3rd Anniversary Sale at A Beaded Affair

Viking knit in fine silver with bali beads and AAA pearls

It's been so terribly long since I've written. Shame on me. I try to write only when I think I have something important or interesting to say and lately I just haven't felt interesting. Well, something finally made me sit up and take notice and want to write a couple of words to the world at large. I noticed the other day that it was three years ago that I started on the journey into the art of creating jewelry and learning how to function on the world wide web.

Soft Flex Extreme 925 – 19 strand – .024 inches – 50 feet – $31.99 – Check this price, Best on the web

It seems like only yesterday that I was torturing my daughter for information on how to sign up for blogs and asking her to fix all the many things I broke on my way around the web. Well, actually, it was yesterday, once again she had to come to my rescue. But that aside it's been an adventure in learning, experimenting, creating and selling.

Filagree Puffy Heart Beads – 26 x 20 mm - 2@$2.99

Learning to make wire jewelry is one of the most engrossing ventures I've ever embarked on. Each time I work a piece I learn a little more about wire and what you can do with it. It stretches my imagination and my muscles. Have you ever tried to bend 10 gauge copper? It's not an easy feat, I tell ya. I love working with tiny gems and beads making dainty, classical pieces and big honking gemstone cabochons creating that statement piece noticed from across the room. Each piece takes on it's own personality and carries a little bit of me with it.

Solid Copper Jewelry Wire

Along the way I started getting some incredibly good deals on supplies and opened all the A Beaded Affair stores to share those great prices on the supplies I use with all of you. Each store carries it's own group of different beads and a great selection of solid copper jewelry wire in 1/2 Round, Round and Square wire. The main store also carries chain and copper findings and some other goodies reserved for you.

It's been a great 3 years, with apologies to my daughter and I think we should celebrate. From now until May 31st shop any A Beaded Affair store, use the coupon code 3rdAnniversarySale and receive 10% off everything you purchase. The only catch? You have to visit a store, buy something and use the code. Use the code as many times as you like between now and the 31st and I hope you'll share it with your friends.

Thank you to all my friends and fans for a great 3 years. Here's hoping I'll have another 23 to enjoy!

Visit the shops:
A Beaded Affair
A Beaded Affair on Etsy
A Beaded Affair on Artfire
Zibbet and Ecrater stores (Discount will be refunded. Just email me the code or ask for a revised invoice.)

Check out my website created by Wicked Plum Shops . Easy e-commerce and surprisingly sweet! Your own domain with shop without all the complicated coding. Websites for artists who want to create and sell, not struggle to learn e-commerce.

@HyperspaceHippo - Voyage of the Hyperspace Hippo: Creating a Gift

Many of you know that I often spend my twitter time re-tweeting the hand made copper jewelry pieces you post on Twitter. In fact, that's how many of you found me in the first place, when I tweeted a piece you posted. I've always thought it was a win-win situation for both of us. If you post a piece from your shops and add the words copper, copper jewelry, hand made copper my Social Oomph search engine notifies me. Most mornings and some evenings I'll go through the lists and re-tweet at least a few of the pieces I like. Every once in a while I get to help someone with a copper project or answer questions about wire wrapping or copper wire. One night a couple of weeks ago was one of those occasions. I met @HyperspaceHippo.



@HyperspaceHippo had a simple request for some solid copper lobster clasps. Not easy to find in solid copper, I had found some in 3 sizes for my shop but hadn't added them yet. We tweeted back and forth a bit to find out what she needed and I told her that I would post them for her. She also needed a small length of chain and a couple of jump rings to go with the clasps for a very special project. I don't carry chain or jump rings yet but I had them in my personal stash that I would share with her. So, off went the package and I thought that was that, until this morning.


I love waking up to find a mention on Twitter. @HyperspaceHippo has written an article about the project she needed the supplies help with Voyage of the Hyperspace Hippo: Creating a Gift 
What a very special loving gift she created. It's truly an honor to have met her and helped with this gift. Sales aside, this is really what Twitter should be all about. Making friends, creating relationships that, even though online, have the power to touch you. @HyperspaceHippo did that today.

Solid Copper Lob Clasps 5/$2.79

Filiagree Puffy Heart $2.99

Just Joined a Great Team - Etsy Supply Street Team - ESST Team

I'm thrilled to announce that I have joined the best supply street team at Etsy. Here are a few things from the team members. If you create it they have everything you could possibly need to make it. Check out all the ESST Member shops for all your creative projects.

While shopping, don't forget to check out all the new wire, findings and beads available at A Beaded Affair

Copper Wire Jewelers Magazine - Issue 2

Copper Wire Jewelers Magazine - Issue 1

What's Sweet Tarragon Up To??

Some of you know Sweet Tarrgon is the incredibly talented duo Dani and Meredith who also just happen to be my daughters. And no I'm not the least bit prejudiced. Dani and Meredith have their own line of incredible jewelry that they market on Etsy and various venues around the area. They put me to shame when it comes to marketing and the number of shows they do each year. Just check out the list of upcoming shows at their etsy shop, Sweet Tarragon. I can't imagine where they get all that energy. Perhaps, it's from their jewelry which is clearly a cut above.



