The CraftStar Catalog

The CraftStar has started something new a few months ago - 

The CraftStar Catalog.

And this week, I am a part of it with my 

Silver Ruffle Scarf.

This is a lightweight scarf that measures a full 58" long, so you can wear in long, or double it for a fuller look.  It's created with a soft metallic yarn that shimmers when you move, so it would look amazing paired with a black dress for your festive holiday office party.  Plus, I am almost finished with a matching clutch (just need to sew in the lining) to complete your look.

Here are two of my favorite items from this weeks catalog...

I love the Southwest look, especially any turquoise.  So when I saw these beads, I was ready to snatch them up.  But guess what?

THIS IS SOAP!

I love it!  Little rock shaped pieces of soap created to look like real turquoise, right down to the gold veins.

You'll find this at Rock Hound Soap.

Speaking of beads, all creatives need supplies.  And I have to admit that beads are a weakness of mine. (Along with paint and yarn, lol)

So I have to share these incredible glow-nouveau mirage beads.  (Think mood beads of the 70's).

These change color as they get warm - or cold.  So much fun!  Find them at Poppie's Beads N More.

There is more to be seen in The CraftStar Catalog...and even more on The CraftStar site.

So go get your shopping on!!!

Be blessed,

Debbi

What's new at The Craft Star

It's been a while since I've done a "what's new" post, so let's go see what the great artists at The Craft Star have been up to....

This is kind of neat.  Created by Amanda Rose Designs, this necklace is named "Morning Dew Drop".  This is a fairly new shop here at The Craft Star, but she brings great items to our site.

My Daddy was a Navy man, I married a Navy man, and I have Navy grandchildren, so I just had to share this USNC Mom Bangle Bracelet by Inspired by Karma.  You are given a choice of beads for the center, and you can also add beads to this bracelet.  Very cool.

Now y'all know I'm a color nut...and these mixed pearlized abacus glass beads were just listed by The Supply Garden.  Yep, you can not only get completed handmade items at The Craft Star, but you will also find a great selection of supplies there to satisfy your crafting craving.

Speaking of color...how about this multi-color choker I found in the vintage section? It was just listed today, in the shop of a.Djewlsboutique, which also just joined The Craft Star yesterday.  Welcome aboard!!!

Well, that's is for new today...time for me to get to work and create and list some new myself.

What's new in your world?

Be blessed,

Debbi

Feature Friday - Polychrome Beads

Today's Feature Friday is on an amazing shop from The Craft Star,

Polychrome Beads.

Aimee Milan is a self-representing artist and creates simply beautiful lampwork beads.  As a jewelry designer, I am amazed at the patience needed to create lampwork beads, and I am happy that I get to benefit from lampwork artists like Aimee, who has been creating these beads since 2000.  Let's check out her shop.

One word....amazing.  That's all can say about this purple aqua blue dichro tab bead.  What an amazing focal point for a necklace, or even a keychain or suncather.  It's slightly larger than a Hershey's kiss.

Not only does Aimee offer focal beads, but strings of beads, like this set of 11 Blue Danube beads.  Per the description, these beads were finished with an acid wash for soft matte finish and velvet touch.

This last one is my absolute favorite.  Not only is it a cat, it's ORANGE. hahaha

She named him Fire Cat, and he's only slightly larger than a Hershey's kiss.

You can find more of Polychrome Beads at the following places.

TCS / Etsy / Pinterest 

Be blessed,

Debbi

Handmade Artist Feature - A Bead Thing

It's that time again...time for a Handmade Artists Forum Feature.  So let's go visit Pam at A Bead Thing.

Pam is an amazing woman...an artist, a mother, a grandmother, and a friend.  She designs her beautiful pieces of jewelry in her home, which she shares with her daughter, and the light of her world, her grandson.  She also share the love of creating with them, encouraging her daughter to spread her wings and try new things, and her grandson to experiment with different mediums.  Let me show you some my favorite items in her shop...

This wire heart pendant is a unique piece...Pam hand curled the wire into the heart shape and then added the beads for a beautiful splash of color.  This is a great representation of Pam, a big heart that cares.

Pam is an active member of the Handmade Artists Forum, participating in the blog ring, and also heading up the twitter and facebook group.  And you'll find her on other threads, encouraging the other members with her kind words.

