Finding what I need

Do you ever think about what companies you do business with and which ones you can find the help you need and the materials you need. I find that www. artbeads.com has most of what I need. They do not charge shipping so if I need just a few things it's never a problem.
They continue to get new items in, send you their sale updates (which I really enjoy) and get a 10 from me for customer satisfaction, please try them if you have not...

Pat

Keep Trying

I made another trip to Bead Traders here in Houston the other day, again Jason amazed me with all of his ideas and creativity. Of course, there are always people that come into the shop and share there ideas or show there latest creations.

It is inspiring and makes me want to try new things.

I am wondering if can learn to solder or wire wrap more efficiently. Sometimes the first time I try new things I get discouraged, I then do something else, try again later with a new attitude. So, I am thinking the first try is always awkward !! Ok so, I will not give up so easily on things I really want, as we all need to learn things.

Keep watching my web sight a have a few new beaded bracelets that are really classy !!!

Bead Traders Always Inspires me

Every time I make a trip to a little bead shop not far from where I live I am inspired by the owner
and shoppers. Most often the ones that love beads also. I love browsing through the bead magazines to see all the new styles.

I was interested in a necklace that I saw Robin Roberts wear on good morning American I had to investigate. I found out that, her sister makes the majority of them for her occasionally she will borrow them from friends. I am now on the hunt to find bead to replicate one of them, it is slow process at times. I will find all of the items I need eventually.

Finding out new things all the time

I sat down today to create a few new pieces to add to web sight, I was inspired by the rainy weather and the colors nature. The love the browns, greens, and blues that I see as look outside. I love the natural colors of stones the best. I hope in time, that I find more interesting stones to make my jewelry look more earthy. As I make that comment I find that I am forgetting how much I love the sparkle of the Swarovski Crystals also.. I think it's a combination!!!

All New To Me

I recently had a very generous offer to purchase Traci's web site, I could hardly refuse, but can I make her proud -- that is the question..?? I met her (where else) at a bead shop that we both enjoy very much... She's a wonderful person and hope to see her on occasion..
Her jewelry is wonderful and do hope to design some nice pieces that people will be interested in..

I really like the Swarovski beads because of the shine they give off ...... They sparkle like a diamond - and what girl doesn't like sparkle??

Traci is busy with her young son and baby that is due to arrive this fall. My children are grown I have more time to devote to this new adventure .. It is not that I am not, familiar with beading, as I have been doing it for some time I just never dreamed I would have my own web site...

Please be patient with me it's all new and will take some time to everything organized ..
Patricia

How To Buy The Perfect Piece of Jewelry

How T0 Pick the Perfect Piece of Jewelry as a Gift
I wrote a How To article and listed lots of tips and suggestions on picking the best necklace or necklace and earring set as a gift. The article talks about the importance of necklace lengths, a womens height and neck size. Go to BeadyQueen.com to read the entire article.

How To Guide for Making Wire Wrapped Necklaces

This photo is a Beady Queen wire wrapped necklace completely made by hand. I created this necklace with freshwater pearls, Swarovski bi-cone crystals and a two toned Czech crystals. My pattern was simply to have a pearl then a Swarovski crystal, a pearl again then the Czech crystal followed by another pearl. Continue the pattern until you have reached the desired length.

Here is a How To Guide for making a wire wrapped chain necklace.

Be patient as you are learning the art of wire wrapping. It takes some time to develop the skill.
You won't regret the time it takes because you can make some stunning and unique jewelry with this technique! If you're a beginner, give yourself a couple of hours to practice and use some inexpensive copper wire to start out. Just follow my step-by-step wire wrap jewelry instructions, below.

What you will need:
Round Nose or Chain Nose Pliers
Flat Nose Pliers
Beading Wire (sterling silver, or silver plated).
Beads

Pictures and steps by step instructions can be seen at http://www.making-jewelry.com/How-to-Wire-Wrap-a-Beaded-Chain.html

Studio Friday

I am so honored to annouce that Beady Queen Designs has won an award from 5minutesformoms.com! Thank you for loving our jewelry and beaded bookmarks. We gladly accept and will proudly place the award on our store homepage. : )

Love Springs From The Hands That Make It

A few months back I signed the pledge to buy homemade. Although; I do love me some Target, minus their ridiculous return policies! I decided when buying gifts I am no longer giving my money to major reatil stores. Why should I, when there are fabulous, one-of-a- kind hadmade items that make meaningful gifts? Keeping this in mind, "Love springs from the hands that make it" inspires me to buy and give that extra special gift. Continue reading to find out the philosophy behind The Handmade Pledge.

