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 ♥

I want to apologize for the lack of substance in my blog posts recently. My time just seems to be full of “gearing up for the summer” and “end of school” activities. Small snippets of time are spent in the studio though and I feel that tiny up-dates are better than none :0) I’m still reading my favorite blogs and although am not commenting as much, please know I am reading, supporting and plain old enjoying what is going on in this special beading world of ours.

I’m also working hard at some new designs and have created another ring for the shop… just love the direction my jewelry is going right now. Warmest hugs, Em ♥

A little touch of cuteness to add to your day… available in the shop :0)

Wishing you all a happy and special Memorial weekend… forever in our thoughts. Warmest hugs, Em ♥

It’s been quite some time since I shared a few of my recent Etsy finds. Even if the New England weather is being a bit of a “slow coach” and not embracing sunny days and bright blue skies, I am taking it upon myself to add a little summer flare to my world :0) Cut flowers, vintage glass, sunshine and bright bold beads make such a yummy mix.

Cherry Wallflower Jute Pouch: Drikab
Blue Ball Mason Jar Flower Frog Vase: Post Road Vintage
You Are My Sunshine Typography Word Art Sign: Barn Owl Primitives
Satin Flower Necklace: The Paisley Moon

Warmest hugs, Em ♥

I’m sure we all have our favorite creations, the creations that just seem to blend together and go with the flow. Well, the vintage flower pendants are finished and they are, by far, my favorite design so far… I’m lovin’ every little bit of them. And, the new earrings compliment them perfectly. They bring color, fun and and a whole lot of style to your day… a Fredbean’s Nook success :0)

I’m also working on a few custom orders… keep ‘em coming, I love the challenge. Warmest hugs, Em ♥

I’m still here and in the midsts of giving my Esty shop some lovin’. It’s time to bring my new designs into the shop, but first, all the “in-stock” items would love a new home. These pieces are the only ones I have left of the individual designs, so once sold, they will not be available. Really, really had your eye on a Fredbean’s Nook creation… pop on over to the shop and pick one up asap:0) Sale ends Friday and prices have already been marked down on all items, excluding the beads.

Warmest hugs, Em ♥