Pam's main talent is bead weaving...where she designs and creates beauty, like this swarovski crystal ring.  She knows just how to thread and place each bead for the most dramatic effect.

Pam also has a way with yarn as seen in this lovely green crochet brim hat.   She even crocheted the buttons on the strap.  And she loves special orders, so if you want a different color, or need a different size, just let her know and she'll do her best to make sure you're a satisfied customer.

You can also find busy little Pam at these other places on the web.

HA SHOP / BLOG / WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / TWITTER / GOOGLE +

Go now and click on the links to check out the rest of the items at A Bead Thing!

Be blessed,

Debbi

Who's new at HA this week...

Every once in a while I like to share the new items up for grabs on Handmade Artists, but today I would like to share some new shops that have opened up there.  Handmade Artists is growing by leaps and bounds with so much talent!

Liz from The Crimson Moon joined our little band of merry men (and women) just this week, and has already filled her shop with great beaded items.

Looking thru her shop I fell in love with this Two Hoots Wooden Button Brooch.  It seems that owls are popping up everywhere, and I like them much better then that mustache phase that hit the world of handmade.  Liz not only sells her jewelry, she also sells beads, and tutorials.  And all at great prices.

Next up is Erin from ErinsInspirations.  In her shop, you will find something every artist and crafter needs....organization!  She is a spreadsheet goddess!  With an extensive background in excel, her spreadsheets can help you track your inventory, and check your pricing. She also offers spreadsheets for craft shows, weddings, budgets.  And I have a feeling that if you needed a spreadsheet for something else, she can  set it up for you....just ask.

And the last shop for today, is one that I knew from over at Etsy, and we visit quite often on facebook.  Julie runs the shop Sesenarts,   I was so excited to see her in the "introduce yourself" thread in the forums!  She is very talented with her "wearable art" scarves and accessories.  

This Coral and Pink felted scarf caught my eye the moment I entered her shop.  The colors just shout out "here I am", and I'm a firm believer that every outfit needs color!  But if you're more of the subdued type, this Cream Wool Scarf would be perfect for you.  And since I am the proud owner of one of her silk scarf creations (and I get tons of compliments every time I wear it) I can promise you that this is one shop you will definitely want to keep an eye on in the future.

Those are my 3 new shops for today.  Click on any link to visit the shops and items featured.  And if you're looking for a new BETTER place to shop for ONLY handmade, join us over at Handmade Artists.

Be blessed,

Debbi

my clean studio

I finally got some time yesterday to clean my studio from the mess I made at Christmas.  I had cleaned the downstairs shortly after my son and his wife left (my studio doubles as a guest house), but the upstairs?  Wrapping paper, ribbons, boxes, glues, holiday trimmings, beads, wire, what a mess.  But yesterday I got it all put away, and now I'm ready to get creative.  So today I decided to go shopping for supplies, because you can never have too many beads, paints, and yarn.
So let's run on over to Handmade Artists and see what we can find to play with... 

Wow...what amazing pieces of jewelry I can design with these beads.  The first is a Pink Flamingo Porcelain Cabochon from Abella Gifts, match this up with pretty pink and green beads for a very feminine statement piece.  And then I saw this cute little girl at My Craft Basket, a polymer clay dragon pendant that would also look great with pink beads.  HEY, look...I found some pretty pink and green beads!  You'll find these organic lampwork beads (with spacers) in the shop of Gaby.

 

Next I found this bag of handrolled paper beads at Jsouza's Shop.  Sure, these beads are something I look at and think "I can make them", but I never do, so it's time to just buy them.  And it's a great price for 100 beads.  You can get these adorable Sock Monkey Felties from Lil Bit Sassy.  Great for an added touch on anything, from quilts to scrapbooking.  Plus, if you ask, she can change the size and/or color.  And for more scrapbooking ideas, how about these die cut hearts from Creative Jem?  They would be great to use as a mat for your photos.

 

Yarn...yarn...I need more yarn.  Love the color, love the feel, love the fiber.  I found these on Etsy.

First the beautiful blues of this Iceberg handspun yarn from Cool climates.  You know what I love about handspun yarn?  The challenge of matching colors.  Not at all like what you can get at the "big" stores, where most every skein is the same.  I like the slight change in color and thickness in the handspun yarn.  Check out the differences in this amazing Siren Song yarn from Spincycle Yarns.  And I could just lick this Creamsicle Merino yarn from the shop of Sleeping Beauty.  Heck, I even love the name of her shop, lol.

