Love Birds

Look at us - we're in the BellaHannahJane etsy store. While there are a couple more blue ones, the pink one is the only one available - and so cute!

Don't forget about the coupon!

Use the voucher code WINTER on my web site for a 15% discount off your order, until the first day of spring!

Do you like the new look?

I felt like I needed a little change on the blog - do you like the new look, in shades of cool blue? I think I like it, but if you would take a second to do the poll, I'd really appreciate it! If you have a suggestion, please leave it in the form of a comment!

Bead Cruise

Have you heard about the Bead Cruise? I heard about it last year, and thought it was a really cool idea. I happened by Heather Powers' blog a few weeks ago and noticed she was organizing it again - in fact, it's been sold out! There was a link in case you wanted to be a donor to the "goody bag" that all the participants get. You can find my banner on the Bead Cruise sponsor web site page! I hope all the participants of the Bead Cruise have a great time and enjoy their goody bags!

Heart Bracelets

When my lampwork bead business gets slow, I still have this urge to create! That's when I pull out my now almost-organized bead stash and have a go at some jewelry! Yesterday I put together a few bracelets - the theme seems to be hearts! I had some nice red givre heart beads and added a beautiful white vintage glass bicone bead to offset the hearts. The second one was made with burnished chain, and includes a beautiful paisley heart by the very talented Lynn Davis. You can find both of these bracelets in my bellahannahjane etsy store. I will have some cute lovebird scrabble tile pendants available tomorrow (have to get the engineer to take my photos for me). I think I need to take a Photography for Dummies class so I can do that myself!

Coupon for Blog Readers

Wow, what a day! Snow, freezing rain, ice pellets, rain, and snow! That was all in 12 hours today here in the 'burgh. Made me think - everyone needs a little winter break! Therefore, I am offering my blog readers a coupon code for my web site. If you put in the voucher WINTER, I will give you 15% off your order until March 22nd, which I believe is the first day of Spring! You can tell your friends about this voucher too, but lucky you if you read my blog!

Turquoise Stripe Beads in Etsy Store

These beads were just listed in my etsy store - they are pretty cool! They are made from vetrofond ivory (which I love) and given a stripe of Bahia Blue by Kugler (not sure what Kugler calls it now) and wrapped in pure silver wire. They were etched. Go ahead, you know you want them!

Chinese New Year

Today starts the Chinese New Year celebration, the Year of the Ox. We have a favorite Asian restaurant we go to all the time, called Taipei Tokyo. I usually get chinese, the engineer and my daughter usually get sushi, and my son gets wonton soup (doesn't eat the wontons) and chicken on a stick!

Why not treat yourself to some of my Asian-inspired beads, made to order on my SueBeads web site?

You can also find some Asian-inspired scrabble tile pendants in my bellahannahjane etsy store.

Oh No, No Football This Weekend!

That says it all, doesn't it? No football to watch this weekend - kind of boring. I'm going to have to finish laundry and stuff like that... However, I am quite excited about next Sunday when the Steelers are going to win the Superbowl! In the meantime, here's a cute little pair of earring beads for sale in my etsy store - made from pajama blue and wrapped with a pretty hand-pulled by moi twistie. You can click on the photo to buy them!

Happy Hearts!

I just listed these happy hearts in my etsy store! Take a look! I can make more, if you need more or they get sold!

Eye Candy

My engineer partner took this photo for me to use on some cards I'm including in the Bead Cruise Goody Bag and the Delightful Divas Sample Bag 'O The Month. It looks great to me - a huge pile of juicy beads! However, it did NOT transfer to the business card size at all. I guess I should really take a class or something - Photography for Dummies or CorelDraw for Dummies or something - he really spent a lot of time messing around with it, for me, but it just didn't look good when transferred to an ink-jet printer image. Oh well - at least you get some eye candy!

Something Cool!

