Looking forward to Spring!

It has been rather cold here in Northern California and in fact the forecast is for snow in the San Jose hills, yikes! Okay, I admit it, we Californians are wimps when it comes to temperatures below 50 degrees.  I am so looking forward to spring when bulbs start blooming and trees begin to show their delicate blossoms, a sure sign that the weather will also warm up! 

In the meantime, it's easy to create your own beaded blossoms to admire. I was gifted a kit in Tucson called Blossom Necklace by Val Hirata, a Swarovski Elements Ambassador from Hawaii. I am sharing a picture of my finished piece. The wired blossom is a great use of article 5621, the twist bead, pictured in Crystal Golden Shadow (outer layer) and Crystal Tabac (inner layer).

New Product - woven wire chain.

While in Tucson, I discovered something new and interesting - woven wire chain. Perhaps some of you have already discovered this interesting wire item. For me it was a first. A company named Silver Silk has developed a patent pending machine that knits wire into a supple, durable knit that can be as small as 1.2 mm and as wide as 4.8mm (flat) in width. I haven't had a chance to play with it yet, but I brought three colors into the shop; silver, gold and bronze.

We're Official!

With much pomp and circumstance, Ron Rock, Key Account Manager of Swarovski Elements North America presented The Beading Frenzy with its Recommended Store Certificate. It was a proud moment.

We are in the process of submitting to host a crystal beading contest with Swarovski Elements! Stay tuned for more details as they become available!

Blooming Flowers

While in Tucson, this past week, I came across some lovely acrylic beads in the shape of trumpet flowers which are reminiscent of vintage German acrylics. For the store, I bought a selection of pastel colors just in time for spring. These flowers measure approximately 24mm long and 24mm at its widest part. Dangling some of my favorite Swarovski Elements from the center of the flower completed a charming, light-weight earring. Just one of many possibilities!

Back From Tucson!

TBF just returned back from Tucson after spending multiple days at the Swarovski Elements showroom; teaching, watching demos and getting a private showing of the new crystal colors and innovations. They are fantastic! 

The new Bronze Shade is fast becoming our new favorite color. Come by your Swarovski Recommended Store and check out the new colors and shapes. Unfortunately, these beauties won't be available for sale until the end of February/early March when they will ship from Austria.