Ok, my muse is now awake and raring to go.  Is yours?  If not, click on a link and visit a shop, and get creative!

Be blessed,

Debbi

HAF artists spotlight - Finding Charm



 

One of my favorite things from the Handmadeartists.com forum is the blog ring.  Every week I get to share with you the creations from some very talented artists, and this week is my first time featuring Sarah from Finding Charm.  Sarah creates budget friendly beaded jewelry and she maintains shops on FOUR different sites!  I have trouble juggling 2, lol.  So, I'm going to share with you one item from each shop.  First up, in no particular order...

 

her Etsy shop, where I found these way cool Gypsy Bohemian Gold Earrings.  "You won't find these Gypsy Bohemian Hoop Gold Earrings anywhere else! A variety of gold, creams, green and tan beads are used on the charms. The round hoops have a decorative etching on them. These are light and airy earrings that can be worn with any outfit to add fun and whimsy. Sing Gypsies, tramps and thieves wearing these gypsy gold earrings.
*The earrings dangle 1 1/2 inches and are 1 1/2 inches wide.
Go ahead, make it a gift set! Matching eyeglass chain: http://www.etsy.com/listing/63394396/delicate-gold-beaded-eyeglass-chain "

 

Next I visited her eCrater shop, where Hannah choose this Purple Statement Necklace.  "The purple pendant is my favorite in this Purple Statement Necklace. The oval pendant is an oblong plastic oval that appears to be 3D. The pendant has a purple back with lime green scroll while the rest is clear plastic to give it that 3 D look. The double strands are made of mixed greens and purples glass beads. The green strand shimmers with a variety of shades of greens such as lime green, grass green, and kelly green. The purple strand are rounded triangle beads of plum, lilac, lavender, and grape. The strands not only shine, but are full of textures and shapes.* The lightweight necklace measures 17 1/2 inches and a silver plated barrel clasp is the closure.* The statement pendant is 2 1/2 inches long and not quite 2 inches wide. "

Sarah started to create jewelry for herself because she could not find the "perfect piece" to go with a particular outfit.  Then she got hooked on beads.  I know that feeling!  "Hello, my name is Debbi and I'm a beadaholic".  LOL.  Next up....

 

her Zibbet shop.  I love the dainty feel of this Lampwork Charm Bracelet.  "Charm up your Spring or Summer outfit with this Lampwork Charm Bracelet and Charm Earrings. Do you like to garden? Know someone who does? A Floral Pastel Lampwork Charm Bracelet and Earrings are perfect for the gardener. Sweet floral pastel lampwork beads with a pink and blue floral design are used to make this charm bracelet and earrings. Blue and pink trumpet beads, blue glass beads and textured pink beads dance among the lampwork beads on silver plated rings. Beautiful addition to your Easter dress.* The handmade bracelet measures 8 inches and a silverplated lobster clasp is used.* Matching handmade earrings dangle shy of 2 inches."

 

And I found this final piece in her Artfire shop, a Holiday Red, Green, and Silver Badge Holder.  "Silver Christmas trees? Fun, spirited Holiday Red, Green, Silver Badge Holder is made with silver Christmas trees and red, green, and silver pearls. Wooden silver painted trees are the focal point on this whimsical id badge holder. Look closely, and you will see clear crystals inside the trees and subtle gold splatters resembling garland. The shimmering red and silver plastic pearls are the same size and slightly larger than the smaller green. The lanyard measures 22 inches to the bottom of the badge hook. Work in retail? Make your customers smile wearing a holiday id badge holder."

You can also find Finding Charm on Facebook and her Blog.  So it seems that there is no reason NOT to visit Finding Charm...Sarah is everywhere!

Be blessed,

Debbi

HAF artist spotlight - Brooklyn Bead Goddess



Today my HandmadeArtistsForum featured artist is...you guessed it...Brooklyn Bead Goddess!

 Working with glass is one art form I have never tried, but have always been amazed by...the colors and layers and textures just captivate my imagination.  Luckily, April of Brooklyn Bead Goddess, has mastered this art form and shares her work with us.  Let me share a few from her HandmadeArtist shop.

 

These blue glass lampwork bead earrings are probably my favorite. 

"Ribbed bicone shaped handmade glass beads. I made these by swirling and mixing shades of turquoise blue glass together. Complimented by hematite and sterling silver beads. They dangle from sterling silver french ear wires.