Why buy handmade?

Buying Handmade makes for better gift-giving.
The giver of a handmade gift has avoided the parking lots and long lines of the big chain stores in favor of something more meaningful. If the giver has purchased the gift, s/he feels the satisfaction of supporting an artist or crafter directly. The recipient of the handmade gift receives something that is one-of-a-kind, and made with care and attention that can be seen and touched. It is the result of skill and craftsmanship that is absent in the world of large-scale manufacturing.

Buying handmade is better for people.
The ascendancy of chain store culture and global manufacturing has left us dressing, furnishing, and decorating alike. We are encouraged to be consumers, not producers, of our own culture. Our ties to the local and human sources of our goods have been lost. Buying handmade helps us reconnect.

Buying handmade is better for the environment.
The accumulating environmental effects of mass production are a major cause of global warming and the poisoning of our air, water and soil. Every item you make or purchase from a small-scale independent artist or crafter strikes a small blow to the forces of mass production.

Yummy Easter Recipes!

Looking to add a few new sweet treats to your table this Easter? Head on over to Parent's Corner for some deliciously easy recipes. BeadyQueen added two recipes to the list. They are two special ones from my sweet Granny. Enjoy!

Eyeglass Chain Frenzy!

Eyeglass Chains being just for older women is a thing of the past! Eyeglass Chains have made a HUGE comeback. Stylish women of all ages are wearing them now.


The styles have been updated with beads, crystals and pretty findings. Beaded Eyeglass chains are made to look like stylish pieces of jewelry complementing an outfit, not just eyeglass keepers. I have so many requests for these, I thought I would share some brand new eyeglass chain designs I just added to BeadyQueen.com

Click here to view more unique eyeglass chains.

Silver and Red Eyeglass Chain

Copper Brown and Gold Eyeglass Chain

Ravishing Beauty Eyeglass Chain

Silver and Pewter Eyeglass Chain

Ice Blue and Chocolate Brown Eyeglass Chain

Gold and Crystal Eyeglass Chain

Pendant Potential- Mission Complete!

A few weeks back I posted a picture of three lonely pendants that had so much potential. They just needed some TLC. (click here to see the Pendant Potential Post).
Well......drum roll please.......Ta dah....here they are! I finally finished up beading two necklaces that work so well with the wooden pendants. I love their simple design and stylish colors! Both necklaces have wooden beads interspersed with glass beads, seed beads and Czech crystal.
I am saving the third pendant (from Pendant Potential), the white flower one for a spring and summer design.
Interested in one of these necklaces email me at service@beadyqueen.com
I am finishing up the bracelet and earrings to match before adding them to BeadyQueen.com

Beaded Turquoise & Crystal Bookmark

Check out this beautiful turquoise and crystal bookmark! This bookmark is beaded with genuine turquoise stones, brown pearls, two glass picaso beads, brass findings, Light Colorado Topaz Swarovski crystals and a sterling silver plated cross embellished with a L.C.T. Swarovski crystal. The center of the bookmark is beaded with brown bugle beads. These bugle beads make for a smooth center and won't hurt the book's pages. This turquoise bookmark will make a spectacular gift if you can give it away! To purchase this bookmark click here.

You can see a lot more beaded bookmarks at BeadyQueen.com

I'm It! I Have Been Tagged Again!

Thanks Lori from Country Potpourri for tagging me!
The rules this time are to list 4 random facts about myself and then tag 4 more bloggers to play.

4 Random Facts about me Traci the Beady Queen:
1. I can't open cold leftovers out of the fridge. The smell makes me want to throw up! ( I know weird, but I am listing random things about myself!)

2. I only dress my son in Polo clothes, including his socks. ( I can't believe I am listing this for the judgements that are going to me made about me. But in my defense I buy a lot of them on sale. Does that count? My close friends clown be about this! And yes, I know my son does not know what name brands are.)

