Re-Inspired

I've been diligent at placing items in my Etsy Shop for a number of days now. And, happily. things have sold. Sometimes Etsy can be discouraging since you can go a while without sales...but, I'm happy that I am re-inspired!

I've also been trying out selling beads on Facebook. I belong to some groups that are all about selling beads. I've had some good luck there too. I am really going to keep at these forgotten selling venues since I won't be doing one of my bigger shows this year.......

No bead making or posting yet today. My eyes are dilated and are sensitive to light so I'll have to wait until tomorrow :)

Its Never Too Late

My Etsy Shop has been updated! Its been neglected too long I say and its time to get cracking and get things in there!

Oh, and check out my new Newsletter sign up....make sure you are on it for the latest news...I'm with Mail Chimp now rather than Constant Contact...so you might need to resign up!

Etsy Update

Finally. I added a few things to my Easy page. Its been sometime since I've done this....I was a little rusty but I did it. I hope you will check out what I have and know that more will be added over the next few days/weeks.

This is part of my Meditation Stones series. It was popular at my last show and I will be making more items in this series soon. Acid etched to give a nice feel.

A Dream Told Me

Yes! I had a dream the other night....a strong dream that I actually remember and it told me to make glass violin beads....it was specific........so, during my holiday break I guess I'll be giving violin beads a whirl. I don't even play an instrument so this dream is very unusual for me.

Anyone out there ever have a strong dream to make something or do something??

Holiday Kick Off

Today was the final day of the annual Holiday Bazaar. A great show as always but I'm happy to be done. I'll begin posting items in my etsy shop this week.....something I haven't done in some time. 

Looking ahead to February I'm planning an open house to begin my Hearts for Hannah fundraiser and to show new work. I  moved this event since June is getting to be too crazy for me. I'm looking forward to planning this! I haven't done a home show in sometime and will have something to work towards during the month of January. 

This week is Thanksgiving. A time for family and a time for all of use to reflect on how thankful we should be for all that we have. I wish you a wonderful holiday and hope you will check in with me later this week :) 

Yoga for Bead Makers

I am both a runner and a yogi (I think that word is funny) but this summer my running was sidelined due to a knee injury. Nothing major but something that called for resting it and working on strengthening my knee area. So, for much of my summer I did yoga....plenty of yoga......like 5 times a week! I love it and it is now a huge part of my life. It gives me stress relief and relaxation that I so need. Next year (I really wanted to do it this year) I will be doing Teacher Training to deepen my love of yoga and to hopefully teach a bit too.

What in the world does this have to do with beads?? Nothing really except that it puts you in a better mind set and it relieves all those tight neck and should muscles from repetitive use at the torch and reduces tension. If you haven't tried yoga, I would suggest you give it a try. Flexibility helps your body stay young and its great for bead makers!

Yoga Mat Cleaner Recipe
If you are a yoga practitioner already, I want to share this yoga mat cleaner I discovered while searching the web. You use white vinegar, tea tree essential oil and either peppermint, lavender or bergamont essential oil to make your own easy and inexpensive cleaner. I've been using in on my Manduka mat  and love it.

* 1/2 cup white vinegar
* 1 1/2 cup water
* 20 drops tea tree oil
* 15-20 drops of either lavender, peppermint, bergamot or an oil of your choice

Shake and spray onto your mat then wiping away or leave it to dry.

The Selfie Project

Oh, I know....its been awhile since I've been consistent here but I am challenging myself to be more diligent. To help me keep steady with my posts, I've decided to do a year long project that showcases YOU wearing or holding something you've purchased from me. It could be a necklace, bracelet, ring or even beads.....the only condition is that you have to be in the picture and you must be wearing/show something Bella Bead Jewelry.........I'm calling it :

The Selfie Project......

Starting NOW, You take a selfie (or someone can take it for you) wearing something I've created. 

A necklace, ring, bracelet or even holding beads or a bead you've purchased from me.

 Post your selfie on Instagram and include the hashtag #bellabeadselfie.

It's that easy. 

Post selfies as often as you'd like all year long....

I will be frequently (not sure exactly how frequently yet) be giving away Bella Swag

 for the images I find most eye catching or creative.

So, I sure hope you will take part in this year long project and help me stay current with my blog posts!

Juggling Act

As many of you know, I am an art teacher by day and glass bead artist by night. The last two years at my art teaching job have been ones of significant change......change is good but it can take a bit to acclimate to things. Instead of teaching 3 grade levels I now teach 6! I LOVE being busy but like I said, it takes time to acclimate.

With that being said, my annual Hearts for Hannah fundraiser failed to really take off. I just didn't have the time to dedicate to it. So, I will be offering Hearts for Hannah for the next week, beginning next Monday. I will post hearts as I typically do for this and those who want one can claim them here on my blog.

Thank you for those who have been asking....Where are the hearts? And thank you for your patience with me. I guess I'm not the best juggler :/

Hearts for Hannah Batch #1

Finally! Here is my first batch of hearts that I offer for the Hearts for Hannah fundraiser. Please review the process for acquiring a heart since it is first come, first serve.

Also, please click the above Giving link to find out more about Joining Hearts and Hands and Hannah.

Process
*  Look at hearts that are available on my blog. They will be labeled by Batch #
*  Hearts are $25.00. ALL proceeds raised go to Joining Hearts and Hands.
*  Select the heart or hearts you hope to get by commenting on the blog. Please note that you will not initially be able to see your comment. I must read them before they are made public.
*  I will note in the comment section who claimed what heart so that everyone will know.
*  I will post on Facebook when I will put up another batch to make it easier.

***Since this is a fundraiser where I donate my time, materials and talent, I can NOT take any special requests.....I hope you will understand :)