Cyber Monday

Are you shopping online today?  I'm not, I just don't have time!  Darn, if only I worked for a boss who would let me shop when I was on the clock.  What can I say, I'm a taskmaster. 

Actually I had some fun things planned for my blog this weekend, but family came first and we were hardly home over the holiday.  I have a few new free projects to share later this week.

Now to get caught up on emails and invoices!  Thanks to all who have been taking advantage of my 20% off sale.  And if you've been waiting for the one-of-a-kind jewelry that you saw last week, it is now in my etsy shop along with new ornaments.  (Use discount code THANKS09 in the note to seller.)

Help!

I've fallen under a pile of beads and can't get up!

Seems like I've fallen off the planet, but I'm slowly getting caught up.  I've also been working hard on new beads and holiday items.

I thought I'd give you a peak of some jewelry that I'll be listing in my etsy shop over the holiday weekend.  Stop by the Art Bead Scene tomorrow to read about our Black Friday through Cyber Monday sale! 

Yeah, it's that time of year.  How are you doing on your shopping?  Me, I have started picking up things here and there.  But we have a very uncommerical holiday with art supplies, books and handmade gifts only.  (Beside the traditional Christmas Eve PJs. Who doesn't love brand new jams for Christmas morning?)

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Fun with Focals Winners!

Sorry this is being published later than 3pm.  I have been running around getting ready for a workshop tomorrow, nothing ever goes according to schedule does it?  Not in the Humblebeads Studio anyway!

The Winners!

Year subscription to Stringing magazine: Sandi Miller

Issue of the Best of Stringing: Bella Joy

$50 Humblebeads shopping spree and signed copy of the Best of Stringing: Artisan Clay

Winners will be contacted on Monday to arrange prize delivery.

Thanks to everyone who played along, your designs were so inspiring and beautiful!

So what do you think, should we keep the fun going with a weekly Fun with Focals challenge and more beady prizes?  Let me know if you are up for another round.

Feathers and Wings

I received a review copy of Cynthia Thornton's Enchanted Adornment about a month or so ago. It's my all time favorite bead book now. Not only are the projects beyond inspiring, it's filled with tips and beadmaking savvy, she has an awesome little narrative that runs through the book and tells the story of a jewelry maker who finds herself creating jewelry for mythical creatures.

Her story is completely enchanting! I love it and wish Cynthia would write a novel based on those characters. (I know I don't need to say go buy the book because you already plan to or you are waiting anxiously for your pre-ordered copy to arrive!)

I am so inspired by the book that I created a series of wing beads that represent angels, the phoenix, woodland sprite and the butterfly. And speaking of wings, check out the Art Bead Scene's new challenge. We are celebrating fairies and Cynthia's book all month on the ABS!

You can find the wings in my etsy shop, they are a very limited edition.

Leaves, branches and stormy skies

These are beads that I created for the Vintaj trunk show last month and I'm now listing them in my etsy shop.  Great fall designs with leaves, branches and petals - mix them up with brass, stones and wood for an earthy look.  I have more to show tomorrow, designs inspired by fairy wings!

Remember you have 3 days left to enter the Fun with Focals and Stringing drawing, click on the images on the right sidebar for details. 

Designer Spotlight - Lorelei Eurto

Super talented Lorelei Eurto designed these two pieces using my Poppy Beads. I love how she put together this necklace in a horizontal design using the two-holed bead. It's a great mix of textures with the cord, glass, brass and wood.

 And here she is modeling her creation.

She whipped up an edgy primitive design using the poppy bead, wood and some bright pops of color.  I could see this one on the pages of a fashion magazine.  Mixing wood with bright colors is so spot on for fall designs.

Thanks for sharing your work with my readers Lorelei, your work is always an inspiration!

I've added a few new beads to my etsy shop, including these Moss Poppy beads, be sure to stop by and check them out!