3. I can't window shop. I have a thing for bargains and pretty items! Can't help it.

4. I LOVE to volunteer and help others. I am a giver. Love to see others happy!

I am now tagging 4 more Mommy bloggers to join us and play!

Jill and her blog is HomemadebyJill.blogspot.com
I lover her blog and she has some great tutorials and tips!

I chose our slice of pie because she is a Texan and lives not too far from me. Oursliceofpie.blogspot.com

I related to Angie and her scrapbook post! Check it out randomAngie.blogspot.com

Amy-tinyblessings.blogspot.com Her Tackle It Tuesday post was to clean out the fridge! eewww Good Luck! I wish you well and you are a better women than I! I leave it for the hubby to do! (grin)

Allurement of Organic Living

As a family we decided several years back to make every effort to Go Green at home and at the office. Eat only organic foods, more nourishing veggies and live an over all healthier lifestyle. Through all of this I have been drawn to the beauty of organic beads. Here is a picture of two particular pieces that I admire.




In the center is a pendant made out of bamboo and seeds. Not sure what beads I am going to put with it or if I can even part with this pendant, but I admire it for it's uniqueness and natural beauty. Being that it is handmade no two are exactly alike. There is a thin coat of resin around it to seal it in.

The dark brown and black wooden beads are a perfect mix of colors and I know exactly what I am going make with them!

Remember a few weeks back I posted Pendant Potential...well these beads I bought especially for the black pendant featured there. Won't the two together be good-looking?!

I will show you the beauteous necklace when I am all done!


For more Beady Queen creations go to BeadyQueen.com

Gem Show Update

Last week on my STUDIO FRIDAY post (click here to catch up)
I mentioned the Gem Show and that I would report back on what exciting beads and findings I came across. I could write about them but showing you is much more fun! Are you ready?

Real Beauty
These beauties are Ruby Quartz in two sizes and multi faceted. They sparkle the most beautiful red color.

And I couldn't resist those cute, gold wire boxes. They will look very good in a long necklace, don't ya think?




Designs in the Making
Here you will see some really neat looking sterling silver toggles, large black onyx balls, shell diamonds, Swarovski crystals, mother of pearl, chandelier earrings, Czech crystal faceted balls and some brand new sterling silver ovals that I can't wait to use!





Beadditudes! Bead Pendants with attitude
I love these pendants for so many different reasons. Each one is unique in color, shape and style. I handpicked each of these and look forward to beading up a pretty necklace to put them on.





Gray Picture Jasper
How pretty are these stones? A true gray is very hard to find in a stone. I love the shape of these and plan on making several pieces of jewelry out of them. One necklace I will save for my dear Grandmother who wears a lot of gray. She loves it when I send her jewelry in the mail!




Snake Skin Jasper
The colors in these stones are amazing! Every shade of green, brown, taupe and a hint of black. Here is the first necklace I made using the snake skin Jasper and bronze findings. I will put it online at BeadyQueen.com real soon.

Fruit Loops
My last picture to show is you are some real cuties!
These circles remind me of colored fruit loops! They might not taste the same but they are just as sweet. These darlings are made out of Jade. I know for sure I am going to use some of these in my popular ID Badge Lanyards and
Peeper Keepers.

STUDIO FRIDAY

It's the weekend again. Normally I would be jumping up and down, but with this stuffy nose and deep cough I am not that excited. I would love to say that I am going to be making lots of jewelry, but I am afraid I am going to be cuddled up in bed with a box of tissue and a lot of covers!

Custom Orders

To Do List: Custom Orders
I jotted down a list of notes for myself with details on all of my custom orders that I need to fill since I was heading off to the fabulous Gem Show. I knew I had several orders to do and was hoping to find just what I was looking for on my trip Saturday.

The first on my list was: brown stones-big and chunky
Customer would like: brown stones to be large in size and several shades of brown, gold toggle, short necklace with a matching pair of earrings and matching bracelet.

After shopping for a few hours and with several vendors.....I found "THE" brown stones! I took one look at these and said, "These stones are going to make a beautiful necklace that I know she will love!" I snatched them up and tucked them away in a safe place.

Here is a picture of my final creation using round Tigers Eye Stones and Brown Shell Discs along with gold Bali and gold toggles. I think my customer will love her one of a kind necklace, bracelet and earring set! What do you think?

