Serena and Medici Drop Earring

I hope all of you had a great holiday weekend. Other than eating, (right?), I spent some time catching up on my bead work. I'm happy to report that I was able to finish my version of  Marcia DeCoster's bracelet, Serena - a beautiful built-up RAW cuff. The pattern is in Marcia's awesome Beaded Opulence book. Marcia used a 3-strand slide clasp in her sample and my bracelet is on an 8-strand slide clasp. Yikes! It is absolutely yummy, measuring almost 2" wide!! I used over 200 3mm 5328 Crystal Dorado 2x Swarovski Elements, but what's a little sparkle among friends! The Dorado 2x totally popped the base color. I used a matte metallic olive ab Japanese seed bead in size 11/0. It's hard to recognize from my picture, but you seed bead gals will remember it from Interweave's Best of Beadwork. Pharaoh's Daughter is on the cover. This beautiful necklace, designed by my BFF Marcia, used three sizes of that beautiful matte metallic seed bead.

Of course, now that I've finished my bracelet what do I wear for my earrings? The Medici Drop: a fabulous earring that you can make in under 30 minutes. I'm not usually one for matching jewelry, but in this case I'm making an exception and I love it. If you haven't made one yet, you really should!. The pattern is in Beaded Opulence too.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

The entire Beading Frenzy family would like to take a moment to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy holiday season filled with love and peace.

We are very grateful for your continued loyalty and support this past year. We are blessed to have you as a customer and as a friend.

Thank you and best wishes for a healthy and prosperous 2011 from the entire Beading Frenzy team! 

Susan, Peita, Barbara, Becky, Chris and Susan S.

Val's Art Studio

I was recently gifted this absolutely adorable creative pincushion. I actually coveted one from afar and was so excited to receive one. I do love to weave with my favorite seed beads and now my needles have a great resting place in between projects. Oh, I know you are going to tell me that you have a beaded needle case so you don't really need a pincushion. Wrong! My beaded needle case is in my bead bag along with beads that are mobile. My beautiful felted pincushion by Val's Art Studio - felt art with a flair, out of Coronado, CA rests on my bead table. Functional and pretty to look at. I just need to keep my furry felines away! Remember your fellow beady friends, they make a lovely gift too!

Kazuri Beads in the store today only!

Pictures worth a thousand words!

The Beading Frenzy is turning Sweet 16!

Free Kits at Beading By the Bay? Where, how?

If you register to attend Beading by the Bay by January 5th, your name will be entered to win one kit of each design being taught valued at over $200. WOW! Of course, all students who have previously registered will be included in the drawing as well. The lucky recipient's name will be drawn on Thursday evening at our Meet and Greet. 

Space is becoming limited, so if you would like to join myself and three fantastic instructors for a great weekend don't delay. Marcia and I promise lots of laughs, fun, surprises, great food and three awesome projects. Join us!

Urban DiDi

One of my customers Dorothee, aka Urban Didi, has created a line of jewelry using our childhood favorites - LEGOs. Didi hand drills and bezel sets each Swarovski crystal as well as creating the innovative tube bail across the top. Her 'bubble gum' designs have floating crystals or seeds in them reminiscent of a bubble gum machine.
     Dorothee is a 28 year old mom who enjoys creating and exploring new designs in between taking care of her three young children. 
     "Right now, I love working with LEGOs. It is fun to mix colors and to add some shine to it. I design and make by hand all the pieces, says Dorothee. I love the idea of giving a LEGO brick a second life and a different feel."     

     These really are cool and different! Please come by and check them out. Prices begin at $20. Straps sold separately. These pendants will make a very unique gift!

Beading by the Bay, March 2011

Beading by the Bay is proud to announce that our Thursday evening Meet and Greet will be hosted exclusively by Swarovski Elements. If you came to our inaugural event last year , you know what a blast it was. Marcia DeCoster and I are promising another inspiring evening and weekend this time too. 

Along with many yummy treats and beverages to enjoy, my friend Ron Rock, Key Account Manager for Swarovski North America will be presenting his, now infamous, Trends Presentation. Students and Instructors alike will be treated to the latest Swarovski innovations that will be launched February 2011. 

We still have space available so if you can make it, come and join us. More news to come, so stay tuned!

Celebration of Craftswomen

One of my BFF's Bea Sharp, an awesome fused glass artist, created this beautiful necklace. It won first place in it's division at this year's San Mateo County Fair and will be on display at the Celebration of Craftswomen event at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco this weekend. If any of you live in the greater Bay Area and do not mind a trip to the City, you should go. The level of 'craft' by these women is amazing. And it wouldn't hurt to do a little Christmas/Holiday shopping for that someone special. It's always rewarding to support our sisters in their particular craft.

Additional Information about the Zulu Baskets

These incredible baskets have taken traditional weaving to the next level! The weavers weave these baskets from the top down instead of bottom up around a form. All the other baskets from Africa are woven free form. They use copper coated telephone wire to make these beautiful art baskets. They can be washed gently with soap and water since the wire is coated. These baskets not only can be used but they also look great on a wall, on a table or anywhere you want to display its beauty.

These baskets come from the Zulu Tribe in South Africa and will be available for purchase at TBF on Saturday, December 11th from 11am-6pm. Hope to see you all there!!