They've just announced a new venue where you can see Sweet Tarragon Jewelry in person. Hello Bluebird is having their Grand Opening tomorrow, September 3rd, located in the historic business district of West Reading and Sweet Tarragon is going to be there. In fact, stop by and check out this great new indie boutique and gallery and say "hi" to Dani. Read more here at the Hello Bluebird blog.


Don't forget to stop by A Beaded Affair for wire, beads and findings. Bead Store quality at Gem Show prices.

Copper and alternate metal Lovers - Come join Copper Wire Jewelers

Piquant - Agreeably Stimulating

Jewelry Elegance

Images by Jer

Always Wired Bead Lady

Phoenix Rising Glass Art

by A Beaded Affair - Bead Store Quality @ Gem Show Prices

Character - The Individual Nature

Gahooletree Designs

ChezChani

My Gemstone Box

By Coco

by: A Beaded Affair

ESMarts Team Challenge is Back with a Twist

ESMarts, the Etsy Social Marketing Arts Team I belong to is having a new team challenge. Create something natural. Sounds simple, doesn't it? I thought so until I started to try to draw on my creative muse and I got lost in flowers and clouds. Well, it is summer and the sun is shining today.

Anyway, as a Team we've had other challenges and the team always enjoys the competition, creativity and camaraderie. This time we're doing it with a twist. You, our readers, get to vote for your favorites. So watch the ESMarts blog for updates and the announcement when it's time to vote. Pick out your favorite and have your voice heard.


Check the links for our ESMarts Blog and the Esmarts Team Store where all proceeds go to worthy causes.

When at Etsy, don't forget to check my store too, A Beaded Affair for hand selected and individually photographed beads, findings and copper wire for discerning jewelry designers. For even more selection and additional discounts try my online store A Beaded Affair.

A Beaded Affair at Artfire

I just started selling on Artfire after a few false starts. Sometimes computer programs just elude me and pictures on Artfire were beyond my abilities. Turns out it was my computer and nothing wrong with Artfire. Once I figured out the problem (actually it was my computer guru) it was simple and fast to list and Artfire looks wonderful.

In fact, I'm quite impressed with Artfire. Even had my first sale today. Thank you Cindy. Thank you Artfire.

Visit my Artfire at A Beaded Affair.

Colors of Spring - Carnelian Carnival Necklace

Just in time for Carnival! Spread the joy of the season with the rich colors of spring.

Generously wrapped in sterling silver this carnelian, lemon quartz, citrine, lemon topaz and Bali Silver necklace will grace your neckline. Sterling toggle to make it easy to put on and take off.

At 22 inches this is designed for everyone but if you need more or less length I can adjust it for you.

One of a kind, Carnelian Carnival is currently only available directly from me for $79.00. After March 1 I will put this in my Etsy shop at $95.00, so contact me right away at Lois@abeadedaffair.com for free shipping and a discounted price.

Have a favorite stone you would love to wear? Let me wrapped it in sterling silver. Contact me and we will design the perfect one of a kind piece, just for you.
Make your own jewelry? Never settle for less than the best for your creations. Visit A Beaded Affair for hand selected, individually photographed beads and findings.


Proud member of Esmarts Team on Etsy.

Always Wired Bead Lady

It's only natural for me to be atttacted to the work and art of the Always Wired Bead Lady. Joella combines all of my favorite materials in glorious combinations of color, texture and shape. She creates wonderful hand made chain maille bracelets like this copper byzantine chain and Kambaba Jasper and offers it in a variety of other stones and crystals too.










The Romanov is a popular chain maille weave sporting swarovski crystals in the center of copper byzantine chain which has been oxidized to give it an antique look.

Comprised entirely of sparkling sterling the hand cut rings and lazer cut beads in this dazzler will brighten any outfit.





Never settle for costume jewelry when you are searching for accessories to go with your carefully chosen outfit, stop by and select a piece of hand made art to wear.

You can find the Always Wired Bead Lady at Etsy and stop by her blog Always Wired Bead Lady to see the new pieces she is working on too.

Just a few updates

I am participating in the One World One Heart Blog Give Away and have a lovely pair of earrings up but you can't register here......please go to my other Blog A Beaded Affair to comment for a chance at the earrings. I have had such a wonderful response I am going to add more earrings and have more winners,....just 'cause it's fun.

Oh2122 posted on her blog today an update on the CPSIA debacle. Check it out. Finally some good news.

Jamie over at Creations by Jae is really ready for spring. She just listed a choker on Etsy that just chears me up and shakes out the winter doldrums. Check it out here Creations by Jae.




Wilma of Whilma's Whimsey has been selected to be featured in an Esty treasury today. Check out her Swirling Seas Lampwork beads on the treasury and all the other wonderful items in her shop.






Our very own Auggie Queen-Parker, mia from our Etsy social marketing group Esmarts while she makes a major move had her first sale in her shop over the weekend. I've seen Auggie's work and that's one smart buyer. Visit Auggies shop at The Queen's Jewels.







