Glad that’s over… it’s been a long summer. Some treasured memories with my children, some delightful moments of sheer joy, but a challenging time at Fredbean’s Nook. Creativity decided to take a holiday and a long holiday it was at that. Yep, creativity jet-setted off to some exotic place for basically the entire summer. Meanwhile, I was left here with good old lack of self confidence and negativity making an appearance on the odd occasion. The shortage of motivation and rejection from a number of juried shows lead me down the path of self doubt. I completely understand that competition to be a vendor at shows is steep, but still, it knocks the self-esteem a tad. I began to question my designs, felt somewhat inadequate, you know, the mixture of emotions that go hand in hand with the handcrafted business. We put ourselves out there hoping that people see our vision, with the understanding that not all designs will be everyone’s cup of tea, but even so, rejection can still take a toll. So, I took a break, closed the studio door and promised myself I would return, no pressure, just an understanding that my love of beading would prevail when the time was right.

Well, all that being said (thank you for listening), creativity is back, well rested and has been making an appearance. With combining my love of seed beads and handcrafted silver components, I’m back with new refreshing ideas spinning around in my head. I can’t be more excited to show you my latest collection of designs. With the new site nearing completion, all will be revealed so, so soon :0) Warmest hugs and thank you to all my blog buddies… the support in this creative world of ours is mind-blowing. Em ♥
Artwork created by June Pfaff Daley … beautiful, don’t you think?

If there is a seed, an abundance of nurturing and a vision, a wonderful creation will blossom…

1. Pink Lemonade Necklace: Fredbean’s Nook
2. Lavender Pods Earrings: Balanced
3. Forest Sun Brooch: Beaded Creations by Chris Maj
4. Little Balls of Happiness Lariat: Anna Beads
5. Carnaval Pendant in Purple: La Bella Joya
6. Dark Bronze Hex Cuff Links: Bead Jewelry by Shopgirl
7. Create your own Keepsake Glass Bottle: Bead Catcher
8. Beaded Flower Earrings: Quimeras
9. Copper Twist Bangle Bracelet: Ambrosian Bead

Have a great weekend everyone… see you bright and early Monday morning :0) Warmest hugs, Em ♥

Here is my first ever peyote stitched round bead. It was inevitable I was going to give this a whirl and after a couple of attempts, completed this rather fine ball of loveliness. The color scheme leaves nothing to be desired, but the alternating rows of sharp colors helped me stay on tract and not lose my place. Learning this technique has been on my “To Do” list for some time and feel quite giddy that I’ve taken a step forward and given it a go :0) Although I’ve made the odd piece here and there, I’m also really focused on incorporating my own silver components in my designs… if only I could find the time to go and play for hours.

The pictured beaded bangle was my first beaded project EVER… still one of my favorite pieces of jewelry. I took the bangle class at The Beadin’ Path 5 years ago and I was hooked.

Does anyone have any photos of their first creation? Warmest hugs, Em ♥

It’s all happening behind the scenes at Fredbean’s Nook. The preparation for the new website is coming along and everyone involved is working hard to create the look and feel I’m after. I’ve also been busy creating new pieces for the launch and can’t wait to reveal in September.

Here is a sneak peek of the new earring design I’m working on. Please forgive the rather messy stitching… this is my prototype and trust me, it’s been through the wringer. I love the design, just can’t quite figure out how to attach the stitched beads to the silver ring. I’ve used silver wire, but that took away the crispness of the design. Tried all shades of Nymo and it just didn’t blend… any suggestions would be appreciated… am I missing the obvious???

Warmest hugs, Em ♥

The last of these discontinued pieces are on sale in my Etsy shop, grab ‘em while you can :0) Please note, the sale price has already been up-dated on the listing.

Warmest hugs, Em ♥

Good heavens Charlie Brown, has it really been 3 weeks since my last post … a tad longer than I had planned. To be quite honest, it’s not like I’ve been spending hours locked up in my studio, conjuring up new designs. Nope, I’ve been busy with family visiting, quick trips to Florida and a whole load of entertaining the kiddies… when does school start again :0) I knew this was going to happen, a lapse in beading, but I didn’t realize how much I was going to miss it. Just goes to show that I’m so lucky to have found my passion. Hopefully next week will bring a lull in this craziness.

Anyhoo, the family spent fun times in Florida and visited the new Harry Potter area at Universal Studios… slugging down pints of Butter beer, eating chocolate frogs and riding the coasters, priceless :0) I’m a huge fan and would read the books over and over, if it didn’t seem to be bordering on the side of madness. I would sell my first born to be magically teleported into the Harry Potter world for just 1 day… only kidding Fin, mummy loves ya xx.

Right then, off to catch up on all my favorite blogs. Warmest hugs, Em ♥

The kiddies have only been on summer break for 2 days and I have already skipped the gym twice and consumed more ice cream than recommended… oh dear, I think my routine is going out the window. Our summer is packed with planned activities and also included is our regular trip to England… a trip to spend special time with family and friends and just enjoy being in my home town of Budleigh Salterton. Beach huts, deck chairs and the ocean view… sweet childhood memories that I have the pleasure of re-living for a short time :0) Cassia Beck Photography from the UK captured my thoughts perfectly.

Hope everyone is having a great week. Warmest hugs, Em ♥

Just a quick post to announce the winner of Fredbean’s Nook “Summer Giveaway”. Using the True Random Number Generator, comment number 2 is the winner. Congratulations to Laurie, who wins this limited edition bracelet… Laurie, please will you send me a message through Etsy, with your address and I will send your little present off asap.

True Random Number Generator
Min: 1
Max: 10
Result: 2
Powered by RANDOM.ORG

A huge thank you to everyone who took part in my little giveaway. Here’s to a creative week ahead. Warmest hugs, Em ♥

Sometimes I come across a jewelry designer that makes me jump for joy, the designs, the colour combinations, the perfection of their creations… they just get it, they create pieces that work. I’m sure you can understand my joy when I found Octavia Bloom, while taking part in a little Etsy Stalking. Lovin’ the seed beads and the photographs are flawless. I’m inspired and it’s Friday… perfect :0)

Don’t forget to enter the “Summer Giveaway” and have a wonderful weekend. Warmest hugs, Em ♥

It’s that time folks, time to announce the anticipated “Summer Giveaway”… the prize really is a scorcher :0) The lucky winner will receive this limited edition bracelet. To enter the drawing, visit my Etsy shop, find your favorite piece and leave a comment on my blog, stating why you just love it. Also, what components would you like to see in my future designs. One entry per person and PLEASE leave your first name and either an e-mail address or Etsy username. Contest ends on Monday 21st June; a winner will be chosen using random.org.

The bracelet measures 7 1/2 inches, but by attaching the hook eye to one of the single flowers petals, the length can be adjusted. Good luck everyone and don’t forget to take a look at the SALE items in the shop. Warmest hugs, Em ♥