Category Archives: Blog
Various topics of interest to me such as book reviews, beading techniques and shows, health and inspirational stuff, crafts and DIY projects, everything thing purrrrfect about cats and more sparkly musings. For straight Sparkle Squad sales, please click “NEWS”.
Top 15 Autumn Handmade Gift Ideas on the Etsy Holiday Hub
Christmas is coming soon, but let’s enjoy the Autumn season before we start hanging up our stockings by the chimney with care! The holiday season is fast approaching, so get prepared with thoughtful handmade gifts. Check out Etsy’s Fall Decor Essentials and Halloween Guide for unique and/ or homespun items. Etsy has improved vendor selection… Read More
Retro Tech and All-in-One Desktop Computers vs. Laptops
At no cost to you…As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. Some of the other links mentioned are also my affiliate links, which I may earn a small commission if clicked or purchased. Your support is greatly appreciated, but never expected. Thank you! Retro Tech Many years ago, I used to have the old… Read More
Beadaholique is Closing Soon
At no cost to you…As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. Some of the other links mentioned are also my affiliate links, which I may earn a small commission if clicked or purchased. Your support is greatly appreciated, but never expected. Thank you! I’m sorry to report another closure of a beloved beading supplier,… Read More
Bargain Bead Box Price Increase and Coupon
At no cost to you…As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. Some of the other links mentioned are also my affiliate links, which I may earn a small commission if clicked or purchased. Your support is greatly appreciated, but never expected. Thank you! FYI- The Bargain Bead Box subscription has increased by $2 for… Read More
Beads Before Tariffs! 60% off Sale at Beebeecraft Before April 21st
Beads, Tariffs, China- oh my! Are you, like most handmade entrepreneurs in the jewelry industry, sweating all this talk about tariffs? Me, too! While I don’t anticipate this causing me to stop making jewelry, it does cause me concern for several US beading suppliers that I love whom source components overseas- not just from China.… Read More
Sparkly Stones Series Continues with the April Diamond
April Birthstone Diamond of the Season I’ve resurrected my Sparkly Stones Series, Sparkle Squad! April’s a perfect time to showcase the sparkly diamond! After watching Bridgerton, I have a new affinity for this month’s birthstone. Check out this gem’s details in my companion YouTube video so you can join in the sparkle-tastic fun with the… Read More
Top 10 Handmade Gift Ideas on the Etsy Holiday Hub
Christmas is coming soon! Through the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s nice to remember that not all sparkle-tastic gifts come in expensive amounts or hefty sizes. Although there are different elements in the modern Etsy Marketplace, the original handmade gift ideas are still a major draw for lots of shoppers. To help… Read More
Share your Amazon Wish List with Santa Monica this Christmas
Hello, Sparkle Squad. This year has been yet another horrendous year for so many of my friends and family. I think it’s time to go shopping, so let’s check out your Amazon Wish List! I’d like to end 2024 on a more sparkly note. Share your Amazon Wish List with Me! Santa Monica would love… Read More
Jesse James Beads Bridgerton Jewelry Contest
Society Papers Theme & a Diamond of the Season I’ve entered the Jesse James Beads Society Papers Diamond of the Season jewelry-making contest. Please consider voting for my Bridgerton jewelry photo album entries in Lady Daphne blue, Lady Kate purple, and Lady Penelope yellow. Contest Winners for 1st through 3rd places will be announced July… Read More