Get rid of the winter blues, there's new work from the elegant studio's of Ga'Hooletree Designs and they are just in time for the perfect Valentine's Day Gift for your favorite gal. Visit Ga'Hooletree Designs on Etsy for elite gemstone jewelry.




Don't forget to visit A Beaded Affair for high end, hand selected, individually photographed beads and 1/2 round and copper wire for all your jewelry designing needs.

Friday Gift Cert Grab - 1/9

The Esmarts Team Shop at Etsy was created in the spirit of "PAYING IT FORWARD". The Team has jumped on board and loaded it with scrumptious new listings for you to peruse. In that spirit we'd like to give a bit back to all of our readers and buyers by running a contest on Twitter and our blogs. All you have to do to enter the contest is leave a comment mentioning the contest here on A Beaded Affair, the Esmarts Team Blog or Direct Message @abeadedaffair on Twitter and you might win the $10.00 Gift Certificate in the drawing on Saturday which you can use in the Esmarts Team Shop . Gift Cert donated by A Beaded Affair at Etsy. Take a chance, have some fun, enter our contest and win $10.00.Just a few of the new items donated by the talented members of EsmartsContest runs from Noon Friday January 9 (that's tomorrow folks) til Midnight.On Saturday we will announce the winner here!!!This weeks donations by Creations by Jae, dgdesignstx, SandTCreations, The World of Wezz, Chic Hats and More, Gahooletree, Studio618 and Wilma's Whimseys. Visit these Etsy shops for more exciting hand crafted goodies.

When you snooze you lose. If you didn't check out the Esmarts Team Store on Tuesday you missed donations by M5 Creative Corners which sold right away.

One more note, Coastal Artist has reduced the price on 3 of his prints to $20.00 just for the contest. Don't wait, leave a comment and check out all the fabulous items at Esmarts Team Store and win the Gift Certificate.

Are you on Twitter? Share the love and Tweet about the contest for us. The more the merrier.

Cheers

Stu Stu Studio618

Showing my total lack of knowledge of modern music, if a 1985 song by Phil Collins can be called "modern music", when I first met the talented Theresa Kwong, the brains and talent behind Studio 618, I couldn't for the life of me remember her real name. Every time I saw her the adulterated lyrics of Phil's pop hit were all I could bring to mind and Theresa became Stu Stu Studio to me. With apologies to Theresa, Phil Collins in a 1997 interview with VH1 said, "So I set up this drum-machine pad, and I got some chords, and I started to sing into the microphone, and this word came out, which was "sus-sussudio." The world of course thought it was Stu Stu Studio, me included, and that is the name I dubbed Theresa.

I've gotten to know Theresa a little better and still secretly think of her as Stu, but there is much more to Theresa Kwong than an out of date pop ditty. One look at her Etsy Store Studio 618 will reveal the depth of artistic talent and vision that continues to reveal itself with each new addition. Structure and flow identify her style which makes sense when you know that Theresa is a practicing architect by day and a jewelry designer by night.

A Silversmith, Theresa uses only the best gemstones, sterling and copper to create a wide variety of one of a kind treasures. One of my current favorites is this hand engraved sterling cuff with the following scripture from Numbers 6:24-26 "May the Lord bless you and keep you;May the Lord make his face shine upon you;and be gracious to you;May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace." See more historical information on hand engraving on Theresa's blog aptly titled Studio 618.

Theresa says, "My inspiration comes from my past experiences in life, my cultures, my environment, or a specific moment in time. Sometimes interesting techniques will challenge me to come up with different designs too. My work keeps evolving, with fresh ideas all the time."

I think Stu says it best, "After many years of practicing as an architect, I craved to create with my own two hands instead of just sitting behind the computer or drawing board and have other people carry out my designs. From mega-scale projects to micro-sized adornments, I execute my jewelry designs/fabrication with an artful eye, precision hands, and human comfort in mind. I hope my jewelry collections will bring you as much meaning and enjoyment as the passion I pour onto each piece."

A visit to Studio 618 will grab the imagination, satisfy your senses, engage your heart and provide you with your favorite gifts to give or keep for yourself. Thanks Theresa!

While visiting Studio 618 check out her favorites Sellers, team mates on the eSMArts Team for a wide variety of fine art, craft and collectibles. New this month is our eSMArts Team Store with a variety of donated items from generous team members the proceeds of which will all go to good causes.

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think of this article.

An Affair with Beads

Christmas is coming sooner than we think and it's time to stock up for those Christmas gifts. New beads at A Beaded Affair are just the ticket. Only $6.95 per strand and FREE SHIPPING when you buy any 3 items in the shop.


Copper beads and findings at great prices. High end focal beads too?



What are you waiting for......A Beaded Affair!

Copper wire - 1/2 Round 18 & 20 Gauge, Square in 18, 20, 22 and 24 Gauge


Hand made Artisan Jewelry too!


A Beaded Affair

http://www.abeadedaffair.com/

http://www.abeadedaffair.etsy.com/