It’s pretty amazing that being a seed bead lover for rather a long time now, I’ve never, ever tried bead embroidery. Maybe a little intimidated, maybe just stuck in my own little style, whatever the reason, it just felt the time was right to give it a whirl. I ordered the cab and all the fun bits and bobs and set off on my stitching journey and came up with this…

I’m loving it already… a simple design, but not bad for my first attempt :0) Anyhoo, it was while I was attaching the last few beads that I came up with a fun project. What about if I stopped here and sent it on to someone else who could add the edging, add their own personal touch and either send it on again or finish the whole necklace. What do you think? Anyone up for the challenge? I only ask that you show me the results on your blog. Let me know if you are interested and I will send it off on it’s own merry way to your home.

Hope everyone is having a cozy, relaxing day… it’s chilly here. Warmest hugs, Em ♥

It’s Monday morning and time to announce the winner of the “Guesstimate” giveaway. After a fiddly 20 minutes, separating the little beads into groups of ten, counting and recounting, I can conclude that there were 523 seed beads in the jar.  Congratulation to Kim who guessed 600… not far off at all :0)  Kim, if you can go ahead and E:MAIL me with your choice of color and contact details, a pair of Class Hoop Earrings will be in the mail to you asap.  Thank you once again everyone for participating.

On a different note, how ’bout them Broncos??? We are huge fans in this household and last night was definitely an adrenaline rush.  And, the icing on the cake, we ‘re off to Gillette Stadium next Saturday to watch Tim and Tom… GO Tebrow!!!

Have a great week everyone. Warmest hugs, Em ♥

The New Year 2011 Giveaway was such a success and a whole load of fun, I’ve decided to celebrate 2012 with the “guess how many sweets in the jar” game once again :0) Just give an educated “guesstimate” of how many seed beads are in the jar and leave your answer in the comment box below… one entry per person. The winner will be announced first thing on Monday 9th January. A few little clues include; the seed beads are size 15 and the jar is approximately one and a half inches in height.
The winner receives a pair of Classic Hoop Earrings, in the color of their choice… by far, still my favorite Fredbean’s Nook creation!

Good luck and wishing you all an inspirational,magical and healthy 2012. Warmest hugs, Em ♥

I’m here, I promise.  Lurking in the background, reading what you all have to say, just not good at updating my own blog… I really, REALLY must get my act together and write more frequently.  Life is good, busy, but good.  I’ve been dabbling in wholesale the latter part of this year and actually find the whole experience very rewarding… there’s nothing quite like walking into a store and seeing Fredbean’s Nook jewelry displayed in such a beautiful way for all the world to see. Makes me feel that people “get” me, they understand my designs and my love for stitching those tiny beads into yummy creations.

My energy has definitely been directed away from Etsy lately, which I can’t say has been a bad thing. Change is good, doesn’t have to be a permanent, but a little breather aids the mind, refreshes the creative spirit and feeds inspiration once more.  I do have a very personal project in the works and every bone in my body is crossed, hoping that all goes to plan… will let you know if it does :0)

As we move towards 2012, our thoughts often turn to what the new year holds, we have new ideas, new challenges.  My list for 2012 is beginning to take shape and I really do fancy learning a new technique, I think Felting is at the top.  A little Internet searching, a little click on here, a little click on there and a few more clicks led me to this video today… absolutely adorable, makes me want to scoop up some friends and have a crafting day.

I’m sure I’ve seen this magazine out the corner of my eye in Barnes and Noble. Tomorrow I’m off to investigate, but if I come home empty handed, my sweet sister may pity me and send one over from England… thank you Dawn :0)

Anyhoo, wishing you all a safe, warm and merry Christmas, a fantastic New Year and a chocolate filled Valentines… I know, a little early, but as I’ve said before, my blogging schedule cannot be trusted… I’m covering all bases :0)

Warmest hugs, Em ♥

I’m labeling, I’m packing, I’m finally, just about ready, to take all my beaded goodies to Providence. Craftland kicks off it’s 10th annual Holiday Show on Friday, 25th November, 2011 and I’m ecstatic to be a part of this month long show. Featuring handcrafted goods by 200 artists from around New England and the entire country, this is “THE” place to shop for all your handmade Christmas gifts. Located at 235 Westminster Street, Providence, RI, I know where I will be shopping this season :0)

In other news, I’ve kind of gone a little mad with my magazine submissions lately… I’m addicted :0)  Keep an eye out for a selection of creations by little old me in a variety of 2012 publications.  Warmest hugs, Em ♥

