The Beauty of Blogging

So, the beauty of having a blog of your very own is that you can do or not do, say or not say and share or not share anything you like!

In other words, the beauty is FREEDOM!

I'm getting back on track after being on vacation last week. Just to catch things up a little bit, we visited the fabulous Niagara Falls, Canada last week.

It was such a wonderful trip, great weather, gorgeous view, great hotel, truly perfection! The only mentionable downfall was the excess of junk food. :)

If you have never been to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, check this out...www.fallscam.com.

The best time is early morning, but really any time will do. :)

Yes, it's live streaming feed of both the Canadian and American falls...NICE, eh?!

So, getting back to beads...

Guess what I found at Walmart in Niagara Falls. Really cool Cousin Corporation beads and components...how cool is that? I didn't realize they were across the border so of course, I got a quick pic to share of a few faves. :)

Speaking of Cousin Corporation, I can't urge you enough to apply for their Jewelry Making Ambassador program if you are looking for a way to expand your jewelry making skills and network.

Here are the details from last week's blog post. Any questions? Just holler :)

Bead Blogger Inspiration

Just in time to kick off a new week, here's some inspiration and info from our blogger friends. Enjoy!

Bead addicts, Jewelry Making Machines & Connoisseurs of Handmade
"Vase With Flowers in Window" by Ambrosius Bosschaert the Elder, 1620 is a vibrant inspiration for May's Art Bead Scene Monthly Challenge.

Here are some handmade art beads and components to inspire your designs for May! 

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! 

Jean reviews a great book by Anna Elizabeth Draeger: Crystal Play: Fun & Fabulous Designs for Stitched Jewelry 

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Trying to help out those who want sell their work in stores and galleries, Andrew sheds a little light on the process from the other side of the counter.

Beading Arts
Cyndi has kicked off "Wire Month" on Beading Arts by sharing a quick and easy earring project!

Resin Crafts Blog!
It is amazing what a little acrylic paint can do on resin clay pendants. Carmi focused on creating the look of a ceramic pendant without the kiln!

Winner Announced!

It's time to announce the winner of the fabulously sparkly mirror beads! First, a quick thank you to the Cousin Corporation for their generosity in supplying the sparkle! :)

And now, congrats to Kay of KayzKreationz! Yay! You can find her creations on her Etsy site and follow her journey on her blog, KayzKreationz.

Thanks so much to all of you for stopping by, don't worry, there will be more giveaways to come! :)

Since Cousin Corporation just announced they are looking for the next 5 Jewelry Making Ambassadors to join the Cousin Creative Circle, I'll be sharing some of my own journey as one of the inaugural members throughout the week. It's an exciting time!!

Big News & Opportunity!

The official announcement was just released from the Cousin Corporation this morning!

They are looking for 5 new Jewelry Making Ambassadors to join the inaugural five as part of the Cousin Creative Circle!

Yay! This news was just released today, so if you are interested, don't delay in submitting your application! This is the perfect time for me to share my experiences as one of the inaugural 5 ambassadors. I'll post more info and pictures over the next couple of days.

For now, here's an excerpt from the Cousin Corporation webpage where the application process is explained in detail:

What is the Cousin Creative Circle™? 

Cousin’s Creative Circle™ is a group of our elite supporters and rock star jewelry makers who choose to use Cousin products in their designs because they are the best in the industry. We support them with supplies and tools, provide plenty of inspiration, send them sneak peeks of new programs, and just about anything they request from us. Oh, and we give lots of motivation, encouragement and support. We value their feedback and opinions to help us with product development. They are an extension of the Cousin family.

Do you dream about jewelry? Are you crazy for components? Is a bead show your ultimate vacation?

Then you could be part of our Cousin Creative Circle™. We are now accepting applications for five U.S. based Cousin ambassadors for a one-year renewable term, beginning in August 2013 through July 2014. 

Application Process

1.    Fill out the online application.

2.    Provide us with 3 images of your best or most accomplished finished pieces.

Applications will be accepted thru Monday, June 17, 2013 at 11:59 PM EST. Both components of the application must be turned in to be considered.Cousin will not use or share information or images without your permission.

It's Giveaway Time!

Yay! What a great way to kick off the weekend!!

This giveaway is all about the sparkle...it's MIRROR BEADS!

Thanks to the Cousin Corporation's continued generosity, I have some great sparkly beads to share.

Here's a pic of the stash and I'm also going to throw in a couple of pendants just for fun! :)

If you are interested in winning these pieces, just leave a comment on this post by next Saturday, May 11, and make sure your profile leads back to an email address or leave it in the comment.

Have a fabulously creative and sparkly weekend!

More, More, Mirror, Mirror..Beads That is!

Okay guys, check out these fab mirror beads!!

My brain is in overdrive with ideas.

When I picked up the milky white and gold mirror beads yesterday, I thought it would be fun to create the 12-bead giant bauble with these and use it as a focal in a necklace using white chain.

Sounds fun and I've never used white chain before. So, guess what, I ordered some! :)

The silver and gold beads are so sparkly and honestly, the best way to use these is to just string them up. For me, I'm pretty sure I'll create several memory wire bracelets to give to friends.

It's such a GREAT way to add sparkle to someone's day!

I had on the 3 strand memory wire mirror bead bracelet today in a meeting and the person I was talking to was following my wrist with her eyes. It was very cool, and yes, I have a tendency to move my hands when I talk. :)

Stay tuned for Friday's post because it will include a mirror bead giveaway! Yay!

Looking for Drama? Look at These Red Mirror Beads!

Wow, these are so impressive. I don't know if I can do them justice in a photo here, but I'm giving it a shot.

These beads are so fabulous! Being in Ohio and knowing the love of OSU fans for scarlet and gray, I think these beads totally say Go Bucks! :)

I'd love to hear your thoughts on two tone mirror beads. Thanks!