STUDIO FRIDAY

Happy Friday! Today in the Beady Queen studio I have several projects gathered up to work on this weekend. I am making some beaded ID Badge Lanyards, some Vintaj earrings and a couple of bookmarks. Looking forward to finishing them so I can show them off!

I am also super excited about the Gem Show that is in town. My Mom and I are headed out early in the morning to shop for some beautiful beads and pendants! I will report back on all my good findings. The Gem Show motivates me to come home and work. I love searching for new beads and stones that inspire me to create beautiful necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

Stay tuned to see what all I bought...................

I have been tagged!

Thanks Cailin for tagging me!

Here are the rules that I must follow:

1. I must link back to the person who tagged me. Here's to you Cailin http://cailinyates.blogspot.com/
2. Leave Cailin- a comment on her blog. I did leave you a comment. ( :
3. List 7 random or weird facts about yourself.
Here are my 7 random or weird facts about me Traci the Beady Queen:
1) I just found out yesterday that I am pregnant again! YEAH!!!!
2) I swore I would never spank my child and would only reason with him! ha ha ha
3) I answer to the name Daisy and Trackie
4) I enjoy dipping my biscuits in chocolate milk (this grosses some people out!)
5) I totally LOVE Mcribs from McDonalds. I eat them in their short time here until I make myself sick! I never eat at McDonalds any other time.
6) I speak to my mom about 4 times a day and we never run out of things to say.
7) I grew up hating arts and crafts. Funny how you change with age!
4. Now I have to tag 7 more people.
*Affordable Site Design http://ambers-rantings.blogspot.com/
*Angela http://www.prizeatron.com/
*Daneen http://spoiledpretty.blogspot.com/
*Framed Expression http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?
fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=134157999
*Gisela http://thedomsticdiva.blogspot.com/
*Jackie Lee http://momtohanna.blogspot.com/
*MiniVan Mama http://truetalesofaminivanmama.blogspot.com/

Thanks again Cailin for tagging me. This was fun! Now I am off to get some beading done while my son is sleeping.

Pendant Potential

This weekend I went bead hunting and decided to stop off at a new shop I stumbled upon. I am so glad I did! Take a look at these charming pendants I picked up. I took one look at these and knew they had pendant potential!!!

The first one is a brown wooden circle, the center is a white flower made of shell and the last pendant is a black wooden circle.

Check back soon to see what beaded creations I make with them!

ID Badge-Beaded Lanyards

I am so excited to share with you two new beaded ID Badges I made over the weekend! These beaded lanyards are stunning and designed with unique beaded patterns. Each one measures about 45" long. The perfect length to be able to swipe, flip, or show your badge at work. These lanyards are easy to lift over your head.

I designed them with brand new clips. These are swivel clips that you squeeze open and slip the hole on your badge into the opening and then let go. The squeeze clip closes right up and your badge is secure.

Pink Zebra Badge

Here is a close up of the Pink Zebra ID Badge. Isn't it fun?! I just love the zebra beads mixed with pink seed beads and pink rock chips.

Mid-Night Magic Badge
SOLD
This terrific ID Badge has several different colors and I love how it came out! It makes a statement but is nuetral enough to wear everyday and with any outfit. The Italian Bead featured at the bottom has gold, copper, green, blue, and black stripes in it. I saw this gorgeous bead and knew I had to have it!

January Bracelet Design of The Month

Wow, 2008 is already here! Happy New Year! I welcome this new year with open arms, an open mind and a renewed spirit. This is the year of gr8tness! To help get the year started off right I am offering a sale. Save 10% on any item you see on www.BeadyQueen.com Even better the coupon is on your entire purchase! Type coupon code Gr8tness during checkout and receive your savings!

Here is a picture of the Bracelet Design of The Month.

This amazing eclectic bracelet and chandelier earrings feature several different antique gold metals intermingled between ruby red AB crystals, table cut silk colored crystals and gold zech crystals. This bracelet sparkles and shines! An 18kt gold plated lobster clasp is used for closing the bracelet.

The chandelier earrings are on 18 kt gold plated lever backs. Beneath the 18kt gold plated swirl designs are wire wrapped ruby red AB crystals and gold Czech crystals.

Beady Queen has more fabulous earring, bracelet and necklace designs that can be seen in the online catalog.

Happy shopping and looking gr8t in 2008!