I love my home. I’m not one for clutter and as my family are well aware, if an item is not used within a 6 month time period, it’s sent packing. Yet, the special things that surround me, the treasures that have been given a forever home, are displayed with honor on a shelf, in a nook. One of my favorite nooks is the corner of my studio. Filled with finished Fredbean’s Nook designs, inspirational artwork, a cosy Union Jack pillow and a “if the house is going up in flames, this is what I’m saving” sideboard… this area of my home is drop dead gorgeous, even if I do say so myself :0)

Did you notice the beautiful bangles in the above photos? It’s time they were all wrapped up in pretty packaging and sent to new homes. All bangles are on SALE… just enter the coupon code “banglesale” at checkout and save 20% off listed price… yay. Pop on over to the shop for your Fredbean’s Nook original.

Warmest hugs, Em ♥

Ahhhh, mornings, how I love thee. How I can wrap you in my arms and give a little squeeze when you run smoothly. My weekday mornings start around 5.45 am.  I’m up, I’m sipping tea and I’m preparing, with optimism, for the appearance of my teenage son. Now this can turn either way at the drop of a hat, sometimes an absolute pleasure and sometimes, well, it can turn ugly pretty quickly. If I try not to start a conversation, accept grunts for replies and stay lighthearted with a beaming smile, things can move swiftly along.  He can be on his bus at 6:30 am with a hot breakfast in his belly and a lovingly prepared packed lunch, made by yours truly.  A quick slurp of tea, and it’s time for child number 2.  Laura usually gets a little “mummy” snuggle to start the day… she’s pre-teen and still thinks I’m pretty cool.  More delicious munchies prepared,  a little nudge out the door and it’s my turn… a quick breakfast and I’m off for my regular “Beach Boot Camp” four mornings a week. It’s fun, it’s grueling, it’s with a bunch of great ladies and a “kick ass” trainer and I love it.  I must add at this point, through all this activity, my husband has tried, but not yet succeeded to slip out completely unnoticed :0)

Anyhoo, Wednesdays are different.  No “Beach Camp “and so Buford, our doggy, and I spend a little quality time together.  We take our usual route around a picturesque trail, we chat, he listens to my ideas and we generally enjoy our special walkies.

So, this morning has been a good one and I’m thinking it’s going to be a productive day :0) I have photos to take, blogs to read and a shop to fill. Here are a few photos of the goodies that are filling the shelves at Fredbean’s Nook… yummy new designs, yummy new colors.

How’s your morning going?  Warmest hugs, Em ♥

As the memories of Summer succumb to the busy schedule of Fall, Fredbean’s Nook has once again opened it’s doors and is in full swing. The few months away gave me new ideas and a new direction, I’m overflowing :0) It’s great to be back, but whoo-hoo, what a Summer…

I spent many wonderful afternoons walking along here…

And, just soaking up the scenery of my home town…

And, watching the cousins having fun…

And, enjoying cream tea and champagne…

And, stepping out of my comfort zone…

And, sharing a pint with the hubby…

And, eating more of this…

and, creating some of these…

A fun summer. Warmest hugs, Em ♥

Fredbean’s Nook is officially on vacation. The shop has been closed, the bags are packed and I’m ready to head on over to England to spend the summer with family and friends. I’ve applied for a few shows in early Fall, so a little box filled with different colored seed beads, a needle and thread will be accompanying me. The flower in the previous post has not been forgotten either… the design needed further modification, but will keep you posted as I plan to update as often as I can, from sunny old England :0) I just can’t wait to get over there. It’s been 2 years since I last visited and I’m homesick. Spending time with my mum, my sister, my little niece and my friends… priceless!

On a different note, look what the talented Melissa created for me… the perfect logo hoop display for my show table.
Wishing you all a wonderful and safe summer… Warmest hugs, Em ♥

To jump start my regular blog posts again, I decided to participate in my favorite BTW. Such a great way to have a good old nose at what’s being created on the tables of fellow beaders.

This little beauty has been on my table for a couple of weeks and today is the day I tackle the finishing touches. This design has been rather a challenge for me, as in my mind, I knew exactly what I wanted , but achieving the vision was rather a struggle. After quite a few starts and stops, I finished the flower, but had trouble with the wilting leaves. Great piece of jewelry if you spent your life lying down, but vertical, the leaves just feel backwards. Anyhow, my attempts at a stitched reinforced back worked and now I’m moving on to the finishing touches… whew. So, what do you think, simple chain, some bead work or knotted linen?… I’m thinking linen. Also, do you like the pink beads peeking out from the back or should I go towards a more neutral color? … would love feedback :0)

Warmest hugs, Em ♥