I bought my daughter this little alpaca for Christmas this year. Don't ask me why, but she loves alpacas and llamas. She wants one. She wants to go to South America so she can see them (she can see a llama at our zoo). So I got her this wool felted Andes the Alpaca from MJ Keeton on etsy. Since my beads are still in the kiln (and frankly, I have no idea what kind of bead day I had today but I am going to guess not so great) I thought I'd just show you this bit of eye candy!

New Listings on SueBeads etsy

I just listed a few bead sets, a darling valentine pendant/charm, and the really cute pair of earrings above. They are made with my lampwork beads - ivory wrapped in silvered copper and wrapped in fine silver wire. They measure 1 1/2 inches from top to bottom and the findings are all sterling silver and swarovski crystal. I know I like them!

I've decided...

that the geisha pendant necklace really needs a piece of cinnabar and a brass tassle, instead of what I made. Hopefully I'll remember to show you when I am done changing it. In the meantime, it's time to make the donuts. I'll have some valentine beads later!

Too Cold to Cook Beads, So...

It was way too cold this morning (my best work time) to make any beads in my basement, so after I went to the grocery store, did laundry, put dinner in the crockpot, put the birdseed out, etc. (you get the idea), I sat on my bed (this is where I bead right now) and made two necklaces from Lynn Davis' beautiful polymer clay pendants. I'm just showing you the detail shots, but I had a good day, I think! The first is the geisha pendant, and the second is the kelly green heart pendant. My process is to fondle the beads, and leave them on my nightstand so before I go to bed I can look at them. Somehow that translates into ideas for me! So that's what I have been doing with these pendants and today was the day the ideas came! I don't know if I'll sell the items or keep them!

Art Bead Scene Contest

Jewelry designers, you can enter the Art Bead Scene contest this month; the theme is Van Gogh's "Irises" painting. You can see a post on the Art Bead Scene blog with my beads here.

Beads on Ebay!

I have two listings on ebay right now - you had a sneak peak at the focal, and I have a nice springy sparkle set as well. If you click on the photos, you can go to the auction! Thanks for looking!

Lorelei's Jewelry

My new friend Lorelei and I participated in a trade recently; I sent her some beads and she sent me a beautiful necklace! You can read about it here. Over the weekend, Lorelei got the beading bug and made a bunch of beautiful pieces with my beads. The first bracelet is sold already, but you can click on the other three (earrings above and necklace and last bracelet below) in case you want to buy them! She really does such unique work - she has a style all her own! I really like it. It's earthy, organic, and peaceful to me. I really like how she combines different elements to bring them together as a beautiful piece of jewelry.

I GOT A FEELING...

PITTSBURGH'S GOING TO THE SUPERBOWL!

Heads Up!

You get the heads up, since you read my blog! I have a very pretty set of beads ending tonight on ebay, and will be listing two more auctions. One of them is shown - a BIG beautiful focal bead made with my giant lentil Zoozii press. It's not really giant, but it does measure 31mm! It's a really nice piece with which to make a pendant. I'll be making more of these big ones soon!

One of my Favorites!

Today, I'm going to tell you about one of my favorite sellers on etsy. Her name is Debbi Adams, but she goes by Rocki. She is married to her soul mate, has two sons, and lives in Arizona. She is a truly kind, friendly, wonderful person. She makes fantastic silver findings - clasps, earrings, head pins. The pictures up above show you two of my favorite things she makes - the Medium Organic Wrapped Hook Clasp, and the Wild West earring wires. You can click on them to go right to them in her etsy shop. Besides the look and the quality, what makes Rocki's work the best is she does an absolutely stellar job in polishing the ends of her wire - they are so smooth. You know this is important, especially on ear wires so they don't hurt your neck behind your ears. The other thing about Rocki is, if you have a special request, she is willing to try out your idea, if it's possible. For example, I bought some chain that was oxidized with a brushed finish - she made me some ear wires and ball head pins to match. So, if you're looking for some really high quality ear wires, clasps, head pins or other components (she makes the most darling hearts), head on over to Rocki's etsy shop. Tell her Sue sent you!

