All have since sold.

Which one of the blue ones below will Chrissy pick?

New Outlet for Stemware!

2011-05-11T09:34:00.000-07:00

Perennial Vinters of Bainbridge Island is now selling Beadware's Stemware at the Poulsbo Farmers Market!

The market is open Saturdays 9am -1pm . Perennial Vinters specializes in the delicate wines from the maritime-influenced cool climate viticulture of the Puget Sound. They have pioneered the establishment of an under appreciated grape named Melon de Bourgogne here in the Seattle area. You can learn more about the vineyard at their website.

Know which glass is yours at a party with Stemware. Makes a wonderful host or hostess gift (along with a bottle of local wine of course!) Thanks to Heather for arranging this!

View from my Tent - Wooden Boats

2011-05-10T08:11:00.000-07:00

With the start of my show season it is time to bring back this fun series of blog posts. This time my tent was at the Olympia Wooden Boat Festival.

View from my tent

There was a lady in a crab hat hawking hot crab sandwiches.

Bagpipe Band

My friend Kandyse and her Blue Fox Glass.

There was lots of food and fun. Like my new sign?

And of course there were wooden boats.

Copper Earrings

2011-05-04T10:08:00.000-07:00

I had a chance this week to make some more of my newest, and extremely popular copper earrings. My favorite are the longer ones. They remind me of a jelly fish. I am using copper wire that I hammer flat, copper rings and ear wires and small glass and copper beads.

If you see one you like you better act fast as I expect these to sell this weekend at the Wooden Boat Festival in Olympia! Send me an email and I will set them aside for you. I will be making more next week to take to Old Town Gallery in Silverdale and and Jigamagig Gallery in Gig Harbor and to list in my online store.

Hot Sellers

2011-05-02T15:57:00.000-07:00

The most popular items at my sale this past weekend were some brand new copper earrings.

The three on the right sold Friday eve.

The gold version on the left also sold Friday eve. So I whipped up a few more early Saturday morning.

This is the only picture I took of them. They are the first, third and fourth ones in the picture. I made 6 new pairs all together. All but one sold that day!! I know what I will be making more of this week! Stay tuned......

Blue Fox Glass is Here!

2011-04-29T14:58:00.000-07:00

Our fourth artist has arrived and is ready to show her stuff!

The porch is lined with her whimsical wind chimes.

Sale Day!

2011-04-29T11:52:00.000-07:00

Three of the 4 artists for this weekends sale are set up.

Check out this slide show for a preview of what you will see when you come and visit!

Spring 2011 Sale Preview

Noelle Morris Photography

2011-04-28T16:02:00.000-07:00

A sampling of some shots you might see this weekend at my spring sale! Living in the Northwest has allowed Noelle to capture shots of some of her favorite scenery.

Eastern Wind Glass

2011-04-27T07:56:00.000-07:00

Dixie of Eastern Wind Glass is another of the artists that you will meet at my spring sale. Besides her beautiful glass ware she also teaches classes and does stained glass restoration out of her shop that is housed within Claywerks Studio on Callow Ave in Bremerton.

Learn to make fused glass plates and vases, glass mosaics or how to do traditional stained glass work. See her current class schedule on her website http://easternwindglass.vpweb.com

Blue Fox Glass

2011-04-26T16:10:00.000-07:00

Kandyse of Blue Fox Glass is one of the artists whose work you will see this weekend at my spring show. She specializes in FUNctional art glass.Kandyse had done stained glass for 15+ years, but when she purchased a kiln in August 2009, fusing glass became her new addiction. Here is some of her work. Check out her website for many more pictures of dishes, coasters, wind chimes and stained glass. http://www.BlueFoxGlass.com

Pebble dishes, her latest creations!

She has dishes and coaster in many colors and designs.

An experiment that I think is really cool!

Turquoise etc.

2011-04-25T13:33:00.000-07:00

New designs with turquoise. I have been wearing turquoise since I was in high school. It never seems to go out of style and it is not just for cowgirls anymore! These have not yet made it to my online store so if you see something you like please send me an email.

Turquoise bracelets and earrings with sterling silver and silver plated beads.

Small turquoise nuggets and a silver plated pillow heart with a heart shaped pewter clasp.

A jasper and copper pendant with turquoise and glass copper beads. Antiqued copper clasp.

This is not turquoise - it is magnesite. A magic jasper pendant, bronze colored pearls,

copper glass beads and copper beads and clasp.

Spring Art Show & Sale

2011-04-22T08:10:00.000-07:00

Noelle Morris Photography

Beadware's Spring Art Show & Sale is next Friday eve 4-8pm and Saturday 10-4pm at my studio in Southworth. Hopefully you are on my mailing list and got your personal invitation. If not just send me an email.

This years event features Beadware, Noelle Morris Photography, Eastern Wind Glass and Blue Fox Glass. Click the links to learn about stained glass classes and see examples of the beautiful glass work that will be on display.

There will be lots of pretty things. Perfect gifts for graduations, showers, Mothers Day and birthdays. Or a gift for yourself! View a short slide show of last years show to see what you can expect.

It will be fun, hope you can join us!

Thursdays Work

2011-04-21T20:14:00.000-07:00

Today I continued making earrings. One way I keep my costs down (and thus my prices) is to work in assembly line fashion. I select beads and parts and lay them out. Then I work on several pairs at once, repeating the same step on each pair before moving on to the next step.

And I still have at least this many pairs laid out and ready to assemble for tomorrow!

Circles

2011-04-21T09:10:00.000-07:00

I seem to be on a theme this week for earrings - circles!

I love working with copper. This year it is very popular as the price of other metals has risen dramatically.

