Tohos (and Miyykis) and Sunshine

Simply that. 😊

New Season

Well, it's yet another season of our lives!
Not long after I wrote the last post, let's say I get really tired. Really, really tired. I then lived in a tired  haze for quite some time made up of work, sinus headaches, soaking my feet and collapsing onto the couch.
We are having a little baby girl in November :).
So, needless to say my focus and what energy I had during the first trimester were not about beads. And then as my energy returned it was about getting through each work day and putting my legs up and resting when I got home.
I am now starting my third week home and not working as my legs would not handle eight hour shifts on them at a go. I am spending a lot of time organizing and cleaning, getting the baby's room ready and nesting.
But it also mean I have time and energy to bead! Yay!
My poor Etsy shop has been sorely neglected. I'm debating about finding a new street team on Etsy or waiting until after little girl shows herself and seeing how her days go first.
Either way, it's also a new season for my beading.
As yes, I have maternity leave and a bit of money with that, but not as much, I'm hoping to get back to selling a little more often and putting more efforts into that online I seem to have sold more in person over the last few years, but I have the time to try to advertise and such more now.
 It will also be a new season in that, since I'm not working right now not all the profits will go to missions. I will still have times where this is true though.
I have some pieces to photograph and listings to update, but mostly I'm excited to play with my beads again :)

I'm also excited to have time to look at other beady buddies blogs and get back into the beading community online :).

See you all soon!

"Just a little one"

Last month Little Girl Friend was over for a Christmas movie and I was working on a custom order. She strolled over and wanted to know "whatcha doin?" She then proceeded, with cute hand gestures to ask if I would make her"just a little one"(she said this a few times;)). She likes jewelery, princesses and being girly just a bit. And the fact that she constantly "ooohs" over my jewelery does not hurt either.
So I told her something like "oh, we'll have to see, sometime" planning to make her something for Christmas.
I really like what I came up with and the concept will be showing up soon in the shop, maybe even in "just a little one" size.

With love to Moldova

I have not blogged for Regal beads in over a year? OUCH!
I will admit I sell more in person than online and gave up putting out all the online effort for quite some time. I find sometimes once my job is over for the day and we've eaten dinner, gone out or whatever is going on that week that sometimes I just don't have the energy! But, it's all about priorities.

Last fall I got pretty ill and during that time I had a lot of time to think and pray as I could not do much else. God convicted me that I was becoming greedy with the money I was making from my jewelery and also that there were those in need whom I could help with the talent He had given me. So, I decided from there on out to give 100% of what I make from Regalbeads to ministries.

This is the second year that the month of December has meant sending money to Moldova: there is a church there whom my church has sent funds to each Christmas for quite a few years. They help the disabled and needy who cannot work or do not have enough to have food in the winter. In the summer they eat from their gardens, but in the winter they have great need.
I don't know about you, but I've really never had to worry about food. I can't imagine worrying that my child will have food to fill their stomach.

Pastor Andrew (the pastor of this church) came and spoke to us the summer before last and shared pictures and stories of those whom we helped. To say it was moving does not begin to sum up the impact.
A woman asked if our offering provided them with enough food to last all winter. The answer? Well, not really but sometimes it's all they have so they are encouraged to make it last.

So, all of the money I made last December and again this year will be going to Moldova.
So, anything and everything you buy in my etsy shop or in person for those of you who live here will go to feed the needy.

Won't you help to fill this basic need?

Wordless Wednesday; "CAN I SEE YOUR JEWELRY?!!"

Custom Cuffs

I had a lot of fun making these. There is just something about making pieces that you know people are going to love and that will fit them perfectly.

Now on to my next customer order, a very unique one...based on crop circles...

Earrings :)

I know that I have been painfully abscent from this lately, I am going to make it a higher priority. Pity when work and life get in the way of my bead obsession!

Some earing eye candy today, to tempt you (all for sale in my shop):

Tropical Breezes!

