You can bead on it!

A question I am frequently asked is where do I get my beads. Here on the Outer Banks, the choices are fairly limited although my favorite local bead store, Cloud Nine in Nags Head, will order anything I need if it's not in stock. I keep hoping Michael's will be the next chain store to propose a location here but until my dream comes true, I have to travel to Chesapeake for that.

My idea of Christmas and my birthday all put together is the Intergalactic Bead Show. They are the "premier purveyor of bead resources from around the world," and presents bead shows in the eastern United States. Harry and I went to their Bead Show this past weekend in Chesapeake, which was just down the street from Greenbrier Mall at the Khedive Shrine Temple on Woodlake Drive. It was really nice because it had easy access yet just out of the hustle and bustle of the mall traffic. Although he didn't really use them, Harry liked that there were comfy leather sofas available in the entrance hall. We figured if they ever installed a bar and wide screen TVs, the place would be packed!

Use can find a schedule of the Intergalactic Bead Shows at http://beadshows.com/welcome.action

for upcoming shows in your area.

But, my go-to supplier of all things beads and jewelry making has always been Fire Mountain Gems. I usually order at least 15 items to take advantage of their "all-assortive pricing." It's fun to see the amount due go down after selecting the 15th item. They have a beautiful 436 page catalog that's absolutely free with no purchase necessary. It can be ordered at http://www.firemountaingems.com/catreq.asp?lnksrc=3&navsrc=2

If your purchases total more than $100, you'll receive their comprehensive 1,220 page catalog, also completely free. Comprehensive is right, like getting the Sears catalog we used to look forward to each year. Oh, geez, please don't tell me I'm dating myself! Everyone remembers that, right?

Jewelry Designer in the Making!

Here's our beautiful, very smart and talented 8-year-old granddaughter, Jade, posing with the beaded necklace and bracelet she made while staying with us this summer. Didn't she do an awesome job? Truly, I helped very little ... she picked out the beads, crystals and toggle clasp from my bead stash and she designed the basic layout. For the necklace, I helped with stringing the wire onto the clasp using crimp beads and made sure the length was right. (The clasp she picked out is a cute teapot and spoon). She strung butterfly spacer beads on each side of the beautiful purple crystal focal bead.

She loved the aquamarine Swarovski crystal and silver-plated spacer beads so I showed her how she could make a double stranded bracelet with them. She picked out some coordinating size 6/0 blue color-lined Dyna-Mites and then I showed her how to string them all onto elastic cord, made sure the length was right, then knotted and glued the cords to keep the bracelet secure. Beautiful!

We bought a pretty little plastic heart box from the Dollar Tree, lined it with cotton batting and she had an adorable jewelry box to keep and protect her jewelry. Jade did such a wonderful job, I'm sure you'll see more exciting jewelry designs from her in the future!

Beaded Components are a Great Summertime Project!

Instead of being tied to my desk during the summer with the usual elaborate projects, I have enjoyed the portability of making the smaller beaded components used in my newest bracelet and earring set. Once the beads were chosen, I fit them into a compact 5"x5" covered box along with a couple needles and small scissors and the project was ready to go! I completed the individual rounds and beaded bands during two separate road trips.



It was a little tricky working out of that small box, though! If you bead or craft on-the-go, I would love to hear from you as I'm sure there just has to be tips for that kind of organization.



Designing the set was also completed on the fly ... no pun intended ; ) During the layovers on our recent trip to Las Vegas, I pulled out my artist pad and gel pens (yes, they're okay with the TSA folks!) and came up with this set I have named, "Casino Marker" in honor of all the beautiful casinos we visited while there. Not big gamblers, we just wanted to at least go into as many of the famous casinos as we could. Which, by the way, was easier said than done because everything is more spread out than you think and it takes a little effort getting from place to place. Sorry, I digress but I find my thoughts keep going back to that trip, it was so much fun! We thought it would just be a one-time trip but now we can't wait to go back!




Aaaaanyway ... once I was finally able to get back to my desk, the bracelet was pieced together and the gold-filled round clasp added in one afternoon. The earrings were also completed with gold-filled earwires at the same time! I like the way the round focal pieces resemble poker chips (hence the name) and the thickness of each is about the same, too.


If you would like more details on "Casino Marker," just go to the Bracelet and Earring Sets section of my website at http://www.jewelsoftheobx.com/#/bracelet-and-earrings-sets/4539679149 . I hope you enjoy the set as much as I enjoyed the exciting city that inspired them!


Okay, okay ... getting my feet back on the beach now ... see you there!


Julie

Pearls found in Vegas!

