What's new?

I'm trying really, really, really hard to blog more. It's not that I don't have anything to share here, but that things have been so busy. And hey, one thing leads to another, and you just don't have the time.

But here I am! Want to see what I've been up to?

It's getting a wee bit Wintry here with even a sighting or two of the first snow flurries. I made some of my favourite birds with an extra light dusting of snowy white...

And a large Cardinal focal bead - my home State's bird back in NC.

Finally,  some fun beads I like to call coral caps. They were inspired by coral, barnacles, and deep sea tube worms. The colours seem just right for Winter designs.

And in other news, you can now find one of my newest tutorials in Old Bicycle Shop. The kit comes with everything you need (minus the tools!) and my tutorial. The tutorial has step by step instructions and detailed pictures throughout.

It's a very elegant bracelet, and you can even get the kit in a silver colour option! As with all my work, if you do buy the tutorial, my personal contact details are provided, in case you need a little extra advice or help.

Finally, I'm working on a special Christmas edition of The Beading Glass. If you haven't found out about it yet, it's a monthly inspirational e-magazine that I write. It showcases a variety of talented artists in one of a kind jewelry and bead making. Here's the November issue. Enjoy!

Click to view The Beading Glass on GLOSSI.COM

New beads

It seems like ages since I've had a shop update. It seems even longer since I made some cute birds and animal beads. I've had a rustic phase (you probably noticed!) recently, but I squeezed in a few of the old favorites in this time.

Cute and colorful guinea pigs

Bird pairs for earrings

 And something new - leaf headpins.

And finally, these cute little beads. I made a few bunny charms and single bird beads for people who like to use them in bracelets.

I hope you like them! There are a lot more in my shop and more to come next week, plus a few pieces of jewelry I'll show you later.

Anniversary Giveaway: Winner Announced!

It's here! I can hardly believe it. One year ago today I opened my shop on Etsy. It started with jewelry and has become a home for my handmade beads, too. And what a year it's been!

This giveaway was to say thank you to all my customers over the past year who have made my experience on Etsy so great. So, thank you! But I'm sure you want to know who the winner is now...

Here's a reminder of the prize.

I used a random number generator to pick the winner.

Mr. Random chose number 15...which is...

Rebecca Anderson!

Congrats, Rebecca! And thanks again to everyone who's been a part of my first year. Here's to many more!