This is my entry for the Etsy Bead Weavers team's January/ February them "Tropical Holiday".
There are times when beads just speak to you and tell you how to use them-this was one of those cases!
The blues in the firepolished Czech beads said "tropical" to me, and begged to be mixed in with some enticing greens!
There are a HUGE amount of entries this month! Be sure to go over and vote for your favourite piece!
Voting has already begun and runs through the fifteenth of the month:
http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com

Valentine's Sale!!

Wanting to get something unique and special for your sweetie this year?

Now through February 2nd I am offering everything at 15% off!!
One of the great things about beadweaving is that it is so durable while looking so elegant: I wear mine while doing dishes, at work, swimming, sometimes accidentally in the shower, and it holds up like a dream. Beadweaving will last for generations!
Come and browse: Regal Beads

HOLIDAY ETSY FEST

I have not been as great about posting lately, just not enough hours and energy.
Right now I am working up a bunch of earrings for a little show next weekend.
Anything I don't sell will be put up on etsy, but I think I'll just have to make more up for etsy , these are way cute :) They are a new design I just came up with.

AND NOW:
I am going to be running a sale along with a lot of other sellers!


MY SALE:
Along with my free shipping sale that I am running through Christmas, you will also get an additional 10% off!!
Shop for your sweetie, your daughter, your mother...and buy them something that will be unique, beautiful, and that will last a lifetime!

Also, be sure to check out the Holiday Etsy Fest Shopping Guide!

Gifts

What good is it to be able to make beautiful creations if you don't share them with those in your life who are extra special and dear?
This week I've worked on a few gifts :)
That first piece is for my Mother In law who isn't a big jewelery lady, but wanted some Russian work for her jacket. :)
(Pattern © by Galina Barsky )












Netted cuffs. These type will be showing up in my shop shortly. I've really gotten to like them!









































As will some of these! I love herringbone! It can be time consuming, but there is something about the flow of it that is amazing.




























I bought these "ladies" from Mugsysbeads
a little while back after coming across them and simply falling in LOVE with them! Aren't they they cutest?
There are a couple of special little ladies in my life who will be getting a special package in the mail :).

Anything Goes

Voting has begun on Etsy Bead Weavers June Challenge. The theme is "Anything goes" and we got to do what we felt was our best work.
Please come and vote for your favourite!
http://Etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com

Dive In!!

"Below Sea Level"

Today I am featuring myfairladyvt4-http://myfairladyvt4.etsy.com
http://myfairladyvt4.blogspot.com/.

What she has to say about herself:
I love to bead. Seed bead weaving by hand and gemstones are my favorite.
I am a Wife and Mom. Currently I am a stay at home Mom, which I love. I have 2 great kids, a boy age 12 and a daughter age 10. They are both Basketball stars at the moment. We also have 2 cats and a toy poodle.

The amazing piece above was created for the Etsy Bead Weavers Monthly Challenge "Spring Break." (Be sure to come and vote for your favourite piece begining February the seventh!! http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com)

Like what you see??
Take a look at the rest of her beautiful shop!!

"Break Forth"

Isn't that an amazing name for this piece???
My featured artist today is onathousandhills
http://onathousandhills.etsy.com
http://onathousandhills.blogspot.com

What she has to say about herself:
My name is Cheryl, and I love the outdoors! I also love playing with my beads and seeing what I can come up with to make.

I can't remember how old I was when I first did any crafts, but I know it was pretty young. I went to a vocational high school and took 4 years of Clothing Shop there. I have always done a bit of different crafting hobbies, but found beads in a serious way about 5 years ago. My daughter was given a bead kit for recuperating after surgery, but wasn't very interested in it. I took it over and took off with my beading. I've had to put them on the back burner at times, when homeschooling and work got in the way. Now I am dedicating more time to be able to learn and grow in this art form. Yes, it IS an art form.


God's creation is one of my favorite themes for my work, and I think everyone would have to agree how wonderful nature is.