About 30 years ago, Harry asked me if I would fly to Vegas with him but I was too stupid ... um, afraid to fly. Time, though, has a way of making you realize you have to get over your fears if you're ever going to accomplish anything. So, early this month we finally left for Vegas and had to board not one, but two planes to get there. The last flight time was scheduled for over 4 hours - Aaaah! The pilot (a former Navy pilot) and flight attendants all mentioned they were looking forward to an extended layover in Vegas and sounded just as excited to get there as we were and we landed after only 3 hours and 15 minutes!

While we were there, we tried to at least go into most of the casinos, just to get a feel for them. There were lots of shops and attractions along the way but one of the places that really captured my imagination was the artistic Crystals at CityCenter, known for its beautiful and unique architecture. The Mastro’s Ocean Club, a very chic fish house restaurant is the undeniable masterpiece of the center. You can learn more about the restaurant at their website, http://www.mastrosrestaurants.com/ .

(Mastro's Ocean Club Restaurant, Las Vegas, Nevada)

Also located in Crystals is the jewelry store, Mikimoto, known worldwide for its stunning cultured pearls. I learned that the founder, Kokichi Mikimoto, was the creator of the world’s very first cultured pearl! Mr. Mikimoto’s amazing work is documented on the company website’s History section at: http://mikimotoamerica.com/

While you’re there, drool over their Pearl Jewelry Collection, too. I just LOVE these starfish earrings from the Milano Collection by Giovanna Broggian!

We had an absolute blast in Vegas! There are just so many “pearls” to be found in Vegas … I can’t wait to go back now to find more! (Yes, and even get on another airplane!) When you get a chance, check out all the pictures from our trip posted on my Facebook page.

See you on the beach!

Julie

Swarovski discovered!

I have found Swarovski crystals can add an unmistakable touch of sparkle -- you'll notice I use them from time to time in my designs. For some reason, though, it took me awhile to find Swarovski also has a wonderful website at http://www.swarovski.com/Web_US/en/index where the entire collection can viewed. Actually, I had looked at the site some time ago, but apparently not well enough.

On the home page, under "Other Swarovski Sites," there are other goodies including an entire world for just their Crystallized Swarovski elements at http://www.create-your-style.com/Content.Node/index.php

You can upload photographs of your own creations, join their forum, read their online magazine and blog, enter competitions (currently in progress is "Boudoir Beautiful - 2010 European Design Competition" http://www.create-your-style.com/Content.Node/events-and-stores/events/Boudoir-Beautiful.en.php ), learn beading techniques with crystals ( http://www.create-your-style.com/Content.Node/instructions/techniques/Beading.en.php ), download instructions and there's also a complete Colour Chart for their beads at http://www.create-your-style.com/Content.Node/service/downloads/Colour_Chart_Beads.en.php !

I'm going back now to see what else I can find. Hope you enjoy!

See you on the beach!

Julie

Summer is Almost Here!

Mark your calendar ... Monday, June 21, 2010 is the first day of summer! To celebrate, I have reduced all of my Jewels of the OBX anklets 25% off. Why anklets? Because no other piece of jewelry says summer more than anklets and they're so cute with sandals or flip-flops and painted toes. They're on sale now through, guess which day? ... June 21st!

"Makin' a Splash" Anklet


When you visit Jewels of the OBX, remember to Log In and become a friend of the site. You'll receive occasional product updates, special offers and coupons and in addition, you will also receive 10% off your next order! Yes, you may use your discount on the anklets (that's a total of 35% off!)





There's another new feature at Jewels of the OBX ... look on the Order Form page and you'll find my personal search engine that is a database for the Jewels of the OBX collection. It's an easy, one-stop location to find any piece that you're looking for. I hope you'll enjoy having access to what I find to be an invaluable tool.

See you on the beach!

Julie

Jewels of the OBX Birthday Earrings updated!

What better color than emerald to announce the coming of the long-awaited summer season? The color of green grass, cool and refreshing under bare feet on a warm day. My birthstone-inspired Swarovski crystal earrings now include this beautiful color and of course, they have the trademark Sterling Silver clam shell drop.

They make great birthday presents because all the work has been done for you! They're personalized and if you choose, can be shipped directly to your recipient in a complimentary gift box and gift wrapped.

I also offer $20 Happy Birthday gift certificates for my customers to arrive for their birthday to be used towards any purchase at Jewels of the OBX. If you would like to receive a gift certificate for yourself or for a friend, simply email me at jewelsoftheobx@embarqmail.com along with the birthday month and day (no need for the year !)

The birthday earring collection is steadily growing - it now includes February through May.

Check it out at:

http://www.jewelsoftheobx.com/#/birthday-earrings/4537840408

See you on the beach!

Julie