2025 Bead Soup Swap with Arlene Dean from the Bead Soup Cafe
See what I sent my new beading friend as part 1 of the Bead Soup Swap Challenge hosted by Lori McDaniel Anderson in the Bead Soup Cafe.
Category Archives: Handmade
Posts about handmade jewelry, crafts and other DIY.
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
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
How Many Jewelry Making Techniques Are There?
How many jewelry making techniques are there? How much time do you have? As many moments as you have beads? Not if you’re like me! There are many jewelry-making techniques, and some don’t even have to involve beads! Firstly, I tell my jewelry-making students that they shouldn’t call themselves “beaders” because they may decide to… Read More
My Experience Using Xuron Jewelry Making Pliers for 1 Year
Xuron Jewelry Making Pliers Review I purchased several Xuron jewelry-making pliers last Christmas and have been using them to create my designs. Here’s a quick review of my Xuron jewelry making pliers to help in your decision-making process about brand names of tools vs. their reliability. Are There Perfect Pliers To Use for Beading? I… Read More
2022 Etsy Gift Guide: Holiday Support for Handmade Artists
Hello, Sparkle Squad. I hope this November finds you well, warm and extra sparkly. It’s sweater weather, y’all! Kentucky’s actually back to 70 degrees this week, but it’s still colorful with the fallen leaves. 🍂 I’m in the mood to shop, so let’s check out the 2022 Etsy Gift Guide. Holiday Shopping at Etsy Now… Read More
Annie’s Kit Clubs January Garnet Project Share & 2022 Goals for my Handmade Jewelry Business
It’s been another snowy weekend here in Kentucky, y’all. I’ve been up late each night editing a block of videos for my YouTube channel, so at least my fingers have been keeping warm with all the typing. lol. 2022 Goals for my Handmade Jewelry Business With the start of a new year comes my goal… Read More
December Design Ambassador Kit from Jesse James Beads
Merry Christmas, Sparkle Squad! I wish you a fabulous New Year full of happiness! Today, I’m talking about my December Design Ambassador Kit from Jesse James Beads. December Design Ambassador Kit from Jesse James Beads I’m a Jesse James Beads affiliate that also receives a free monthly Design Ambassador Kit in return for video and… Read More
Retro Christmas Design Kit from Soft Flex
Hello, Sparkle Squad! I hope that y’all are well, safe, happy, healthy and ready for Christmas this Saturday!! I can NOT believe the holidays are upon us! Retro Christmas Design Kit from Soft Flex I’m not a Soft Flex Company affiliate, however, they did send me a Mystery Design Kit so that I could post… Read More