The stunning piece above is her entry in the Etsy Bead Weavers Monthly challenge "Spring Break."
Be sure to come and see all the entries and vote for your favourite beginning February the 7th!!! (http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/)
And be sure to head over to drool over the rest of onathousandhills shop!!!!

Hungry For Spring???

Today I am featuring cigarboxbeads
(http://cigarboxbeads.etsy.com
http://cigarboxbeads.blogspot.com )

What she has to say about herself:
I'm a retired Home Ec teacher, loved what I did, love what I'm doing now.

Beadweaving is my joy, along with knitting, crocheting, sewing AND being with our twin grand daughters. Not at the same time though, they love to 'help'! We do have 'crafting time' every day that I watch them, so I hope I'm instilling the love of creating in them.

PS- I just opened another etsy shop---suchandsort-go there to read where THAT name came from!

The piece above, beautifully named Cottage Garden Bracelet, is her entry in the Etsy Bead Weavers Monthly Challenge ("Spring Break").
Be sure to hop over and vote for your favourite piece - http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/-Begining February the seventh!!

AND be sure to go and drool over the rest of Marilyn's work in her shop!!!!!!!

Love giving unique Valentine gifts??

Then come and check out Crafty Moose!
http://craftymoose.etsy.com/ http://craftymoosecrafts.blogspot.com/

What she has to say about herself:

I have been crafting for as long as I can remember. I am self-taught and have enjoyed painting, needlework, quilting, polymer clay and jewelry making. Most recently, I have found myself drawn to beads and have returned to the art of french beaded flowers. I enjoy making original, one-of-a-kind butterflies & dragonflies. I am also introducing a new line of one-of-a-kind beaded art dolls and suncatchers. Custom requests are welcome. All my items are lovingly created in a smoke-free, pet-free environment.The name Craftymoose came about because of my love of crafts and my husband's love of moose. My avatar is the head of a 4'+ tall moose I made him one Christmas!

I picked a couple of Unique Valentine gifts as a sample, but you should check out her shop-she sells such a variety!!

Hearts and Flowers Treasure Box

Red, Red, French Beaded Roses

A Taste of Brazil

Come and get one at CONTASBRASIL (http://contasbrasil.etsy.com/ http://contaskoeln.blogspot.com/)!

What she has to say about herself:

Since 2005, the brazilian Suzy Wortberg designs in Cologne custom jewelry together with two artists from her native country, Bebê de Soares and Ana Vilas Boas. Brazil meets Europe. Where different cultures meet, ideas spring up. Contrasts produce exciting new concepts. Jewelry is the expression of personality. Thus all ContasBrasil products are handmade, unique pieces, developed with a taste for things special. Inspired by the Brazilian light, it's many-sided culture and the countless riches of the Brazilian soil. Motivated by the desire of bringing people the unique feeling of life in Brazil.

Pop over for a special piece this valentines such as:

"I love pearls"

or

"Shades of Red"

CONTASBRASIL also has a supplies shop :http://contascoeln.etsy.com/

Of Bracelets and Cuffs!!

So, I have been "playing" with some ideas for bracelets and cuffs :) I need to post more variety in my etsy shop, so, here are a few pictures of "coming attractions" so to speak :)

Netted cuffs, first and second try :)

One of the reasons I love beading so much is that there is always something new to learn!

I decided that I wanted to learn hearring bone (the stitch). One of my fellow beaders gave me some tips (esther of http://greenenvydesigns.etsy.com/) and I've been enjoying it :)

here is my first try at a bracelet :)

RED!!!!!!!

The Etsy Bead Weavers December-January Challenge is almost here!!!!
Come and vote for your favorite piece beginning tomorrow, January 7th!!!!!!!
http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/

Passion

Just wanted to put up my newest piece :)
It was a stinker for some reason!!
I only wish I could truly capture it with my camera!
I made this piece for the Etsy Bead Weavers Challenge!!
Come and vote for your favourite piece starting February 7th! (http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/)