Seen on Art Bead Scene

OMG - I was just listed as a source for some beads for the Art Bead Scene January challenge, the theme of which is Van Gogh's Irises!!! Woo HOO - check this link: http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/ Thanks so much, Heather!

Bracelet

I just made this bracelet (my daughter took the photo for me); the main piece I was designing around was an oval polymer clay asian-themed tab by Lynn Davis of expeditionD. I really love the things she makes - I have bought several pieces, including a heart that I can't wait to make a necklace out of! The bracelet here was made with brass findings, and some wood beads, a vintage red plastic bead and some crazy lace agate. The little charm dangly was made from czech rondelles and a brass saucer bead. I really like how it turned out - it's a little bit different for me, because I usually try to include some of my lampwork beads in anything I design! However, I think this one really works! You'll have to click on the photo to see it bigger, I don't know how to make it bigger on blogger here yet! Sorry!

Brrrrr!

Cold - it's cold here. In Alaska, they don't cancel recess until it's 20 below zero. Here in Pittsburgh, they cancel school if it's going to be 2 below zero! I can't say I'm upset - we haven't had a snow day for years. We just don't get that really cool 24 inches at one time like we used to when I was a kid. So having a delay is even a novelty - one we had today. I'm not sure I understand why we have no school tomorrow - all I know is I don't have to get up at 6am! For four full days - we have Martin Luther King day off, too. I remember walking to school after ice storms, etc. But, as the story goes, I walked to school in freezing weather with snow and ice uphill both directions... it was different then. I hope we aren't developing a generation who can't take care of themselves. I try not to do that - but the fact that there's the moniker "helicopter parents" tells me different...

On another topic, tomorrow I'm going to tell you about a wonderful person I know who makes great silver findings and more. Stay tuned...

Delightful Divas Contest

Check out this contest from Delightful Divas in Business - you could win a handstamped silver necklace!

http://delightfuldivasinbusiness.blogspot.com/2009/01/dazzling-divagiveaway.html

Ice 'Burgh

Now, that's funny - that is one of the front page features in today's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - since it's so cold here - I think it's 10 right now. Tomorrow morning it's going to be -2. Needless to say, I can't make beads in my basement when it's that cold - I'll have to find something else to do today! Here's a photo of one of my hand-made icicles - we have lots of the real ones outside! Have a great day!

My Jangles Pendant

Remember when I mentioned that I won the Art Bead Scene giveaway? I won a pendant from Jangles; Jennifer Heynen is the creator of beautiful ceramic beads, pendants and more. Here's a photo of the pendant I won (click the picture to see it bigger) - I have things running through my head of what I'll make - but usually I like to fondle and think about things for a while before I actually make them! When I do, I'll post a photo. In the meantime, you should visit Jennifer's web site and check out the book she wrote! Thanks Jennifer!

Brights!

Pretty bright bead pairs on etsy right now! Five pairs of pretty sunshiny beads for you to make earrings, or whatever! Click to buy them!

And try the Pepperoni Pizza Dip recipe below - it's good!

Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe

Pepperoni Pizza Dip

(1) 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
½ c. sour cream
1 t. dried oregano
1/8 t. garlic powder
1/8 t. crushed red pepper
½ c. pizza sauce
½ c. chopped pepperoni
¼ c. green onion
¼ c. chopped green pepper
½ c. shredded mozzarella cheese

In mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sour cream, oregano, garlic powder and red pepper flakes. Spread evenly in a 9” or 10” quiche dish or pie pan. Spread pizza sauce over top. Sprinkle with pepperoni, green onion and green pepper. Bake at 350* for 10 minutes. Top with cheese. Bake 5 minutes more or until cheese is melted and mixture is heated through.