For Judy

2011-04-20T15:19:00.000-07:00

A friend bought earrings similar to these at my holiday sale. She loves them and wanted more in different colors. I made a variety for her to choose from.

Browns and purples. (The purple ones are spoken for. I will have to make more!)

Orange, black and greens

Todays Work

2011-04-19T13:54:00.000-07:00

Here are things I was working on today. I really like some of these new earring designs.

The sun is out so now it is time to head out to the garden!

Long Earrings

2011-04-19T13:47:00.000-07:00

My friend is looking for some long earrings. Right now I have a limited selection but wanted her to see what her choices would be. For size reference the earring card is 3 1/4 inches tall. I have made much longer ones in the past - one of many things on my beading to-do list!

Friday Trunk Show!

2011-04-13T20:04:00.000-07:00

Come visit Beadware this Friday, the 15th, Ladies Night Out, 5-8pm at Juliana in Port Orchard. A fabulous boutique with something for everyone: Womens clothing, jewelry, accessories, some childrens items, and home decor. Bring some girlfriends for some snacks and fun.

1541 Piperberry Way Suite 105, Port Orchard, WA 98366

More Bangles!

2011-04-11T08:11:00.000-07:00

I had a chance yesterday to list more of my ever popular bangles in my online shop. Blue iris, black and gold, purple, pale lavender, and rainbow. They are so easy to wear, fun and indestructible! You can wear several at one time for a mix of colors.

Pretty Treasures - Lots of Ideas

2011-04-10T17:20:00.000-07:00

I recently stocked up on freshwater pearls and beautiful stones. My mind is spinning with all the ideas I have for using these treasures! Agates, turquoise, green opal jasper, picture jasper.... Rich colors and textures. They will become gorgeous necklaces!

New Colors of Bead Art Pins

2011-04-07T07:17:00.000-07:00

This new batch of pins are in shades of blues, greens and purples.

And at the end I added a few of the crazy colorful versions that started it all! They are $25 each.

Thinking of Sun

2011-03-30T10:22:00.000-07:00

More of my new suncatchers made with small Swarovski crystals and glass beads. The large crystal dangles are German crystals and antique chandelier crystals. Now if we only had some sun........

Spring green.

Sky blues.

Purple is always a favorite.

Small, dainty and colorful.

More spring green.

Peruvian Opal

2011-03-24T18:09:00.000-07:00

So pretty and delicate.

A small Peruvian opal drop 0.5 inches long hangs from satin brown seed beads

accented with silver plated round beads. The dainty silver-plated toggle clasp is decorated with a heart.

The necklace is 15.5 inches in length. Purchase here

Sold!

2011-03-17T10:48:00.000-07:00

Maria at Old Town Custom Framing and Gallery in Silverdale sold this beautiful moonstone necklace for me recently. I stopped in yesterday to add some new items including my new suncatchers. She has a lovely gallery and does excellent framing work. Stop on in the next time you are in Silverdale. Check out her website for hours and location.

SOLD! Fire and Ice red glass beads with moonstones

New suncatchers!

March Green

2011-03-16T09:29:00.000-07:00

I love this color combination. It inspired by a red headed friend of mine. The green looks beautiful against her pale complexion and the copper is set off by her pretty red hair. This is a 1-inch faceted green jasper teardrop with copper seed beads, small green jasper cubes and copper heishi's. An antique brass button clasp completes the piece. To purchase either of these see my online boutique.

This one is a 1-inch faceted green jasper teardrop nestled between filigree copper beads. Copper seed beads, green jasper rectangles and copper heishi's end at an antique copper toggle.

Stone Trivia: Jasper brings joy into life. Green Jasper brings on rain and helps restore the sense of smell.

Healing ability: Medicinal values were long attributed to jasper, including a belief that wearing it strengthened the stomach. Jasper was also believed to cure gynecological problems.

Mystical power: Jasper was thought to drive away evil spirits and protect against snake and spider bites. The Mystical Birthstone for October.

** This information is provided for curiosity only and is in no way meant to be medical advice.

Pink Blush Pearls

2011-03-14T14:38:00.000-07:00

These are so feminine and soft. Perfect for spring of a gift for mothers day. Pearls are the birthstone for May 21 - June 21. They are also the gift for the 1st year of marriage.

Pink dyed freshwater pearls, pale pink Czech crystals, clear teardrops with dainty rose seed beads encircle your neck. Hearts and toggle clasp are gold plated.

Pearls are less durable than most gems. They are sensitive to acids, dryness, and humidity. If you wear cosmetics, perfume or a hair spray, put these on before wearing your pearl jewelry. When taking off your pearls, wipe them with a dry, lint-free cloth. If needed, clean your pearls with warm soapy water being very careful to not get water into the drill hole as the pearl may discolor. Dry your pearls flat on an absorbent soft (preferably lint-free) towel.

Pearls are said to eliminate emotional imbalances. They help one master the heart chakra, aid stomach, spleen, intestinal tract & ulcer problems. Pearls are also said to help one see themselves and help improve self-worth. As an emblem of modesty, chastity and purity, the pearl symbolizes love, success, and happiness.
(This information is provided for curiosity only and is in no way meant to be medical advice)

Just Listed

2011-03-11T09:08:00.000-08:00

I am working to list a number of items in my online store this week. Yesterday I listed this pretty
jasper necklace. Shades of brown, golds, amber and topaz have always been favorites of mine - all things fall.

I make earrings to match all my necklaces, although rarely do folks buy both. I end up with many orphan earrings and often have to remake earrings to match necklaces after someone purchases the earrings. You can see more details about this pretty necklace in my online boutique.