Have Books, Need Bookmarks

Before we moved I sold a couple of hundred books on eBay and donated several boxes full of books to a local thrift store. We still have about a bazillion books, and since I tend to read several at a time I never have enough bookmarks. (I only have one open in front of me at a time--I'm not that talented!--but switch books depending on my mood.)

After working in publishing for 16 years I have a huge aversion to turning down page corners to mark my place. Little scraps of paper usually fall out and disappear, and besides, I figure that many people put a lot of work into producing that book, so it deserves a decent bookmark. Today's lucky find is cserpentDesigns. You can find gorgeous beaded bracelets and other jewelry there, but I really love these bookmarks!


When Pigs Fly Bookmark, $15


Blue Hug Bookmark, $15


Pink Bear Lampwork and Swarovski Bookmark, $17



http://cserpent.etsy.com
http://cserpentDesigns.blogspot.com

Feel Like Royalty

The beautiful pieces at Regal Beads have all been handwoven. I cannot imagine having the amount of patience it must take to weave thousands of seed beads with a needle! One of the features I really love is the attention to detail: these necklaces have beaded loop-and-toggle closures that make them irresistibly chic!

Green Elegance Necklace, $115


Russian Royalty Necklace, $135


Princess Anastasia Necklace, $115


http://RegalBeads.etsy.com
http://regalbeads.blogspot.com

Go Ahead, Pull My Zipper!

I love discovering new ways to add some bling--although I'm not one to overdo it with accessories, they make terrific stocking stuffers and emergency gifts so I tend to pick up a few here and there throughout the year.

Rosi of Berry Beads makes terrific beaded lanyards to hold ID badges, pretty earrings and other traditional beaded pieces, and these sweet zipper pulls. The best thing is that they would work just as well as backpack or belt loop charms, and anything that has multiple uses gets more of my attention.

Butterfly Bling Zipper Pull Charm


Purple Heart Zipper Pull Charm



http://berrybeads.etsy.com
http://blog.berrybeady.com

Bella Dio is Italian for Beautiful God

Bella Dio is run by a stay-at-home mom of three boys who lives in Indianapolis. I am amazed and awed by her versatility and resourcefulness: she makes beaded jewelry, does wire work, creates stunning polymer clay pendants, and her newest line involves bits of broken china recycled into lovely jewelry. As a Play-doh artist who could never make anything more complicated than a snake, I could browse her shop and admire her work for hours. Have a look for yourself, you're sure to find something that's just perfect!


Pink and White Cherry Blossom Pendant, $25



Perfectly Beautiful Broken China Pendant, $20



Love and Faithfulness Pendant, $25


http://belladio.etsy.com
http://belladio.blogspot.com
http://www.cafepress.com/belladio

Baby Bling!

Sparkly Strandz has one of the coolest things I didn't know I needed when my children were babies--a necklace for mom to wear that's been designed to hold baby's attention while nursing! Freedom from hair pulling and arm pinching--and hand-crafted from baby-safe materials--it's just perfect! You can find other types of handcrafted jewelry at Sparkly Strandz, but while you're there be sure to check out the adorable baby items!


Crochet Eyelash Trim Socks, $4 pair



Super Soft and Sassy Crochet Onesie, $20



Nursing Necklace for mom to wear, $15



http://sparklystrandz.etsy.com
http://sparklystrandz.blogspot.com

More Than 4,000 Beads

Anna of A Rose by Name creates lovely beaded earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, as well as lip balm holders, card cases, and key chains. But my absolute favorites are her beaded candle holders: each one contains well over 4,000 beads, all woven and stitched by hand.


A Light for Easter, $77



Blue Key Tealight Holder, $77



Mardi Gras Tealight Holder, $77


http://arosebyname.etsy.com
http://arosebyname.blogspot.com

From Astrophysics to Jewelry

The beaded pieces at Silver Dragon Creations are simply stunning. Owner-artist Patricia C. Vener's life is as intriguing as her beadwork:

My path as an artist, however, was a duet of both fine and performing arts. I am a (retired) ballerina as well as a published artist, having done illustrations for a CD picture book, Papa Cardinal Finds Breakfast, by Sandra Wellborn. One of my paintings accompanied an essay I wrote for an astronomy textbook. I also hold a Masters Degree in Astrophysics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY, and have worked as an astronomer and still teach astronomy as an adjunct professor for University of Maryland University College.

Take a look at two of my favorites, but don't stop there--this shop is worth a look!
Recycled Beauty Beaded Necklace with Vintage Brooch, $35


Hot Pink Fuzzy Beaded Necklace, $500



http://SilverDragon.etsy.com
http://vener-art.com/beadblog/

Purrrfectlydevine is Divine

I hope you enjoy the jewelry designs of Purrrfectlydevine, I certainly do! This beader has a beautiful knack for creating color combinations that pop and then turning them into wearable art using interesting wire patterns.


Spring is in the Air Necklace, $40


Crocheted Summer Blues Necklace, $33.50


Copper Crocheted Beaded Necklace, $13.50


http://purrfectlydevine.etsy.com
http://purrfectlydevine.blogspot.com

For the Love of Beads (and cigar boxes full of them)

Marilyn of Cigarboxbeads has been beading since she purchased several cigar boxes full of beads at a flea market twenty years ago. Her experience shows in her work--it fascinates me!


Sweetie Pie the Beaded Pixie has incredible detail. Did you notice the bracelet and necklace? I love the hair!


This Paterkillar Beaded Beads Necklace has the coolest name. I think it would look lovely on me!


The Twisted Garden Path Choker is my idea of perfection. I know I'd be stunning in it. Hmm, maybe someone will notice and one of these days I'll have a special gift to open.


http://cigarboxbeads.etsy.com
http://cigarboxbeads.blogspot.com