The Penny Hoarder’s Hallo(Wii)n Giveaway
The Penny Hoarder is giving away a Wii, with Mario kart game...along with
a $25 gift card to Amazon.com and a $10 gift card to Best Buy! Check out their Blog for how to enter!

Win a Copy of '30 Minute Rings' by Martha Le Van

Rings have been making a comeback in a huge way - and the more unique the ring, the better. This season designers offered a lot of statement jewelry: big, colorful and unusual – pieces that will be remembered, stand out rather than just complement clothing.

One of my favorite blogs, Beadwright, is offering another cool DIY book! '30 Minute Rings' by Martha Le Van has 60 amazing projects, and can be done in no time at all! From classic looks to chunky and cool, the styles seem easily adaptable to your own tastes. I would love to try some of these projects myself!
Go to Beadwright and enter to win!

Win a $50 Wal-Mart Gift Card for your Holiday Shopping!

 I know how hard it can be to get all the little things for the holidays, and I swear, the list grows every year. So, to celebrate reaching 600 Facebook fans, I am giving away a $50 gift card to Wal-Mart! Head on over to my Facebook page, and click the link on the left (under the profile picture) that says 'Giveaways'. Enter to win, and stay tuned for the winner, chosen at random on Oct. 27th!

The winner of last week's giveaway, 2pc Set of Autumn Harvest Hand Beaded Ornaments, is Cherish Norman!



Enter to win the $50 gift card to Wal-Mart, and get your holiday season off to the right start.

Remember, Facebook Fans also get free shipping on all items in our Etsy shop until Dec. 1st!

What are you waiting for, go enter our giveaway and go get yourself some ornaments with free shipping!

Seed Beads - A Quick Guide

I get emailed many questions on Facebook, asking me bead questions, and while I do not mind at all answering you individually, I figured it would be easier for everyone if I put up a quick reference guide.   :)

FAQ:
1. What is a seed bead?
"Seed Bead" is a generic term for any small bead. They can range in size from under a millimeter to several millimeters. There are many shapes and styles of seed beads - such as Round, Cylinder (also known as Delica), Hexagon, and Bugle, just to name a few! They can be used in many crafts, suck as loom bead weaving, or beaded wire sculptures.

Here is an easy to reference chart of seed bead sizes, illustrated. I have a copy printed out and up on my project board.





2. How many beads do I get if I buy per loose package? How many beads are in a tube?
A typical package of seed beads can range from 5 to 40 grams, depending on the size of bead.Check the bead seller's catalog or sample card for the gram weight of their packages.

Here is an easy to reference chart of bead sizes (approximate).

Here is an easy to reference chart of beads per gram (approximate).

3. What the heck is a hank?
Hanks are loops of beads temporarily strung on thin cotton strands.

4. How many strings in a hank?
Hanks usually come in 12 strands, or 6 (half hank). Some other cut-beads may have fewer strands. Check the bead seller's catalog or sample card for the quantities they represent.

Win a Copy of 'The Art of Jewelry Polymer Clay' By Katherine Duncan Aimone

One of my new favorite blogs, Beadwright, is giving away a book a week for 9 weeks. This is week 2 of 9, and she is giving away a copy of The Art of Jewelry Polymer Clay  By Katherine Duncan Aimone.
"This book is definitely for the polymer artist who wants to go further, push boundaries and create with more passion." says Beadwright. Check out her blog for more details, pictures of the book, and how to enter! Drawing is Oct. 12th.

Enter Artbeads DeCoRé Clay Giveaway!

How would you like to win one of the hottest new items in jewelry design? Enter Artbeads DeCoRé Clay Giveaway! The best part is DeCoRé clay is so simple to use!  No baking, mixing or fumes, AND it’s non-toxic! It will adhere most any kind of material - including metal, wood and glass. So enter the giveaway for your chance at a $50 DeCoRé Prize Package. Must be 18 or over to enter and a US or Canadian resident (excluding Quebec). Click here to enter the giveaway!

Beadwright: LAURA McCABE BOOK GIVEAWAY

Beadwright: LAURA McCABE BOOK GIVEAWAY: If you like sparkle, shine, and shimmer then Laura McCabe’s latest hard bound book should be in your hands. Beadwright, one of my new favorite blogs, is giving a copy away! Check out her post to enter.

Big Girls Don't Cry - Articles on How to Handle Negative Feedback or Comments

“Negative feedback is better that none. I would rather have a man hate me than overlook me. As long as he hates me I make a difference.” - Hugh Prather

I recently posted a non-beaded craft I had made on a how-to site, for a contest. I was amazed and appalled when I was viciously attacked in the comments section! Not only did this individual write unwarranted and mean things, they tried to recruit others to do the same. I was crushed, and even cried...and stopped sharing my work with the world for awhile. Then I read a few of these articles, and they helped me realize that There are mean people in the world, not everyone is going to like me or my work, and I DID put myself out there. The trick is to get back on the horse, and never let someone steal your inspiration. Good luck! 

Put you Big Girl Panties on by crafterminds
Practical Tactics for Dealing with Haters by Fourhourworkweek.com
Deal with Negative Comments by successful-blog.com
Deal with Negative People by Life with Confidence
Negative People by Michele Martin
Negative Comments Online by SimplyZesty.com 

 I hope these articles will help at least some of you. They certainly helped me!