I like to serve this dip with tortilla chips, but crackers would probably work too!


I brought this dip to Lorraine and Dave's house for the Sunday Steeler game. Share it with all your friends and family!!!!

Another quick post!

I know, I'm on a roll today. Even though I got a late start, I've made beads, made posts, done some scrabble tiles, now I have to fold some laundry and think about dinner. Just wanted to post a photo and link to the ebay auction of mine that started last night - I like the beads, they have a southwest feel and would make a fantastic focal piece in a bracelet, or a whole bracelet too! You can click on them to go to the auction!

More Inspiration!

This is the pendant that I found on etsy, that inspired me to make the below focal piece. While the color green that was used on this one is slightly yellower, I didn't have a similar color! So I used the pea green, which looks great with black. I'm afraid that I can't find the originator of this polymer clay piece - if you read this blog, please let me know who you are so I can post a link to your etsy shop! In the meantime, you can find my pendant listed in my etsy shop. You can click on the picture to get there!

Steelers Won!

The Steelers won against San Diego, so next Sunday they get to play the Baltimore Ravens - BOOOOOO!!! Just needed to vent that, a little. I'll be back later with another inspiration piece I made, as long as I can find the originator of the pendant that inspired me! I'm off to make some beads for an order, and two scrabble tile pendants for a special order.

Inspiration and Making Glass Beads

Sometimes, I cruise etsy, when I don't have anything else to do (HAH!) and find things I like. I saw the above bracelet (you can click on it and go to the etsy shop of alyson1234 to see her jewelry and this bracelet! The reason I kept it as a favorite is because, as soon as I saw it, I loved the beads. I love the bracelet too, Alyson, but the beads inspired me! Turns out they are called aqua terra jasper. What I really liked about them was that I thought I could make some lampwork beads that are very similar! So I did - or tried to, depending on if you think the below beads resemble the jasper!

SOLD - THANKS DI!

These beads were made with vetrofond dark ivory and I layered some moretti aqua over the top of them, in a similar pattern to the natural patterns of the jasper. They turned out pretty good, I think. I like them enough, anyways. I made them in the lentil shape, instead of nugget.

SOLD - THANKS LORELEI!

These beads are the same makeup, but before I layered the aqua, I wrapped the ivory in silver foil. This gives a crackly look to the beads. A more earthy, organic feel - I think I like these better, but I do like both of them. In any event, you'll be able to find them both in my etsy shop and buy them if you like them. You can click on them to make it easier! If you want more, please just let me know - if you want them in a different shape, I can do that too! And thanks, Alyson, for making such a pretty bracelet that it struck me right away!

Earth Sparkles

I just listed a beautiful set of beads on the SueBeads etsy site - Earth Sparkles. I love these beads - hopefully you will too!

SNOW???

Well, what a bust - we were supposed to get our first big snowfall of the year overnight last night, and while some places are getting it, here in Pittsburgh we have NO new snow since yesterday at dinner time. If you got snow, perhaps you are sitting there wondering what to do - I know, you can check out my beads on http://www.suebeads.com/, http://www.suebeads.etsy.com/ and on ebay! There's an idea!

No Earrings in Simply Beads Magazine

UPDATE: These earrings and beads will be on ePatterns Central, at some point, which you can find on the http://www.simplybeadsmagazine.com/ web site. There will be instructions there for purchase, if you need them. I'll give an update when I find out when! In the meantime, as I mentioned, the beads are great for many other projects as well, I'm thinking bracelets, necklaces and purse charms, just as a start!

Well, I received my Simply Beads magazine today and to my surprise, my earring design is not in the February issue. I'm not sure what happened, I'll let you know when I find out. In the meantime, I'm disappointed, but here's a photo of what they looked like (click on the picture to make them larger) - feel free to order the beads anyways! If it doesn't get published in one of their upcoming earrings books, I'll be glad to share supply information and directions as a free tutorial. I'll let you know!

