Escapees from the bead show!

I went to the Baltimore Bead Society's winter show yesterday. I was after a few findings that I can't get from my main suppliers, and I was trying hard not to buy anything else. Bead and gem shows are candyland for us, and it's very easy to come away with hundreds of dollars worth of treasures.

I did really well through the main showroom ... but then I saw orange.



They're doing some craaaazy stuff with turquoise these days. These brilliant orange pumpkiny beads are dyed white turquoise! I can't keep my hands off anything this bright, and it only takes one thing off the table to break down my resolve not to buy anything. Oh yes, some spotty turquoise! And some crazy lace agate! And some striped agate! Mine mine mine!

Inaugural Sale

It's time for change! Save some change with free shipping on everything from Jellybug Artworks and 25% off items with patriotic color schemes. The sale starts Saturday, January 17th and extends through Sunday, January 25th. Take a sneak peek at the sale items so you'll be ready on Saturday!

New! Chainmaille Key Rings and Recycled Glass Paperweights

Chainmaille Key Rings

I'm taking great delight in chainmaille lately! I've created a set of darling key rings that feature a pretty rock, coin, or bead and a section of hybrid woven byzantine chain. Each chain is securely fastened to the key ring with double jump rings and a solid metal ring. If you have a sweetheart with an interest in the Renaissance or medieval things, I'll be making them with red glass hearts for Valentine's Day! View all my key rings.

If you like chainmaille, don't miss my new Byzantine Starfish Pendant -- an artglass starfish on a sparkling byzantine chain -- and Princess of the Forest Woven Chainmaille Necklace!

Recycled Glass Jar Paperweights

I've been having splendid fun slumping small glass jars into paperweights. I soften them vertically instead of laying them on their sides to flatten, and they come out with luscious folds like fabric! Take a look! Couldn't your desk use a little fun?

Twelfth Night Costume Extravaganza

Every January, a friend has a Twelfth Night masquerade ball. I love making festive costumes, and her fancy-dress parties are always an opportunity.

I bought a purple Mardi Gras mask with tall feathers and embellished it with shoots of metallic steamers and butterflies.

My dress is a white prom affair that I found at a thrift store. For decoration, I purchased a horde of butterflies from Michael's. The butterflies had clips on the back, so I snapped and removed each one with a pliers, glued pin backs onto them, and attached them to my dress. For additional adornment, I wore blue satin gloves, black and white ostrich feather wrist poofs, arm bands that I made with elastic and ponytail holders, and a ring with another butterfly. And purple high heel sandals the color of my mask, but you can't see them in any of the photos.

I really just like making the costumes. Once I arrive at the party, I'm ready to go home!

Win a Beautiful Woven Wire Bracelet from Mana Moon Studios

My inestimable friend Sharon of Mana Moon Studios is nearing a great milestone in her career as an artist! She is soon to create her one thousandth gorgeous piece of jewelry, and to celebrate, she's giving away one of her signature woven wire bracelets which she's designing specially for this contest!

Sharon's speciality is a very recognizable style of chunky cuff bracelet which features a handmade artisan focal bead in a nest of carefully wrapped wire, set off with other matching beads and dangles. You must see them to believe how beautiful they are, so here are some examples!

Not content to use focal pieces that aren't one of a kind, Sharon forms partnerships with talented glass and clay artists all over the world to find the most exquisite and fascinating centerpieces for her bracelets and necklaces. She also makes keychains and earrings!

Scuttle over to Sharon's blog now for your chance to win her special commemorative bracelet!