Measures from top to bottom...1 1/2 inches."

I just love the depth of color, the swirls, and the length, long enough to show from under your hair, but not so long to get caught on your shoulders.

 

Now this is a great bracelet...full of color.  I love the retro feel of it, lots of fun, and funky!  "Eye candy...I made these nine lampwork glass beads myself. I started with a rod of white glass as the base color . Each bead has a fun design using red, light blue,yellow,green,purple,cobalt blue. For more color, I've added some 'candy' small disc beads in between the lampwork beads. Ten 4mm sterling silver ball beads give this bracelet shine. Sterling silver toggle clasp, crimps and wire guards were also used.
Measures for a 7 inch wrist
End to end is 8 inches."

Over in April's Etsy shop I found this great little belly bling.  A few years ago, several girls from work got together and went to get their belly buttons pierced and invited me to go with them.  I told them that I did not like pain, but they insisted that piercing your belly button didn't really hurt that bad.  I explained to them that while the piercing may not hurt, explaining it to my husband might. lol.  But if I ever did get it pierced, this belly ring would be at the top of my must have list.

 

The last item I found to share is this lovely and delicate looking pink rose quartz heart pendant. "Rose quartz heart pendant wire wrapped with anti-tarnish silver plated German wire. I've added a handmade lampwork glass bead which I made myself. This pendant has lovely filagree cap ends to finish the ornate design
Slip it on your chain and you are ready for "love.
Rose quartz is associated with calming emotions and offers inner peace healing.
Measures approx 1 1/2 inches long and 1 1/4 inch wide."

You can find April and BrooklynBeadGoddess on-line here also...so stop by and get your Christmas shopping done!

BLOG / TWITTER / FACEBOOK / ETSY / HANDMADEARTISTS / WEBSITE

Be blessed,

Debbi

HandmadeArtists feature - Brooklyn Bead Goddess

This week at the HandmadeArtists blog ring, we are all sharing the amazing work of

Brooklyn Bead Goddess.

April is a jewelry designer that also creates her own lampwork glass beads.  Each bead is created individually, so each one is unique, just like the women for whom she creates her pieces, and that is also why she calls her jewelry "wearable art".
 



   Now everyone who knows me knows that I'm all about color...the brighter the better. And if it includes any shade of orange...even better. Which is why I couldn't resist sharing these Lampwork Bead Earrings from her Handmade Artist shop. The wire wrapping detail just adds to the prettiness of these.  In her HA shop, I also found this delicately pretty pink lampwork beaded bracelet.  The soft color would be perfect for the more demure personality.

Now let's hop over to her Etsy shop and see what we can find...

 

I absolutely love this brown lampwork beaded bracelet...it looks like there are leaves on it.  Perfect for fall.  And this lampwork beaded necklace has great polka dots on it...funky and casual.  What a perfect Christmas gift...so click on any link above to start your shopping now.

You can also find April on her own website,  blog, twitter, and facebook. 

 

Be blessed,

Debbi

HAF artist spotlight....Beadthing



We have a new friend over at Handmadeartists.com and her name is Pam.  She is the jewelry designer of the shop A Bead Thing.  She was a bead collector for many years, but mostly just dabbled with them.  Then she had a life changing incident.  God used those little beads to bring her joy again, and now that she has decided to share them with us, she is bringing us joy also.  Look at what she has created.



I am amazed by the intricate work of this Netted Butterfly bracelet.  She used pastel mint seed beads as well as gold-tone metallic seed beads to surround the pearls with butterflies.  So very pretty and delicate.  This particular bracelet measures 8.5" in length, but she would be more than happy to create one in the perfect size for you.



 

 I love this Wire Swirl cuff.  I love the look of the swirls.  Trust me when I say, wire wrapping is not as easy as it looks...and the free form feel of this cuff is very appealing.  After creating the swirls, Pam hardened them before adding the beads with gold tone wire.  This cuff is custom made for your wrist size, and is then shipped flat so you can mold it to your own wrist.

 

 

 

My last choice to share is this Pearl Bling Ring.  I even like the name!  These rings are made to order for your size finger, so you also get to choose the colors. 

 

So now it's your turn.  Visit A Bead Thing, then   come back here and let me know which piece is your favorite.

 

Be blessed,

Debbi