Beads on Ebay!

I have been staying away from ebay lately, for various reasons, but last night I put up a 7-day auction. Remember those beads I made for a customer, but used the wrong mandrel size? These are them! See - they are striking! These are on the 1/16th mandrel size, and the colors in the frit are fantastic! Hope you like them! Click on them if you want to bid!

Puppies!

I just had to include this photo of my friend Beth's new puppies. They are 11 week old Jack Russell Terriers. The smaller one is the runt of the litter, but too cute. They are Libby and Lucy!!! Click on the photo to see them bigger!

More Sparkle Barrel Beads Added

I finally finished adding all the sparkle barrel beads to my SueBeads website. This photo shows all the colors I have made to date. As I mentioned, I'll be adding more colors next week; for now, if you want a color you don't see, please just ask for it! I'll be glad to make them for you! These beads are the beads that will be featured with my earring design in the February 2009 Simply Beads Magazine that hits newsstands tomorrow, if all goes right! Thanks for looking!

New Beads at SueBeads

Hi everyone - tonight I listed a limited amount of barrel beads that will appear in the February 2009 issue of Simply Beads - limited only because I didn't have enough time to list all the colors of barrel sparkle beads I have available to make my earring design. I will list the rest of what I have tomorrow, and then throughout the week I will make more colors in more choices. I have a few bead orders to do, but am excited about the magazine beads too, so make sure you check it out and order the beads! They are some fun, flirty earrings I think you will enjoy!

New Listings

Hi! How's everyone's new year going so far? We went to see Tale of Despereaux today - it's not at all like I remember the book, so I guess I'm going to have to read it again and see what's what. Luckily, the first time I read it, I read it in one night. It was really cute and actually a good book, so hopefully it won't take me forever to read like books do now - for some reason, I can't get much reading done at night anymore - I can read 5 or 10 pages then need to go to sleep. Then, I can't sleep. But I guess that's another post.

In the meantime, I listed some more focals and some valentine beads in the etsy SueBeads shop today - take a look! The focals are certainly cool, but I am particularly fond of the heart I made, pictured. It's basically a ready to wear necklace, if you want, because it's strung on some beautiful black silk cord. The silver spacers are sterling brushed silver and the accent beads are so pretty too! The heart is only decorated on one side, so it shouldn't bother you when you are wearing it! If you want it, click on it!

Tomorrow, we are running up to my friend's house to see her two new puppies - little girls, Jack Russell Terriers. Hopefully I'll have some photos to show of them - from the pictures I've seen, they are too cute!

Item Ending!

This set of beautiful southwest inspired beads are going to expire today in my SueBeads etsy shop - take a look - they are on sale - 20% off. If you want them, you should buy them now!!!!! Click on them if you want them!
SOLD - Thanks Di!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to everyone! I actually stayed up until midnight last night! We had some good friends over for dinner and a nice bottle of prosecco I brought back from Italy, and had a very nice evening! That's what it's all about!

I don't actually make "resolutions" because I have this personal philosophy that resolutions set you up to fail! However, this year I have decided goals are in order. They aren't huge - get my closet in order, get all my beads and supplies in order, try to lose this weight I have gained since my surgery. But I also want to get some more designs in magazines, and get more creative with my beads - this means spending more time "playing" and opening myself up! We'll see... meantime, I think I will be opening a new etsy store for my destash! I'll let you know when that happens - the "goal" is by the end of January!

Also, in a few days, the February 2009 Simply Beads magazine will be out. I have an earring design in it - they are fun, flirty earrings made with my beads and swarovski crystals. Take a look - I'll be listing the bead selections on the home page of SueBeads tonight or tomorrow, for order!

Thanks to all my customers for making my year great! I hope to get a mailing list started, and offer some blog giveaways and specials this year!

Click the photo to go to the SueBeads etsy listing for the pretty Valentine Sparkles shown in the picture!